The first sunny day - what an experience - but the heavy rains have left their mark in the form of high water, which changes our hiking plans.
After Grossenhain we walk along this endlessly long row of trees towards the west.
A new experience: we cast shadows again
The water in the railroad underpass is too high. That means: take off your shoes, roll up your pants and wade through.
Refreshed by a cool foot bath, we continue towards the Elbe.
We choose the variant via Merschwitz, because the ferry at Strehla has stopped operating due to high water.
So here we are at Merschwitz on the Elbe.
Even on the bike path next to the Elbe is not possible to hike. We have to switch partly to higher roads.
Only in parts we can walk directly along the Elbe.
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This beautiful mill along with cloud atmosphere is worth a photo.
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We walk through the village of Grödel ...
... and treat ourselves to a lunch break outside. Finally we can use the edibles bought in Görlitz. They were amazingly good, after all they were transported for days "cool stored" in the backpack.
After a long, long march along the Elbe downstream, we arrive at the bridge in Riesa.
Riesa itself is not a must-see city.
The ferry to Risa was not in operation due to high water
After the port, in the district of Gröba we come to this church ...
.. with interesting galleries.
Another 1 ˝ hours along the Elbe and we are at the entrance to Strehla.
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The town hall of Strehla in the evening sun
The church of Strehla.
There we admire the clay pulpit.
At the altar the founders arepraying (castle lords Pflungk of Strehla).
An evening exploration tour brings us to the castle with its beautiful castle courtyards.
The original castle dates back to the 14th century. The now visible parts with late Gothic and Renaissance forms were built in the 15th and 16th centuries when the castle was transformed into a chateau.
The prominent gables date back to the 17th century.
At the entrance gate to the castle, the Strehla mermaid, adjusted to the temperature, keeps watch.
Since 1384 the Bohemian noble family of the Knights of Pflugk owned the fiefdom of Strehla and Strehla Castle.
After 1945, the entire property was expropriated. The castle was used as a children's home.
Since the end of 1994 the castle is again in private ownership.
In the southwest tower you can admire the paintings from the Renaissance period (1532) and the late Gothic cell vaulted ceiling of the historic drinking room - cheers!
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