Travel tips

If you want to cycle the Mulde Cycle Route from its source to its mouth, you can start either at the source of the Zwickauer Mulde in Schöneck/Vogtland or at the source of the Freiberger Mulde in Moldava, Czechia, in the Bohemian Ore Mountains. 

For a start at the headstream of the Rote Mulde in Schöneck/Vogtland, Schöneck/Vogtland railway station is the best choice. From here, the source of the Rote Mulde (Mulde spring) at the Meilerhütte can be reached after a short walk of just under 1 km. Schöneck is served by the Vogtlandbahn, making it well suited for travel from Zwickau or Plauen.

In contrast, there is no direct rail connection from Germany to the source of the Freiberger Mulde near Moldava. We recommend taking the RB 83 to Holzhau – the line connects Freiberg and Holzhau. From there, continue by bicycle across the border to Moldava and then on to the source. Depending on the route chosen, it is around 10 to 12 kilometers, mostly uphill. The final few meters to the source are covered on foot. If you do not necessarily want to start at the source, you can also easily begin your tour here in Holzhau.

There are always ways to join or leave the Mulde Cycle Route by public transport while you are on the move. Particularly good rail connections are available in Zwickau, Glauchau, Freiberg, Döbeln, Leisnig, Grimma, Wurzen, Eilenburg, Bitterfeld and Dessau, among other places. In many smaller towns, railway stations or bus stops are also conveniently located close to the route.

You can also find an overview of all major railway stations along the Mulde Cycle Route on our overview map of the Mulde Cycle Route. The stations are marked with a blue train symbol – useful for planning stages and for spontaneous changes while you are on the move.

Regulations on taking bicycles vary depending on the transport network, mode of transport and ticket. Along large sections of the Mulderadweg, you will be travelling in the transport networks Vogtland (VVV), Central Saxony (VMS) and Central Germany (MDV).

• Vogtland and VMS: On many buses and local trains, bicycles can be taken free of charge with a valid network ticket – provided there is sufficient space. Bicycles are generally transported free of charge on Vogtlandbahn trains.
• MDV: Taking bicycles on local trains within the MDV area is free of charge. Different regulations may apply on buses and trams.
• Deutschlandticket: A bicycle is not automatically included with the Deutschlandticket. Bicycle transport is included in the MDV area; in the VMS, you need the additional “VMS-DeutschlandTicket+” ticket. An additional bicycle ticket may also be required for journeys across transport network boundaries.
• E-bikes: Standard pedelecs (up to 25 km/h) are permitted; cargo bikes, tricycles and vehicles with combustion engines are excluded in many areas.

Please check the current conditions of the relevant transport company before setting off. Especially at weekends, during holiday periods or when travelling in groups, the number of bicycle spaces may be limited. Pushchairs and wheelchairs generally have priority; therefore, bicycles cannot be guaranteed to be carried.

Deutsche Bahn also offers a service hotline for taking bicycles: 0351 32300011.

View the overview map of the Saxony regional rail network

The Mulde Cycle Route is also easily accessible by car. For information on parking options, it is best to contact the relevant tourist information office or your booked accommodation (for multi-day trips) at your place of arrival or departure.

As the Mulde Cycle Route is a point-to-point route rather than a circular route, you should plan your return journey from the outset: for example, by cycling back along the same route, by train or bus, or by leaving a second vehicle at the destination. 

For day trips, places with a railway station or good bus connections are particularly suitable – making it easy to organise your return journey by local public transport.

Between Nimbschen Monastery and the “Village of the Senses” in Höfgen, a historic, hand-operated cable ferry crosses the Mulde. 

The ferry is called by bell – a small, authentic experience for cyclists and hikers. It is operated by Muldeschifffahrt Grimma. During the season, the ferry generally operates from late March or Easter until the end of October; it usually runs from 11 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday, and until 7 pm at weekends and on public holidays. There is a charge for the crossing. (muldenschiffahrt.de)

When the ferry is not operating, the Mulde can also be crossed via the bridges in Grimma. However, this requires a small detour. If you wish, you can also use Muldeschifffahrt’s excursion boats between Grimma, Nimbschen and Höfgen – depending on the service offered, bicycles can be taken on board too.

Between Dehnitz and Schmölen, a motor ferry crosses the Mulde. It is operated by the Fährhaus Dehnitz, also known as the “Zur Fähre” inn. 

The ferry carries pedestrians and bicycles and is also a lovely opportunity to take a break right by the river. The ferry service is based on the inn’s opening hours; it is open seasonally. A fee is charged for the crossing – current prices and operating times are available directly from Fährhaus Dehnitz. (wurzen.de)

If the ferry is not operating, an alternative route via the Mulde Bridge in Wurzen is available. The detour is considerably longer and partly follows or runs alongside busier roads. It is therefore worth checking the ferry times in advance.

Between Gruna and Hohenprießnitz near Bad Düben, a cable ferry connects the two banks of the Mulde. It provides a direct link for cyclists and hikers on the Mulde Cycle Route and into the Dübener Heide. The ferry is operated by the Fährhaus Gruna, while the municipality of Laußig owns it. Up to twelve people can cross together – with or without bicycles.

During the main season, the ferry generally operates daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; outside the season, crossings may be available on weekends, public holidays, or by arrangement. The crossing is subject to a fee: Adults currently pay €1.50, children up to the age of twelve €0.50, and bicycles also €1.50. (faehrhaus-gruna.de)

If the ferry is not operating, it is possible to cross via the next bridge over the Mulde in Bad Düben. However, this requires a detour of around 17 kilometers.