Sandstone and granite - from Neustadt/Sachsen to the Elbe and back

Neustadt lies embedded in the Neustädter Valley on the border between the Lusatian Highlands and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, surrounded by the ridges of the Hohwald and the Ungerberg. From here to the Elbe is just over 20 kilometers.

First, you reach the idyllic farming village of Ehrenberg. A notable intermediate stop is the 414-meter-high Gickelsberg, a 25-million-year-old, weathered volcanic vent. Then it continues through Großdorf into the Sebnitz Valley to Kohlmühle. Following the Sebnitz, you reach the Polenz and accompany the cheerfully babbling stream to the Prossen junction, where you meet the Elbe cycle path.

The route follows the Elbe cycle path to Stadt Wehlen. Along the way, the Elbe is crossed in Königstein. In Stadt Wehlen, there are two alternatives: continue along the Elbe to Pirna and then by train back to Neustadt or—for those still with energy—ride on the other side of the Elbe.

On the return to Neustadt, some elevation must be overcome. Scenic but steep is the climb through the Zscherregrund up to Bastei Street. Now you are in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, and a detour to the Bastei viewpoint is recommended. During the return trip via Rathewalde, Heeselicht, and Cunnersdorf, you can enjoy beautiful views of the surroundings.