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Leisure activities on the banks of the Elbe with the historic old town of Dresden in the background

Elbe Cycle Path, Dresden – Dessau

Dresden – Dessau

10 Days / 9 Nights
Easy
Leisure activities on the banks of the Elbe with the historic old town of Dresden in the background

Over the course of ten days, the route follows the Elbe Cycle Path through diverse landscapes, including the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, the picturesque Saxon Switzerland, the vast Elbe meadows, and the wine regions around Dresden and Meißen. In the cities, historical architecture from ancient builders blends with modern influences, especially at the end of your journey in Dessau. Along the way, you'll pass castles and palaces – and stop wherever you wish. A cycling holiday is a perfect mix of relaxation and activity, allowing you to enjoy the journey and the beautiful regions along the Elbe.

At the start of your journey, Dresden greets you as an absolute highlight – and the adventure continues with the first stage, a thrilling excursion into the Saxon Switzerland. Climb the iconic Bastei Rocks for breathtaking views, then take the boat back to Dresden from Pirna. The route winds through the Elbe Valley, leading you to the fascinating porcelain city of Meissen, and further along the picturesque Saxon Wine Route to Riesa. Every turn brings new excitement and beauty!

Passing through Mühlberg with its impressive Cistercian monastery, you'll reach the historically rich town of Torgau. Another stop is the spa town of Bad Schmiedeberg, famous for its iron moor baths since 1878. The castles of Lichtenberg and Pretzsch accompany you on your way to Lutherstadt Wittenberg. The final stage offers one last scenic highlight – on your way to Dessau, you'll pass the Wörlitz Gardens and the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve, immersing you in breathtaking landscapes.

  • The beauty of Dresden: The city captivates with its stunning baroque architecture, including the world-renowned Frauenkirche, the Semperoper, and the Zwinger. Dresden is home to numerous significant museums and art collections. The city’s cultural heritage is further enriched by vibrant neighborhoods like the Outer Neustadt, known for its creative atmosphere and lively nightlife.
  • Extraordinary rock formations & fantastic views in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains: The spectacular mountain range along the Elbe is famous for its striking sandstone formations, deep gorges, and dense forests. The impressive rock formations, including the iconic Bastei Bridge, offer breathtaking views. Alongside the natural beauty, the historic Königstein Fortress and the picturesque villages leave a lasting impression.
  • The Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve is a unique protected area in Saxony-Anhalt that preserves the natural and cultural landscapes along the river. Spanning around 126,000 hectares, it is home to a diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Elbe beaver and numerous waterfowl. Enjoy the natural surroundings and learn about the importance of conservation in the region.

The Elbe Cycle Path is one of Europe’s most popular long-distance routes, stretching all the way from its source in the Czech Republic to the North Sea in Germany. In eastern Germany, you'll pedal through about 250 kilometers over eight exciting days. With a maximum of 40 kilometers to ride each day, you'll have plenty of time to dive into the stunning landscapes along Germany’s longest river, making each stop an adventure in itself!

You’ve probably guessed it – the length of the Elbe Cycle Path offers plenty of other travel options. Cycle with Eurobike from Prague to Dresden or from Magdeburg to Hamburg!

Itinerary at a glance

Along the Elbe, you'll encounter the northernmost vineyards in Germany, numerous castles and fortresses, as well as the architecturally fascinating Dessau. The Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxon Switzerland offer spectacular views.

Afterwards possibility 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.

You cycle in the Elbe valley along the Saxon vineyards and pass the city of Radebeul, which is associated with Karl May. Within a few more kilometres you reach Meißen. The picturesque alleys of the historic old city invite for a stroll. Worthwhile: Albrechtsburg and the world-famous Meissen chine manufacture!

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. Tonight's overnight stay will be in the sports city of Riesa.

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.

From Luther city Wittenberg downstream. In Coswig by ferry across the river to Wörlitzer park with beautiful and generous park. You continue towards Dessau (Mecca for architecture aficionados) and through biosphere reserve Mittlere Elbe, which is an ideal place for numerous animals, particularly for beavers and gray herons. You reach the buildings which were built through Walter Gropius in the nineteen-twenties with its distinctive and functional elements when you enter the village of Dessau.

Day
10
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 Dessau EUR 95 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 EUR 10 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 Dessau EUR 100 per person, extra EUR 39 for own bike EUR 39, reservation is necessary, to be paid in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Dresden train Station
  • Dresden Airport
  • Category A: Hotel parking garage, costs approx. EUR 24 per day
  • Categroy B: Hotel parking garage, costs approx. EUR 16 per day, Hotel parking spaces, costs approx. EUR 13 perday free public parking
  • Good train connections from Dessau to Dresden

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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