Quality route Gräfenhainer hiking shoe - Route K
- 4:35 h
- 17.68 km
- 239 m
- 239 m
- 162 m
- 397 m
- 235 m
- Start: Königsbrück, market
- Destination: Königsbrück, market
The path runs along the old “VIA REGIA” trade route through the small village of Reichenau with its local history museum, then through a wonderful landscape conservation area with biotopes, orchard meadows, rare vegetation, unique groups of trees, past a natural body of water, and leads from Oberlichtenau up to the summit of Keulenberg. The ascent and descent are quite challenging for untrained hikers; however, the effort is rewarded with a breathtaking panorama from the summit's observation tower. In clear weather, the view stretches far across the region. From April to October, a snack stand is open on Sundays. The way back passes a preserved pen from medieval settlement, the historic railway viaduct over the floodplain of the Pulsnitz valley, along the Whisper Alley, back to the market in Königsbrück. In Königsbrück, you can visit the church with the restored Schellendorff epitaph. From January to April, a visit to the camellia house in the palace, one of Saxony’s four significant camellia locations, is worthwhile. The ice cream parlor on the market or the Mühlenbäcker café invite you to linger at the end. There are further gastronomy and bistro offerings in Königsbrück.
Good to know
Best to visit
- suitableDepends on weather
Directions
The circular route starts at the market in Königsbrück heading towards the B97 junction. Here, the path follows the old trade route VIA REGIA past a small garden area, an orchard meadow, and a protected tree biotope along to Kamenzer Street. Cross the street and continue along the VIA REGIA to Reichenau. Just before the former mill, you cross the river "Pulsnitz" and follow the path towards Oberlichtenau to the Keulenberg junction. The path leads past waters, springs, old veteran trees, over the Keulen meadows and skirts the Oberlichtenau "Song Path." Numerous panels with the texts of well-known folk songs encourage hikers to sing, which instantly creates a good mood. At the Keulenberg junction, keep right and follow the idyllic path that turns into a trail up to the access road to Keulenberg and follow this to the summit. On the Keulenberg plateau, seating areas invite you to linger. There is much to discover: including the Bismarck monument, the August Obelisk, and the castle ruins. Climbing the observation tower is a "must" on this route. In good visibility, one can enjoy a wide view over the region into the distance.
On the descent, take the path towards Gräfenhain. The steep descent requires caution. At the bottom, turn left. The path runs along a pen from medieval settlement, further through the Eisenteich meadows towards Königsbrück. You pass a residential area, then immediately right through the floodplain valley, walking directly under the unique historic railway viaduct just outside the gates of Königsbrück. This is over 125 years old and was built in just one year. This 14-meter-high structure is a listed monument due to its peculiarity, the curvature, and the riveted workmanship. Then you reach the river "Pulsnitz," cross over the so-called "Blue Wonder," along the Whisper Alley, a path of silence and for lovers, pass under the Mühlgraben via the underpass towards the town center, and reach the starting point, the market in Königsbrück.
Tour information
Cultural Interesting
Loop Road
Stop at an Inn
Summit
Equipment
Sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and a backpack with provisions are recommended.
Directions & Parking facilities
- Getting there
Arrival by car to Königsbrück:
From Dresden A 4/ B97;
From Berlin A13/ B98
From Bautzen A4/ S100
From Kamenz S100
From Hoyerswerda B97
ParkingFree of charge
Inner city Königsbrück
P&R station Königsbrück
Via Regia Park
Public transportationFrom Dresden direction - Königsbrück station: RB33
From Königsbrück station about 650 m on foot towards the center or bus connection all lines to the stop "Königsbrück Weißbacher Str."
From Hoyerswerda direction: Bus 532
From Kamenz direction: Bus 533
From Pulsnitz direction: Bus 766
All lines stop "Königsbrück, Weißbacher Str." about 200 m to the market
Additional information
Author
Marketing-Gesellschaft Oberlausitz-Niederschlesien mbH
Organization
Das Landschaftswunderland Oberlausitz
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
A detour to the Bibelland Oberlichtenau is recommended. Garden and open-air museum – both make up the Bibelland. The everyday life in biblical times is illustrated by authentic replicas.
Safety guidelines
When descending from the Keulenberg summit, hikers should be cautious due to the risk of slipping.
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