Prague – Dresden

From the Golden City of Prague to the 'Semperoper'

Do you want your next bike tour to be a very special holiday? Then let's go!

You start by bike in the world-famous city of Prague, cycle through parks and on small agricultural roads, mostly directly along the Moldau river to Melnik. Now the Elbe river will be your companion. The further you follow the Elbe to the north, the more impressive the scenic backdrop, which reaches its climax in the bizarre Elbe Sandstone Mountains. But that's not all: Pillnitz Castle and the sights in Dresden will inspire you. You will find exemplary cycle paths in Saxony, in the Czech Republic you cycle on small side streets, but you cannot expect complete freedom of movement here. If you want, you can extend your vacation on the Elbe cycle path to Wittenberg, Magdeburg or even Hamburg.

1. day Arrival in Prague

Comfortable and low-priced flight connections are available. Arrival by train is also possible.

2. day Prague

A whole day for the many sights of Prague! Visit the Hradschin castle and enjoy the view over the city. Walk across the famous Charles Bridge and immerse yourself in Prague's nightlife. Stroll through the city center and enjoy the variety of shops. This city has so much to offer culturally and historically that this day will fly by for you.

3. day Prague - Melnik approx. 55 km

Past the planetarium, Troja Castle and the zoo, after a short time you will cycle directly along the Moldau river. Let yourself  roll comfortably past Veltrusy, whose castle will surely inspire you, to Melnik. Marvel at the play of colors at the confluence of Moldau and Elbe rivers and enjoy the wonderful view from the castle.

4. day Melnik - Litomerice approx. 45 km

Let's get on our bikes and cycle along the Melnik vineyards, where fine wines such as the Ludmilla thrive, to the hop-growing region around Litomerice. Shortly before your destination lies Terezin with the national cultural and memorial site, in which very good guided tours are offered (known as Theresienstadt, it gained notoriety during the Second World War).

5. day Litomerice - Decin approx. 50 km

It is worth taking another short tour of the huge market square and a photo stop at the Chalice House in Litomerice. You cycle past the ruins of Strekov (Schreckenstein) and Usti, which are located on a 100 m high rock, in easy ups and downs to Decin with its baroque castle, which is well worth seeing.

6. day Decin - Bad Schandau/Pirna approx. 21/43 km

Look forward to the change of landscape, you will reach the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and will surely be amazed at the bizarre stone formations. Shortly before the border at Hrensko, a detour on the right side of the Elbe into the Prebisch Valley combined with a hike to the largest natural rock gate in Europe (2 km bike + 1 hour hike each way) is worthwhile.

7. day Bad Schandau/Pirna - Dresden approx. 45/23 km

Further past the Königstein fortress, which protrudes imposingly from the Elbe valley, the Elbe cycle path takes you to the old health resort of Rathen. Those who like to hike will look forward to a walk to the Bastei (1 hour). Enjoy a fantastic view over the entire Elbe valley up here!

8. day Dresden departure

Your trip ends in Dresden after breakfast. If you want, you can extend your cycle tour along the Elbe and continue cycling on the Elbe cycle path to Wittenberg, Magdeburg or even Hamburg.

Worth knowing about your tour Prag - Dresden

Below please find more information about your bike trip. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us by phone: 0049 - (0)6421-886890.

Arrival by train

From Germany Prag is easily accessible by train. We recommend to take a taxi from the station to get to our partner hotels in Prag. Current schedule information and price information can be found at

Arrival by train

Parking facilities at the hotel

We recommend that you leave your car in Dresden and take a transfer or train to Prague before your trip.

Parking fees in Dresden vary, depending on your booked hotel, between 9,00 - 10,00 € per day. More detailed information will be included in your travel documents.

Condition of cycle paths

You mainly cycle on quiet country roads with moderate traffic and unpaved roads or riverside paths. Sometimes you also use country roads with more traffic. The signposting has improved a lot in the Czech Republic in recent years. The route has a flat to moderately hilly character. Since you leave Moldau valley and later the Elbe valley from time to time due to the lack of bike path expansion to switch to alternative routes, you often have to overcome shorter and longer climbs, which are followed by descents. We strongly recommend using a bicycle helmet during the entire tour.

