The region Saxony (not to be confused with Saxony-Anhalt) lies deep in Germany. For many, the region around Dresden and Leipzig will have few positive associations. Located in the former East Germany, the region is unknown to many. Right against the border with the Czech Republic, however, lies a gem for a crazy cycling holiday. The Hidden German Pearl: Saxon Switzerland, or Saxon Switzerland is stunning. Originally the Elbsandsteinsgebirge is a real tourist draw. Rugged, natural beauty, all the trimmings. This place is often skipped in the many 'you need to go here' lists. We put it right on our to do list.
First encounter
The region of Saxon Switzerland is only a very small part of the larger region of Saxony. It is the border region between Seibnitz and Bad Schandau. It eventually runs through to Czech Republic. There it it also Switzerland, with even more beautiful things. The region is very surveyable and characterised by gorgeous rugged nature, beautiful vistas and yet beautiful climbs.
Basecamp Bad Schandau
From Bad Schandau, a town on the Elbe, the National Park is at your feet. You can start right from here with a beautiful route along the river, towards the Czech Republic, or eventually go straight into the mountains. In terms of cycling, it is sometimes a bit of a search because many places are easily accessible by road bike, but an unnoticed bit of gravel will still bother you.
ALs you really want to enjoy the area, gravel bikes are highly recommended anyway. Especially if you want to get to a place like the Schrammsteinaussicht. Throw your expensive BMC in the corner then.
Up we go
From Bad Schandau, you can actually drive straight east into the national park. The road up through the Kirnitzschtal valley is very gradual, well constructed and you eventually reach the Diakuppe at 400 metres. Keep an eye out for the old tram you might encounter here!
From the village of Hinterhermsdorf it then goes slowly down towards Sebnitz. It's quiet, hilly and wooded here and you won't meet many others.With a nice loop you then arrive back in Bad Schandau and with almost 50 kilometres and 720 altimeters in total, it's a really nice ride. Beautiful spots, another stretch along the Elbe and
Follow the river
From Bad Schandau, you can ride nicely along the river towards the Czech Republic. It is a classic route to ride down the entire Elbe, but it does go a bit outside the area of Saxon Switzerland. We go a bit more for adventure here and dive into the mountains just before the Czech border to return to German territory via the Czech Republic and some unpaved hills. Granted, you do ride on a few stretches here that are more suitable for 30mm plus tyres, but still. It is so beautiful here!
Gravel heaven
The Bohemian Border Bash always takes place in this area and since they themselves claim to have invented gravel, who are we to contradict that? And say it yourself, it's gorgeous too, isn't it? So check out this route we created based on the BBB 2021. With starts in our basecamp and with some stunning nooks and crannies, both in Germany and also in the Czech Republic.
(c) Sour Bikes/sour.bike
