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The Albrechtsburg in Meissen

Elbe Cycle Path, Dresden – Magdeburg

Dresden, Wittenberg, Magdeburg

9 Days / 8 Nights
Easy
The Albrechtsburg in Meissen

During this cycling adventure, you'll explore the enchanting Elbe region and its vineyards, uncovering a landscape of beauty and diversity. The Saxon Switzerland and Elbe Sandstone Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop. Pedaling through Elbe meadows and biosphere reserves, you'll visit notable sites like the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Wörlitzer Park Pond and Germany's oldest brine spa. Along the way, you'll encounter splendid castles and explore renowned cities such as Radebeul, known for Karl May, and Meissen, celebrated for its porcelain culture. Before embarking on the tour, be sure to indulge in extensive sightseeing in Dresden, taking in landmarks like the Semperoper and the Frauenkirche. As your cycling tour reaches its peaceful conclusion in Magdeburg, you'll find it to be a fantastic destination to unwind and reflect on this fascinating and revitalizing experience.

Commencing in Dresden, an excursion to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. On the following day, pedal through the picturesque Elbe Valley, passing through Radebeul en route to Meissen. The next leg guides you along the scenic Saxon Wine Route to Riesa. Traveling via the Elbe town of Mühlberg, the route continues to Torgau. Following a visit to Wittenberg, the tour moves on to Dessau before concluding in Magdeburg with the option to extend.

  • Meissen: In addition to the world-famous porcelain manufactory, Meissen also has the magnificent gothic Albrechtsburg Castle to enjoy. A stroll through the quaint town center is also rewarding. 
  • Wittenberg: The most prominent figure in this city was Martin Luther, who posted his 95 Theses there. For the most comprehensive collection of Reformation history, a visit to the Lutherhalle is highly recommended. Alternatively, you can leisurely wander through the lovingly restored old town. 
  • Dessau: One of the landmarks of Dessau is the distinctive Bauhaus buildings, constructed by the architect Walter Gropius in the 1920s. 
  • Magdeburg: In addition to the enchanting cathedral, the most significant inland port in East Germany invites you to explore. Furthermore, in Magdeburg, you can indulge in shopping to your heart's content and savor the culinary highlights of the region. 

This easygoing cycling tour is well-suited for beginners with ample stamina. The daily segments span from 25 to 85 kilometers, traversing gently undulating terrain that provides breathtaking views of the Elbe region. Cycling along the car-free Elbe Cycle Path allows for a leisurely ride along one of Germany's foremost rivers. The additional routes follow small country roads and low-traffic paths, making them perfect for cycling.

Itinerary at a glance

The cathedral in Magdeburg, the Bauhaus buildings in Dessau, and the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory – between these urban gems, you'll find captivating nature along the Elbe and in Saxon Switzerland, from vineyards to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

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 Bad Schandau to Dresden by bike (approx. 90 km) or suburban train (approx. 45 km).

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 river Elbe 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 and Pretzsch in direction Wittenberg. 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.

Today you follow the river Elbe, cycling through lush river meadows and biosphere reserves. Shortly before the town Barby with the castle, the river Saale flows into the Elbe. You pass by the remarkable old salt-town Schönebeck and the oldest salt-lye health resort Bad Salzelmen. The city Magdeburg with the famous dome nowadays is one of the most important river port of East Germany and a little jewel for everybody interested in history and art. Overnight in Magdeburg.

Individual return journey or additional nights in Magdeburg or Dresden.

Route Information

Easy

Daily routes from 25 to 85 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

Category A: Hotels and guesthouses, mostly on -3*** and 4**** level
Category B: Hotels, guesthouses and inns, mostly on a 3*** level

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in your selected category
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • 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 costs EUR 85; from Dessau costs EUR 95; from Magdeburg costs EUR 105; per person, extra EUR 39 for your own bike, to be paid in advance, reservation is necessary

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Dresden train station
  • Dresden airport
  • Hotel Category A: Multi-storey car park, costs EUR 24 per night
    Hotel Category B: Multi storey car park, costs EUR 10 per day, free parking close to the hotel.
  • Good train connections 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.
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