Saxon Central Uplands long-distance cycle route
The long-distance cycle route, which is summarised as the "Saxon Central Uplands" route, will soon be around 500 kilometres long. The eastern part of the route in the Lusatian Highlands and Zittau Mountains is dedicated to the typical historic houses and is also signposted with the "Holiday landscape of half-timbered houses" logo. The long-distance cycle route winds its way up and down through the picturesque mountains. If you want, you can take a steep detour to one of the three Spree springs in the middle of the forest on Mount Kottmar and then cycle through Obercunnersdorf, the "living architecture museum" with countless half-timbered houses. Another highlight is Germany's smallest low mountain range, the Zittau Mountains with their mighty sandstone cliffs around the spa towns of Jonsdorf and Oybin. Nostalgic cyclists can load their bikes onto the narrow-gauge railway with steam locomotive to the cycle path destination in Zittau.
Character
The hilly to mountainous topography with well-maintained cycle paths and forest tracks as well as low-traffic side roads requires a good level of fitness, especially on the detour up to the source of the Spree.
Route
Neukirch/Lausitz - Kirschau - Taubenheim - Sohland - Neusalza/Spremberg - Ebersbach - Zittau - Kottmar - Leutersdorf - Grossschönau - Kurort Jonsdorf - (detour to Kurort Oybin) - Zittau
Signposting with the symbol "Holiday landscape of half-timbered houses"
Tour combinations
Connection to the Spree cycle path (e.g. in Sohland) and to the Neisse cycle path in Zittau.
Arrival/means of transport
Arrival and departure by train, e.g. to Zittau, www.bahn.de. A railway line runs close to the cycle route for long stretches.
Cycle-friendly accommodation
Hotel am Lärchenberg in Schirgiswalde, www.hotel-am-laerchenberg.net
Hotel Altes Schützenhaus in Obercunnersdorf, www.hotel-altes-schuetzenhaus.de
Hotel Riedel in Zittau, www.hotel-riedel.de
Bike service
Little John Bikes in Neukirch/Lausitz, www.littlejohnbikes.de
Bicycle pool Lausitz in Neukirch/Lausitz, www.fahrradpool.com
Bicycle dealer Donath in Kurort Jonsdorf, www.donath-jonsdorf.de
Maps & Literature
Cycling and hiking map "Oberlausitzer Bergland und Nationalpark Böhmische Schweiz" on a scale of
1 : 35 000 from Dr Barthel Verlag, 5.90 euros.
Information (general)
Marketing-Gesellschaft Oberlausitz-Niederschlesien, Tzschirnerstr. 14a, 02625 Bautzen, Tel. 03591/48770,
www.oberlausitz.com
The complete article was published in Trekkingbike issue 5/2015. You can read the entire issue in the Trekkingbike app (iTunes and Google Play) or order the issue in the DK shop.
