Cycling

in Saxon Switzerland

Cycling tours are the ideal way to extensively explore the Saxon Switzerland region

With the Elberadweg, leisure cyclists find the perfect combination of relaxed cycling and experiencing magnificent nature. Even away from the Elbe, elevation enthusiasts can indulge in the panoramas of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The newest addition is the RockHead gravel bike route, where you can gravel from Saxon Switzerland to the Zittau Mountains and back. The terrain is sometimes rustic, and ascents may need to be conquered. However, magnificent views and delightful descents always reward the efforts directly. Many hosts have adapted to cyclists and offer accommodations in bike-friendly lodgings. Those traveling without their own bike certainly do not have to miss out on this pleasure. Numerous local providers offer bike rentals or cyclist packages.

Bicycle BUS Cycling in the National Park Central Route E-bike/bike rental All bike tours Elbe Cycle Path RockHead

Cycling in the National Park

Right into the Heart of Nature

A special insider tip is the cycling paths through the Saxon Switzerland National Park. On certain hiking trails designated as cycling routes—currently about 50 kilometers—you ride straight through the natural wilderness. However, your bike should be reasonably off-road capable for this. You must also be prepared for steep climbs, steep descents, narrow passages, and surface bumps. But that's precisely what makes these tours so appealing.

Cycling in Harmony

How to respectfully enjoy the beauty of the Saxon Switzerland National Park on two wheels

Only use the designated cycling paths: In the national park, there are specially marked routes open for cyclists to experience nature without disturbing it. The national park cycling routes are marked by green signs with yellow lettering as "Cycling Route" and a bicycle logo.
Respect the right of way of hikers: Since many cycling paths are also hiking trails, pedestrians always have the right of way.
Be prepared for uneven terrain: Due to the natural terrain, paths may have inclines and bumps. Ride carefully.
Avoid cycling at dawn and dusk: Wildlife is particularly sensitive during these times. To minimize disturbances, cycling should be avoided at dawn and dusk.

Cycling in the National Park

Which Cycle Paths Lead to Saxon Switzerland?

Cycling in the Saxon Switzerland is a perfect blend of natural experience and sporting challenge. Between bizarre rock formations, dense forests, and wide valleys, the paths run through one of Germany's most impressive landscapes. Several cycling routes lead through the region.

Zwei Radfahrer fahren auf einer Straße neben einem blühenden Baum und einem weißen Haus. — © Sebastian Thiel

Central Land Route

Right across Germany: Traveling from Aachen to Zittau

The D4 long-distance cycle route, better known as the Mittelland Route, offers insights into the Saxon uplands on its final leg from Heidenau to Zittau. In Saxon Switzerland, it skirts the Elbe, romantic villages, and as a highlight, Stolpen Castle. From Neustadt in Saxony, it then leads to our neighbors in Upper Lusatia.

D4 from Heidenau to Neustadt in Saxony

Kirnitzsch Cycle Route

Krásná Lípa - Kyjov Valley - Zadní Doubice - Hinterhermsdorf - Neumannmühle - Bad Schandau

Follow the course of the Kirnitzsch from its source in the Bohemian Krásná Lípa to its confluence with the Elbe at Bad Schandau. This 44-kilometer bike path connects the national parks of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland. Experience a diverse route through the wild and romantic Khaa Valley, past historic mills and bizarre rock formations, always accompanied by the gentle babbling of the water and the charm of the legendary Kirnitzschtalbahn.

Kirnitzsch Cycle Route Website Kirnitzsch Cycle Route Tour Proposal

Herbstliche Landschaft des Kirnitzschtals mit einem Wanderweg neben dem Fluss. — © Yvonne Brückner

Zwei Radfahrer fahren am Fluss entlang, im Hintergrund ein Hügel mit Bäumen. — © Felix Meyer

Elbe Cycle Route

The Elbe Cycle Route is one of Germany's most popular long-distance cycle paths. And the 35-kilometer section in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains is its most beautiful part.

For years, the Elbe Cycle Route has maintained its position in the TOP 3 of Germany’s most popular long-distance cycling routes. It stretches over 1,200 kilometers from the Czech Giant Mountains to Cuxhaven. It always follows the course of the Elbe – with only a few inclines.

