Cycle tour along the river Elbe

Day 1: Individual arrival in Dresden

Dresden’s impressive townscape will beckon to you from afar. See for yourself and explore the elegant Baroque architecture of this cultural centre. Use the time to visit the wonderfully restored historic part of the city and its famous buildings, the Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche, which was completely destroyed in the Second World War and has been lovingly rebuilt.

Day 2: Saxon Switzerland approx. 45 km + train journey, or approx. 90 km

Today you will follow the Elbe cycle path to Pillnitz. You will then continue cycling upstream to the rugged sandstone rocks of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. A hike up the Bastei Rock is worthwhile – it is one of the most striking viewpoints of Saxon Switzerland. From here you will have a beautiful view of the Elbe Valley. We recommend the light rail (S-Bahn) for your journey back (not included).

Day 3: Dresden – Meißen, approx. 25 km

Before the trip really gets going, it´s worth taking a small detour to Moritzburg Castle and then, if you like, a steam train to Radeburg. After that you pedal via Radebeul, which used to be home to Karl May, to Meissen. As you cycle along the Elbe there will be lots of opportunities to try some wonderful local wines. In the porcelain town of Meissen, Albrechtsburg castle and the porcelain factory are a must. It´s worth making sure you have enough time to visit them.

Day 4: Meißen – Riesa, approx. 35 km

From Meißen to Riesa you will cycle along one of the most well developed stretches of the Elbe cycle path. The soft green of the vineyards will accompany you all day as you follow the Saxon Wine Road (Sächsische Weinstraße). Diesbar-Seußlitz is perfect for a break, here you can find a dreamy castle with a labyrinthine Baroque garden. The sports town Riesa is today’s destination.

Day 5: Riesa – Torgau, approx. 45 km

You will cycle downstream along the Elbe to Mühlberg, where a former Cistercian monastery is located. Maybe you won’t even notice, but you will cycle through a tip of the federal state of Brandenburg. Your destination is Torgau, well-known as one of Gemany’s most beautiful Renaissance towns. The grave of Martin Luther’s widow Katharina von Bora is located in the church St. Marien.

Day 6: Torgau – Wittenberg, approx. 65 km

Today you cycle along the river into the federal state of Brandeburg. Following Luther´s traces, Pretzsch and Lichtenburg castles will mark your way. Castle Lichtenburg is home to a museum for local history. Following the Elbe Cycle Path downstream you will soon arrive in Wittenberg, one of the most significant places associated with Martin Luther. He nailed his 95 theses to the door of the local church here in 1517.

Day 7: Wittenberg – Dessau, approx. 30 km

You will cycle downstream along the Elbe directly to the extensive park landscape of the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm, also known as the English Grounds of Wörlitz. Soon you will reach Dessau and you will have the opportunity to visit classicistic buildings, countless castles, as well as the Bauhaus – Dessau’s landmark, which was constructed in 1926.

Day 8: Individual departure or extended stay

Your holiday on the Elbe cycle tour unfortunately comes to an end after breakfast. If you like, we can happily extend your stay.

Not included:

• light rail (S-Bahn) journey Bad Schandau - Dresden, approx. 10 Euro per person excl. bike
• city or visitor's tax (if payable)

Applies for accommodation in rooms with 2 full-paying guests.

Types of rental bikes

• 7-gear unisex bike, hub gears with back-pedal brakes (men’s bikes from 1.85 m)
• 21-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with free-wheel (men’s bikes from 1.85 m)
• Electric bike

Fittings

Pannier, handlebar bag, milometer, pump, repair kit