Verdant meadows, fragrant forests, rolling hills and bizarre rocks – all connected by quiet little roads. Northern Bohemia is simply perfect for road cycling. Together with my buddy Jakob, whom I met during my studies, we had been planning to do this route for a long time and finally chose a weekend in June 2022. The fact that it was the rainiest month made the adventure that much more exciting. Due to thunderstorms and a torn coat, we had to change our plans at short notice, but in the end, the ride was much more memorable. And the most important thing: we had a lot of fun!

Since the three-day ride was so beautiful, I want to share it in this Collection. The first stage takes you from Görlitz along the Neisse River to Hrádek. Under 50 kilometres (30 mi) and with only a little elevation gain, this stage is well suited for a Friday afternoon ride. You can easily get to Görlitz from Dresden by train, which also takes bicycles. In principle, you can also split the route up, as the railway network in the Czech Republic is well developed and tickets are cheap.

The second stage is a real challenge, both in terms of the effort and the landscape. You pedal 120 kilometres (75 mi) along the Elbe, which flows leisurely along wide meanders through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Along the route there are several places to stay in the small towns, from campsites to guesthouses to fancy hotels. You should book well in advance however, as the area is popular with day-trippers.

The rich Bohemian cuisine is particularly worth mentioning. Whether it's garlic soup, duck with dumplings or honey cake, you can recharge your energy reserves just the way you like it. After a demanding stage, you'll have earned yourself a delicious Czech beer as well.