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Sunset over the Elbe

Elbe Cycle Path, Prague – Dresden

A zest for life on the Vltava and Elbe

7 Days / 6 Nights
Easy
Sunset over the Elbe

On this tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore two stunning, world-class cities—but that's just the beginning! In between, you'll encounter picturesque nature along the Vltava and Elbe rivers, charming hidden gems, and the rich culture of both the Czech Republic and Germany. While Prague stands out on its own and is unmatched in beauty, Dresden offers a different kind of appeal, with its rich history and the modern vibrancy of a bustling university city. One thing is certain: there's no shortage of sights to see and paths to cycle through!

  • You can find lots more information and tour tips for the Elbe Cycle Route here.

Your adventure begins in the Golden City: Prague enchants with Wenceslas Square, the castle, and Charles Bridge. Cycling along the Vltava, you'll reach Melnik, with its stunning castle and picturesque vineyards. Your next stop is Leitmeritz, passing through Roudnice and Theresienstadt along the way.

The journey continues through floodplains and romantic towns to Decin. Along the route, you'll encounter the Schreckenstein ruins, surrounded by imposing rock formations. On day 5, you'll cross the border into Germany, where the striking Elbe Sandstone Mountains await. In the Elbe valley, the Königsstein fortress looms ahead, and you'll spend the night in Pirna. The final stage to Dresden is adorned with castles, and you'll eventually reach your destination via the "Blue Wonder" bridge.

  • A stroll through the golden city: Exploring the Old Town with its Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and the Jewish Quarter is an absolute must. Don't miss visiting Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, enjoying the panoramic view from Letná Park, and tasting the famous Czech beer at a traditional brewery.
  • The extraordinary nature of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains: The Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxony are renowned for their peculiar rock formations and scenic valleys. A paradise for hikers and climbers, this area also boasts picturesque towns like Rathen and Bad Schandau, brimming with cultural highlights. Don't miss a visit to the Bastei Bridge!
  • Impressive views of the Königsstein fortress: Königstein Fortress in Saxon Switzerland stands as one of Europe's largest fortresses, providing a captivating glimpse into military history. Explore the impressive complex—the view from the bastions is breathtaking, and the exhibitions detailing the fortress's history are truly fascinating.

Over the course of seven days and five cycling stages, you'll cover approximately 225 kilometers through the Czech Republic and Germany. While the route along the rivers is generally easy, expect a few climbs along the way. Our team will furnish you with comprehensive travel documents and a navigation app to ensure a smooth journey.

Often underestimated and all the more beautiful for it: the Elbe Cycle Route awaits you with fantastic scenery as well as fascinating city gems. Depending on the route, you will explore Prague, Dresden, Dessau, Hamburg, and finally, the mouth of the river into the North Sea.

Itinerary at a glance

You should visit Wenceslas Square and the Karlsbrücke "Charles Bridge" in Prague before following the Vltava River to reach Melnik Castle. The Elbe Sandstone Mountains will captivate your gaze, as will the beauty of Dresden.

We recommend parking your car in Dresden. Afterwards you go by transfer to Prague. Welcome briefing in the eventing and distribution of rental bikes (if booked) in Prague. Overnight in Prague.

Today you cycle along the river Moldau. The strains of ascents are instantly rewarded by fast descents. Admire the mouth of Moldau and Elbe from the palace hill of Melnik. Melnik is the heart of the Bohemian wine growing area.

Via Roudnice you reach the fortress Terezin. From Terezin only a few kilometres have to be covered to reach the destination of today Litomerice with its beautiful houses. Overnight in Litomerice.

After only about 20 km you reach the city Usti nad Labem Aussig. On the way you can admire the ruin of the old fortress Schreckenstein (literally meaning "horror-castle") situated on the right bank on top of a 100 m high steep rock. In the afternoon you reach Decin. Overnight in Decin.

Today you cross the boarder to Germany and soon you see the first rocks of the Elbe sandstone massive. Past bizarre rock formations the Elbe flows past the fortress Königstein (King Stone). Visit the biggest fortification and enjoy the wonderful view into the Elb valley. Overnight in Pirna.

Past castle Pillnitz you cycle to Dresden. You pass the “blue wonder” and the palaces at the river. Due to the short route you have enough time for sight-seeing in the old city of Dresden.

Day
07
Departure or extension

Route information

Easy

Easy to medium level. From Prague to Melnik some climbs have to be managed, apart from that easy route along Elbe bike path. Some paths are unsurfaced in parts.

Prices & Dates

Category: 3***- and 4****-Hotels

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Rental bike partner men
Men's bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

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

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex bike 7/8-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Rental bike partner e-bike
E-bike 5 to 9-speed
with coaster brake

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex rental bike PLUS 21 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Best developed route
  • 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 transfer by minibus to Prague, costs EUR 85 per person, for your own bike additionally EUR 39, payable in advance, reservation is necessary

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Prague train station
  • Prague airport
  • Parking: garage in Prague approx. EUR 16/day, Hotel garage in Dresden, cost approx. 200/week, no reservation possible
  • We recommend arriving to Dresden and going by minibus or by train to Prague

Things to note

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

"I look forward to making your vacation dreams come true."

Antonia Kreiseder
Travel Specialist
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Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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