Available rental bikes:

You can choose between Unisex and men's bicycles either with 8-speed gear shift and coaster brake or 24-speed gear shift and freewheel or electric bikes. All bikes are equipped with a bag, card holder, bike lock and a repair kit. Speedometers are available upon prior order.

7 day hotline service

In case of chain breakdown, flooding or other bad surprises that makes a continuation of your tour impossible: no problem, we also work during weekends and you can reach us 7 days a week in case of emergency.

Passport and visa requirements

For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Travel insurance

The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

Prague

Prague (Praha in Czech) was the ancient capital of Charles IV's Bohemian Kingdom, and has played a pivotal role in the development of Central Europe since the Middle Ages. Its epic history has produced a vibrant city of stunning buildings and lovely old squares, with the result that today Prague is one of the world's most beautiful cities. As visitors to Prague have increased, tourism has become of vital economic importance to the city.

Prague

Prague, Castle

Prague Castle was most likely founded in around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty (Přemyslovci). According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 m². A UNESCO World Heritage site, it consists of a large-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various architectural styles, from the remains of Romanesque-style buildings from the 10th century through Gothic modifications of the 14th century. The famous Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik was responsible for extensive renovations in the time of the First Republic (1918-1938). Since the Velvet Revolution, Prague Castle has undergone significant and ongoing repairs and reconstructions.

Prague, Castle

Prag, Jewish Town

Few European cities can boast a better preserved Jewish Ghetto than Prague. Six synagogues, a Jewish Town Hall, magical cemetery and the unique genius loci make Josefov in Prague a place which you should certainly not leave out when you are wandering around the “Golden City”. Get to know the unsettled history of the Prague Jews, their architecture, traditions, customs and stories, which rank among some of the most tragic of the 20th century.

Prague, Jewish Town

Prague, Jewish Town

Prague, Charles Bridge

It is one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe: the Karlsbrücke over the Vltava. It is limited by two towers and is only open to pedestrians and is very lively around the clock. The Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) connects the Malá Strana and Staré Mesto districts with 16 arches. Numerous figures of Saints line the edges of the bridge. The most famous is that of Saint Jan Nepomuk, who was thrown into the Vltava at this point. The bridge is something like a open-air museum, although many figures are no longer can be seen as original.

Charles Bridge

Veltrusy Chateau

The Chotek family, one of the oldest families of Bohemia, had this star-shaped residence built in the early 18C. Its rich interior comprises very interesting features such as the rotunda topped with a dome, a monumental staircase and the sala terrena painted with hunting scenes and scenes from the commedia dell'arte. A landscaped park bordering the Vtlava boasts a collection of garden edifices, including an Eyptian bridge and a Gothic watermill.

Veltrusy Chateau

Melnik

There is no better way to enjoy the unforgettable charm of Mělník than to watch the sunset over the confluence of the two biggest Czech rivers right below its magnificent chateau while delighting your taste buds with the excellent local wine. Be sure to take a tour of the chateau. Not only will you see the rich collections of the Lobkowicz family but in its cellars you will also have a unique opportunity to sample the chateau wines from one of only two wine-growing regions in Bohemia.

Melnik

Mělník Chateau

Visit the place where 23 Czech queens and princesses have lived. The Renaissance chateau in Mělník, together with the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, rises above the confluence of the rivers Labe (Elbe) and Vltava. A tour of the chateau presents the rich collections of paintings and furniture of the Lobkowicz family, which owns the chateau today.

Mělník Chateau

Litomerice

The royal city of Litoměřice on the confluence of the Elbe and Ohře is one of the most beautiful in the Czech Republic. The extensive historical centre of the city has dozens of streets and squares. The colourful Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance buildings right in the centre of the city, bordered to a great extent by well-preserved Gothic fortifications, will enchant you. The greatest Czech romantic poet Karel Hynek Mácha also succumbed to the charm of Litoměřice. The renowned wine from nearby.

