In 2004, the RheinMain Regional Park revived part of the historic VIA REGIA as a regional park route: The approximately 22-kilometer-long route between Frankfurt-Bergen and Hammersbach was expanded to make it suitable for cycling and hiking. Additionally, 14 stations were set up, inviting visitors to rest, offering expansive views, or providing space for children to play.
A Corten steel panel showing the route of the VIA REGIA marks the entrance to the trail. This installation, which symbolizes the road to Kyiv, creates an attractive starting point for the "VIAREGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" adventure cycle path heading east.


map and GPX-Track: www.regionalpark-rheinmain.de

 

The "Hohe Straße" regional park route ends in Hammersbach. VIA REGIA cyclists then switch to the Limes Cycle Route. The Limes Cycle Route follows the traces of the former Roman border wall, the Limes. This historic route is rich in both landscape and culture. Roman excavations, fortifications, as well as untouched landscapes, forests, and villages are located along the route.

The VIA REGIA tour leads in Hammersbach on Langen-Bergheimer Straße to the right to Ravolzhausen, from where you head towards Steinau a.d. Straße and Fulda.

map and GPX-Track: www.limesstrasse.de

In the municipality of Neuberg/OT Ravolzhausen, the cyclist leaves the Limes cycle path and joins the L3445 at the village entrance. Turn left here and follow the road for about 4 km.

map and GPX-Track: www.komoot.com

At the entrance to Langenselbold, the Hessian Long-Distance Cycle Route R3 meets the L3445. VIA REGIA cyclists follow this route through the town and continue upstream to Flieden and Schlüchtern in the Kinzig Valley. The mostly flat path now leads to the Fulda Ridge, the first longer uphill stretch. Rich in natural beauty, recreational activities, and small towns worth seeing, the route is arguably one of the sections that closely resembles the historic VIA REGIA.

Along the way, there are several references to the history of the VIA REGIA: Near Leisenwald in the Vogelsberg Mountains, a prohibition stone still stands, prohibiting use of the road without paying the toll of 4 shillings, "under penalty of five guilders." In Steinau, the "Museum Steinau...the Museum on the Road" was established in the former Amtshof barn. A section of the historic road surface between Steinau and Bad Soden was salvaged from the bottom of the Kinzig Dam several years ago and is now on display in the open-air grounds of the Steinau Museum. The road paving dates from the late 18th or early 19th century.

map and GPX-Track: www.hessen-tourismus.de

In the northern Fulda district of Lehnerz, the L3079 and L3139 intersect. The R3 long-distance cycle route turns right here, while the VIA REGIA tour continues straight ahead on the L3079. On the way to Hünfeld, cyclists reach the Hessian Rhön, the "Land of Open Distances." From the peaks of this low mountain range, magnificent views can be enjoyed because they are often not covered in forest, as in other regions. The extensively used high pastures continue to lend the region its cultural and landscape-historical significance, which is underscored by its recognition as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

From Hünfeld town center, the cycle path leads through the Bürgerpark past Haselsee lake to Großenbach. With views of the peaks of the Hessian Kegelspiel, it passes Neuwirtshaus and over Hübelsberg to Rasdorf with its military cemetery, green and collegiate church, one of the most culturally and historically interesting sites in the Hessian Kuppenrhön region. The Point Alpha memorial between Rasdorf and Geisa commemorates the Cold War and the division of Germany.

map: www.hessischeskegelspiel.de
GPX-Track from Hünfeld to Wenigentaft: www.routeyou.com

In Wenigentaft, take the local cycle path R14 to the former train station building and continue along Ziegeleistraße. Here you meet the Rhön Cycle Path and follow it to the left towards Philippsthal/Vacha. The route runs along the Ulster River, which flows into the Werra near Philippsthal. The route crosses the Thuringia-Hesse border several times. This region was impassable for tourists until 1989. The river valley derives its natural character from its variety of steep banks, embankments, gravel, crushed stone, and sandbanks, as well as natural riparian woodland such as willow, alder, and ash forests. Many of these structures have been preserved to this day. The Ulster River and its riparian zones have been protected since 1990, from the Hesse-Thuringia border near Motzlar to Pferdsdorf.

