A classic German cycle path is the Elbe cycle path. Starting in the Czech Bohemian Mountains, the path takes cyclists right to the North Sea. The sections between Prague and Dessau are particularly pretty. Along the Elbe cycle path from Prague and Dresden, you will get to see a diverse habitat for animals and plants and simply fantastic landscapes. Experience the bizarre tors of Elbe sandstone, the majestic Königstein fort, and the castle ensemble at Pillnitz. Without wanting to exaggerate, Dresden is a true work of art. Zwinger Palace and the Green Vaults, the Semper Opera and the Blaues Wunder bridge, picturesque slopes down to the river Elbe and Brühlsche Terrace - Dresden at its best! Karl May fans should stop in Radebeul on their way to Dessau. In Meissen, we can recommend a visit to the world-famous porcelain manufacturer. Stop on the way in one of the traditional wine cellars along the Saxon wine route and watch some of the ships from the oldest fleet of steamers in the world.
Treat yourself, at the end of an eventful day, to a glass of white wine from the Saale-Unstrut region or from the Elb valley near Dresden. And don't forget something tasty to go with it! Thuringian grilled sausages and potato dumplings, Quarkkeulchen pancakes, or a Saxon bacon sauce. For dessert, try a piece of Dresden Eierschecke cake and ä Schälchn Heeßn (a hot cup of coffee!).
Magdeburg Cathedral and the River Elbe
Bestsellers in Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt
More cycling holidays in Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt
Cycling Destinations in Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt
The Saale and the Unstrut – two rivers whose cycle routes are still considered insider tips. Along the Saale Cycle Route, you’ll come across not only romantic castles and palaces, but also imposing dams and the stunning Saale Canyon. The towns of Saalfeld, Jena, Naumburg, Halle (Saale) and Magdeburg invite you to explore their numerous sights. Whether it’s the Fairy Grottoes in Saalfeld, the Planetarium in Jena or Naumburg Cathedral – there’s plenty to see. Near Naumburg, the Unstrut flows into the Saale. Thanks to its mild climate, this region is home to Europe’s northernmost wine-growing area. On our circular tour along the Saale and Unstrut, you’ll set off from Weimar – a town of great cultural and scenic charm and the cradle of German Classicism. Weimar is best known as the place where numerous poets, thinkers and artists worked. Goethe once said that from Weimar “[…] the roads lead to all corners of the world”, and this is certainly true of this journey.
“The more I consider the idea of leaving Dresden, the harder it becomes for me,” said Carl Maria von Weber. Perhaps you’ll feel the same way when you bring your Dresden Star Tour to a close after seven days. The baroque city is the perfect starting point for cycling into the surrounding countryside. Visit the porcelain town of Meissen, Moritzburg Castle – built under Augustus the Strong – Pirna, the gateway to Saxon Switzerland, and Kamenz, the town of Lessing.
In the easternmost part of Germany, along the Neisse, the Oder-Neisse Cycle Route takes you all the way to the Baltic Sea. Lush Neisse floodplains, tranquil pine forests and sun-kissed rapeseed fields accompany you on your journey north. Admire the Baroque town houses of Zittau, Germany’s easternmost town of Görlitz, and the Prince Pückler Park in Bad Muskau.
Rising in the Thuringian Slate Mountains, the River Werra winds its way – alongside the cycle route – all the way to Lower Saxony. Even before you reach Lower Saxony, the Werra Cycle Route has plenty to offer. It winds picturesquely between the Thuringian Forest and the Rhön. Meiningen, situated in the upper Werra Valley, invites you to visit Elisabethenburg Castle. In the spa town of Bad Salzungen, you can relax after a day’s cycling at the saltwater spa before continuing the next day towards the former East-West German border.
Erfurt Cathedral with its green towers