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

Neustadt is nestled in the Neustadt Valley on the border between the Lusatian Mountains and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, surrounded by the Hohwald and Ungerberg ridges. From here to the Elbe there are just over 20 kilometres to cover.First you reach the idyllic farming village of Ehrenberg. A striking stopover is the 414-metre-high Gickelsberg, a 25-million-year-old volcanic vent that has weathered in the meantime. The route then continues through Goßdorf into the Sebnitz valley to Kohlmühle. Following the Sebnitz, you reach the Polenz and accompany the cheerfully babbling little river to the Prossen junction, where you meet the Elbe Cycle Path.
The route follows the Elbe cycle path to Stadt Wehlen. On the way, the Elbe is crossed in Königstein. And in Stadt Wehlen there are two alternatives: The continuation along the Elbe to Pirna and then by train back to Neustadt or -for those who still have energy- the trip to the other side of the Elbe.
On the way back to Neustadt, there are a few metres of altitude to overcome. The ascent through the Zscherregrund to Basteistraße is impressive, but steep. Now you are in the Saxon Switzerland National Park and a detour to the Basteiaussicht is a good idea. During the return tour via Rathewalde, Heeselicht and Cunnersdorf, you can enjoy beautiful views of the surroundings.