Web and map: www.touren-rhoen.de

On the Rhön Cycle Path, cyclists reach Wiesenstraße in Philippsthal, at the end of which they turn right towards the castle and then continue on the Werra Valley Cycle Path through the "Land of the White Mountains" towards Eisenach. The Werra Valley Cycle Path is flat and well-marked; in this section, it leads through a beautiful and diverse landscape, crowned by the widely visible "Monte Kali." The salt deposits have had a lasting impact on life and the economy in the Werra Valley. Massive rock salt dumps and mine shafts bear witness to this. A visit to the Merkers Adventure Mine (where you can also cycle underground) and a tour of the Werrakali Mining Museum in Heringen should definitely be on your itinerary. From "Monte Kali," you have a sweeping view over the Rhön and the Thuringian Forest.

Web and map: www.werratal.de

Cyclists heading to Eisenach should switch to the Herkules-Wartburg Cycle Path in Hörschel, the town where the Rennsteig Trail begins, at the corner of Rennsteig and Mühlstraße. The path leads for approximately 10.5 km to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wartburg Castle. After passing the edge of Hörschel, a forest begins, and the cycle path suddenly climbs steeply. The gradient is over 10% in places, and the path is narrow and unpaved. On the valley side, there is also a steep slope secured by a wooden railing. After the approximately 400 m climb, the path descends again shortly afterward on the other side. There is another steep climb to the Wartburg Castle. Alternatively, you can park your bike, explore the museums and exhibitions in Bach's birthplace, or simply enjoy the charm of the Wartburg town.

Web and map: radroutenplaner.hessen.de

The "Thuringian Town Chain" long-distance cycle route begins at the corner of Goldschmiedestraße on Eisenach's market square. It connects seven of Thuringia's most beautiful towns and runs for 225 km through scenic regions of the state, each steeped in history. This long-distance cycle route is particularly suitable for culture vultures and touring cyclists. From Eisenach via Gotha, Erfurt, and Weimar (to Jena), it forms part of the "VIA REGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" adventure cycle route for approximately 125 km.

From Eisenach to Gotha, the route runs primarily along paved forest and field paths, as well as quiet side roads. The route has a difficulty level of easy to moderate. All towns along the long-distance cycle route and many towns in between are connected to the Deutsche Bahn network, making it easy to cycle sections of the long-distance cycle route.

Passing the legendary Hörselberge Mountains, the trail initially leads towards Gotha and then through a fertile valley along the Apfelstädt stream, right through the Gotha region to the municipality of Günthersleben-Wechmar. This represents the western entrance to the Thuringian Burgenland region of "Drei Gleichen." Further toward Erfurt, the route mainly follows paved field paths and secondary roads of easy difficulty.

Web and GPX-Track: www.thueringer-staedtekette.de
map: radservice.radroutenplaner.thueringen.de

In Weimar, cyclists coming from the city center turn left at the end of the Kegelbrücke bridge onto Friedensstraße, cross under it, and then continue along Karolinenpromenade to Kromsdorf. From here, they continue approximately 33 km along the Ilmtal Cycle Path to the confluence of the Ilm and Saale rivers. On the Ilmtal Cycle Path, VIA REGIA cyclists temporarily leave the historic route, which was only built in the 19th century from Erfurt via Weimar.

It follows the course of the Ilm River and a charming route through small villages, many of which are influenced by classic Weimar: Tiefurt with its palace and park, Kromsdorf with its palace and park, Denstedt with its castle, and Oßmannstedt with the Wieland estate. It then continues past vineyards to the confluence of the Ilm and Saale Rivers in Großheringen. The Ilm Valley Cycle Route is rated easy to moderately difficult.

Web and map: www.ilmtal-radweg.de
GPX-Track: www.ilmtal-radweg.de/downloads

In Großheringen, the Ilm flows into the Saale, and the Saaleck and Rudelsburg castles soon come into view. A steep climb leads to the famous Saale castles. In the spa town of Bad Kösen, you pass the graduation tower. At the Saale Bridge, the VIA REGIA cyclist reaches a historic section of the old road. As early as the 13th century, a wooden bridge crossed the Saale at this point. Crossing the bridge, you cross to the left bank of the Saale. Vineyards of the Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region continue along the route to Naumburg.

The route continues to Weißenfels through beautiful floodplain forests and meadows. In Schönburg, the old Saaleburg Castle is worth a visit.

In Weißenfels, the "VIA REGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" adventure cycle route leaves the Saale Cycle Route. The town's crowning glory is Neu-Augustusburg Castle, with its unusually rich stucco decorations in the chapel.

