Meißner 8 - North Route

The bike tour takes you along both paved and unpaved paths, some of which were used by the local narrow-gauge railroad until the 1970s but were later converted into a scenic bike path.

The tour starts in downtown Meissen on the right bank of the Elbe near the train station and offers a panoramic view of the historic city of Meissen—including Albrechtsburg Castle and the cathedral—as you cross the railroad bridge. As you continue, you’ll pass three churches: St. Nicholas Church, St. Benno Church, and Luther Church.

A detour to the world-famous porcelain manufactory is also possible as you ride out of town.

As you pass through the Triebisch Valley, you’ll catch sight of the Götterfelsen, which features a viewing platform perfect for a short hike. The route continues past the valley’s mills, which can also be visited by bike along the southern route of the Meissen 8.

The first remnants of the railroad line are visible here—the remains of the former viaduct in Robschütz, with its old concrete supports, bear witness to the line’s history. Over the next few kilometers of the route, you can explore this history through several preserved station buildings and even a narrow-gauge railway museum in Löthain.

The tour also delights with natural trails through forests and across the fields of the southern Lommatzscher Pflege region, which also offers a steady stream of small villages and points of interest, such as the Zöthain double bridge and the Prositz Germanic burial ground. If you veer slightly off the route in Mauna, you’ll discover the wine tavern at the“Cambium Compagnie” winery—a lovely spot for a break and a glass of Saxon wine (seasonally limited selection).

On the return trip toward Meissen, you’ll enjoy a wonderful view of the ruins of the Renaissance castle in Schieritz before the Elbe Cycle Route heads back toward Meissen. Here you’ll find another highlight—the“Heilig Kreuz” monastery ruins, built as early as 1217, where today the inner courtyard features, among other things, a restaurant inviting you to stop for a break (Klosterrast: open Thu–Sun, 12 p.m.–5 p.m.).

Numerous other places to stop for refreshments can then be found back in Meissen itself.