Elbe: Dresden - Magdeburg

Arrive in Dresden early, because the city has a lot to offer: the Zwinger, the Semperoper, the Frauenkirche, the longest porcelain picture in the world - the Fürstenzug, the Brühlsche Terrasse, popularly known as the ‘Balcony of Europe’, and so much more. Stroll through the city's narrow streets and let the beauty and magic of the city work its charm on you.

The Elbe Cycle Route takes you directly along the river, first to the baroque Pillnitz Castle and then further upstream into the impressive Elbe Sandstone Mountains. A detour to the Bastei rock formation is particularly worthwhile: after a short climb, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the bizarre rock formations and the course of the Elbe. You can choose to return from Bad Schandau to Dresden by bike or comfortably by S-Bahn (not included).

First, you will follow the Elbe Cycle Route through the Saxon vineyards to Radebeul, the town where Karl May once lived. As you ride towards Meissen, you will see the castle hill with its cathedral and Albrechtsburg Castle from afar. Of course, a visit to the world-famous porcelain factory and a stroll through the picturesque alleys of the historic town centre are a must.

Today, the journey takes you along the Saxon Wine Route through traditional wine villages, most notably Diesbar-Seußlitz. Numerous wineries along the route invite you to linger, so don't miss out on sampling the regional wines. The baroque Diesbar-Seußlitz Castle with its magnificent park is well worth seeing. Today's destination is Riesa, the ‘sports city on the Elbe’, known for its long tradition of rowing and cycling. Visit St. Mary's Abbey with its provost's residence, Trinity Church and the town hall on Poppitzer Platz. Riesa is also known for its pasta factory with its own museum, which offers an insight into the region's industrial history.

After breakfast, hop on your bikes and cycle down the Elbe to Mühlberg with its former Cistercian monastery. Those interested in botany will enjoy the Treblitz Tree Park with trees and shrubs from five continents. Today, the royal seat of Torgau is the destination of your journey. In Torgau, it is worth visiting Hartenfels Castle and the castle church, which is considered the first Protestant church building in Germany and was consecrated by Martin Luther.

Passing the towns of Pretzsch and Elster, as well as the striking castles of Lichtenberg and Pretzsch, this stage takes you to Wittenberg. The town is closely associated with the name Martin Luther, as it was the starting point of the Reformation movement 500 years ago when Martin Luther posted his theses. In addition to visiting the Luther Hall, you should also stroll through the lovingly restored old town. The pretty shops and restaurants make an evening stroll a real pleasure.

The trail passes through the charming floodplain landscape of the Elbe River and the world-famous Wörlitz Park. Covering more than 100 hectares, the park offers many different attractions, including islands, canals, temples and sculptures. Dessau is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts, as the Bauhaus style became established here in the 1920s under Walter Gropius.

Today's stage takes you through the wide Elbe floodplains and biosphere reserves along the Elbe. On the way, you will pass the former salt town of Schönebeck, where you can visit Germany's oldest brine bath in Bad Salzelmen. The destination for the day is Magdeburg. The city not only impresses with its impressive cathedral, but is also one of the most important inland ports in eastern Germany and offers numerous sights for art and history enthusiasts.

Your cycling tour ends after breakfast. We would be happy to book additional nights for you so that you can spend even more time on the Elbe.