Web and GPX-Track: www.saaleradweg.de
map: www.saaleradweg.de/radweg

The transition from the Saale Cycle Path to the Rippach Cycle Path takes place in Weißenfels on the promenade between the market square and the Saale River. There are almost no inclines, making the route easy to navigate. The Rippach Cycle Path is a circular route in the Weißenfels region. The "VIA REGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" adventure cycle route uses this route for approximately 10 km from Weißenfels via Dehlitz to Rippach.

The Rippach Cycle Path between Weißenfels and the village of Rippach is almost entirely marked as part of the Saale-Unstrut-Elster Cycle Route. Only on the last stretch before Rippach, near the Autobahn 9, does the route leave the Saale-Unstrut-Elster Cycle Route to the right and leads through the village of Rippach.

Web and GPX-Track: www.weissenfelstourist.de
map: www.alltrails.com

While on the eastern outskirts of Rippach the Rippach cycle path turns right into a side street, the VIA REGIA cyclist follows the old B87, changes here to the Elster-Saale cycle path and continues straight ahead.

The cycle path uses the former railway line from Leipzig-Plagwitz to Rippach/Pörsten. The route has hardly any gradients and is easy to navigate, with parts already well-developed and signposted.

The entire route runs close to the historic VIA REGIA and features numerous historic buildings, cultural and recreational facilities worth seeing and experiencing. Cyclists first reach Röcken, the birthplace of the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. The birthplace, baptismal church, village school, and family grave form a museum ensemble that provides insight into Friedrich Nietzsche's life. Further east, less than 3 km away, lies the battlefield where the Swedish king Gustav II Adolf fell during the Thirty Years' War. A memorial in Lützen commemorates this event.

East of Lützen, the border between Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony is crossed. In Schkölen, a district of Markranstädt, the Slavs built a chieftain's seat in the second half of the 6th century. Part of the fortification, the so-called Hunnenschanze, is still visible today. Finally, just outside the gates of Leipzig, you reach the Kulkwitz Lake recreation area, which has developed into one of Leipzig's most beautiful recreational areas in recent years.

map: www.komoot.com

In Leipzig itself, approaching from the west, the route first takes the Alte Salzstraße, which is still present in the cityscape today. The VIA REGIA cyclist then travels into the city center and reaches Brühl, one of the oldest streets in Leipzig, which is connected to the VIA REGIA, before leaving the city to the southeast.

In the Leipzig district of Kleinpösna on the street “Zum alten Seebad”/corner “Dorfstraße”, the VIA REGIA cyclist reaches the Leipzig-Elbe cycle route with a difficulty level of easy to medium.

Towards Wurzen, the route mostly follows paved roads or roadside cycle paths. Village and rural idylls alternate along the route, with meadows, forests, ponds, and river meadows dominating the landscape. Right at the beginning of the route, Lake Albrechtshainer invites you to take a relaxing dip in the summer. The fortified church of Beucha, with its horseshoe-shaped quarry lake, offers an impressive sight. The castle and castle park in Machern recommend a longer stop. Green fields point the way to Nepperwitz, a village with ornate half-timbered houses and a church. Shortly before Wurzen, you cross the Mulde River near Grubnitz. An important river crossing on the VIA REGIA already existed here in the Middle Ages.

Wurzen is the birthplace of Joachim Ringelnatz, to whom the first permanent Ringelnatz collection in Germany is dedicated in the city museum. A castle, cathedral, and other sights adorn the more than 1,000-year-old town. The Post Gate, the post house portal of the former Electorate of Saxony post office from 1734, and the Electorate of Saxony postal distance column from 1724 are valuable monuments of European postal and transport history and thus also serve as a special reminder of the history of the VIA REGIA.

Web, map and GPX-Track: leipzig.travel

From Wurzen, the route continues along the Muldental Railway Cycle Path, along the Mulde River to Dehnitz, passing the Oelschützer Loreley natural monument. In Trebsen/Neichen district, the route turns onto the Mulde-Elbe Cycle Route.

Web, map and GPX-Track: www.bahntrassenradwege.de

Mutzschen promises an interesting stopover on the Mulde-Elbe cycle route with its town museum in the gatekeeper's house of the baroque castle and the sculpture park, in which 30 artists from 13 European countries have created sculptures from sandstone and Zöblitz serpentine.

