Via Sacra cycling pilgrimage route from Bautzen to Löbau
Bautzen is the capital of Upper Lusatia and the center of the Upper Sorbs, a Slavic ethnic group that settled here before the German eastward expansion and still maintains its own language, culture, and colorful customs. On a granite plateau high above the Spree stands the Ortenburg, the seat of the Upper Lusatian land vogts. They represented the Bohemian kings and, after 1635, the Saxon electors, who were also margraves of Upper Lusatia in personal union. Not far from the castle, the 83m high tower of St. Peter's rises into the sky. The cathedral is the oldest and largest simultaneum church in Germany. A walk around the outer walls of the Ortenburg (Easter Path) is highly recommended. When exploring the old town, especially worth visiting are the Nikolaifriedhof cemetery, the Old Waterworks, and the Reichenturm. The latter is called the "leaning tower of Bautzen" due to its lean of 1.44m.
Directions
From Pommritz, a detour to Hochkirch is worthwhile, where on October 14, 1758, a battle took place that was costly for Frederick the Great. The "Blood Alley" and the former inn "Old Fritz" recall this. From Zschorna, a small detour to Lauske is recommended. In the Felsen valley (Skala), shortly after the town entrance, there is a charmingly overgrown park from the 18th century on the left above the Kotitzer water.
Recommended equipment
Traffic-safe bicycle, bicycle helmet, day cycling backpack (approx. 20 liters) with rain cover, comfortable sports shoes, if necessary cycling shoes, weather-appropriate and durable clothing in a layering system, optionally cycling jersey, optionally cycling gloves, air pump, bicycle tools, sun and rain protection, provisions and drinking water, drinking bottle and suitable holder, first aid kit, pocket knife, mobile phone, optionally mobile phone holder for the handlebar, optionally headlamp and reflectors, map material
Safety notice
From Bautzen to Löbau, the route is identical to the continuously well-signposted Saxon City Route.
Pay attention to traffic on all roads and paths and comply with the Road Traffic Regulations.
Contact and arrival
You can reach Bautzen via the A4 motorway from the directions of Dresden and Görlitz. Possible exits are Salzenforst, Bautzen-West, and Bautzen-East.