“Taunus Tales” is a one-hour documentary from Svenja Schrade that tells the story of the Taunus Bikepacking event in Germany, which takes in a scenic 1,000-kilometer loop in the region around Frankfurt. Watch it here…

Words, photos, and video by Svenja Schrade

In Germany’s Taunus region, between Frankfurt and Koblenz, riders gather annually for the Taunus Bikepacking event. This event, a 1,000-kilometer loop with 20,000 meters of elevation gain, is organized by local cyclist and bikepacker Jesko von Werthern.

What began as Jesko’s personal exploration of backyard trails evolved into something much bigger. When word spread through the bikepacking community, demand grew quickly. He had to cap registration at 99 riders. His intimate knowledge of local terrain shows in every segment: forest paths that open suddenly to valley views, riverside routes, and steep vineyard climbs. The terrain constantly shifts and surprises. Throughout the region, shelter huts give riders a dry place to sleep, and villages are never too far when you need supplies.

Behind the Lens

Last year, I showed up with my camera to film the event. It was my first time making a documentary. I spent those days constantly moving, either chasing riders on my bike or catching rides in cars to get ahead. The main challenge was learning how to capture real moments without interrupting them. I watched it all: riders pushing through brutal climbs, breaking into unexpected laughter, and bonding over shared exhaustion.

One night, I rolled out my bivvy alongside them, camera within reach. Those quiet hours gave me some of my best footage—when guards dropped and real stories emerged. The current edition rolls on as I write this, with another group discovering what the Taunus loop demands and delivers. For those who ride it and those who tell its story, this route proves unforgettable.

Further Reading

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