Just a few kilometers outside Oschatz, Hubertusburg Castle, Saxony's largest baroque hunting lodge, awaits visitors. Through the state-recognized resort of Wermsdorf and the Wermsdorf Forest, VIA REGIA cyclists finally reach Oschatz. The town's cultural and leisure offerings are rich and diverse, ranging from the Platsch water park to sports facilities, the Scales and City Museum, the city library, the narrow-gauge railway, the European Youth Camp, the "Thomas Münzer House" town hall, and numerous historically significant architectural monuments.

After about 10 km, you reach the medieval VIA REGIA town of Strehla. Here, you cross the Elbe River on the "Nixe" ferry (F30) and continue for a few kilometers on the Elbe Cycle Path.

Web: www.grimma.de
map and GPX-Track: www.outdooractive.com

From Strehla/Kleinrügeln district, you can cross the Elbe River by ferry and reach Lorenzkirch. In Lorenzkirch, you can visit the Romanesque church and monastery courtyard. Lorenzkirch has the long-term goal of being named one of Saxony's most beautiful villages. Since 2010, the town has been a member of the "Saxony's Most Beautiful Villages" working group. This working group is part of the "Saxony Adventure Villages" initiative.

From Lorenzkirch to Zschepa, the route runs along the right-bank Elbe Cycle Path along a tree-lined avenue. A special attraction in the village of Zschepa is the post mill, built in 1852.

Web: www.elberadweg.de
map and GPX-Track: www.elberadweg.de/planen-buchen

From Zschepa, the VIA REGIA adventure cycle path continues along the cycle path alongside state road S 88 to the Zeithain junction, where you turn left towards Zeithain. Zeithain boasts a renovated town center with a series of large three-sided farmhouses. Continuing along the cycle path alongside state road B 98, you pass the Zeithain-Glaubitz industrial and commercial area. In Glaubitz, you can visit the 16th-century church. The Glaubitz Forest, a landscape conservation area, invites you to linger and offers various recreational facilities, such as the famous forest pool and the Glaubitz Sports Trail.

Shortly after leaving Glaubitz, turn right onto a farm road and drive via Roda and Weißig to Skassa. Skassa, a rural district of the large district town of Großenhain, is visible from afar. It was first mentioned in documents in 1190.

In Skassa, the VIA REGIA cyclist crosses State Road 40 and enters the older residential area of ​​the village via Friedrich-Zürner-Straße. At the end of the road, the village community center and the village church are located on the village square. Leaving Skassa, you cross the Röder River twice in succession and cycle along a well-developed cycle path through a charming floodplain landscape. To the north lies the former military area, the so-called "Exer," in the Kleinraschützer Heide area, which today serves as a nature-based recreation area.

For nature lovers, the Kleinraschützer Heide is worth a visit. Various biotopes, such as dry grasslands, marsh meadows, and small bodies of water, are home to rare plants, as well as bird, amphibian, and insect species.

East of Kleinraschütz, you reach the largest and most beautiful park in the town of Großenhain, the Stadtpark. Created as a public park from 1875 to 1893, it now offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities.

After crossing the old VIA REGIA town of Großenhain in an easterly direction, the adventure cycle path “VIA REGIA - Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” follows the Röderradroute for a few more kilometers through rural areas to the Vierteich.

Web, map and GPX-Track: www.dresden-elbland.de

Shortly after Freitelsdorf at the Vierteich, the VIA REGIA cyclist switches to the Heidebogen circular route. This takes them on a tour through the diverse landscapes of the Heidebogen and introduces them to a largely unknown region east of the Elbe. Right at the beginning of this section, the trail leads through a pond landscape, then continues through Laußnitz. The town boasts Saxony's most famous low-rope course. Also located in Laußnitz is the Samendarre. It is the oldest well-preserved facility of its kind in Saxony for producing seeds from conifers. This technical monument is designed as a museum and is open on Sundays or by appointment.

The VIA REGIA cyclist now reaches Königsbrück, the "Camellia Town on the VIA REGIA." It was a border fortress between the Margraviate of Meissen and Bohemian Upper Lusatia. The town's development is thus closely linked to the VIA REGIA. A royal toll was levied here on the state border. The nickname "Camellia Town" derives from the annual camellia show, which takes place here between January and April.

Also worth seeing is the exhibition of the Königsbrück architectural model building, which presents miniatures of important buildings along the VIA REGIA on a scale of 1:25.

