Elster cycle path

Elster cycle route
overall length	approx. 250 km
location	Czech Republic Karlovarský kraj Germany Saxony Thuringia Saxony-Anhalt; ; ; ; ;
Starting point	Elster spring at Aš ; 50 ° 12 ′ 1 ″ N , 12 ° 16 ′ 20 ″ E
Target point	in Halle an der Saale ; 51 ° 28 ′ 58 ″ N , 11 ° 58 ′ 12 ″ E
Places along the way	Adorf / Vogtl. , Plauen , Gera , Zeitz , Leipzig
Flooring	partly asphalted, partly water-bound surface
Connection to	Saale cycle route
Website URL	elsterradweg.de

Map with all coordinates of the places from the starting point : OSM | WikiMap

The Elster Cycle Path leads along the White Elster from the Czech Republic to Saxony-Anhalt.

overview

The route of the Elster cycle path was chosen for the most part along the river Weisse Elster and is characterized by different path conditions. In sections it is still being expanded. Over a length of around 250 km, it leads from the Elster spring through the four countries of the Czech Republic , Saxony , Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt - from the Vogtland through the Thuringian slate mountains to the Leipzig lowland bay .

Its upper course is characterized by mountainous sections and is therefore suitable for sporty touring cyclists. The use of the railway is officially recommended in Adorf. From Gera downhill, the route is also suitable for inexperienced people and families with children. Getting here by Vogtlandbahn is particularly practical . Since the route mostly runs along the Eger-Plauen and Elstertal Railway , you are very flexible when planning the stages. The trains run every one or two hours, so that you can end the tour at any time and take the train home.

Stages

Elsterquelle - Adorf / Vogtl.

The Elsterradweg as such is not signposted on the Czech side. Several cycle paths can be used. A white / green marked path leads downhill from the Elster. The first place is Vernéřov (Wernersreuth) with a Bohemian tavern. In Dolní Paseky (Niederreuth) the path leads past an inconspicuous radon-containing acid spring. On the bank of the small drinking water dam, it goes to Podhradí (Neuberg), there turn right onto the road towards Doubrava (green). Continue across the border to Bad Elster through the spa facilities and after crossing the federal road 92 on the banks of the Elster to Adorf. The paths are well suited for cyclists.

First bridge over the White Elster
new bike path to Doubrava
shortly before Bad Elster am Heißenstein
Bad Elster
shortly before Adorf (Vogtland), coming from Bad Elster, until 2012
shortly before Adorf, newly built in 2013
first building in Adorf becomes visible

Stage length: 22 km
Height above sea level

Start: 710 m
Goal: 440 m

Adorf / Vogtl. - Oelsnitz

At the Adorf train station , the cycle path uses the access road to the Adorf railway station. From there it runs on a meadow path to the road to Leubetha . After about 100 meters the federal road 92 in the direction of Rebersreuth must be used up to the rocky curves. The Elstertal is left in Rebersreuth. The old Eichigt road is a stony dirt road and flows into the road between Eichigt and Hundsgrün . From there it goes on, again away from the Elstertal to Ebersbach , where the junction towards Unterhermsgrün is without any indication. After Unterhermsgrün you have to use the narrow and busy federal road 92 to Tanzermühle. From there there is a footpath that is free for cyclists to Oelsnitz.

Mouth of the Schwarzbach (left) in Adorf into the White Elster (right)
Cycle path near Leubetha (Vogtland), coming from Adorf

Stage length: 17 km
Height above sea level

Start: 440 m
Destination: 390 m

Oelsnitz - Plauen

Stage length: 26 km
Height above sea level

Start: 390 m
Destination: 340 m

Plauen - Greiz

Gössel Bridge in Plauen
Elstertal bridge near Jocketa
Between the Rentzschmühle and Elsterberg
Greiz-Dölau

Stage length: 25 km
Height above sea level

Start: 340 m
Goal: 260 m

Greiz - Berga

Greiz
Bretmühle Bridge near Neumühle / Elster
Signs to the source and mouth of the Elster near Neumühle
Customs house and New Elster Bridge in Berga

Stage length: 15 km
Height above sea level

Start: 260 m
Goal: 240 m

Berga - Gera

The cycle path between Berga and Wünschendorf runs with slight inclines on the right bank. The alternative route over the Elsterperlenweg on the left bank is more challenging.

Elster cycle path at Oberhammer
Unprotected Elster cycle path in front of Wünschendorf below the "Weiberstein" on the right bank of the Elster.
Between Berga and Wünschendorf
Wooden bridge in Wünschendorf

Stage length: 21 km
Height above sea level

Start: 240 m
Goal: 200 m

Gera - Zeitz

Pedestrian bridge in the north of Gera
Ice drift between Gera-Thieschitz and Bad Köstritz
Bridge at Crossen on the Elster
Café at Wetterzeube

Stage length: 32 km
Height above sea level

Start: 200 m
Goal: 150 m

Zeitz - Pegau

Auenbrücke in Zeitz
Flood in Zangenberg
Bike stop in Göbitz
Shelter in the Elsteraue shortly before Lützkewitz, coming from Zeitz
Routing from 2016 south of Pegau to Altengroitzsch in Schwennigke-Aue

Stage length: 23 km
Height above sea level

Start: 150 m
Goal: 140 m

Pegau - Leipzig

Transmitting antenna passed at Wiederau
Route guidance on agricultural roads
Pumping station near Kleindalzig
Between Kleindalzig and Zitzschen
The end of the "concrete elster" near Leipzig-Hartmannsdorf
Colored yarn factories and townhouses in the south of Leipzig

Stage length: 27 km
Height above sea level

Start: 140 m
Goal: 120 m

Leipzig - estuary ( Halle (Saale) )

The paved path between the A 9 and Lochau is also suitable for inline skaters.

In the palm garden in Leipzig
Elster in Leipzig at the Nahle / Neue Luppe fork
Last bridge at Halle-Ammendorf before it flows into the Saale
It flows into the Saale, in the background the E.ON AG lignite power plant in Schkopau