Starting from the railway station, follow the Elbe downstream to the Saxony Uplands route, continuing uphill in the direction of Schöna, past the high Kaiserkrone cliffs (351 m), Zirkelstein (384 m) and the Großer Zschirnstein (561 m) – the highest hill in “Saxon Switzerland”. The rocky landscape with the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in the background is a magnificent sight. Proceeding past Kleingießhübel and Cunnersdorf, we reach Rosenthal after passing the outdoor swimming baths, through thick woodlands. Bizarre sandstone formations – towering crags such as “Sachenstein”, “Hercules Pillars” and “Grandfather`s Chair” in Bielagrund with wonderful panoramic views, encourage the visitor to linger. Riding past clear streams, we reach Hellendorf in the Bahra Valley, one of the districts of the spa town Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel. Before riding underneath the A17, we go past Oelsen, the Gottleuba dam and Breitenau. Having arrived in the Eastern Ore Mountains, we ascend to Fürstenwalde, leaving the Müglitz Valley after Fürstenau. The Kohlhau summit (786 m) will soon be in view. Getting to the summit is strenuous, but the fantastic view from the tower is well worth it. Further along the I-6, a lovely stretch takes us to the end of the stage at the foot of the Geising Mountain (824 m) with its look-out tower. In the town of Geising, complete with historical centre, the SM route turns to the left, and the stage ends directly ahead at the railway station.