The Königsbrück Heath offers cyclists and hikers unique nature experiences. On a former military training area, a vast forest landscape is developing naturally, something rare in Central Europe—with streams, moors, swamps, ponds, and heaths. Undisturbed and free from human influence, animals such as beavers and red deer also shape the new natural landscape.

Web, map and GPX-Track: www.dresden-elbland.de

On a forest path between Gräfenhain and Reichenbach, the "VIA REGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" adventure cycle route joins the "Saxon Cities Route" long-distance cycle route. Passing the striking and widely visible ridges of Hofeberg, Wüsteberg, and Walberg, and the local cultural center, the Karoline Rietschel House in Gersdorf, cyclists head toward the old VIA REGIA town of Kamenz. While the cycle path runs along the outskirts and past the city center, a visit to the town center is highly recommended. Kamenz is the birthplace of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. The town is home to a museum that preserves the legacy of the great Enlightenment thinker.

Further east, the route leads to Panschwitz-Kuckau, also located on the VIA REGIA since ancient times. Here lies the St. Marienstern Monastery, which has existed continuously since 1248.

A detour to Kleinwelka will take you to the life-size giant lizards in the dinosaur park. Shortly afterward, the city skyline of Bautzen, the center of the Sorbian people in Upper Lusatia, greets you from afar. Many interesting things await visitors in this city with its towers and high walls, which celebrated its 1,000th anniversary in 2002: a leaning tower, a water feature in a massive defensive tower, a medieval cathedral still in use, a cemetery in the middle of a former church, the Sorbian Museum, and much more.

About 15 km further east, the adventure cycle path “VIA REGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” leaves the “Saxon Cities Route” cycle path in Wawitz and continues on regional cycle paths towards the historic VIA REGIA towns of Weißenberg and Reichenbach/OL.

Web: www.fluss-radwege.de
map and GPX-Track: www.openstreetmap.org

On quiet side roads and field paths, the adventure cycle path “VIA REGIA - Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” leads past Gröditz Castle to Weißenberg with the Old Gingerbread Workshop, the oldest and only gingerbread workshop in Europe used as a museum in its original form.

A few kilometers east of Weißenberg, the VIA REGIA cyclist changes to the Neisseland cycle tour in Buchholz and travels via Prachenau and Arnsdorf to Döbschütz with the oldest castle in Upper Lusatia, a moated castle that today houses, among other things, a toy museum and guest accommodation.

The Neisseland tour continues along a field path to Krobnitz Castle, the former retirement home of the Prussian War and Navy Minister von Roon, which has undergone extensive restoration in recent years. The "Old Forge" with its stately horse stables has been converted into an event venue. Concerts, lectures, and seminars are held here. From Krobnitz, the route continues to Schöps, named after its location on the Schwarzer Schöps stream. Here, on the east bank of the stream, along the historic VIA REGIA, you will find two prehistoric fortifications that were once used as refuges. The next destination is the small town of Reichenbach, first documented in the 13th century and also located on the VIA REGIA. Napoleon and the Prussian King Frederick William III once stayed here. The Hussite Gate and St. John's Church are of interest. Reichenbach also has a VIA REGIA House, which hosts exhibitions and events, among other things.

Web, map and GPX-Track: regio.outdooractive.com

From Reichenbach, it's only a few kilometers to Görlitz. The route leads via Gersdorf - Markersdorf - Pfaffendorf, past Görlitz's local mountain, the 420-meter-high Landeskrone. In Markersdorf, a visit to the Silesian-Upper Lusatian Village Museum is recommended. Before crossing the Polish border onto the Droga rowerowa św. Jakuba na Dolnym Śląsku (Way of St. James in Lower Silesia), which has been developed for cyclists and can be followed eastward, the VIA REGIA cyclist should not miss a visit to the city of Görlitz, rightly considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.

In the German-Polish European city of Görlitz-Zgorzelec, the VIA REGIA cyclist leaves Germany on the inner-city John Paul II City Bridge and enters the Polish Dolnośląskie (Lower Silesia) and the VIA REGIA cycle path, which has been opened up for cyclists along the historic road.

Here, travellers on the VIA REGIA cycle path must cycle against the existing path markings, which are only for westbound travel.

Leaving Zgorzelec in a northerly direction, cyclists quickly reach the typical, slightly hilly and sparsely populated landscape of the Polish Upper Lusatia between the foothills of the Izerskie Mountains and the depressions of the Żytawsko-Zgorzeleckie (Jizera Mountains and Eastern Upper Lusatia).

