Cycling holidays along the Elbe Cycle Path from Dresden to Dessau

Itinerary

• Day 1: Individual arrival to Dresden
  You arrive in Dresden, known as the Florence of the Elbe, gracefully set in the picturesque Elbe Valley. Spend the rest of the day for a walk along the riverbank or through the elegant baroque old town, and allow yourself to be captivated by the city’s rich historical atmosphere.
  Overnight stay in Dresden
• Day 2: Stay in Dresden or day trip to Bad Schandau (approx. 45 km)
  Use today to explore the city of Dresden in your own way. Alternatively, start your morning with a relaxing train ride toward Bad Schandau. From there, follow a gentle cycling route through the impressive landscape of Saxon Switzerland. Along the way, you will pass well-known sights such as the Bastei rock near Rathen and the striking Königstein Fortress. After a short while, you will reach Pillnitz Palace, located right on the banks of the Elbe. Further downstream, you will pass the three Elbe castles before returning to baroque Dresden.
  Overnight stay in Dresden
• Day 3: Dresden – Meissen (approx. 28 km)
  Today’s stage takes you along well-maintained paths toward Meissen, passing through Radebeul, the charming hometown of Karl May. If you fancy a longer ride, a detour to the Moritzburg Hunting Lodge is well worth the effort. Back along the Elbe, you will cycle through the idyllic Elbland region, framed by rolling vineyards and stately manors. Soon, the landmark of Meissen comes into view: the impressive castle hill, home to the cathedral and Albrechtsburg Castle. A visit to the world-famous Meissen Porcelain Manufactory is highly recommended. To end the day, enjoy a glass of local wine in the heart of one of Germany’s most renowned wine-growing regions
  Overnight stay in Meissen
• Day 4: Meissen – area Riesa (approx. 28-36 km)
  Today’s cycle tour takes you through picturesque wine villages on your way to Riesa, the city of sports. Riesa is also famous for its pasta production. At the glass-fronted noodle centre, you can take a look behind the scenes and learn more about modern food production at Germany’s second-largest pasta manufacturer.
  Overnight stay in area Riesa
• Day 5: area Riesa – Torgau (approx. 40-49 km)
  As you cycle through vast meadows, tranquil landscapes and charming villages you will soon reach Belgern, a small town boasting the only Roland statue in all of Saxony — a historic landmark well worth visiting. From there, its just a short ride to your final destination of the day: the Renaissance town of Torgau. Be sure to explore Hartenfels Castle, whose elegant architecture is sure to captivate you. A particular highlight is the castle chapel, celebrated as the first Protestant church in Germany, consecrated by Martin Luther himself.
  Overnight stay in Torgau
• Day 6: Torgau – Lutherstadt Wittenberg (approx. 70 km)
  The first part of today’s ride keeps you close to the Elbe before you briefly venture inland after about 10 km. Soon, you will arrive in Pretzsch, a town with over a thousand years of history. With its Renaissance castle, St. Nikolaus Church, the historic Wieck House, and the local museum, this small town is the perfect spot for a relaxing break. From Pretzsch, you can continue along either the left or right bank of the Elbe. Both routes are well-signposted and offer beautiful river views. Finally, you’ll reach Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the city where Martin Luther began the Reformation over 500 years ago. Take a stroll through the historic town centre and visit the many memorial sites dedicated to Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon, which have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996.
  Overnight stay in Lutherstadt Wittenberg
• Day 7: Lutherstadt Wittenberg – Dessau (approx. 37 km)
  The final stage of your journey along the Elbe Cycle Path takes you through peaceful river meadows and past the world-famous Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast park, covering 100 hectares, features enchanting islands, canals, temples, and statues. Your destination, Dessau, played a key role in shaping a new architectural style and way of life in the 1920s known as the Bauhaus movement. The Bauhaus building itself, along with the Masters’ Houses designed by artists like Kandinsky, Klee, and Feininger, are also recognized as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.
  Overnight stay in Dessau
• Day 8: Individual departure from Dessau or transfer service to Dresden
  After a memorable cycle tour from Dresden to Dessau, you will start your journey back home. You are welcome to prolong your journey with some additional nights, e.g. in Dresden or other towns along the route. We will gladly arrange the accommodations for you.