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Elbe cycle path 8-day Self-guided Cycling Tour Level 1
Like a magnet river Elbe appealed good architects. They built baroque magnificent buildings and summer residences for Augustus the Strong. They designed the medieval ambience of the porcelain city Meißen, built the renaissance city Torgau or Luther city Wittenberg. Starting point for this journey is Dresden. Buildings such as the Frauenkirche, the Dresdner Zwinger, the Semper opera and the residence palace display the aesthetics of this first-class architecture. Nature is a good architect too, proof for that is the tour through Elbe Sandstone Mountains with its bizarre rocks. You cycle downstream along the river, you visit stations as Radebeul, home of Karl May and wine villages in the near of Meißen.
Daily routes from 25 to 70 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
If you would like to hire a bike (89 EUR ) or e-bike (199 EUR), please contact our office when booking [email protected]
Slow Tours offers a number of other Cycling Tours in Europe
Arrival in Dresden
Individual arrival to Dresden, distribution of rental bikes (if booked) and welcome briefing in the hotel. 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.
Saxon Switzerland approx. 45/90 km
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).
Dresden - Meißen approx. 25 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. Worth while: Albrechtsburg and the world famous Meissen chine manufacture!
Meißen - Riesa approx. 35 km
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.
Riesa – Torgau approx. 45 km
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.
Torgau- Wittenberg approx. 65 km
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 beautifully too. The shops and restaurants guarantee a wonderful evening.
Wittenberg – Dessau approx. 30 km
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.
Departure or extension of your stay
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote