Exploring the Historic Sites of Luther’s Germany

Day 1: Potsdam to Bad Belzig, 35.8 miles

Leaving Berlin, a natural stopping place for us is going to be Bad Belzig. But, especially at the start of the trip, we really aren’t wanting to ride that far. So we take a train from Berlin to Potsdam to take off some miles and then ride from there. It is a hot day, but it’s relatively flat and nearly all on bike trails. Our hotel is in a rustic setting and has a fantastic restaurant. Total miles to date, including from the airport 57.2.

standing cyclist — A sweaty, but happy cyclist glad to arrive in Bad Belzig.

Day 2: Bad Belzig to Wittenberg, 28 miles

Much of the riding more or less follows the Elbe River. We’re also riding through “Lutherlandia,” as Martin Luther was very much a presence here back in the early 16th century. Total MTD 85.2

Wittenberg Cathedral — Door of the cathedral in Wittenberg where Luther posted his 95 theses. The original door actually burned in the late 1700s. In the 1800s it was replaced with this bronze replica.

inside hotel room — Um, having Luther looking over you in your hotel room is interesting. One of the differences between the U.S. and Europe is that many times when you get a double room in Europe it will often be two twin beds, rather than what we normally think of as a double.

Day 3: Wittenberg to Torgau, 43 miles

Something that we really hadn’t considered since we left Berlin is that all of our route so far, and until we get to the Czech Republic, is in the former East Germany. It seems strange that so many of the places we’ve visited would basically have been off limits until German reunification. Total MTD 128.2.

bike under shelter — Great shady spot for a lunch break near the Elbe River at Torgau.

This may be the biggest, most elaborate cheese plate we’ve ever seen that is, ostensibly, for two people.

Torgau Castle, an important stop if you’re into Lutheran history.

Day 4: Torgau to Riesa, 34 miles

We follow the Elbe River for much of our ride today to Riesa. It is mostly flat with quite a lot of headwind. This river is much smaller than the Rhine so there’s a lot less development and much less tourism. It’s kind of a relief after the crazy crowds we saw in France, Spain and Portugal a few months ago. Total MTD 162.2.

We frequently find these cobblestone roads coming into and out of little towns along the way.

Pop up bar — A summertime pop-up bar in Riesa on the Elbe River. There are dozens of people sitting in beach chairs watching the river go by and having a drink with friends.

Day 5: Riesa to Dresden, 34.5 miles

Today’s ride takes longer than normal because we keep coming across fun places to stop. First is the wine bar/ bakery in Meißen (pronounced My son). We try some excellent regional wine. Then further along in a picturesque bend in the Elbe River we come across a biergarten specifically catering to cyclists. So we have to stop. For the next two nights we’re in Dresden. First stop here, laundry! Total MTD 196.7.

Beautiful biergarten on the way to Dresden. — Beautiful bike-first biergarten on the way to Dresden.

Having a safe, secure place to park our bikes is always a big deal when we’re traveling. So we really appreciate this locked garage in Riesa.

dresden cathedral — The gorgeous cathedral that overlooks the Old Town square in Dresden.

KC Chiefs bag — Chiefs Kingdom is everywhere!

German street food frequently includes things like döner and falafel. It’s always inexpensive and delicious. Of course there’s also always beer.

Day 6: Dresden to Bad Schandau, 30.1 miles

After a rest day in Dresden, we’re back on our bikes as we head towards the Czech Republic. If every day were like today, bike touring would be no challenge at all. This may be the best, most scenic 30 miles we’ve ever ridden. It doesn’t hurt that scattered throughout the ride are beautiful trail side cafes and biergärten. The area we’re in has tons of outdoor recreation and is known as Saxony Switzerland (if that gives a clue as to how scenic it is). Total MTD 226.8.

plate of schnitzel — We share this plate of Schnitzel but the temptation to overindulge today is very strong!

Today’s ride is everything you could ask for: clear skies, flat, and next to the river.

This is the route from Bad Belzig to Bad Schandau on RideWithGPS with interactive map and elevations.

Krause Travels