The path continues away from the main roads, past small lakes and short stretches of forest, and leads the traveller under the A4 motorway before, after passing the town centre in Gronów, it joins a beautiful avenue of listed oaks, maples and chestnut trees.

After 30 kilometers in Poland, the route leads to Lubań (Lauban), which was founded in the 13th century and is home to a number of buildings that point to its centuries-long location on the historic VIA REGIA and served both trading and protective functions.

Beyond Lubań, the VIA REGIA cycle path runs along the foothills of the Kaczawskie and Izerskie Mountains (Katzbach and Jizera Mountains) and is characterized by a dense sequence of centuries-old Lower Silesian towns. From here, the VIA REGIA cycle path leaves the route connecting villages and runs along field edges for approximately 15 kilometers until it switches to quiet country roads at Pielgrzymka (Pilgramsdorf) to Zlotoryja.

The section of the route that now connects to Legnica, where the cycle path once again follows the historic road route, touches the Chojnowska Plateau. Cyclists cycle off-road through picturesque, hilly landscapes with a great variety.

From Legnica onwards, the differences in altitude on the cycle path become less pronounced and the traveller travels through the Legnica plain on small asphalt country roads, which are almost entirely lined with trees.

After reaching and leaving Środa Śląska (Neumarkt), the VIA REGIA cycle route initially continues on paved country roads until, after approximately 10 kilometers, it turns into the forested areas of Lower Silesia and then leads into the area of ​​numerous landscape parks on the Wrocław Plain. From here, the route becomes more difficult to navigate, as it runs along unpaved paths through the forest that are not regularly maintained and can become muddy after rain.

The last 25 kilometers to Wrocław, the capital of Dolnośląskie (Lower Silesia), initially lead through uncultivated countryside, past natural meadows and the largest contiguous forest area in Lower Silesia, the Las Mokrzański (Muckerauer Forest).

Gradually, the development in Wrocław's suburbs becomes more dense. Cyclists now ride on paved paths through the allotment gardens outside the city, turning onto side roads directly onto Wrocław's Rynek, the city's main market square.

From Trestno, the cycle path leads away from the Oder, well-developed through the fertile fields of the surrounding villages until, after just a few kilometers, it reaches Oława, which lies between the rivers Oława (Ohle) and Odra (Oder).

In Oława, the cycle path rejoins the Oder River and leads along small country roads shaded by tree-lined avenues directly along the riverbank to Brzeg. Brzeg is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Silesia and definitely worth a visit.

map and GPX-Track: camino-europe.eu

The St. James cycle route ends at the town hall on the market square in Brzeg (Brieg), and travelers transfer to the Droga św. Jakuba VIA REGIA, the pilgrimage route of St. James, which follows the historic route of the VIA REGIA and is signposted with the yellow shell. Here, too, the route is only signposted from east to west, but most signs are visible from both directions and only have arrows pointing pilgrims west.

Cyclists leave Brzeg on the L460, a small paved avenue that runs along the right bank of the Oder River. Expansive fields lie to the left, and only occasionally does the route lead through small, agricultural villages, including Wronów (Frohnau). The cycle path leaves the town heading south until it reaches Droga krajowa (DK) 94 (comparable to a German federal highway), here it turns left and follows for 2 kilometers to Skorogoszcz (Schurgast). The DK94 does not have its own cycle path and is busier than the country roads. In Poland, all two-lane federal highways in both directions have additional lanes separated by dashed lines for cyclists, but cars also use them for overtaking maneuvers, so drivers must be very careful here.

In Skorogoszcz, the VIA REGIA cycle path leaves the DK94 to the north, crosses the Oder on a one-kilometer-long bridge and then leads on an asphalt country road through very beautiful nature, along the edges of forests and past fields.

The last 8 kilometers to Opole, the capital of the Opole Voivodeship (Opole Region), are characterized by small settlements and the city's first front gardens. On the paved country road 454, the VIA REGIA cycle path winds through the low rows of houses to the Rynek, Opole's main market square.

From Opole, the VIA REGIA cycle path continues for another 2.5 kilometers along the DK94 to the Opol district of Grudzice (Grudschütz), where it turns south onto asphalted, quiet country roads. The surrounding area quickly loses its urban character here, and the traveler cycles through a flat lake landscape. The VIA REGIA cyclist then passes through an underpass under the E40 European route and reaches the day's stage, Góra św. Anny (St. Annaberg), which is worth a longer stay.

