Experience Region Dresden Cycle Route 4: From the gateway to Saxon Switzerland to the foothills of the Eastern Ore Mountains Route length: 55 km Profile: difficult, several long and steep climbs Starting point: Pirna station
Route 4 starts at Pirna station near the historic old town. Pirna has a rich history from its first mention in 1233, through the Nordic War around 1706, up to recent events, about which you can learn a lot at the city museum. Following the postal route, you reach Landschloss Zuschendorf. Besides the famous camellia blossom display in early spring, many other plant species are also presented here. The route continues to the Baroque garden Großsedlitz. Augustus the Strong had it built according to Pöppelmann's plans. For the Polish Order of the White Eagle celebration, he created a garden masterpiece with water features and 360 sculptures, much of which has been preserved to this day.
Following the main route, you ride to Dohna, one of the oldest towns in Saxony, with origins dating back to the Bronze Age. A detour to the market features the late-Gothic St. Mary's Church, the butcher's fountain, the postal milestone, and the local history museum, all worth seeing. After crossing the Müglitz, the route passes through an extensive fruit-growing area. In spring, cycling through the sea of blossoms is a special pleasure. At Gut Gamig and Landgut Röhrsdorf, you can sample and purchase regional fruits and products.
Further along, you reach Kreischa. There, nestled between the Lungkwitz and Quohrenbach, lies a park in English style. Between 1995 and 1997, while preserving the original basic structures, it was developed into a spa park. Continuing the route to Possendorf, you will see from afar the windmill built in 1691. Flour is still milled here today, but no longer by wind power, rather by electric motor. It can be visited by prior arrangement. Via Rippien, you reach Schloss Nöthnitz, which unfortunately can no longer be visited. You continue your ride through the Dresden districts of Mockritz, Leubnitz-Neuostra, and Reick to the horse racing track.
You turn onto the East-West route, following it to the Elbe. On the opposite bank is Schloss Pillnitz, accessible by ferry. Designed by Pöppelmann and Longuelune, it is an outstanding example of 18th-century chinoiserie. Surrounded by a park with five differently designed sections, the English garden notably features a Japanese camellia about nine meters high and eleven meters wide, considered the only plant surviving from four trees transported from Japan to Europe in 1779. Returning to the Elbe shore, you cycle on the Elbe Cycle Path back to the starting point in Pirna.
Note: You can purchase the brochure "Cycling & Discovering in the Experience Region Dresden" with further information at the town halls of the Experience Region.
www.erlebnisregion-dresden.de
