Countless ponds and lakes, places to play, linger, take a break, picnic and experience await along the way on the 40-kilometre tour between the impressive town of Bautzen and the original Uhyst.
Relaxed in the trailer or motivated on the tandem hitch, little cyclists set off on their journey through the green oasis of Upper Lusatia. In and around Bautzen, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to discover and relax.
If you still have time and energy left, continue along the twin cycle path through unique scenic wonders to Görlitz(150-kilometre tour) or discover the legendary cultural landscape between Zittau and Bautzen(70-kilometre tour).
Turning a bike tour into an adventure
Conquering Bautzen
With its direct highway and train connections and countless leisure activities, Bautzen is the perfect starting point for unforgettable family adventures.
Dine like in the Middle Ages, make your own mustard, meet dinosaurs or conquering special playgrounds such as the Wendish churchyard guarantee a colorful break from everyday life. While the little ones have fun on the climbing frame or in the ball pool the grown-ups can enjoy the historical flair of Bautzen.
Repairing or renting bikes and accessories, stocking up on travel provisions or recharging your batteries before getting on the saddle can be easily combined here with a view of the backdrop of the tower city.
In the land of a thousand ponds
Between green and blue, easily navigable, flat and partly roadside cycle paths lead from Bautzen into the Oberlausitzer Heide- und Teichlandschaft.
Birdwatchers and carp fans can discover a fascinating world of flora and fauna here with binoculars, a magnifying glass or attentive senses .
In addition to wild animals such as the white-tailed eagle, otter and migratory birds , cows, chickens and goats also greet you in the villages along the way.
Bundled knowledge about pond farming, the Lusatian fish and the local natural wonders can be found at in the adventure exhibition in the HOUSE OF A THOUSAND PONDS in Wartha.
Picnic in the countryside
Whether in the middle of the countryside, at cozy resting places, under trees, with a view of the lake or pond - along the twin cycle path, offersa relaxed picnic in nature . Bautzen, Uhyst or bakeries and supermarkets along the route ensure the best supply with edible refreshments.
From the picnic blanket between Großdubrau and Guttau, watchful eyes can see the gliders taking off from the nearby Klix airfield .
For more refreshment, the lunch break can also be combined with some swimming fun followed by an ice cream at one of the many lakes along the cycle path .
Take a deep breath and dive in
When the weather is nice, the reservoir near Bautzen offers refreshing fun, an exceptional miniature golf course, action on the playground, pedal boat trips, a challenging high ropes course or adventure camping. A little off the cycle path, the Blue Adriatic recreation area is the perfect place to relax after an exciting day in the saddle.
Just outside Uhyst, a district of Boxberg, you can also swap your bike for a swimsuit or boat. Against the impressive backdrop of the Boxberg power station, the Bärwalder See lake offers swimming fun, sports and beach walks. If you follow the path to a nearby safari game reserve, you will encounter deer and mouflon (book in advance).
When the weather doesn't play ball
The rucksacks are packed and stowed on the bike, the children are dressed and full of anticipation and then dark clouds prevent the planned bike tour. Fortunately, the family vacation in Upper Lusatia doesn't have to fall through as a result. Many indoor play opportunities, adventure exhibitions and museums, towers and mills, shopping and dining opportunities, indoor swimming pools and sports facilities provide variety, exercise and fun.
Insider tip
"The path behind Neulömischau/Ziegenfauze is really great on this route. It leads through a beautiful forest and everything is quiet and relaxed. This section of the route is perfect for exploring the forest with the little ones," says cycling blogger Radelmädchen. In her travel report , she talks in detail about her experiences along the twin cycle path.
Questions and answers
What is the best way to travel by train?
If you want to leave your car behind and travel by public transport, it is best to take the RE to Bautzen (starting point in Dresden). If you want to return to Bautzen from Uhyst, you have to change from the RB to the RE in Görlitz. For the latest information, visit: https://www.zvon.de/de/
How and where can I hire bikes?
If you want to travel without bikes, there are several providers in Bautzen that offer bikes and accessories for hire. The bike store Radwerk also offers a rental service for the whole of Upper Lusatia, so you can hop on and off flexibly along the way.
Are there catering facilities on the route or do I have to cater for myself?
Family-friendly cafés and restaurants in Bautzen offer something for everyone. There are bakeries, inns and snack bars in many towns along the way (check seasonal opening times), for example in Großdubrau, Wartha and Uhyst. If you want to eat flexibly on the go, it is best to stock up on tasty, regional products for a picnic in the countryside in Bautzen.
Where is the best place to stay along the route?
Bautzen offers a great selection of family-friendly accommodation to suit every need and budget. Outdoor enthusiasts can also spend the night at various campsites along the route , including at Lake Olba or the Bautzen reservoir. There are also smaller inns or vacation apartments at in Niedergurig, Guttau, Wartha, Klix or Geißlitz. You can find a selection of bike-friendly accommodation in Upper Lusatia at Bett+Bike overview.
Can I shorten the route?
If your legs are getting heavy from all the cycling, you can take the bus from Großdubrau to Bautzen or Uhyst. Current information at: https://www.zvon.de/de/
When is the perfect time to travel?
In spring, when nature awakens from hibernation and Bautzen celebrates a very special Easter festival characterized by Sorbian culture. In summer, when it is warm and bright for a long time and numerous bathing lakes promise a refreshing dip after a day on the bike. In autumn, when a unique play of colors can be seen along the roadside and an entire region celebrates the unique spectacle of fishing during the Lusatian Fish Weeks. In short, Upper Lusatia is worth a visit all year round. An overview of current events in Upper Lusatia for the whole family can be found here: Event highlights.
Is the route also feasible with a bicycle trailer?
Yes. The majority of the route runs over paved surfaces, such as roads or roadside cycle paths. There are also shorter sections on field and forest paths, but these are wide enough for a bike trailer. If necessary, you should ride more carefully here, depending on the weather conditions.
