Biking along the Elbe River and to Lilienstein from Kurort Rathen, in Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany

Over the spring break, as part of a larger train trip through Germany, we spent some time in Saxon Switzerland National Park. Despite the name, this gorgeous national park is located in eastern Germany along the Czech border about a 9 hr 30 min train from Zürich, Switzerland. While there, we rented bikes and rode along the Elbe river from Kurort Rathen to Bad Schandau, crossed the bridge and then returned to Kurort Rathen via Lilienstein. This route was approximately 26 km with 900 m of ascent and descent. It was a fun and beautiful ride even if it wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be and I was not properly prepared to do it. Next time, I will plan better.

Detail Summary

Additional Info

Renting Bikes

We rented bikes from a place located at Fahrradverleih, Füllhölzelweg 1, 01824 Rathen, Germany that we found on google maps. The guy was nice and the bikes were ok but he did not offer helmets.

There was another bike rental place by the train station that was closed. I think their website is Lindenhof-Rathen and they appear to rent helmets with the bikes. I would try them next time, if I don’t bring my own helmet with me.

Bonus Bike Route: Kurort Rathen -> Bad Schandau -> Rastplatz Lilienstein -> Kurort Rathen

I was thought we were just going to do a short, flat, bike ride along the river like the one in the Mosel valley, but spoiler alert, that is not how it went. As you can see on the map of our bike ride below, we ended up going up and over a ridge (900 m elevation gain/loss).

Our plan was to take the ferry across and ride to Bad Schandau, cross the bridge and ride back along the other side. After crossing the river, we joined the bike path, you see in picture one below and things seemed to be going as I imagined they would. Then after crossing the bridge in Bad Schandau (picture 2), we started back on the path on the opposite side of the river. So far, so good.

Then about half-way back, we came to sign that said the rest of the path along the river back to Kurort Rathen was closed to bikes. So, we had to follow the bike path signs up to Lilienstein at the top of the ridge. I was not up to biking that much ascent so I had to walk my bike for a while. I’m lucky my son is patient with me. The view at the top was worth it though.

After we crested the ridge, we followed the road signs back to Kurort Rathen and were able to return our bikes before closing time. I enjoy biking, but am finding that fewer places than I imagine rent helmets with the bikes. I think I may start bringing my own helmet if I plan to bike. Next time for sure.