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Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path

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Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path
From $1,675USDBook Now
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13 days from $1,675USD
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Visit the beautiful town hall in Saalfeld before your bike trip towards Magdeburg
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Cycling the Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path provides the perfect mix of tradition and modernity, tiny towns and glorious cities, and historic sites and idyllic countryside. This 13-day biking tour will take you on a 645km ride along the Elbe River, stopping in well-preserved small towns and traditional “round villages” that dot the route.

You'll enjoy beautiful architecture in Tangermünde and Magdeburg, important churches in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, and the expansive Wörlitzer Park and Gardens in Dessau. And of course, you'll see the best sights in the vibrant cities of Hamburg and Dresden. Embark on a journey that shows off the best natural beauty and most fascinating historic attractions the Elbe Cycle Path has to offer.

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Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path

Ride the stunning Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path
4.70
(69 reviews)
13 days from $1,675USD
Easy quote
Duration
13 days
Season
Apr-Oct
Standard Biking
Type
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels, Guesthouses
Difficulty
Hard (4/5)
From $1,675USD (see prices for this tour)
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National Geographic
Guardian
Visit the beautiful town hall in Saalfeld before your bike trip towards Magdeburg
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Cycling the Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path provides the perfect mix of tradition and modernity, tiny towns and glorious cities, and historic sites and idyllic countryside. This 13-day biking tour will take you on a 645km ride along the Elbe River, stopping in well-preserved small towns and traditional “round villages” that dot the route.

You'll enjoy beautiful architecture in Tangermünde and Magdeburg, important churches in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, and the expansive Wörlitzer Park and Gardens in Dessau. And of course, you'll see the best sights in the vibrant cities of Hamburg and Dresden. Embark on a journey that shows off the best natural beauty and most fascinating historic attractions the Elbe Cycle Path has to offer.

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Visit tiny port towns, quaint circular villages (rundling) and pristine nature reserves along your cycling route.

See historic Protestant churches and lovely Renaissance architecture in Torgau.

Enjoy the incredible landscapes in Dessau's world-famous Wörlitzer Park and Gardens as you ride.

Explore the top sights in two of Germany's most vibrant cities, Hamburg and Dresden.

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10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrival in Hamburg
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.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Hamburg
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Hamburg to Lauenburg
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.
Distance 55km
Overnight Location Hotel in Lauenburg
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 3
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Lauenburg to Hitzacker
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.
Distance 55km
Overnight Location Hotel in Hitzacker
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 4
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Hitzacker to Wittenberge
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.
Distance 78km
Overnight Location Hotel in Wittenberge
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 5
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Wittenberge to Havelberg
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.
Distance 38km
Overnight Location Hotel in Havelberg
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 6
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Havelberg to Tangermünde
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.
Distance 50km
Overnight Location Hotel in Tangermünde
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 7
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Tangermünde to Magdeburg
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.
Distance 80km
Overnight Location Hotel in Magdeburg
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 8
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Magdeburg to Dessau
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.
Distance 78-88km
Overnight Location Hotel in Dessau
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 9
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Dessau to Lutherstadt Wittenberg
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.
Distance 37km
Overnight Location Hotel in Lutherstadt Wittenberg
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 10
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Lutherstadt Wittenberg to Torgau
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.
Distance 68km
Overnight Location Hotel in Torgau
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 11
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Torgau to Strehla
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.
Distance 40km
Overnight Location Hotel in Strehla
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 12
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Strehla to Dresden
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.
Distance 66km
Overnight Location Hotel in Dresden
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 13
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Departure from Dresden
Though your biking adventure comes to an end today, you are welcome to add on additional nights in Dresden to extend the fun.
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

Why book with 10 Adventures?

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Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

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With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

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Dates and prices

This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.

2025 Departures
The departures are available every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, from April to October.

  • Single room: from $2,195USD*
  • Sharing a double room: from $1,675USD*

*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.

What’s included

Meals

12 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 12 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour can be added as a supplement. Tour participants can also extend their stay at any of the overnight locations along the tour route.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the tour.

Also Included

  • 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
  • Service hotline during the walking tour

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas if required
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Entrance fees to attractions

Optional Extras

  • Bike and biking equipment rental:
    • Touring bike
    • E-Bike
    • Speedometer
  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Transfer service for participants, their luggage, and their bicycles back to the starting point of the tour

Accommodation for Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path

This tour is based in hotels and guesthouses. Hotels and guesthouses on this trip are 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you are a solo traveller you will need to pay a supplement (please inquire for the pricing).

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path tour?

We rate this tour as a 4/5. Though Elbe Cycle Path is fairly flat, this tour does require participants to be fit enough to bike anywhere from 40km to 80km per day for 12 consecutive days. Active cyclists will be able to get the most out of this tour.

Can I rent a bike?

Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are standard touring bikes or electric pedal-assist bikes.

What do the rental bikes come with?

All rental bicycles are supplied with the following accessories: one cable lock with key and one waterproof pannier per bicycle, one map holder and complete tool kit per room (tool kit: inner tube, pump, puncture repair kit, tire levers, cleaning cloth, allen key). Speedometers can be rented for 5 EUR per day.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Where do I pick up/drop off the rental bike?

The rental bikes will be delivered to your hotel at 8 am on Day 1. The bike will be picked up from the last hotel when the tour finishes.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour.

Where do I park my bike at the end of the day?

Every hotel and guesthouse along the route provides safe and secure bicycle parking.

Can I bike in the other direction, from Dresden to Hamburg tour?

Yes, this tour can be done in the opposite direction. Ask us about this option if you’d prefer it.

Are meals included on the Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path tour?

12 breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Hamburg to start this tour?

Fly into Hamburg Airport (HAM) to begin this tour. You will need to arrange a transfer to your hotel.

Where does the Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path tour end?

The tour ends in Dresden when you check out of your hotel. You can fly out of Dresden Airport (DRS), or take a train back to Hamburg.

Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Germany?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Germany?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Germany for this tour?

The best time to travel to German for this biking tour is from May to September when the weather tends to be warm and mostly clear.

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Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
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