The section of the Elbe Cycle Route in Saxon Switzerland is the most picturesque of the entire route. It always runs directly along the water – with fascinating views of the majestic table mountains and rugged rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

Elbe Cycle Route

RockHead

Graveling in Saxon Switzerland and Upper Lusatia

In Saxon Switzerland and Upper Lusatia, a new gravel biking dimension opens up with the Rockhead, a 320 km circuit that combines freedom, adventure, and a nature experience. The route leads through the impressive landscapes of the two regions in the east of Saxony, past bizarre rock formations, through deep forests, and picturesque villages.

RockHead

Radfahrerin in sportlicher Kleidung steht neben ihrem Fahrrad auf einem Feld, im Hintergrund der Tafelberg Lilienstein und die Festung Königstein und bewölkter Himmel. — © Philipp Herfort

Bicycle BUS Lines Saxon Switzerland

on weekends and public holidays

From March to November, the RVSOE takes you on a variety of public bikeBUS routes to the most beautiful starting points for cycling tours in the Saxon Switzerland and Bohemian Switzerland.

The bikeBUS services operate every weekend and on public holidays from 28th March to 1st November 2026. They can transport up to 16 bicycles or e-bikes (pedelecs) at the same time. Your advantage: Overnight guests with the mobile guest card only need to buy a bicycle ticket. This is available from the bus driver.

5 bikeBUS routes take you and your bike/e-bike (pedelec) to particularly attractive tourist destinations:

The bikeBUS 216 - Pirna - Berggießhübel - Bad Gottleuba - Bahratal border crossing
The Tisá Line 217 - (Pirna - Bad Gottleuba-) Bahratal border crossing - Tisá - Sněžník - Rosenthal, footpath to Schneeberg (-Königstein).
The bikeBUS +219 - Pirna - Cotta - Berggießhübel - Bad Gottleuba - Bahratal border crossing and back
The Bielatal Line 242 - Königstein - Bielatal - Rosenthal (- Sněžník - Tisá - Pirna) / bikeBUS 245 Pirna - Leupoldishain - Rosenthal (- Sněžník - Tisá - Pirna).

Between Pirna and Bad Gottleuba, the bikeBUS is available during the week. The buses on route +219 will carry a bikeBUS trailer from Monday to Friday on the following journeys:
• from Pirna, ZOB – 8:45 AM and 10:45 AM to Bad Gottleuba, Hackebeilstraße
• from Bad Gottleuba, Hackebeilstraße – 9:49 AM and 11:49 AM to Pirna, ZOB

Groups of 5 or more people with bikes are kindly asked to register their trip at 03501 7111-999.

Ein Bus des öffentlichen Nahverkehrs mit einem Anhänger, der mehrere Fahrräder transportiert, auf einer Straße umgeben von Bäumen. — © Marko Förster

Bike tour suggestions with the bikeBUS

E-bike Charging Stations & Bicycle Rental

To ensure the cycling trip goes smoothly, there are various service offers in the Saxon Switzerland. At traditional bike rental providers, you can rent bikes with or without assistance, perform minor repairs at service stations, charge your e-bike battery, or securely park your bike to explore on foot, for example, in the old town of Pirna, on the Bastei, or on the Königstein Fortress.

Open detail page 'E-bike rental at the Hotel Berghof Lichtenhain'
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E-bike rental at the Hotel Berghof Lichtenhain
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Electric bike rental station
Am Anger 3, 01855 Sebnitz (OT Lichtenhain)
Open detail page 'Bike & e-bike rental Bike & Snow Pirna'
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Bike & e-bike rental Bike & Snow Pirna
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Electric bike rental station
Clara-Zetkin-Straße 4, 01796 Pirna
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Pirna e-bike charging station
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Electric bike charging station
Am Markt 2, 01796 Pirna
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Bike and e-bike rental at Apartmenthaus Zentral Bad Schandau
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Bike rental and repair service
Kirchstraße 3, 01814 Bad Schandau
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TouristService Bad Schandau
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Tourist information
Markt 1 - 11, 01814 Bad Schandau
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Pirna bike station
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Klosterhof 3, 01796 Pirna
Open detail page 'E-bike charging station, bicycle garage & active rest area Rathen Elbweg'
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E-bike charging station, bicycle garage & active rest area Rathen Elbweg
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Electric bike charging station
Elbweg 4b, 01824 Kurort Rathen
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Bicycle garage Königstein
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Electric bike charging station
Reißiger Platz, 01824 Königstein/Sächs. Schw.
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Bicycle garage Pirna
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Bike
Brückenstraße, 01796 Pirna