Between nature and culture
Route »Between nature and culture«
Along the Elbe River by bicycle
The Elbe Cycle Path is one of the most popular in Germany. It extends from the Czech border to the Elbe estuary at Cuxhaven. The Saxon part is particularly attractive, uniting dramatic landscapes with world-famous cultural sights.
Distance approx. 190 km
The fascination of nature
The ideal starting point for an adventure on two wheels is Bad Schandau. A little farther to the north, the fortress of Königstein sits majestically on a table mountain, offering a magnificent panoramic view into the Saxon Switzerland National Park. There are many free climbers here, for this art of climbing without support was invented here back in the 19th century to protect the sensitive rocks from damage. But the sandstone has always been popular as a building material, whether for the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin or the Church of Our Lady in Dresden. Farther down river is the open-air theater of Rathen, one of the most beautiful natural stages in Europe. Above it is the “Bastion” or Bastei, a rock rising steeply from the Elbe, which has inspired many, especially artists. Pirna is the gateway to Saxon Switzerland. The townscape portrayed in Canaletto’s Baroque paintings can still be easily recognized in the town today.
World heritage of the Saxon love of art
After reaching the city of Dresden, a visit to the stately home of Pillnitz is a must. After the famous Blue Wonder bridge, it is possible to drive on both sides of the Elbe. The three so-called Elbe Castles on the steep right bank of the river form a splendid ensemble. Elector Augustus the Strong built the Neustadt, the Baroque new town opposite the Old Town, and is commemorated there as the “Golden Rider”. Canaletto’s famous view of the Old Town silhouette can be seen from the Elbe banks at the Japanese Palace, with Brühl’s Terrace, Dresden Castle, Court Church, Zwinger and Semper Opera House. Around the Church of Our Lady, the historical New Market is being rebuilt.
The northernmost winegrowing area in Germany
The State Winery at Wackerbarth Castle produces sparkling wine and wine in a magnificent setting. Radebeul was also home to the writer Karl May, whose home Villa Shatterhand is now a museum. The Old Town of Meissen with 1,500 historical buildings is crowned with Albrechtsburg Castle on the castle hill. In the Meissen State Porcelain Manufactory, the production of the oldest porcelain in Europe can be experienced.
The Hahnemann Center in the ruins of the former Cistercian Holy Cross Monastery is dedicated to the founder of homeopathy, who was born in Meissen. On the other side of the Elbe charming winegrowing villages provide a welcome back. The castle in Diesbar-Seusslitz was rebuilt by George Bähr in the Baroque style. It is here that the Saxon Wine route ends, having started in Pirna as a holiday route through the Saxony winegrowing region along the Elbe.
Historical testimony
In the church in Strehla there is a unique ceramic pulpit. Because the stately home is in private hands, only the park is accessible for the public. On the banks of the Elbe a memorial commemorates the meeting of US and Soviet troops at the end of World War II, which is often mistakenly said to have happened in the nearby town of Torgau.
There, the castle of Hartenfels rises above the river. The Old Town, characterized by the Renaissance and well worth visiting, is home to important sites of Reformation. But the favorite drink of Martin Luther, the dark Torgisch beer, can also be enjoyed here. It is no surprise that Luther visited the town more than 40 times.