Litomerice

Litomerice, Terezín

Terezín is a fortress built by the Enlightenment ruler Josef II and although the building named after his mother Maria Theresa was supposed to be used for defence, it paradoxically became infamous first of all as a prison, and later during World War Two as a Jewish ghetto and concentration camp. You can also visit the Terezín Monument dedicated to the victims of the holocaust and pay your tribute at the monument to people’s indefatigable bravery and the will to live.

Litomerice, Terezín

Střekov Castle

Majestic Střekov stands up on a black rock, which towers from the river Labe up to one hundred metres. The Střekov castle has a very long history, where rumors and tales mingle with facts. For instance in the year 1842 a real spectre appeared on the castle walls. It was the composer Richard Wagner who was looking for a muse in a very fancy way. It was in the romantic creeks of the old ruin where he mantled with a bed sheet. He wondered around Střekov and looked down into the valley where Ústí nad Labem was set. There he finally composed a poem, which later became the basis for the libretto of the known opera Tannhäuser. However he was not the only artist to seek and find the inspiration on Střekov. The castle enchanted Karel Hynek Mácha, Johann Wolfgang Goethe and Karl May.

Střekov Castle

Děčín Castle

Perched atop its cliff where the Ploučnice meets the Elbe, Děčín Castle is one of the oldest and largest landmarks in northern Bohemia. In the past several hundred years it has served as a point of control for the Bohemian princes, a military fortress, and noble estate. 
The castle enjoyed its golden age under the Thun-Hohensteins (1628–1932). At that time, its walls welcomed a parade of famous guests including, for example, Fryderyk Chopin, who composed his Děčín Waltz here. 
For much of the twentieth century, the castle served as an army barracks. Thanks to the extensive renovation efforts of its current owner, the City of Děčín, the castle has returned to its former beauty. Visitors can linger in the chambers of its former lords, enjoy wonderful views of the town, and succumb to the uncommon magic of the Rose Garden.

Děčín Castle

Bohemian Switzerland

An idyllic location attracting visitors to its rock formations and gentle countryside, the Bohemian Switzerland is home to many rare types of flora and fauna. Some of the best known attractions are the gorges on the River Kamenice. A romantic stroll along the river across narrow footbridges or by boat between the stone walls with steep sides can be an unforgettable experience.

Bohemian Switzerland

Bastei Rocks

Close to the world famous Bastei rocks and in the middle of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, you as a guest will find a variety which will enchant you. Even if the place reduces traffic by a lot of measures it is still easy to reach. Away from traffic and noise, guests can find a possibility for recovering in the steep mountains, wild valleys and inviting hiking trails.

Bastei Rocks

Koenigstein Fortress

Impregnable Koenigstein Fortress crowns the rock plateau of a table mountain, which takes up the size of 13 soccer grounds. Here, more than fifty buildings as well as extensive green spaces invite visitors to explore everyday life at the fortress. Because of its unique location, Koenigstein Fortress used to be a popular destination of the Saxon court for imposing festivities and ceremonies with high-ranking guests. Behind its solid walls, the Saxon state treasury was kept safe in times of political instability. Even the inventor of the Meissen porcelain, Johann Friedrich Boettger, was kept in protective custody at the fortress. The dungeons became known as the »Saxon Bastille«. Numerous prominent prisoners, such as the social democrat August Bebel  and writer Frank Wedekind, were left languishing here. 

Koenigstein Fortress

Koenigstein Fortress

Dresden Blasewitz, Blue Wonder

Because of its scenic beauty and magnificent view of the Elbe valley, the Elbe slopes in Loschwitz have always been one of Dresden's most favourite residential areas. The steel-girder construction "Blue Wonder", which was built between 1891 and 1893 to connect the districts Loschwitz and Blasewitz, was considered a technical wonder at that time, too. The bridge owes its name "Blue Wonder" to its light blue paint. The "Koernerplatz" is the starting point for two cable railways.

