On the king stage, you climb the highest peak of the Erzgebirge, the Fichtelberg, at 1214 meters. The route can be done in one day for gravel enthusiasts; for all connoisseurs, an overnight stay in Oberwiesenthal at the Waldeck is recommended. The cool hostel is located directly on the route at the foot of the Fichtelberg. Those who do not want to carry their luggage themselves but want it transported to the Waldeck can book transport (round trip) at the start number issuance for 29€ per person. Participants of the Kings Stage receive the ultimate Gravel Cracker race cap, to be picked up for free at the Prijut along with a free drink!
The Gravel Cracker is not a competition; currently, 3 nice routes are offered, which can be comfortably managed in 2 or 3 days. Those who like it very sporty can also ride the total 137 kilometers in one "ride." Whether on a short round or as an all-day route, there is pure gravel enjoyment in the footsteps of the Nutcracker, who is given as a cool pendant to every starter as a souvenir. The predefined routes, which adventurous and experience-hungry gravel bikers can take on their own under the profile tires, each have their own character; they are partially signposted but in any case navigable by GPS. The only 23-kilometer-long but also technically demanding "Panorama Loop" goes over 6 mountains around Seiffen, offers finest views, and is suitable as an introduction to a nice gravel weekend. This is followed by the 43 km long Seiffen route, with 870 hm less "crunchy" and also technically easy to ride. The "Trainline" leads as an out-and-back route from Seiffen partly over an old railway line to the Kahleberg near Altenberg and back. Here, on 71 km with 1220 hm, there is almost exclusively finest gravel. The Gravel Cracker is thus worth considering for all who want to actively experience Seiffen and the surroundings, be sporty and versatile with the bike on the road – whether paved, gravel, or on forest and meadow paths.
