The region Saxons (not to be confused with Saxony-Anhalt) lies deep in Germany. The region around Dresden and Leipzig will have few positive associations for many. The region is located in the former East Germany and is unknown to many. However, right across the border with the Czech Republic lies a gem for a crazy cycling holiday. The Hidden German Pearl: Sächsische Schweiz, or Saxon Switzerland, is stunning. Originally the Elb Sandstein Mountains are a real draw for tourists. Wild, natural beauty, everything there is to it. This place is often overlooked in the many ‘you need to go here’ lists. We immediately put it on our to-do list.
First introduction
The Saxon Switzerland region 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. Since it’s also Switzerland, with even more beautiful things. The region is very well organized and is characterized by stunning rugged nature, beautiful views, and yet also beautiful climbs.
Basecamp Bad Schandau
From Bad Schandau, a town on the Elbe, the National Park is at your feet. From here you can start a beautiful route along the river, towards the Czech Republic, or eventually head straight into the mountains. As for cycling, it can sometimes be a bit of a struggle because many places are easily accessible by a road bike, but an unmarked stretch of gravel could still be a challenge.
If you really want to enjoy the area, the gravel bike is definitely recommended. Especially if you want to go to a place like the Schrammsteinaussicht. Then throw your expensive BMC into the corner.
Up we go
From Bad Schandau, you can actually drive east towards the national park. The road up through the Kirnitzschtal is very gradual, well-maintained, and you end up at 400 meters above sea level at the Diakuppe. Just be careful of the old tram that you might encounter here!
From the village of Hinterhermsdorf it then gradually goes downhill towards Sebnitz. It is quiet here, hilly and wooded, and you will encounter few other people. With a nice loop you will then exit in Bad Schandau again, and with almost 50 kilometers and a total of 720 meters of elevation gain it is truly a pleasant ride. Beautiful places, another stretch along the Elbe and
Follow the river
From Bad Schandau, you can drive along the river towards the Czech Republic. It is a classic route to drive the entire Elbe river, but it does go a bit outside the area of Saxon Switzerland. We are going for the adventure here and we are diving into the mountains just before the Czech border to get back to German territory via Czech Republic and some unpaved hills. Admittedly, you do drive on a few stretches that are more suitable for 30mm plus tires, but still. It is so beautiful here!
A paradise of gravel
The Bohemian Border Bash always takes place in this area, and since they themselves claim to have invented gravel, who are we to argue with them? And let’s face it, it’s still stunning isn’t it? Check out this route we created based on the BBB 2021, starting from our base camp and featuring some stunning corners, both in Germany and in the Czech Republic.
(c) Sour Bikes/sour.bike
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.