Fabulous villages and fairy-tale forests

The landscapes of this bike tour could not be more diverse: Former monastery villages with their well-preserved churches and idyllic village landscapes alternate with gnarled, old oak forests and former mining spoil tips characterized by lakes and birches. Woodcarvings in the village centers tell old legends or refer to the former activities of the monks. The E-bike rental is located at Doberlug-Kirchhain train station.

Length: 62km (3-4h)
Start/Finish: Doberlug Castle
via Friedersdorf, Hohenleipisch, Grünewalde, Bad Erna
Marking/Logo: not signposted, follow map
Arrival and Departure: Parking lot at Doberlug Castle, public transport to Doberlug-Kirchhain train station

Route description / Places of interest
The bike tour starts at the "erlebnisREICH Naturpark" visitor center at Doberlug Castle and leads on natural paths via Lindena to Friedersdorf. In the fields, cranes can be observed in spring and autumn, while numerous larks rise from the fields in summer. Continuing towards Oppelhain, a forest path leads to the bird of prey station. Passing under the bridge and following the signage towards junction 18 for a short distance, the path then turns right onto the wide forest path towards Hohenleipisch.
To reach the book of legends in the Loben nature reserve, - coming out of the forest - follow the road to the right for about 50 meters and then turn left onto the forest path. This path runs along the edge of the nature reserve, past the forest spirit, the book of legends, the footbridge overlooking the old moor, and Krügers clay pits.
Moving on to Döllingen, picturesque fruit tree avenues line the partially asphalted forest paths. Upon arrival in Döllingen, the tour follows the signs of the Niederlausitz mining tour towards Plessa, a path lined with beautiful, old, gnarled oaks.
The forest is now left behind and the post-mining landscape opens up as the route continues on the cycle path towards Grünewalde.
The return journey follows quiet country roads through the former monastery villages of Staupitz, Sorno, Oppelhain, and Rückersdorf, passing by the former sand and gravel mining pits of Rückersdorf and Bad Erna, where you can now enjoy a swim, until finally returning to Doberlug.

Path conditions/Route development: designated cycle paths, side roads asphalted or surfaced, and forest paths

Map recommendation: Niederlausitzer Heidelandschaft Nature Park / Spa town Bad Liebenwerda - Elsterwerda, SACHSEN KARTOGRAPHIE; 4th edition (03/2020) ISBN 978-3-86843-063-9, Price per 6.50 Euro