Via Sacra cycling pilgrimage route from Zittau to Cunewalde
Zittau was raised to city status in 1255 by the Bohemian king Ottokar II and was particularly supported as a bridgehead north of the border mountains. Through beer exports as well as cloth and linen trade, it became considerably wealthy and could even rival Leipzig in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the Six Cities League, it bore the nickname "the Rich". A trace of this still remains in the cityscape, even though the city coffers no longer hold much. The idea of the Via Sacra originated here because of the now famous fasting cloths that are known far beyond Germany. The unique 8.20 m high and 6.80 m wide fasting cloth from 1472 - displayed in the world's largest museum showcase - can be admired in the "Church of the Holy Cross" museum. The second cloth, only "small" compared to the large one, is exhibited in the Cultural History Museum Franciscan Monastery. The epitaph treasure presented in the monastery church is also unique.
Directions
From Zittau, first pass the Weberkirche, follow the white-red-white marking towards Hörnitz. From there, follow the symbol for the Mittelland route to Hintere Dorfstraße in Oderwitz. After 100 meters, opposite house No. 14 in front of a corrugated metal facade, turn onto a cycle path. Signage for the route from there to Cunewalde is very variable. The most reliable way to find the exact route is with the Outdooractive app, Komoot, or another web-based route planner.
Additional information
On the western edge of Zittau lies Olbersdorfer See. In 2014, the Cross-Triathlon World Championships took place here as part of the so-called O-See Challenge. During the passing through Hörnitz, the Renaissance castle built around the middle of the 17th century by the Zittau mayor Christian von Hartig, now used as a hotel, greets on the left.
Herrnhut, founded in 1722, where five years later the globally active Evangelical Brotherhood Unit was established, recommends a visit to the church called "Gemeinesaal" (with exhibition), the Gottesacker cemetery (voted Germany's most fascinating cemetery), the ethnological museum, and the Herrnhut Stars manufactory with a show workshop. Obercunnersdorf is worth seeing with its many typical Umgebindehäuser for Upper Lusatia, a combination of log construction, half-timbering, and solid building techniques. In Lawalde, a look at the church with its freestanding bell tower is worthwhile.
Recommended equipment
Roadworthy bicycle, bicycle helmet, day cycling backpack (about 20 liters) with rain cover, comfortable sports shoes, possibly cycling shoes, weather-appropriate and durable clothing in layers, possibly cycling jersey, possibly cycling gloves, air pump, bicycle tools, sun and rain protection, provisions and drinking water, water bottle and suitable holder, first aid kit, pocket knife, mobile phone, possibly a phone holder for the handlebar, possibly headlamp and reflectors, map material
Safety notice
Pay attention to traffic on all streets and paths and comply with the German road traffic regulations (StVO).
Contact and arrival
Via the B96 from the direction of Oppach, via the B99 from Görlitz (connection to the A4), via the B178 from Löbau, Bautzen, Dresden (connection to the A4).