Further east, the interesting towns nestled between the agricultural fields become more densely populated. The VIA REGIA cycle path is very well-maintained here and leads travelers from the Opole Voivodeship (Opole Region) to Śląskie (Silesia). Here, the cycle path again passes under the E40 and along the shores of the largest lake in the area, Jezioro Plawniowice, which, with its 250 hectares of water, is attractive to swimmers, sailors, and divers. On its eastern shore lies the small village of Niewiesze, where cyclists leave the VIA REGIA cycle path to continue east on local cycle paths.

map and GPX-Track: camino-europe.eu

There is no signposted cycle path from Niewiesze to Kozłów, and the VIA REGIA trail continues for the first 2 kilometers along State Road 40 – an east-west route to Bycina. In this village, there is only one intersection with a north-south road. The cycle path turns right onto this road, heading south, crosses a canal, and after 1 kilometer leads through the village center of Taciszów until it reaches the edge of a forest. Here, the traveler must keep left and cycle along a paved path between the forest on the right and the large reservoir near Dzierżno (Sersno) on the left, which was created in the 1930s to ensure the permanent navigability of the Oder River. After about 1 kilometer, the cyclist reaches Rzeczyce, turns south in the village, crosses Federal Road 4, and reaches the village of Brzezinka, which is well signposted from Rzeczyce. Brzezinka is a western district of Gliwice, characterized by single-family homes. Worth seeing here are the old log church from 1727 and the Church of St. Hedwig (Kościół św. Jadwigi), built in the 19th century. In Brzezinka, Zamojska Street branches off to the left of the main road, which the VIA REGIA cycle path follows for a few hundred meters until cyclists reach Kozłów.

From Kozłów, the VIA REGIA cycle route follows local cycle paths through the Silesia region, which are signposted not with their own logos but with color markings throughout. For the first three kilometers through Kozłow, the route follows the black markings of cycle route number 376, past the Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1671 and now home to what is believed to be the oldest bell in Upper Silesia. From the edge of the village, the green-marked cycle route number 15 continues along small paved paths, initially to Ostropa. A stop here is worthwhile to visit the completely preserved 15th-century log Church of St. George. It is worth mentioning that the tradition of Easter riding has been preserved in Ostropa. The green cycle route continues, taking small detours to avoid proximity to the motorway and suburban housing, to the Rynek, Gliwice's main market square.

From Gliwice, the VIA REGIA trail follows the red-marked cycle path number 6 for 3 kilometers through the Trynek district to the Gliwice Aero Club, where it runs alongside the runway. The area is very popular amongst walkers from the city, as lush fields and meadows surround the airfield, which, with its aircraft model museum, is worth a visit.

From the Aero Club, cyclists continue on the purple-marked cycle path number 371 and, after passing through a tunnel under the E40 European route, reach the town of Bojków (Schönwald). Bojków is now a small town; the cycle path skirts the outskirts and continues on paved paths through the surrounding fields until it reaches Przyszowice (Preiswitz) after a few kilometers.

A magnificent palace, built at the end of the 19th century and extensively renovated in recent years, is worth seeing here. From Przyszowice, cyclists continue along the now green-marked cycle path number 371 for 16 kilometers. It is also paved here, has almost no gradients, and largely follows an avenue through the countryside until they reach a large, old three-sided farm, located abruptly and without any connection to the surrounding area, right next to the cycle path.

Here, the traveler turns left onto the yellow cycle path number 373, which leads to Halemba. The town was founded in the Middle Ages as a center for iron ore smelting; it takes its name from a master blacksmith who ran his forge there in the 15th century.

On the outskirts of Halemba, the VIA REGIA trail connects to the brown-marked cycle path number 313 and quickly enters large forest areas on unpaved paths, interrupted only by the village of Stara Kuźnia. After 6 kilometers, the cycle path crosses a railway line – from here, travelers follow the blue markings of cycle path number 3 without turning off and reach the village of Stare Panewki beyond the forest. Shortly thereafter, the cycle path reaches Ligota, a southern district of Katowice, the capital of Silesia and the center of the Silesian Metropolitan Region. The blue cycle path number 3, part of the VIA REGIA route, leads through the city's suburbs in the south, but a longer stay in Katowice and a visit to the old town are worthwhile. Cyclists can either take the train from Ligota station or cycle the 3 kilometers to the main market square on the brown cycle path number 2.

