Compact Rockhead gravel bike tour

All applicable guest taxes are NOT included in the travel price and must be paid on site.

Please refer to the Information sheet for travelers on package tours according to § 651a of the German Civil Code

• For organisational reasons, this cycling tour can only be booked up to 10 days before the arrival date.
• The complete list of booked accommodation is specified in the booking confirmation/invoice and will only be sent to the guest by post together with the travel documents by the tour operator after the trip has been booked.
• Communication during the trip is available in the following languages: German
• The trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
• Please also note the information in the Terms and Conditions of the tour operator CORSO …die reiseagentur
• The Saxon Switzerland Tourism Association acts solely as an intermediary for this trip.

• Day 1: Independent arrival in Pirna
  Thanks to its excellent transport links, Pirna is easily accessible by train or car. Discounted parking spaces are available in the multi-storey car park for the entire duration of the trip.
  Stroll through the picturesque historic old town with its elaborately decorated town houses and discover distinctive details such as the Devil’s and Angel’s oriel windows. The Canaletto House is also located on the market square and was named after the creation of the painting “The Market Square at Pirna”. Bernardo Bellotto, known as Canaletto, painter to the Saxon court, immortalised Pirna in his works as the only small town he ever depicted.  Overnight stay in Pirna
• Day 2: Pirna - Bad Schandau  (approx. 45 km | 680 metres of elevation gain)
  Warm-up with views of the rocks: Pirna is the ideal starting point for embarking on the Rockhead gravel bike tour. The first few kilometres follow the Elbe Cycle Route to Obervogelgesang, the starting point of the Rockhead gravel bike tour.
  A noticeable climb takes you to Krietzschwitz and Leupoldishain. A detour to the Nikolsdorf rock faces offers a first impression of the remarkable rocky landscape of Saxon Switzerland. The Leupoldishain Forest Experience Centre offers not only fascinating nature experiences, but also panoramic views of Königstein Fortress and Lilienstein. The route then continues along moderate gravel tracks through the forest to Rosenthal, past the first rock formations, via Cunnersdorf and through the Krippenbach valley to Krippen. The final section briefly rejoins the Elbe Cycle Route, providing a relaxed ride into Bad Schandau. Overnight stay in Bad Schandau
• Day 3: Bad Schandau - Sohland an der Spree  (approx. 60 km | 1,030 metres of elevation gain)
  Wild Saxony: The green stage offers a wonderful cycling route through the tranquil and striking natural surroundings of the Saxon Switzerland National Park region, where the landscape continues to be characterised by imposing rock formations.
  The stage begins in Bad Schandau, where narrow paths take you through the idyllic Schwarzbach valley. The route continues alongside the narrow River Sebnitz to the town of the same name. A particular highlight is the observation tower on Ungerberg near Neustadt. From here, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views across the rolling hills and impressive table mountains. The route takes you from the Saxon Switzerland region via Rugiswalde and Steinigtwolmsdorf into the heart of the Upper Lusatian Highlands, ending in Sohland an der Spree. Overnight stay in Sohland
• Day 4: Sohland an der Spree - Großschönau  (approx. 52 km | 740 metres of elevation gain)
  Gravel, tarmac & village idylls: The red stage continues through a varied landscape characterised by gravel tracks, tarmac roads and the charm of small villages.
  Gentle ascents and descents alternate throughout, ensuring that the route never becomes monotonous and continually reveals new perspectives and views. At the outset, you enter the forests of Upper Lusatia, where rough gravel tracks wind through the tranquil countryside. As the route progresses, you will discover picturesque villages that appear to belong to another era. The traditional Upper Lusatian houses, typical of this region, lend the route a very special charm. Along the way, you will pass through places such as Beiersdorf and Kottmarsdorf, with its distinctive post mill that invites photography and admiration. Look out for the sources of the Spree as you pass them – a fascinating moment when you consider that this is the origin of a river that later reaches the capital, Berlin, considerably wider. Your stage destination is the textile village of Großschönau, renowned for its long history of textile production. A particular highlight is the German Damask and Terrycloth Museum in Großschönau. Overnight stay in Großschönau
• Day 5: Großschönau - Zittau  (approx. 32 km | 610 metres of elevation gain)
  Along the border: With its demanding sections, the black stage presents the greatest challenge of the Rockhead route. The route begins in Großschönau and climbs steadily via Waltersdorf to the health resort of Jonsdorf.
  From here, it becomes more demanding, particularly in the border region with the Czech Republic and Poland. The ascent to Johannisstein follows narrow trails and grassy tracks. The route then continues up a steep tarmac road to Hochwald (749 m), the highest point in the Zittau Mountains, from where, in fine weather, you can enjoy impressive long-distance views as far as Zittau and the Jizera Mountains. After this high point, the route descends through the spectacular rocky landscape of the Zittau Mountains to Zittau. In this former cloth-making and trading town in the tri-border region, a visit to the Museum of Cultural History in the Franciscan Monastery and the Museum of the Church of the Holy Cross is highly recommended. The latter houses the famous Great Zittau Lenten Veil of 1472 in the world’s largest museum display case – a fascinating testament to biblical narrative art. Overnight stay in Zittau
• Day 6: Zittau - Löbau (approx. 39 km | 520 metres of elevation gain)
  Pure gravel biking: The fifth stage offers a mixture of dense forests, expansive landscapes, bumpy tracks and fast tarmac sections – a genuine experience for gravel enthusiasts.
  From Zittau, trails and meadow paths take you to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Herrnhut. It is renowned for its historical significance as the centre of the Moravian Church and for the world-famous “Herrnhut Stars”, which can be seen in many homes, particularly at Christmas. After approximately 15 km, the ascent of Löbauer Berg demands another considerable effort, but the view from the 35-metre-high cast-iron Löbau Tower makes it worthwhile. The final stretch into Löbau then takes you down a steep descent to the stage destination. Overnight stay in Löbau
• Day 7: Löbau - Stolpen (approx. 66 km | 1,060 metres of elevation gain)
  Fast track & mountain climb: The blue stage begins with a relaxed section along the Upper Lusatia Railway Cycle Route, where you can enjoy cycling through the Upper Lusatian countryside without any major ascents or descents and away from motor traffic.
  The route then climbs Mount Czorneboh (556 m), offering magnificent sweeping views. A steep descent takes you to Cunewalde, renowned for having Germany’s largest village church. The final kilometres traverse a varied hilly landscape before you reach the stage destination, the hilltop town of Stolpen. Its imposing castle complex provides a truly splendid finale. Overnight stay in Stolpen
• Day 8: Stolpen - Stadt Wehlen - Pirna (approx. 50 km | 250 metres of elevation gain)
  From basalt to the Elbe valley: The final stage of the Rockhead route begins with a rapid descent from Stolpen to the banks of the Wesenitz. The ride through the idyllic Wesenitz valley is one of the scenic highlights of the Rockhead gravel bike route.
  Shortly before Dorf Wehlen, the final moderate ascent awaits, followed by a swift descent into the Elbe valley and Stadt Wehlen. Here you can visit the Cyclists’ Church on the market square and the ruins of Wehlen Castle, which offer fantastic views over the small town and the Elbe. Following the Elbe Cycle Route, you can enjoy a relaxed ride back to Pirna, the starting point of your gravel adventure. Overnight stay in Pirna
• Day 9: Independent departure from Pirna