Through Krabat’s Sorbian Home

The cycle tour leads through the traditional settlement area of the Sorbs, a Slavic people who have lived in Lusatia since the 6th century and have preserved their language and culture to this day. Along the way you will learn about Sorbian culture and cuisine. Museums and local history rooms along the route give an authentic picture of the life of earlier generations and provide interesting information about customs, traditions and traditional costumes. Craftsmen provide an insight into their work and memorials refer to Sorbian personalities. Probably the best-known figure in the treasure trove of legends is Krabat, the good Sorbian sorcerer. He is said to have learned his craft in the Black Mill, today's Krabat Mill Adventure Farm. Here at the original location in Schwarzkollm, the legend of Krabat comes to life again. There is a demonstration workshop and an inn on the grounds of the mill. Legendarily good buttermilk pancakes and black ice cream are two more good reasons to visit. Before heading to Hoyerswerda, cyclists will reach the Pattoka barn in Bergen, which houses an exhibition on Sorbian customs. The building was constructed in 1768 in typical Lusatian log construction.

TIP: Between Schwarzkollm and Groß Särchen you can follow the signposted Krabat cycle path. The logo shows a black raven. If you want to learn even more about Krabat and Sorbian life, you can follow the 92-kilometre Krabat cycle path further south into Upper Lusatia. More information at www.krabatregion.de.

Length: 51 kilometres

Start/finish: Erlebnishof Krabat-Mühle, Koselbruch 22, Hoyerswerda OT Schwarzkollm (coordinates 51.429232, 14.149280).

Circular route via:  Bröthen - Michalken - Neudorf-Klösterlich - Wittichenau - Kotten - Hoske - Rachlau - Groß Särchen - Koblenz - Knappenrode - Maukendorf - Zeißig - Hoyerswerda - Seidewinkel - Bergen - Neuwiese - Nardt - Bröthen

Parking spaces: Krabat Mill Adventure Farm, Schwarzkollm

Route conditions:
Mostly flat, asphalt cycle paths and side roads with little traffic, sections over gravelled forest paths.

Places of interest along the route:

• Krabat village Schwarzkollm with adventure farm
• Catholic parish church in Wittichenau. Johann von Schadowitz, the historical model for the legendary figure Krabat, is buried here.
• Krabat column on the market square in Wittichenau
• Krabat's New Outworks in Groß Särchen
• Knappenrode Energy Factory
• Zeißighof
• Old Town of Hoyerswerda
• Hoyerswerda Castle and City Museum
• Pattoka Scrap Wood Barn

Gastronomic tips:

• Restaurant "Haus des Müllers" in Schwarzkollm
• Zur Grafschaft" restaurant in Neudorf-Klösterlich
• Sickert's restaurant "Zur Weintraube" in Groß Särchen
• Restaurant Westphalenhof in Zeißig
• Eibhof Jaeger in Seidewinkel

Maps / literature: Lusatian Lakeland cycling map, 1:50,000, Sachsen Kartographie, ISBN 978-3-86843-021-9, 6.90 Euro