"Meißner 8" - southern route

The southern part of the Meissen 8 also offers many sights worth seeing and driving in the Meissen region. From the bus station on the right bank of the Elbe, the tour leads directly across the Elbe and offers a magnificent view of the historic old town.

On the way out of the city, the cycle route follows the Triebischtal valley until the first mills become visible. These are important historical witnesses to the region; there were originally 53 water mills along the Triebisch.

Today they serve different purposes, some of them still grinding grain. Like the first one on the left-hand side of the tour - the spruce mill, which also has its own mill yard store where you can buy local produce.

Other mills serve as technical museums, such as the Mittelmühle in Garsebach, which is located along the route, or are used as restaurants, such as the neighboring Barthmühle. Many of these mills have joined together in an association, so those interested can find out more beforehand at http://www.muehlen-im-triebischtal.de/.

The route continues on relaxed cycle paths without traffic along the course of the "Kleine Triebisch" river. Lots of greenery all around characterizes the ride and again and again the view falls on other historic mills, some of which are privately used and have been renovated with great attention to detail.

In Taubenheim, you can explore the former manor house and castle as well as the charming village church. You can also take a break for coffee and cake or buy regional products in the farm store and café of the "Pfarrgut Taubenheim". After the village, the route becomes more hilly, but the views over the nearby region are well worth it. In Sora, the beautiful church awaits, often surrounded by alpacas grazing.

The last mill discovery, the Neudeckmühle, can be seen after a descent to the "Wilde Sau" river - it is worth making a detour to the beer garden here at the weekend, as a steep ramp then follows uphill again.

Afterwards, however, the route rolls downhill again with panoramic views of the Elbe valley to finally reach the Elbe cycle path. The tour then follows this to the left of the Elbe back to Meißen, the starting point of the circular route, where various restaurants and cafés offer refreshments.

Another worthwhile cycle tour takes you along the northern part of the Meissen 8.