On the trail of precious treasure troves

Fruit trees in meadows and along paths shape the landscape of the orchard region in the south of the nature park. The bike tour leads to the trail of a centuries-old fruit-growing culture.Length: 34 kmStart / Finish: Elsterwerda train stationLogo / Route marker: no informationArrival / Departure: Public transport: from Berlin Hauptbahnhof take Regional Express RE17 to ElsterwerdaCar: from Berlin take the A13 motorway to Ruhland exit, then continue on Bundesstraße B169 to ElsterwerdaRoute: Elsterwerda, Kahla, Döllingen, Hohenleipisch, Kraupa, Haida, Würdenhain, Saathain, ElsterwerdaRoute description: Starting from Elsterwerda train station, the route leads towards the Schwarze Elster river and along it to the former hunting lodge Elsterwerda on the other side of the river, which now houses a high school. Following the Schwarze-Elster bike path, the route passes by the miniature park with the post mill. The next destination is Döllingen, which is reached by turning left and cycling up the mountain through Kahla. The romantic view of the orchard avenues and the surrounding meadows compensate for the effort. The Pomological Display and Teaching Garden in Döllingen, with its over 400 fruit trees, is an important focal point for variety diversity and knowledge transfer in the orchard region of Hohenleipisch-Döllingen.Surrounded by old fruit trees, the route continues to Hohenleipisch, passing through the center to the left and then turning right onto Aegirweg to reach Bürgerwiese. A pavilion awaits cyclists on the public orchard meadow, inviting them to take a break. During harvest time, it is allowed to snack on the trees here. One last climb up to the Beautiful View and the view of the orchard region not only compensates for the previous efforts during the blooming season. From there, turning left leads to the village of Kraupa, following the signs downhill towards Elsterwerda.In Biehla, the route turns right at the intersection behind the railway tracks to reach Haida. Shady forests provide a change from the orchard meadows. Crossing the bridge, the route again follows the Schwarze-Elster bike path. Passing through Würdenhain and crossing the Große Röder river, the tour approaches the southwests final highlight: Gut Saathain. The former manor in Saathain is hidden behind a magnificent orchard meadow and has now become a cultural center. The grounds also include an impressive rose garden and the old park with a natural floodplain forest. In early spring, the almost uniformly growing anemones are a special attraction.After visiting Gut Saathain, the route follows the signs and the course of the Schwarze Elster river back to the starting point in Elsterwerda.Authors tip: The Pomological Display and Teaching Garden Döllingen can be visited from May to October on weekdays from 8 am to 12 pm or by appointment. Traditionally, the Blossom Festival is celebrated here on May 1st, and the Lower Lusatian Apple Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in September. Regular garden chats and seminars are also organized. The garden is particularly beautiful during the blooming season in April and May, as well as during the harvest.Trail conditions / Route development: The tour mainly follows firm paths, partly cycle paths and natural paths, including some steep ascents.Combination possibilities:Coal, Wind & Water TourSchRADELNSchwarze-Elster bike pathTour BrandenburgFürst-Pückler-WegSightseeing / Interesting facts: Elsterwerda: Small Gallery Hans Nadler, Adventure and Miniature Park Kleine LausitzDöllingen: Pomological Display and Teaching Garden (picnics possible, bookable on request, phone: 035341 / 61512)Hohenleipisch: Potteries, Bürgerwiese AegirBeautiful View - ViewpointSaathain: Half-timbered church, manor and rose gardenMaps / Literature: Nature Park Niederlausitzer Heidelandschaft / Spa town Bad Liebenwerda – Elsterwerda, Saxony Cartography: 4th edition (03/2020) ISBN 978-3-86843-063-9, price per 6.50 Euro