From Katowice/ OT Ligota, the VIA REGIA trail continues along the blue-marked cycle route number 3 on paved roads, alternating between Katowice's suburban housing and small wooded areas. It passes the two reservoirs Staw Barbara and Staw Janina, created in the 1970s as part of the recreational areas for the residents of Giszowiec (Gieschewald), the neighboring settlement. Shortly after Giszowiec, the cycle route crosses the railway line to Katowice and from there follows the brown-marked cycle route number 7, continuing through the outskirts of Katowice, which are heavily influenced by heavy industry, until it reaches Mysłowice after approximately 3 kilometers. The cycle path runs directly past the Mysłowice train station building and from here follows the green markings of route number 7 parallel to the railway tracks. It crosses under the European route E40 and from here becomes the blue-marked cycle path number 28. The urban development of the metropolitan area fades away, and the landscape becomes highly varied with small rivers, lakes, floodplain forests, and meadows. The path leads past the Jaworzno II power plant to the town center of Jaworzno. First mentioned in 1299, the town grew on the Wrocław-Kraków trade route and is today one of the largest cities in Poland by surface area. It is primarily known as a water sports and recreation center, as the city is home to many artificial lakes. Jaworzno is home to several museums, galleries, and cultural and leisure centers and is well worth a visit.

From Jaworzno, the VIA REGIA cycle path runs for almost 30 kilometers along the Droga Krajowa 79 (DK79) country road, which also has a bicycle lane almost the entire way. Travelers pass Byczyna, a district of Jaworzno, and then quickly enter rural areas with meadows, forests, and fields on the paved road. After crossing a bridge over the E40 European route, the route continues for approximately 10 kilometers to Chrzanów, the first town in the Małopolska (Lesser Poland) region. The town lies on the Chechło River, a tributary of the Wisła (Vistula), on the border between the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland and the Silesian Upland. Its history is closely linked to its location on the main traffic route between Katowice and Kraków. Chrzanów was granted city rights as early as the 14th century and was allowed to hold four large supra-regional fairs per year from 1581 onwards.

Just 2 kilometers further, after crossing the E40 and the railway line again, the cycle path leads to Trzebina. 43 percent of the municipality's area is covered in forest, and along the way, travelers pass five nature reserves, each with elaborate educational trails, such as the Balaton Lake District and the Dulowska Primeval Forest.

From Trzebinia, it's worth taking a detour north along Highway 791, 26 kilometers away, to the Błędów Desert, the largest sand deposit in Central Europe far from the coast. The VIA REGIA cycle path continues along Highway 79, leads 6 kilometers to the town of Wola Filipowska, and leaves the road heading south to Rudno, less than 2 kilometers away, where it intersects the European Greenway cycle path.

From Rudno, the VIA REGIA adventure cycle route follows narrow paved paths through the forest, interrupted only by tiny, secluded villages such as Frywald and Tenczyński. The area is a popular recreational area for hikers and cyclists, but is very hilly and therefore somewhat strenuous to cycle through. However, the landscape is very beautiful and unspoiled, with most of these forests protected, such as the Tenczyński Landscape Park, through which the cycle route runs and where travelers encounter the region's typical limestone cliffs. Of particular note are several large rock caves – the largest being the Jaskinia Cave – which can be visited a few kilometers after crossing the E40 European route and just before the village of Baczyna.

The trail runs for approximately 12 kilometers through forests before suddenly reaching Mników, where it flattens out and leads through meadows, fields, and along lakes. It's a good idea to take a break here before continuing through Las Wolski, the once again mountainous and wooded green lung of Kraków. Las Wolski stretches across a hill, offering the first glimpse of Kraków, and is dotted with numerous tourist attractions.

The cycle path runs along the edge of the Wolski Mountains, and information boards and signs along the route point out the sights, allowing visitors to explore the forest area. Directly beyond this wooded landscape, the cycle path crosses the E40 motorway again and, after approximately another three kilometers, reaches the first suburbs of Kraków. On this final section, cyclists once again ride along wide, low-traffic asphalt roads along the banks of the Vistula River to the end of the VIA REGIA adventure cycle path at Kraków's Wawel Castle, the castle complex near the city center that served as the former residence of the Polish kings.

map and GPX-Track: www.openstreetmap.org