DAY 27
5KM | 50HM | Ø Temp 17° | Cloudy with rain showers
Σ2147 KM | 8667 HM
glasses dilemma
Last night I had a little mishap - let's call it the "sunglasses catastrophe". During a relaxed phone call with my girlfriend, I made myself comfortable without noticing that my trusty sunglasses were lying directly beneath me. Unnoticed, I rolled back and forth with pleasure - with disastrous consequences. Both arms ripped out of the frame. Many would probably say now: "Just buy a new pair!" But it wasn't that easy, because these glasses were prescription glasses and without them I'm practically blind as a mole. And I didn't want to put my eyes at risk in strong sunlight and high UV radiation - eye damage? No thanks!
At first I was shocked, then a hint of despair set in. Fortunately, my girlfriend calmed me down and with a clear head I began to look for a solution. The first step? Leave Zittau and take the train to the next larger city - destination: Dresden.
Dresden
When I arrived in Dresden and the sunny Sunday weather made me want to soak up the city atmosphere to the fullest. It's not for nothing that Dresden is called the "Florence on the Elbe" - impressive buildings such as the Frauenkirche and the Semperoper create an incomparable atmosphere that magically attracts people from all over the world. After all the hustle and bustle, however, I longed for a short breather and found a small courtyard with a cozy café - perfect for satisfying my caffeine craving with coffee and cake. The best way to enjoy a sightseeing break.
In the evening, the city went one step further: street musicians played all over the city, giving Dresden a very special atmosphere. In addition, a warm sunset bathed the city in a magical light that made the atmosphere even more enchanting.
DAY 28
52KM | 206HM | Ø Temp 25° | Sunny - slightly cloudy
Σ2199 KM | 8873 HM
Clear view
As a new week began, I rushed to the nearest optician as soon as the shop opened. His first assessment? Not exactly encouraging - he gave me little hope of a repair. But with a bit of persuasion and my described situation, I was able to convince him to at least try it in the morning. To be on the safe side, I also bought a backup solution - a pair of classic clip-on sunglasses that catapulted me straight back to the 80s. Stylish? Well. Functional? Absolutely. When I returned later, I was very relieved: the optician had actually saved the glasses! He used special glue to reattach the temples and even adjusted the glasses. My hero of the day! With great gratitude and even greater relief, I set off again - up the Elbe, towards the Sandstone Mountains. A stage that I was particularly looking forward to - now with freshly repaired sunglasses and a smile on my face.
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DAY 29
141 KM | 499 HM | Ø Temp 25° | Sunny - clear
Σ2340 KM | 9372 HM
In the Elbe Valley across the border
The last three days had only brought me a meager 121 km - but that gave me the opportunity to fully recharge my batteries. So I decided to do some serious mileage now. The cycle path through the Elbe valley seemed to be made for me: a paved route, nicely off the main road, flat and isolated - and a breathtaking landscape that meandered picturesquely through the valley. Exactly what I needed to get going again! Yesterday the route took me through Saxon Switzerland, past the impressive Bastei, and today I crossed the border into the Czech Republic, where Bohemian Switzerland was waiting for me. The transition felt almost seamless, as if nature was just continuing to flow. Finally I left the Elbe and came across the Moldau - a river change and a new chapter in my tour - with plenty of mileage potential!
DAY 30
68 KM | 394 HM | Ø Temp 24° | Sunny - clear
Σ 2408 KM | 9766 HM
Prague and hustle and bustle
For anyone who has never been to Prague, I can only say that it is worth it - but only at the right time! The city has everything - magnificent historical buildings, a wealth of attractions and a lively cultural and art scene. I usually prefer to enjoy my vacation countercyclically, to avoid the hustle and bustle and to soak everything up in peace. But on this day I ended up in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Since I already knew the city, my decision was quickly clear: have breakfast and then get out straight away. I fought my way through the crowds and finally found a breakfast place in an amazingly quiet corner, just a stone's throw from the Charles Bridge. Perfect decision! Strengthened and satisfied, I then continued on to a park, where I met a relaxed cyclist - Duncan. From the first chat it became clear to me: Duncan and I couldn't be more different. He is the daredevil type who simply stuffs his pockets with the bare necessities that are within reach and throws himself into the adventure without a plan or concerns - according to the motto: "Come what may, somehow it will all work out." And me? The planner through and through. Every detail is thought through, every risk is weighed up, and my equipment is a finely tuned system. Everything has its place - and woe betide if it deviates from it.
