4.6
(15)
74
riders
23
rides
Gravel biking around Dorfhain offers access to diverse natural landscapes, characterized by rolling hills and picturesque valleys at the foot of the Eastern Ore Mountains. The region is bordered by the extensive Tharandt Forest, providing numerous opportunities for cycling on varied paths. Additionally, the wild and romantic Rabenauer Grund, carved by the Red Weißeritz river, features idyllic scenery suitable for gravel bike exploration. This combination of forests, river valleys, and varied elevations creates a dynamic environment for no traffic gravel…
Last updated: October 28, 2026
5.0
(1)
8
riders
33.8km
02:18
580m
580m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
6
riders
29.6km
01:43
350m
350m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.0
(2)
5
riders
21.0km
01:17
230m
230m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.0
(5)
16
riders
38.5km
02:20
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
57.2km
03:49
870m
870m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Small fine animal park https://www.tierpark-hoeckendorf.de/unser-tierpark
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The dam of the Klingenberg reservoir is an arched gravity dam made of rubble masonry according to the Intze principle. Remarkable about this listed dam is the striking crown structure in the middle. A public path leads across the dam. The reservoir has a pre-dam, whose closing structure is an earth dam, and two forebays. The Lehnmühle reservoir is also part of the system, which had the function of a pre-dam until its construction and is today primarily a controlled part of the drinking water supply and flood defense. The raw water is diverted to the Dresden-Coschütz waterworks via the Dorfhain and Tharandt hydroelectric power plants. At the foot of the dam are the waterworks and the Klingenberg hydroelectric power plant. The flood of the Wilde Weißeritz in 2002 caused damage (scouring), especially at the dam's spillway and the 150 m long cascade flood relief with its seven drop stages. It was only designed for a maximum flood of 86 cubic meters per second, but there were peak discharges of 160 m³/s.
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The dam was built from 1908 onwards near Klingenberg in the foothills of the Ore Mountains, based on an architectural design by Hans Poelzig. In 1914, the dam went into operation and was named after the last Saxon king: Friedrich-August-Talsperre. The impounded body of water is the Wilde Weißeritz. Its construction was part of a flood protection concept that was developed after the devastating flood of 1897 by the district administration of Dresden-Altstadt under the leadership of District Administrator and Dam Commissioner Arnold Streit. During construction, a standard-gauge industrial railway was built from Klingenberg-Colmnitz station to the construction site, which operated from 1911 to 1914. The Höhenweg trail now runs along its route over the Streichholzbrücke bridge. (Wikipedia)
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The Schlossteich in Grillenburg, with a water surface of approx. 21,000 square meters, invites you to go punting. There are 20 rowing boats available. After a relaxing punting trip, a break at the snack bar, which also offers plenty of seating, is worthwhile. https://www.dresden-elbland.de/de/poi/bootsverleih/gondelerlebnis-imbiss-grillenburg/805811735/
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Bathing, gondola rides or simply enjoying...
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It is simply wonderfully beautiful here 😊.
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1
Beautiful, but sometimes a bit crowded
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There are over 20 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Dorfhain, offering a wide range of experiences from moderate to difficult. These routes allow you to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Tharandt Forest and the Eastern Ore Mountains without encountering vehicle traffic.
The traffic-free gravel routes around Dorfhain traverse diverse terrain. You'll find yourself on shady forest paths within the extensive Tharandt Forest, along picturesque river valleys like the Rabenauer Grund, and over rolling hills characteristic of the region. This mix of surfaces is ideal for gravel biking.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, Dorfhain offers several difficult no-traffic gravel routes. One such demanding option is the Malter Dam – View of Klingenberg Reservoir loop from Tharandt, which covers over 57 km with significant elevation gain, providing a rewarding ride through varied landscapes.
While many routes are moderate, some sections or shorter loops can be suitable for families or beginners looking for traffic-free gravel experiences. The region's well-signposted paths and varied terrain mean you can often find less strenuous options, especially within the flatter parts of the Tharandt Forest or along river valleys.
Many routes pass by stunning natural attractions. You can explore the wild and romantic Rabenauer Grund Nature Reserve, including the Valley of the Red Weißeritz. Other highlights include the dramatic Devil's Pulpit and the unique Somsdorf Gorge, offering breathtaking views and geological wonders.
Absolutely, many of the no-traffic gravel routes around Dorfhain are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An excellent example is the Windbergbahn Cycle Path – Rabenauer Grund loop from Dippoldiswalde, which offers a scenic and car-free journey.
The best time for gravel biking around Dorfhain is typically during late spring and early summer, particularly May and June, when the weather is pleasant and the natural landscapes are in full bloom. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage, though some paths might be wetter.
The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic gravel trails around Dorfhain, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the extensive Tharandt Forest, the picturesque river valleys, and the well-maintained paths that allow for peaceful and immersive rides away from traffic.
Yes, the region is home to several impressive dams and reservoirs that are often incorporated into gravel routes. For instance, the Malter Dam – Klingenberg Forebay Dam loop from Malter offers a fantastic ride around these scenic water bodies, providing beautiful views and a refreshing experience.
Many trailheads for the car-free gravel routes around Dorfhain offer designated parking areas, especially near larger towns like Tharandt or Dippoldiswalde, which serve as common starting points. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information related to your chosen starting point.
Absolutely, the Tharandt Forest is a central feature of the region's gravel biking. A great option is the Stream in Tharandter Wald – Grillenburg Hunting Lodge loop from Tharandt, which takes you deep into the forest, offering extensive shady paths and a chance to discover its natural beauty.


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