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View from Königstein Fortress

Elbe Cycle Path, Dresden – Wittenberg

Dresden – Wittenberg

9 Days / 8 Nights
Easy
View from Königstein Fortress

Traveling along the Elbe through Saxony, you'll pass through fascinating cities and magnificent buildings. In between, the picturesque river landscapes will instantly take you away from everyday life. Delight in the beautiful Old Town of Dresden and take a detour to the porcelain factory in Meißen. Breathtaking nature awaits you in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains—don't miss the climb to the Bastei Rocks for an unforgettable panorama. Of course, indulgence is guaranteed, whether through culinary experiences or tasting the northernmost wines of Germany.

At the start of this cycling tour, Dresden awaits you with its baroque city gem. Take a spin through the Old Town to the Zwinger and the Semper Opera House, because the next day, the stunning nature of Saxon Switzerland offers a pure natural contrast. In Pirna, you'll take the boat back to Dresden, where you'll depart the next day towards Meißen. Along the way, you'll encounter the world-famous porcelain, the Saxon vineyards, and the beautiful Albrechtsburg.

Cycling along the Elbe and the Saxon Wine Route, you'll make your way to Riesa, with a detour worth taking to Schloss Diesbar-Seußlitz. The route continues to the charming town of Mühlberg, located idyllically along the Elbe, and then on to Torgau. Visit Schloss Lichtenberg, and your overnight stay on day 7 is planned in Bad Schmiedeberg. The final leg of the journey offers both historical and cultural intrigue. Once again, delightful villages and beautiful landscapes accompany you, this time to the Luther city of Wittenberg. Explore your destination and end the evening – and your vacation – in cozy, rustic pubs.

  • Magnificent Baroque on the Elbe: Dresden, the city often called "Elbflorenz," enchants with its splendid baroque architecture, vast art collections, and picturesque Elbe landscapes. Stroll along the Elbe and enjoy the rich cultural surroundings, including the Elbe Palaces. Visit the renowned State Art Collections and explore the charming Neustadt with its creative neighborhoods and lively cafés.
  • Fascinating rock formations in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains: Cycling paths wind through picturesque landscapes, passing by bizarre rock formations and romantic valleys, offering numerous opportunities to stop in small villages and at viewpoints. A highlight of the region is the Bastei Rock, majestically towering over the Elbe Valley, with a historic rock fortress and an impressive stone bridge offering fascinating panoramic views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the Elbe River.
  • The city of Wittenberg, known as the birthplace of the Reformation, is world-famous for its central role in this pivotal movement. It is here that Martin Luther is said to have nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church on October 31, 1517, marking the beginning of the Reformation. This historic church, as well as the Luther House, where Luther lived and taught, and the Melanchthon House, the residence of the Reformer Philipp Melanchthon, are now museums and part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

During the nine-day tour, you can look forward to seven cycling stages – between 25 and 40 kilometers along the flat shores of the Elbe, easily manageable for leisure cyclists. In the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, we've included a scenic boat ride back to Dresden in the itinerary.

Historically fascinating destinations, idyllic landscapes, and traffic-free cycling along one of Germany's most famous rivers. The Elbe Cycle Path offers charming travel variations that provide both physical activity and relaxation for the soul.

Itinerary at a glance

Stroll through the baroque old town of Dresden, while the Saxon Switzerland provides a wild and romantic contrast. Radebeul was the home of Karl May, and in Wittenberg, you'll encounter Martin Luther – let's raise a glass of Saxon wine to that.

Afterwards it is possible  to stroll through the baroque old city of Dresden. Discover the well-known beauty and magic of the city with places of interest as Zwinger, Frauenkirche, palace and Semper opera.

The bicycle path leads directly along the Elbe to Bad Schandau. By ferry cruise to palace Pillnitz, enjoy the unique view onto the baroque building. You continue by bike upstream to the bizarre sandstone mountains. A short climb onto Bastei Mountain is worth it. A wonderful view onto the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the course of the river reward you for your efforts. Return journey from Pirna to Dresden by boat.

Today's bike tour runs in the romantic Elbe Valley along the Saxon vineyards past the town of Radebeul, which is closely associated with the name of Karl May. Soon you will reach the city of Meissen, world famous for its porcelain. The picturesque alleys of the historically grown city center are ideal for strolling and shopping. The Albrechtsburg Castle or the world-famous Meissen Porcelain Manufacturing Company are also worth a visit.

Today you go a bit more through Germany’s most northern vineyards. Taste the regional wines! The baroque castle Diesbar-Seußlitz with its wonderful park is a good place for rest. Accommodation is in the town of Riesa or Strehla.

You follow the Elbe river downstream to Mühlberg with former Cistercian monastery and Electoral Saxony’s milepost.

You should not miss the Treblitz Tree Park with trees and bushes from five continents. Destination of the day is Torgau with nice town hall in renaissance style, residence palace Hartenfels and church St. Marien.

From Saxony-Anhalt you cycle via palace Lichtenberg in direction Bad Schmiedeberg.

After your arrival in the city where Martin Luther posted his theses, you have the possibility to make a trip down memory lane. The Luther Hall, Wittenberg’s most interesting building, has the biggest historic collection on the Reformation. The old city of Wittenberg was restored lovely too. The beautiful shops and restaurants are guaranteeing a wonderful evening.

Day
09
Departure or extension

Difficulty level

Easy
Daily routes from 25 to 45 km in flat and slightly hilly terrain. The Elbe cycle path offers the possibility to cycle on car-free roads along one of the most beautiful and most important rivers in Germany. Other sections lead along small country roads and paths with less traffic through diversified river landscape.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

The different types of rental bikes at a glance

Men's Rental Rental - Symbol photo
Men's bike

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Available gear options can be found in the price table

Unisex Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Unisex bike

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Available gear options can be found in the price table

E-Bike rental bike - Symbol photo
Unisex Electro bike

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Renatl bike PLUS - Symbol photo
Rental Bike PLUS

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with men's or unisex frame

Available gear options can be found in the price table

 

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in your selected category
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel information 1x per room (German, English)
  • 1 boat ride Pirna - Dresden
  • App for navigation and GPS-data
  • Service-hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
  • Return journey by minibus to Dresden every friday, saturday and sunday, from Wittenberg EUR 85 per person, extra cost for own bike EUR 39, reservation is necessary, payable in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Dresden train Station
  • Dresden Airport
  • Good train connections to Dresden
  • Hotel Category A: Parking garage, costs EUR 24 per day
  • Hotel Category B: Parking garage, costs EUR10 per day, also free parking close to the hotel.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in category A in hotels and guesthouses, mainly at 3***- and 4****- level and in category B in hotels, inns and guesthouses, mainly at 3***-level
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • 1 boat ride Pirna - Dresden
  • App for navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
  • Return journey by minibus to Dresden every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from Wittenberg EUR 90 per person, extra cost for own bike EUR 39, reservation is necessary, to be paid in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Dresden train Station
  • Dresden Airport
  • Good train connections to Dresden
  • Hotel Category A: Parking garage, costs EUR 24 per day
  • Hotel Category B: Parking garage, costs EUR10 per day, also free parking close to the hotel.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of EUR 20 per room.

Antonia Kreiseder

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Antonia Kreiseder
Travel Specialist
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