Despite our differences, we quickly found something in common: a passion for bicycle travel. And so the day ended with a beer and a pizza while we talked about everything under the sun - two worlds on two wheels, united by the adventurous spirit virus.
DAY 31
90 KM | 1413 HM | Ø Temp 22° | Cloudy
Σ2498 KM | 11179 HM
The children's birthday is over
When I've completed the 31st day, it'll be official: the first full month of my cycling trip is behind me. But until then, I had to get through this day - and that meant climbing, literally. My planned route took me parallel to the Vltava. People often say: "If you want to travel relaxed by bike, you should cycle along a river." Nice and flat, they said. Just let it roll, they said. But the Vltava? It obviously had completely different plans.
The cycle route along this river is like an endless rollercoaster ride. It's constantly up and down, and there are no flat sections. Instead, my legs pump as I struggle up the hills, only to rush back down again. And the Vltava itself? It only occasionally appears between the hills, as if it were smiling at me from a safe distance.
DAY 32
107 KM | 1260 HM | Ø Temp 25° | Sunny - cloudy
Σ2605 KM | 12439 HM
cyclists
The next few meters of elevation were waiting for me, and I got ready to tackle them. The cycle route through the Czech Republic did not go along separate cycle paths, but mostly along narrow, lonely country roads. I was relieved to see that Czech drivers were surprisingly considerate. Contrary to some horror stories, I was not harassed by cars pushing me, but was overtaken in a friendly and respectful manner.
I was more than happy that I had decided to keep my luggage minimalist and light. My mountain bike with its low gear ratio for steep climbs was a real lifesaver and made the next stages bearable. With over two thousand kilometers still ahead of me, it was a case of dividing up my energy well and not risking any unnecessary heroic deeds. That meant taking each climb at a leisurely pace - almost as slowly as a hiker, but at least on two wheels. Little by little, the kilometers piled up - and that's exactly how it should be on this day. Slowly but steadily.
DAY 33
90 KM | 1280 HM | Ø Temp 27° | Sunny cloudy
Σ2695 KM | 13719 HM
Český Krumlov
I had never seen Český Krumlov before, but this small town, nestled in rolling hills, really surprised and delighted me. Those arriving from the north side come straight to the Cloak Bridge - an impressive gateway to the old town. This bridge connects the castle, with its imposing tower, to the outer defensive system and is itself a masterpiece of architecture.
As soon as you cross the Cloak Bridge, the historic old town opens up, framed by a loop of the Vltava River. The winding streets, colorful, historic houses and small squares invite you to get lost - and with joy. No wonder Český Krumlov is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This town is a real gem, full of history, charm and a touch of magic that enchants every visitor.
Servus Austria
After the exciting exploration of the town of Český Krumlov, the next few meters of altitude were waiting for me - the mountains never take a break. After a few climbs, I came across the Moldau Reservoir, a beautiful recreational area that practically invited me to take a short breather. Just the right time for my routine caffeine intake - because without coffee, you can't go any further!
A short ferry ride and one last climb, and I was in Austria. Directly behind the border, the "Moldau-Blick" observation tower beckoned me. Once at the top, I was rewarded with a gigantic view of the Moldau and the many kilometers I had already covered. A moment that filled me with pride for my achievement so far.
A few kilometers later I found a beautiful campsite with a small stream - perfect for ending the day in a relaxed manner with great conversations and a well-deserved evening. Just the thing after a day full of heights, views and new kilometers!
Overheated
As soon as I woke up, I noticed that it was going to be really hot today. After I had packed my things away, I was already so sweaty that I had to cool off in the stream. The day promised no wind, blazing sun, and UV rays that would have made even a parasol sweat. And as if that wasn't enough, more climbs were waiting for me.
On every climb, without a hint of shade or wind, I could literally feel the sun sizzling on my skin. With no wind and scorching heat, I had to regularly seek shade and take breaks before I ended up like a boiled egg.
After a sweaty 32 kilometers and 660 meters of elevation gain, I pulled the emergency brake and called it a day.
DAY 34
32KM | 660HM | Ø Temp 32° | Sunny - clear
Σ2727KM | 14379 HM
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot