Berlin blogger Daniela Pensold from wecyclebrandenburg.com was on the Elbe cycle route and in the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz - after 4 days along the Elbe, the grand finale took place in the rocky world of the national park.
For the route finale, we definitely want to dive into the wilderness of the national park and explore the picturesque hinterland with its summer resort villages.
At 9 a.m., the Nationalparkbahn takes us from Bad Schandau to the art flower town of Sebnitz in just under half an hour. Beautiful silk flowers are still made here today using traditional handicraft. In the small manufactory, we learn "flowering" under professional guidance and are fascinated by the skill of the female employees, whom we can watch over the shoulder in production.
On part of the Panoramaweg (the name says it all!), our route initially leads over a plateau to several idyllic villages. We are especially enchanted by Hinterhermsdorf with its traditional half-timbered houses. Awarded the title "Saxony’s most beautiful village," the family-friendly place almost feels like a small open-air museum.
Through the leisure and forest adventure area "Waldhusche," we finally reach the Saxon Switzerland National Park from Hinterhermsdorf. In contrast to the surrounding landscape protection areas, cycling here is only permitted on designated cycle paths. This is not a disadvantage at all. We quickly get the feeling of being on one of the most beautiful and versatile routes of the national park. Especially along the Kirnitzsch River, it is wonderfully cool after the warmth of the day.
Even if some sections always feature considerable climbs, new breathtaking views reward us around every corner. The path along the popular Affen and Schrammsteine rocks is simply unique!
The dinner in the cozy Schrammsteinbaude is literally the icing on the cake on our Szegedin goulash at the end of the day!
