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View from above of Lilienstein in Saxon Switzerland and the River Elbe

Elbe Cycle Path, Dresden – Dessau

Dresden – Dessau

8 Days / 7 Nights
Easy
View from above of Lilienstein in Saxon Switzerland and the River Elbe

This fabulous cycle tour begins in the city of Dresden, also known as Saxony's "Florence on the Elbe". You'll experience the beauty of the Elbe River and the Saxon Switzerland. The Elbe Sandstone Mountains, with its mystical rocks and gorges, provide an excellent backdrop for a cycling vacation in nature. Equally worth seeing as the riverbanks of the Elbe and the northernmost vineyards of Germany are the baroque castles and legendary places you'll visit by bike. You'll discover Karl May's hometown of Radebeul and tread in the footsteps of Martin Luther and Walter Gropius. Another highlight is a tour of the world-famous porcelain manufactory in Meissen (Meißen).

From Dresden, embark on a day excursion to the Saxon Switzerland. The following day, cycle from Dresden through the Elbe Valley, passing through Radebeul to reach Meissen. Continue along the Saxon Wine Route to Riesa, then cycle along the Elbe to Torgau. Next, visit the Lutherstadt Wittenberg and head to Dessau. Immerse yourself in the footsteps of Martin Luther and Walter Gropius along this captivating tour.

  • Dresden: The old town enchants with its baroque charm. During sightseeing, you can explore the castle and the Frauenkirche before heading to the museums in the Dresden Zwinger. Experience musical delights at the Semperoper.
  • Meissen: This picturesque city is renowned for its porcelain, which has been produced there since 1708. It is the first European porcelain and still enjoys great popularity today. You can tour the manufactory and admire the magnificent Albrechtsburg.
  • Torgau: In this picturesque town, you can admire the Renaissance town hall and the Hartenfels Residential Palace. The late Gothic St. Marien Church is the final resting place of Katharina Luther.
  • Wittenberg: The Lutherstadt offers numerous historical highlights. Experience the unique atmosphere of the city where Martin Luther first posted his theses! The Lutherhalle houses the world's largest collection of Reformation history.

This diverse cycle tour takes you through flat to slightly hilly terrain. Die täglichen Etappen sind 25 bis 85 Kilometer lang. The beautiful Elbe Cycle Path is particularly enjoyable as it is car-free, allowing you to peacefully savor the landscape. The other segments of the route lead through small country roads and paths with minimal traffic.

Itinerary at a glance

A climb to the Bastei Rock Formation in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, a visit to the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, and following in the footsteps of Martin Luther in Wittenberg – the Elbe Cycle Route combines nature and culture. Dresden exudes urban charm.

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 wrote 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
08
Departure or extension

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)
  • 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 per person, from Dessau costs EUR 95 per person, from Magdeburg costs EUR 105 per person, extra EUR 39 for your own bike, to be payable 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 also 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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