Family-friendly: Elbzauber cycle route from Zeithain to Strehla

The tour starts in Zeithain, which is steeped in history, and leads along the Lustlagerrundweg trail to Röderau. The Lustlagerrundweg tells the story of the largest and most impressive parade of the Saxon army under Augustus the Strong. From Röderau, the route continues along the Elbe cycle path to the church in Gohlis. This pretty village church impresses with its simple, charming exterior and long history. It blends in wonderfully with the rural surroundings and is perfect for a short stop to enjoy the tranquillity of the place.

The ride continues along the Elbe past the small village of Zschepa to Lorenzkirch. The cycle stop there invites you to take a break. Snacks and chilled drinks are available for purchase in a lovingly designed garage. The associated seating directly on the Elbe meadows invites you to linger. A special surprise awaits in Lorenzkirch: a ferry ride across the Elbe! The crossing is a highlight of the tour and is fun for young and old alike. The gentle ride across the water creates a little sense of adventure. The ferry is part of the transport network and children's trailers and bicycles can be taken on board without any problems.

Once you arrive in Strehla , you cycle on the other side of the river through the countryside to the legendary Nixstein. Stories are told here about the "Nixe", which is embedded in the landscape and inspires children's imaginations. A little further on, you reach the "Am Nixstein" inn, the ideal place for a stop-off with children. The adjoining small playground ensures there is never a dull moment. Directly after the inn, there is a short, approx. 300 m long, steep climb that leads onto Torgauer Straße. Here you will find the Strehlaer Nixenbad, a visit to which is a wonderful reward for the short effort. The outdoor pool with children's pool, sunbathing lawn and large slide is fun for the whole family.

The route continues along the main road past the city park to the small animal zoo. The detour to the large playground with climbing course and the tree telephone in the city park is well worth it! However, the small animal zoo in Strehla is an absolute must for families. In the small, very well-maintained facility, children can marvel at different species of birds and native animals and also experience them in the petting enclosure. They can play to their heart's content in the adjacent playground. Strehla Castle with its magnificent Renaissance garden is located right next door. The garden is ideal for a leisurely break in the countryside. The castle and the local history museum provide interesting insights into the history of the region.

The route continues through the town via the picturesque little Fischergasse, crosses the main road once again and then joins the church cycle path via Schulstraße. The route follows this for a short distance until it meets the Elbe cycle path again. The route crosses the Elbe a second time by ferry.

On the return journey to Zeithain, further play and rest areas along the route offer plenty of opportunities to take a break and enjoy nature.

You leave the Elbe cycle path at the end of Gohlis in the direction of Zeithain. Take Gohliser Straße to reach Zeithainer Hauptstraße. A short detour to Oberer Dorfteich leads to a pretty playground that is waiting to be conquered. Before the route ends at the starting point, it meanders past the church of St. Michael. The church was given its present form in 1596.

The end point of this family-friendly tour is once again the parking lot at Sternplatz. Alternatively, you can travel home by train. The train station is only 500m away. To get there, follow Bahnhofstraße.

Don't forget your swimsuit on warm days.

Coming from Riesa via the B16 federal highway

coming from Dresden via the B98 federal highway

free parking lot in Zeithain

by train:

RB 45: Riesa - Zeithain or Elsterwerda - Zeithain, from Zeithain station

by bus:

Timetable information Verkehrsverbund Oberelbe

Ferry:

Strehla-Lorenzkirch ferry

Lorenzkirch ferry:

Summer timetable (June 1-Aug. 31): Mon-Fri 6am-8pm, weekends & public holidays 9:30am-12pm and 1pm-8pm

Spring and fall timetable (March 29-May 31 / Sept. 1-Oct. 31): Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-1 p.m., weekends & holidays 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-7 p.m.

Cycling and hiking map "Meißen und Umgebung" by Sachsen Kartographie, 1 : 50,000, ISBN: 978-3-86843-048-6