Rest Days On The Plum Ride: Lighthouses, Castles & Churches

Our newest European cycling adventure, the 2027 Plum Ride, takes riders from the Baltic Sea to the Aegean Sea, from Poland to Greece, passing through 7 other European countries – Germany, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia & North Macedonia. Along the route the tour will stop for rest days in 8 cities and towns, each with their own distinct charm and attractions.

Let’s take a look at what riders can expect on their days off the bicycle.

Świnoujście, P0land

Stawa Młyny Lighthouse

Świnoujście is a Polish spa and resort town on the shores of the Baltic Sea, just across the border from Germany. It is known for the country’s widest beach (200m) and tallest lighthouse. Riders can climb up the latter for wonderful views over the area. They can visit an island within the city, Karsiborska Kępa, which is a protected bird refuge home to over 140 species, marvel at the Stawa Mlyny, a navigation beacon built in the form of a windmill, or wander through the Museum of Deep Sea Fishing.

Insider Tip: A visit to the Wolin Island Underground City is highly recommended. This underground complex was built built by the Nazis and later became a nuclear command post for the Polish Communist State. CNN reports that “visitors are grouped into “platoons,” while the guides play the roles of the strict Polish army commanders. Lining up and submitting to harsh commands and occasional screaming is part of the experience.”

Berlin, Germany

Brandenburg Gate

Berlin is a kaleidoscope of history and architecture. Riders can visit the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie. They can reflect at the Holocaust Museum, the Topography of Terror Museum and the Stasi Museum. If they have the energy, cyclists can pedal all or part of the Berlin Wall Bike Trail and/or the city’s old airport, Tempelhofer Feld, now a public park and when they finish, they can wash down Berlin’s signature curry wurst dish with a fine German lager.

Outside The Box: Feeling whimsical? Riders can visit Kaninchenfeld (Rabbit Field) where artist Karla Sachse installed 120 bunny silhouettes to honour the only creatures able to cross the Berlin Wall at will. Stroll down Chausseestraße for the best chance to come across them.

>>Related Post: Gdańsk – A Cycling Capital In The Heart Of Poland

Prague, Czechia

Prague Castle

The magical city of Prague marks the end of the Plum Ride’s first section and the riders will enjoy 2 full rest days here. Even that is barely enough time to skim the city’s incredible history. There is the spectacular Prague Castle, the iconic Charles Bridge and the medieval Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square. The cyclists can also explore Prague’s Jewish Quarter (Are you familiar with the Legend of the Golem of Prague?) or read the messages for peace at the John Lennon Wall and then head to one of the city’s famous beer halls for a local pilsner.

Must See: A visit to the Muzeum Slivovice R. Jelínek must be considered mandatory for the riders of the Plum Ride! Here they can enjoy a guided tasting and learn about the process of turning the fruit into a spirit.

Bonus Founder’s Tip: Given the political climate these days, TDA Founder Henry Gold suggests you take the Self Guided Tour of Franz Kafka’s Places!

Olomouc, Czechia

Upper Square and Holy Trinity Column

Olomouc, Czechia (pop. 105,000) is one of the smaller cities that the Plum Ride has a rest day in but there is much to charm the riders. The UNESCO Holy Trinity Column is decorated with numerous religious sculptures by the Moravian artist Ondrej Zahner and at noon the riders should be sure to be at the city’s Astronomical Clock to enjoy its animated display featuring 1950’s Social Realist figures – a miner, baker, clerk, volleyball player, auto mechanic and factory worker.

Tasting Note: Riders should be sure to sample the local cheese, Olomoucké tvarůžky. A ripened soft cheese made with cow’s milk, it is known for its distinctive taste and pungent odor.

Budapest, Hungary

Parliament Buildings

One of the world’s great cities. Stunning architecture like the country’s Parliament Buildings. A fabulous castle with sweeping views over the Danube. Soothing thermal baths. Cool ruin bars built in abandoned buildings and courtyards. A beautiful subway (Europe’s oldest) and charming yellow trams. A city of statues  including one of the American TV detective Colombo (Peter Falk)! St Stephen’s Cathedral which seats up to 8,000 worshipers. You may never want to leave.

Personal Tip: Communism Bike Tour by Budapest Bike Breeze. I signed up for this in 2023 and it was one of the best, most interesting city bike tours I have ever been on. You can read about it here. Don’t miss this!

>>Related Post: Thessaloniki: The Plum Ride Finish Line, But Not Quite the End

Belgrade, Serbia

Church of Saint Sava

Belgrade is Serbia’s capital and is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. It is also the end of the Plum Ride’s second section so riders will have 2 rest days to explore this historic city. The riders should be sure to check out the Church of Saint Sava with its vast dome and intricate mosaics as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress which overlooks the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. In the evening they can check out Skadarlija, a cobblestone street with traditional food and music.

Sipping Note: Have you sampled a Serbian Wine? Me, neither but you can try them yourself at Panajotović Wine Cellar which is set underground amongst a maze of ancient Roman tunnels.

Skopje, North Macedonia

Freedom Bridge

Once the Plum Ride enters the little visited country of North Macedonia, it will pause for a rest day in the capital city of Skopje. Much of the city was destroyed by a 1963 earthquake, leaving it with few historical monuments still standing. Fortunately, one of them was the Ottoman-era Old Bazaar, which reflects Skopje’s long and diverse history. Riders can also visit the 15th century Stone Bridge and Macedonia Square which is appropriately dominated by a statue of Alexander the Great.

Spiritual Note: Did you know Mother Theresa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, was born in Skopje? If you are a fan you can visit the Mother Teresa Memorial House in the city. Its architecture, however, is controversial with one critic stating “if it weren’t for the Christian cross, it could be a disco or casino.”

Ohrid, North Macedonia

Church of St. John at Kaneo

The last rest day on the Plum Ride will take place on the shores of beautiful Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia. Once known as the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans’, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its ancient ruins and churches. One of the most iconic sights is the 13th century Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched on the shores of the lake. After visiting the many other historic sights, riders can enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest.

Literary Tip: For a brief digital detox, consider checking out Ohrid’s National Workshop For Handmade Paper and remind yourself how paper was once traditionally made.

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