Overlooked by Albrechtsburg Castle, Meißen is a pretty town with a wonderful old centre. The area is well-known for its porcelain, but it’s also a paradise for cyclists. Former railway lines have been converted to cycle paths, which lead through the picturesque landscapes. Many small, asphalted roads connect the towns around Meißen. To the west and south of the town, orchards, small forests and babbling streams line the plateaus that rise from the Triebisch river. On the other side, the Elbe river flows.

The Meißner 8 is the perfect route to explore Meißen and the surrounding area. It consists of two 35-kilometre (21 mi) loops – the northern and southern routes. Both are leisurely rides that you can enjoy with your whole family. You can also combine both for a longer day ride. The terrain undulates but is never steep and rewards with views over the hilly landscapes and beautiful descents into the Elbe Valley.

As the name suggests, the Meißner 8 begins in Meißen, which is only 30 minutes from Dresden by S-Bahn, so it’s ideal for a day trip. You can easily combine a bike Tour with a visit to the porcelain factory or a walk through Meißen's old town, where you’ll find many great places to stop off. Although the routes aren’t very long, you’ll definitely deserve an ice cream at the finish line.