Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path

Welcome to Hamburg, a beautiful port city with scenic canals that rival Venice. After your arrival, check into your hotel and pick up your welcome package which has all the information and maps for your biking holiday.

Your biking adventure begins today, following the winding riverside paths of the Elbe River. You pedal through Geeshacht to arrive at the old shipping town of Lauenburg, with beautifully preserved half-timber houses from the 16th and 17th centuries.

On today's route, you'll pass through the unique circular villages known as “rundling.” Your destination today is the charming town of Hitzacker, where you can explore the cobblestoned squares and colourful old-fashioned half-timber houses.

Most of the path today shows off the quieter areas of the Elbe River and its natural beauty, passing tiny villages from time to time. Soon you'll see the towers of Wittenberge rising from the small but beautiful town.

After leaving Wittenberge behind, take a pitstop in the town of Ruehstaedt to see its large populations of storks. When you reach Havelberg, one of the traditional round villages, walk around the quaint streets and visit the lovely Romanesque church.

Continuing along the Elbe River, you'll arrive at the town of Tangermünde, which has more than 1000 years of rich history to learn about. Explore the imposing red-bricked walls of Elbe Gate, St. Stephen's Church, and the impressive Town Hall.

One of the highlights of today's ride is a visit to the Jerichow Monastery, nestled in the pristine countryside. After this, you'll pass an impressive waterway junction and approach Magdeburg, where you can explore the many local sights, including the old market square, churches, and cathedrals.

From Magdeburg, cycle through the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve, one of the last undeveloped floodplains in Central Europe and home to many species of rare birds.

You'll later reach the city of Dessau, known for its historic attractions like the Bauhaus building.

You start today's route by visiting Dessau's famous Woerlitz Park and Gardens, a World Heritage Site recognized for its exceptional landscaping. Then cycle to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, where Germany's Reformation movement began more than 500 years ago. Visit the charming market square and the well-preserved 16th century Renaissance buildings.

From Lutherstadt Wittenberg you cycle towards the renaissance town of Torgau, known for its palatial Protestant church, the first of its kind of Germany. Be sure to also visit the regal Hartenfels Castle, overlooking the Elbe River.

Riding through the small town of Belgern, enjoying the stunning landscapes along the route. You soon arrive in Strehla, a quaint but charming town known for its pottery.

Enjoy a restful night here, perhaps finding a nice restaurant to spend the evening at.

Leaving the quiet Strehla behind, you begin the final leg of your biking journey. The first stop is Riesa, then the city of Meissen with an impressive castle, and finally you reach your last destination of Dresden. This city offers so much to visitors, with gorgeous architecture, historic sites, the Zwinger Palace, and more.

Though your biking adventure comes to an end today, you are welcome to add on additional nights in Dresden to extend the fun.