The Elster Cycle Path provides a clear thread for a journey through Elsteraue: it runs from Bornitz via Göbitz, Draschwitz, Ostrau, Reuden and Predel to Profen. Along the route, floodplain landscapes, historic townscapes and features that make the region distinctive come together. This makes it easy to shape your stay around two interests: cycling through the landscape or exploring the cultural highlights of the villages.

Cycling through Elsteraue

The protected floodplain landscape includes stands of old pollarded willows, which can be explored by bicycle along the Elster Cycle Path. The route therefore passes not only through a sequence of named villages, but also through a landscape where the old willows are a feature in their own right. Anyone wishing to combine nature and local history will find both along the same cycle route described here, without needing to follow a fixed daily itinerary.

Places to pause and find your bearings along the route

At the Elster weir in Bornitz, there is a seating area with a viewpoint, suitable for picnics and breaks. Many other places to stop lie between the new Elster Bridge in Bornitz and the Profen wildlife park. Around 32 information boards between Bornitz and Profen describe features of the Elsteraue. Along the route, there are therefore several reasons to stop: a place to sit and enjoy the view, places to rest, and information about local topics. Rest facilities and trail conditions may change; check the latest information before setting out.

Mills and Predel’s townscape

The Ostrau double mill first went into operation in 1210. The mill site in Ostrau has changed little to this day, making it a distinctive historic landmark along the sequence of villages on the Elster Cycle Path. In Predel, the route passes through the historic center, with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. The steep, crooked spire of Predel Church is considered a landmark of the surrounding area. The history of the mill and the appearance of Predel represent different aspects of the cultural heritage: here, the historic mill site; there, the townscape with its church, half-timbered houses and cobblestones.

Dining in Profen

In Profen, the Landgasthof and Pension Zur Eiche serve Bohemian beer as well as Slavic or seasonal cuisine; outdoor seating is also available. As offerings and services may change, check the current options before visiting.

Burgenlandkreis: a broader regional perspective

Burgenlandkreis offers a broader view of other travel and cultural themes. The Saale-Unstrut region, with Burgenlandkreis at its center, is a tourism and wine region featuring Romanesque heritage, river valleys and archaeological sites. The Wine Route and the Romanesque Route help visitors plan explorations by bicycle, boat, on foot or by car. The Sky Paths also lead through Burgenlandkreis and point the way to archaeological and astronomical highlights associated with the Nebra Sky Disc and the Goseck solar observatory. The Goseck circular ditch enclosure is considered the earliest archaeological evidence of systematic observation of the sky. The monument, around 75 meters across, was fully excavated and precisely reconstructed at its original location.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel focus

If you are looking for a hotel in Elsteraue, first consider whether cycling, the floodplain landscape or the historic townscapes will be the main focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Langendorf, Wethau, Meineweh, Hohenmölsen, Teuchern, Bad Bibra, Droyßig, Nebra

Go to the main travel overview: Burgenlandkreis.