4.5
(87)
393
riders
67
rides
Touring cycling around Elstra offers access to diverse landscapes within the Upper Lusatia region of Saxony, Germany. The area features tranquil river valleys, expansive meadows, and numerous quarry ponds, providing varied environments for cyclists. The Schwarze Elster Cycle Route offers largely flat sections along the river, while the surrounding Upper Lusatian region also presents hilly and forested terrain. This combination of features makes Elstra suitable for touring cyclists of various skill levels.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
4.8
(4)
13
riders
33.6km
02:07
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
riders
15.4km
01:00
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.2
(5)
13
riders
25.0km
01:33
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
15
riders
16.2km
01:01
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
15
riders
30.1km
01:51
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Very beautiful to look at in spring/Easter.
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St. Nicolai Church in Pulsnitz. Info: First mentioned in 1473, St. Nicolai Church is the main church in Pulsnitz. The exterior still conveys the impression of a late Gothic church, while the interior is primarily Baroque and Rococo. Since 1934, a memorial chapel for Ernst Rietschel has been located on the south side of the church.
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The bell consecration took place on May 18, 1925. Beautiful church
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Since August 2011, the monastery church has served not only ecclesiastical purposes but also as a sacred museum. Important sacred works of art from the churches of Kamenz are presented here. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions on art and cultural history topics and offers artists a unique space to present contemporary art. https://kamenz-entdecken.de/entdecken/kirchen/st-annen
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The Franciscan monastery, built outside the city, initially had no direct access to the city. For this reason, the monks purchased a house along the city wall, demolished it, and created a passageway, the present-day monastery gate. In 1770, the gate was built over with a rather impressive Baroque residential building. Source: https://www.kamenz.de/sakrale-schaetze.html#mausoleum
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Compared to other marketplaces in Germany, Kamenz's market square is one of the smaller ones. Nevertheless, it was very lively, especially in the past. The so-called Autumn Wool Market was held here as early as 1455, and was supplemented by the Spring Wool Market in 1498. The Keulenmarkt (Beef Market) has remained in Kamenz to this day and is now held as a weekly market every Thursday. Over the course of history, the market square also came to be called "Platz der Befreiung" (Place of Liberation). Source: https://kamenz-entdecken.de/entdecken/auchsehenswert/marktplatz
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The 40-meter-high tower is visible from afar and dominates the city's skyline. Yet one thing is clear: the secular building is not intended to overshadow the sacred main church. Amidst the red of the town hall, the golden clock immediately catches the eye. Likewise, the decorative coat of arms of the city of Kamenz, in the form of a relief coat of arms beneath the clock. Directly above the entrance is a counter commemorating the city's 800th anniversary. Starting at 800 on August 22, 2022, it counted backward 800 days to the beginning of the anniversary year on January 1, 2025, and has been counting upwards ever since. Kamenz's town hall is generally considered one of the most beautiful buildings from the first half of the 19th century. Source: https://kamenz-entdecken.de/entdecken/auchsehenswert/marktplatz
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This replica of the Electorate of Saxony postal milepost stands in front of the Pulsnitz shooting range (the original inscription block and coat of arms from 1731 are in the town hall).
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Elstra offers a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find largely flat sections along river valleys, particularly on routes like the Schwarze Elster Cycle Route, which is ideal for relaxed rides. However, the surrounding Upper Lusatian region also features picturesque hilly and forested landscapes, providing options for more challenging ascents and descents.
Yes, Elstra has numerous easy touring cycling routes. Approximately 27 of the 70 available routes are classified as easy. These often follow river paths or quiet side roads, such as the Kamenz Market Square – Kamenz Town Hall loop from Elstra, which is 15.3 km long, or the View of Schloss Elstra – Top paved cycle path loop from Elstra, covering 16.7 km. These routes are generally well-suited for families and those seeking a leisurely ride.
The region around Elstra is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can cycle through the unique Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape, a UNESCO biosphere reserve known for its numerous ponds. Highlights include the Keulenberg Summit with its observation tower, the Schwedenstein Observation Tower, and the Hochstein (Sibyllenstein). For historical interest, consider visiting the Rammenau Baroque Palace.
Yes, many touring cycling routes around Elstra are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the popular Rietschelhaus – Pulsnitz Market Fountain loop from Elstra, which explores local countryside and charming villages, or the Deutschbaselitz Village Square – View of Großteich Weißig loop from Elstra, offering scenic views of the region's distinctive pond landscape.
The touring cycling routes in Elstra are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 79 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from tranquil river valleys to more challenging hilly sections, and the well-maintained paths that traverse charming villages and natural reserves.
Absolutely. The Upper Lusatia region provides several elevated points offering panoramic views. You can cycle towards the Keulenberg Summit or the Butterberg Observation Tower, both of which provide excellent vistas of the surrounding landscapes. The Schwedenstein Observation Tower is another great option for scenic views.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Elstra. During these seasons, you can enjoy the lush river landscapes, blooming meadows, and comfortable temperatures. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can vary.
Yes, Elstra is an excellent starting point for longer touring adventures. The renowned Schwarze Elster Cycle Route originates nearby and stretches for approximately 200 kilometers. This route offers a scenic journey along the Schwarze Elster river, passing through Saxony, Brandenburg, and Saxony-Anhalt, with largely flat sections suitable for extended tours.
There are over 70 touring cycling routes available around Elstra, catering to various skill levels. This includes approximately 27 easy routes, 38 moderate routes, and 5 more challenging options, ensuring there's a suitable path for every touring cyclist.
Elstra has public transport connections that can help you access various parts of the region. While specific connections to every trailhead may vary, local bus services and nearby train stations (such as in Kamenz) can facilitate reaching starting points for your cycling tours. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most current information.
Yes, the region is famous for its extensive pond landscapes. Routes like the Deutschbaselitz Village Square – View of Großteich Weißig loop from Elstra specifically highlight this unique feature, offering scenic views of large ponds and the distinctive Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
The cycling paths around Elstra feature a mix of surfaces. You'll encounter fine gravel roads, asphalt paths, and quiet side roads, especially along the Schwarze Elster Cycle Route. This variety ensures a comfortable ride for touring cyclists, with well-maintained surfaces suitable for road and hybrid bikes.


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