Diera-Zehren: Hiking, Cycling and History

In Diera-Zehren, six easy circular trails, the Elbe Cycle Route and historic sights provide a practical framework for planning your trip. The routes lead through a landscape of Elbe floodplains and valleys, vineyards, striking quarry formations and the Golkwald forest, which covers around 200 hectares. You can therefore plan your stay around your preferred route length or the places you would like to get to know better.

Six easy circular trails to choose from

The circular trails are named after the respective places and vary in length:

• Löbsal: 5 km
• Nieschütz: 10 km
• Diera: 6.5 km
• Zadel: 6 km
• Zehren: 11 km
• Hebelei: 6.5 km

At 5 km, Löbsal is the shortest route, while Zehren is the longest at 11 km. In between are the 6 km loop in Zadel, the two 6.5 km loops in Diera and Hebelei, and Nieschütz at 10 km. These differences provide clear guidance when choosing a route length. Check the local waymarkers before setting out.

The Elbe Cycle Route and river landscape

The Elbe Cycle Route passes through Diera-Zehren between Meißen and Riesa. The Niederlommatzsch–Diesbar-Seußlitz ferry provides a crossing of the Elbe. Its service may be seasonal or subject to change, so check the current ferry situation before setting off. The river route and the circular trails offer different ways to experience the area: the walking routes are organized by place and distance, while the Elbe Cycle Route is part of a longer cycling route.

The landscapes that form part of the local hiking and cycling area include Elbe floodplains and valleys, vineyards and striking quarry formations. The Golkwald forest, which covers around 200 hectares, is another feature. The landscape thus encompasses riverside areas, vineyards and woodland, as well as the distinctive shapes of the quarries. You can choose your route based on your preferred distance and these different landscape features.

A park and historic sites

The park in Hebelei lies on the Elbe Cycle Route. Its facilities include a biotope pond, a playground and a petting zoo. It is also home to around 100 animals, with enclosures for about 20 species. If you plan to visit the park, check the latest opening and operating details in advance.

Zehren is home to the late Baroque St. Michael's Church, which was completed in 1787. A chapel on the site is documented as early as 1316. The interior of the present-day church is simple and bright. As access to the interior may vary, check in advance if you would like to see inside the church.

Schieritz Castle stands about 40 metres above the Ketzerbach Valley. It was built between 1556 and 1601 and was the origin of the village of Schieritz. If you expect to be able to enter the castle, check in advance; do not assume that public tours are available.

Culture and food and drink in Meißen

The wider destination of Meißen offers further cultural activities. At the visitor centre of the State Porcelain Manufactory Meissen, you can see how Meissen porcelain is shaped and painted. The exhibition at Albrechtsburg Castle in Meißen presents the castle's history through virtual displays and interactive media stations. The HistoPad also offers an interactive discovery tour with augmented reality and 3D displays; nine time portals take visitors back to the 15th century.

Meißen City Museum is located in the former Franciscan monastery in the heart of the old town. Historic models and large exhibits illustrate the city's development, as well as viticulture, Elbe fishing and Elbe navigation. You can sample Meissen wine in the city of Meißen and in the surrounding Elbe wine villages along the river.

Discover more destinations: Coswig, Lommatzsch, Löbsal, Klipphausen, Großenhain, Schönfeld, Weinböhla, Lampertswalde.

See the overview of the wider destination: Meißen.