Cycling holidays in Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt
A classic German cycle path is the Elbe cycle path. Starting in the Czech Bohemian Mountains, the path takes cyclists right to the North Sea. The sections between Prague and Dessau are particularly pretty. Along the Elbe cycle path from Prague and Dresden, you will get to see a diverse habitat for animals and plants and simply fantastic landscapes. Experience the bizarre tors of Elbe sandstone, the majestic Königstein fort, and the castle ensemble at Pillnitz. Without wanting to exaggerate, Dresden is a true work of art. Zwinger Palace and the Green Vaults, the Semper Opera and the Blaues Wunder bridge, picturesque slopes down to the river Elbe and Brühlsche Terrace - Dresden at its best! Karl May fans should stop in Radebeul on their way to Dessau. In Meissen, we can recommend a visit to the world-famous porcelain manufacturer. Stop on the way in one of the traditional wine cellars along the Saxon wine route and watch some of the ships from the oldest fleet of steamers in the world.
Treat yourself, at the end of an eventful day, to a glass of white wine from the Saale-Unstrut region or from the Elb valley near Dresden. And don't forget something tasty to go with it! Thuringian grilled sausages and potato dumplings, Quarkkeulchen pancakes, or a Saxon bacon sauce. For dessert, try a piece of Dresden Eierschecke cake and ä Schälchn Heeßn (a hot cup of coffee!).
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"The more focused my thoughts become about leaving Dresden, the more difficult I find it to leave," said Carl Maria von Weber. You might find yourself thinking the same thing when your seven-day star tour around Dresden comes to an end. This Baroque town is a perfect starting place for tours of the surrounding area. Visit the porcelain town of Meissen, Castle Moritzburg, which was commissioned by August the Strong, the Gate to Saxon Switzerland, Pirna, and Kamenz, birth-town to Lessing. Dresden is also a perfect starting place for cycling to Potsdam. Following the Elbe cycle path via Torgau and Riesa, you cycle through the Luther town of Wittenberg into the state of Brandenburg. From Florence on the Elbe to the Versailles of the North - as these towns are sometimes known!
In the east part of Germany, along the Niesse, the Oder-Neisse cycle path takes you to the Baltic. Green Neisse meadows, peaceful pine forests, and sunny yellow fields of rape accompany your route north. Admire the Baroque estate at Zittaus, Germany's most eastern town, Görlitz, and Fürst-Pückler Park in Bad Muskau.
Springing from Thuringia's slate mountains, the Werra winds its way along the cycle path to Lower Saxony. Once you've reached Lower Saxony, the Werra cycle path has a lot to offer. It wends prettily through the Thuringia forest and Rhön. Meiningen, in the upper Werra valley, invites you to visit its castle, Elisabethenburg. In the spa town of Bad Salzungen, you can take a break from the pedals and relax in the salt baths before continuing on to the German-German border the next day.
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