The best cycling routes around Landwehr

Although it can only be viewed from the outside, it is worth a visit.

Beautifully restored castle surrounded by a moat, a gem just off the road

The Gönnersdorf Observatory, located in the Dresden district of Gönnsdorf on the Turmberg, is a fascinating place for astronomy enthusiasts. Built by the TU Dresden and inaugurated in 1976, it honors the 65th birthday of Professor Sandig. **History and Significance:** The observatory has a long history and has attracted many visitors since its opening. It plays an important role in astronomical education and research in the region. The exact equipment and current research projects are not publicly available, but the observatory is known for its outreach activities and hosting events. **Visitor Information (based on available information):** * **Location:** Turmberg, Weißiger Landstraße 6/Hornweg, Dresden-Gönnersdorf. * **Access:** The exact opening hours and the possibility of visiting the observatory should be checked in advance, as information about this varies online. There are references to an astronomy club for students and a Friends' Association that supports the observatory. **Activities:** In addition to the opportunity to observe the sky, the observatory may also offer lectures, guided tours, and other events. Details must be requested directly from the observatory. **Additional Information:** The observatory is located near the Dresden TV Tower, offering scenic views of the city. Information online is somewhat sparse, but the Gönnersdorf Observatory is an important part of Dresden's astronomy landscape and a popular spot for celestial observation. It is recommended to contact the observatory directly for the most up-to-date information on opening hours, events, and visiting opportunities.

The Schönfeld Uplands are a hilly landscape southeast of Dresden, characterized by its diverse natural beauty and rich history. It is part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities. **Landscape:** The uplands are characterized by rolling hills, expansive forests, fields, and small villages. The landscape is very diverse and offers both sweeping views and idyllic, hidden corners. The gentle hills and valleys, crisscrossed by streams, are typical. The soils are mostly sandy-loamy and nutrient-poor, which is reflected in the vegetation. **Flora and Fauna:** The forests of the Schönfeld Uplands consist mainly of pines, but beech, oak, and other deciduous trees are also present. The diverse flora includes many rare plant species. The fauna is also diverse and includes numerous species of birds, mammals, insects, and reptiles. **History and Culture:** The Schönfeld Highlands were settled early on. The villages and communities in the Highlands have a long history and tradition. The region is characterized by agriculture and forestry. There are many historic buildings, churches, and estates to discover. **Activities:** The Schönfeld Highlands are a popular destination for hikers and cyclists. There are numerous well-marked hiking and cycling trails that lead through the diverse landscape. Horseback riders will also find beautiful trails here. The view of Dresden and the surrounding area from the Highlands is particularly impressive. **Conclusion:** The Schönfeld Highlands are a beautiful and relaxing area southeast of Dresden that appeals to both nature lovers and history buffs. It is an ideal place for hiking, cycling, relaxing, and enjoying nature.

Wachau Castle is a Baroque castle in Saxony, more precisely in the Wachau district of the same name in the municipality of Markkleeberg. It is one of the region's culturally and historically significant buildings and has a varied history. ### Brief description of Wachau Castle: - **Location**: Wachau district, Markkleeberg, Saxony - **Architectural style**: Baroque, with later neoclassical elements - **Construction**: The origins date back to the Middle Ages; the current Baroque castle was largely built in the 18th century - **Architecture**: - The castle is a rectangular, three-story building with a hipped roof. - Its symmetrical façade design and central projection are characteristic. - The building is surrounded by a well-kept garden in the style of a landscape park. ### Historical use: - Originally used as a manor. - Redesigned in the Baroque style in the 18th century by the noble von Ponickau family. - Later owned by various families, including the von Carlowitz family. - After 1945, the castle was expropriated as part of the land reform and served as the headquarters of an agricultural cooperative, as a school, and for residential purposes. - After reunification, it stood empty and fell into disrepair for some time before being renovated in the 2000s. ### Current use: - The castle was privately renovated and is now partially open to the public. - It serves as a venue for weddings, concerts, readings, and cultural events. - The castle grounds and gardens are well-maintained and used for walks.

I highly recommend the cycling/hiking path. Caution is advised between Wünschendorf and Eschdorf until the end of 2026/beginning of 2027. The eastern bypass around Dresden is currently being built between Doberberg and Rossendorf and crosses the cycle path. Although the bridge over the cycle path is already finished, the cycle path from the Wünschendorf-Eschdorf road to the bridge is being used as a construction site. There's always construction traffic there on weekdays, but it's quieter on weekends.

There is always delicious ice cream here. It is well attended in the summer and when the weather is nice, people also come spontaneously, like now in March.

Here you can also enjoy the starry sky in the evening