The Great Cycling Holiday on the Elbe

The Hanseatic city of Hamburg is one of Germany's most captivating and vibrant destinations offering a wealth of attractions. It is the perfect starting point for your great cycling holiday on the Elbe. 
Arrive early to explore the historic quarter Speicherstadt either on foot or by boat. In the evening, unwind along the scenic banks of the Alster. Enjoy a romantic sunset while anticipating the exciting cycling days that lie ahead.

You leave bustling Hamburg with a tailwind and cycle through the wild dune landscape of Schleswig-Holstein. In Geesthacht, you can marvel at the Elbe lock and the largest fish ladder in Europe before you cycle comfortably close to the banks to Lauenburg. Learn more about the history of shipping, which has always been an important part of the
town‘s life, at the Elbe Shipping Museum in this tranquil little town.

Today‘s cycling holiday on the Elbe takes you through the tranquil marshland past fruit trees, quaint farms and picturesque half-timbered houses. Flocks of sheep graze on the wide open spaces. Enjoy the vastness and tranquillity and park your bike on a lush green meadow to take a break. Rest and relax as you cycle to Hitzacker. Take a stroll
around the old town and marvel at the numerous restored half-timbered houses.

The Elbe cycle path always leads over or along the dyke into the former German-German border area. In the Niedersächsische Elbtalaue biosphere reserve, you will experience a true paradise for plants and birds. A protected habitat for storks, sand martins and grey herons. Your stage destination of Wittenberge shines with numerous Art Nouveau buildings. Enjoy the evening in the beautiful old town centre.

Because the Elbe often floods the areas here, today you cycle through deserted, lonely stretches of land, which makes this stage a special experience. Every year, over 30 pairs of storks come to Rühstädt to make their home high above the rooftops. Roll comfortably into idyllic Havelberg. From the cathedral, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the
old town island and the Havel lowlands.

Today, your cycling holiday along the Elbe takes you from one Hanseatic city to another. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to cross the Elbe on the traditional yaw rope ferries, still in operation at various points. Your destination for the day is Tangermünde, a town where history comes alive. The medieval castle, originally built to protect this picturesque town on the River Tangier, stands proudly above the town, offering a captivating glimpse into the past.

Architectural superlatives await you on today‘s stage. First, you reach the European waterway intersection at Hohenwarte. The trough bridge, the longest canal bridge in Europe, carries the Mittelland Canal over the Elbe. In the Elbe metropolis of Magdeburg, you will experience a wonderful evening. Take time to visit the green citadel, a masterpiece by the artist Hundertwasser. The cathedral and the Old Market are also well worth a visit.

A brisk ride through the Middle Elbe biosphere reserve. On the cycle tour from Hamburg to Dresden, you cycle again through the wonderful Elbe meadows and forests, passing pretty towns such as Breitenhagen, Barby and Schönebeck. Dessau, the overnight stop, became famous worldwide for the Bauhaus, which was built according to plans by Walter Gropius in 1925. It is considered one of the most important and interesting architectural monuments of the 20th century. Artists such as Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky and Mies van der Rohe worked there. Take a walk through the extensive Georgengarten landscape park with the beautiful Georgium Palace or the Wörlitz Park, where the pretty Gothic House is located.

Follow the winding path of the Elbe through picturesque countryside, charming villages, and quaint towns. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Wittenberg, a town famous for its historical significance. Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther, who famously pinned his 95 theses on the reformation here at the church doors. These historic documents are displayed to this day. Explore, unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening in one of the town’s excellent restaurants, savoring both the local cuisine and the vibrant atmosphere.

Before departing Wittenberg, take the opportunity to visit sites associated with other notable figures, such as the philosopher Philipp Melanchthon and the painter Lucas Cranach, who also made their mark on the town. Then, cycle through the stunning floodplain landscape along the banks of the Elbe toward Pretzsch. Shortly after, you’ll cross the state border into Saxony. Hartenfels Castle, a Renaissance masterpiece, will greet you from afar. Explore its various exhibitions and guided tours, which vividly bring history to life and offer a fascinating glimpse into life during the time of the electors.

In the former Electoral Saxon residence town of Torgau, it is worth visiting Hartenfels Castle and the castle church. You then continue your cycle tour and cycle via Belgern and Strehla to Riesa.

Today’s stage takes you through a series of renowned towns, each with its own charm. Start by cycling past Riesa, known for its pasta production, and continue on to Meissen, the famous porcelain town. Your final destination, however, is the stunning Florence of the North—Dresden. As you approach, the impressive silhouette of the historic old town will welcome you. Take your time to explore the city’s many iconic sights, including the Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House, Frauenkirche, and the Green Vault. In the evening, unwind at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Dresden sauerbraten paired with a refreshing Waldschlösschen beer.

Today marks the conclusion of your Cycling Holiday along the Elbe. Take with you the memories and experiences of the past days as you begin your journey home. If you’d like to extend your adventure, we would be happy to help you arrange an extended stay in Dresden, allowing you to further explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.