© AbsolutGPS, Dresden Elbland

Gravel Route 2: Left Elbe Valleys

At a glance

  • Start: Parking lot "Festwiese" in Radebeul
  • Destination: Parking lot "Festwiese" in Radebeul
  • Medium
  • 57,48 km
  • 4 hours 20 minutes
  • 549 m
  • 310 m
  • 102 m

Between vineyards, the Elbe Valley and enchanted valleys – the fast gravel route with the best of two worlds. The gravel route is characterized by a varied course with a high proportion of asphalt, enabling fast rides while connecting scenic charms and historic places. In between, there are always varied sections on natural and gravel paths – perfect for all gravel riders who want to be fast on the move and still experience nature and history.

The circular route starts at the "Festwiese" parking lot in Radebeul. Right from the start, you enjoy the charming landscape of the Elbe Valley. Initially, you ride westward on the Elbe Cycle Route, always along the picturesque Elbe meadows. On the almost flat asphalt surface, you can pick up speed immediately. Behind Kaditz, you cross the Elbe and enter the idyllic left bank villages and valleys. The path leads past the Zschonergrund protected landscape area. The first stop is worth a detour to the Zschoner natural swimming pool or the historic Zschoner mill, where you can enjoy a cool drink in the beer garden. The Vorwerk Podemus organic farm can also be visited for a snack while enjoying the view of nature.

The first elevation gain comes further along through the quaint villages Dresden-Pennrich, Gompitz, and Freital-Wurgwitz. From Wurgwitz to Kesselsdorf, the route follows the Edgar-Rudolph path, a former railway line that connected Freital with Wilsdruff until 1972. The old railway embankment with its swath through forest and meadow reminds one of the past of this region.

The route meanders further over old country roads around Klipphausen, past forest edges, through the hinterland with historic farms, mills, and well-maintained village churches. To Naustadt, it follows a slightly descending section with varied small waves that invite short spurts. Finally, the descent to Gauernitz can be enjoyed. After one last short climb, a detour to the Eichhörnchengrund near Gauernitz offers a place to rest, where the Schulzemühle is located as well, Germany's smallest walkable, still operating watermill at a scale of 1:5. From here, the tour continues through the wild romantic Regenbach valley to Constappel, where you meet the Elbe again and can enjoy an impressive panoramic view along the riverbank. After crossing the river at Niederwartha, the loop closes: you return to the Elbe Cycle Route and follow it comfortably back to Radebeul.

Those who want to end the day in the historic village center of Altkötzschenbroda will find many cozy cafés, bars, and restaurants. Regional wine lovers have a wide choice thanks to the many idyllic vineyards settled here. For example, you can stop at the Hoflößnitz winery and also admire the wine museum there.

Those with more time who want to dive into the history of Karl May and his adventures will find a stopover with the Karl May Museum.

Surface composition:

32.8 km asphalt, 11.1 km road, 5.2 km gravel path, 3.7 km natural path, 1.0 km other

medium to difficult climbs on asphalt and loose ground

Tour dashboard

Pavings

  • Street (36%)
  • Tarmac (55%)
  • Gravel (4%)
  • Hiking trail (3%)
  • Path (1%)

Weather

General information

Next steps

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