Dresden Blasewitz, Blue Wonder

Dresden

Dresden is the capital of Saxony (Sachsen). It's often referred to locally as Elbflorenz, or "Florence on the Elbe", reflecting its location on the Elbe river and its historical role as a centre for the arts and beautiful architecture - much like Florence in Italy. While Florence flourished during the early renaissance, the Golden Age of Dresden was in the 18th century when, under August the Strong and his son, Friedrich August II, Saxony was a rich and important state and the rulers invested in lush architectural projects in their capital and supported artists of worldwide renown.

Dresden suffered catastrophic damage from allied bombing in 1945 and then lost much of its remaining architectural heritage at the hands of East German socialist city planners. However, the city has managed to resurrect some of its charm by rebuilding various landmarks. The reconstruction of the famous Frauenkirche was completed just in time for the what was marketed as the city's 800th birthday in 2006. (Dated from the first mention in extant historical documents, as is common in Germany.)

Today, Dresden remains a charming, relaxed and in many ways beautiful city and has become a very popular tourist destination, in addition to being a regional economic, political and academic centre. About ten million tourists visit Dresden annually, most from within Germany. International visitors most frequently come from the Czech Republic, the USA, Russia and Japan.

Dresden

Dresden, Semperoper

Die Dresdner Semperoper ist das bekannteste Opernhaus Deutschlands und dient der Sächsischen Staatskapelle, eines der ältesten und renommiertesten Orchester weltweit, als Heimstätte. Erbaut zwischen 1838 und 1841 von Gottfried Semper, wurde die Semperoper im August 1944 geschlossen und ein halbes Jahr später durch den Luftangriff der Alliierten zerstört. Ihr Wiederaufbau nahm lange Zeit in Anspruch. Bis zum Jahr 1985 mussten die Dresdner auf ihr berühmtes Bauwerk verzichten. Am 13. Februar 1985, genau 40 Jahre nach der Zerstörung, fand die feierliche Einweihung statt.

Dresden, Semperoper

Dresden, Zwinger

Situated in the heart of the Saxon state capital, the Dresden Zwinger ranks among Germany’s most well-known Baroque buildings of Germany and is, apart from the Church of Our Lady, certainly the most famous building monument in Dresden. It accommodates internationally renowned museums and is a place for staging music and theater performances.As a magnificent place for court festivities, Augustus the Strong had this Baroque piece of art created by the architect Matthaeus Daniel Poeppelmann to create the Zwinger and the sculptor Balthasar Permoser in the early 18th century.  With its world-famous collections, the impressive sandstone scenery harbors true treasures: In the »Old Masters« Picture Gallery, Raphael's Sistine Madonna casts a spell on visitors. The incredible number of masterpieces of Chinese, Japanese and Meissen porcelain in the Porcelain Collection go back to the collecting mania of Augustus the Strong. The »Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments«, the oldest museum of the Dresden Zwinger, is one of the world's most important museums of historical scientific instruments today.

Dresden, Zwinger

Dresden, Grünes Gewölbe

Dresden, Grünes Gewölbe

Montain Railway Dresden

The DVB operates the suspension and funicular railways. These cable cars have helped define the landscape on the picturesque slopes of the Elbe river at Loschwitz for more than 100 years. As well as being used for public transport, the two railways have become established as an important Dresden tourist attraction.
From Körnerplatz square, the funicular railway goes up to the district of Weißer Hirsch, a well-known exclusive residential area in Dresden. The lower station of the suspension railway is just around the corner from Körnerplatz and goes to Oberloschwitz. Travelling on the cable cars in Dresden is a special experience, not just because of their unique charm. The upper station of the suspension railway offers visitors a lovely view of the Elbe valley and, for technology enthusiasts, interesting exhibitions on how the railways are operated. At weekends and on public holidays, anyone who is interested can find out from our experts on how the funicular railway is powered, and how it was historically supplied with energy. Please book in advance.

Montain Railway Dresden