Durch das Pressnitztal Medenec - Marienberg 2011

The tour starts in Medenec with a detour to Mednik (Copper Mountain). This offers an excellent view over the Bohemian Basin on one side and the Ore Mountains ridge on the other. To the west, Klinovec (Keilberg) and Fichtelberg are clearly visible. By bike, you follow cycle route 23 from Medenec along the road towards Chomutov. This cycle route is very well signposted. At the road junction, turn right towards Chomutov. Caution! This road is busy and fast-moving! Following this road with a slight incline, you already get a wonderful view of the Pressnitz reservoir. After about 1.2 km, turn left along cycle route 23, leaving the road, and reach a roadblock. After passing this, the cycle route 23 runs along the right side of the reservoir into the forest. This section offers a mild to moderate climb that must be overcome. At a fork, there is a small spring on the right where you can quench your thirst. After about 300 m, at another fork, leave cycle route 23. Sharp left turn follows a steep downhill path to the dam of the Pressnitz reservoir. Caution! The path has a roadblock just before the dam. After crossing the dam and reading the interesting historical plaque about the submerged town of Pressnitz beneath the reservoir, follow the local connecting road on the right towards Kristovny Hamry (Christophammer). From now on, it is all downhill. At the end of the settlement, the surface changes from asphalt to gravel. It is recommended to reduce speed slightly. After a good ride, you reach, identifiable only by a signpost, the hiking border crossing to Schmalzgrube. Here again, the path leads downhill, then is asphalted again as you enter the town, passing the swimming pool and the small picturesque Pressnitz Valley railway station. Just after this, the Pressnitztal cycle route turns left at the right curve of the road. Those who are not afraid of a small climb and difficult terrain during the descent, and who are equipped with an off-road capable bike, should follow this cycle route. The cautious rider stays on the local connecting road, continuing past the Forellenhof towards Steinbach. After about 800 m, you reach a junction. Turn left and, immediately after crossing the narrow-gauge railway track, turn right into the forest path and you are back on the Pressnitztal cycle route. Along this, it goes alongside the Pressnitz railway to Steinbach. Passing the station, continue along the former rail embankment through Schmiedeberg to Wolkenstein. The Pressnitztal cycle route and the tour end at the railway tavern at the foot of Wolkenstein castle.