Dresden to Dessau by Bike
Cycle the beautiful Saxony from Dresden to Dessau
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Dresden to Dessau by Bike Overview
The Elbe River Cycle Path is such a wonderful way to explore Germany by Bike. This self-guided bike tour goes from Dresden to Dessau and shows off the hidden gems of the gorgeous Saxon countryside. Choose to cycle either on a regular bike, or choose an e-bike on this self-guided tour.
Start your 8-day self-guided Elbe River biking adventure with the opulent palaces and cathedrals of Dresden, then winds its way along the peaceful Elbe River, and stops at historic towns and quaint villages along the path. You'll marvel at impressive castles in Meissen and Torgau, sample wine at local vineyards, and visit the colourful old town of Wittenberg. Ride all the way to Dessau, home to the renowned Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz.
With a fabulous mix of rural and urban attractions, this self-guided Dresden to Dessau by Bike trip is a cycling route sure to impress!
Trip highlights
Enjoy the best sights in Saxony's vibrant capital city of Dresden, full of beautiful architecture.
Pedal along the Elbe River through pristine countryside and verdant vineyards, stopping for tastings along the way.
Overnight in Renaissance towns full of castles, churches, and charming old squares.
Stroll around the World Heritage Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz.
Day By Day Itinerary
Welcome to Dresden! After checking in to your hotel, you'll have free time to see the city's incredible sights, like the Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche Square, and the Semper Opera House before heading to bed.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Dresden
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
It is recommended to take the train to Bad Schandau in the morning. Cycling past the most famous sights of Saxon Switzerland, such as the Bastei in Rathen or Königstein fortress, you will soon reach Pillnitz and its famous castle. Continue past the three Elbe castles and you are back in Dresden.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Dresden
- Distance:
- 45km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
After leaving Dresden, you'll follow the Elbe River to Radebeul, one of Saxony's key wine producers. Sample away before finishing your ride to Meissen, home of the Albrechtsburg Castle. Meissen is also known for its beautiful high-quality porcelain.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Meissen
- Distance:
- 28km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Following the cycling path, you pedal past lovely rolling vineyards along the riverside before reaching the city of Riesa.
If you're still motivated to ride, you can continue to the small town of Strehla, nestled away in the rural countryside. From there you finish your ride in Riesa, a city of sports and wonderful noodles!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Riesa/Strehla
- Distance:
- 28-36km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today's destinati9n is Torgau, a beautiful Renaissance town. While here, definitely visit the beautiful Hartenfels Castle! At the castle's chapel, you can admire the fine details and designs of Germany's very first Protestant church.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Torgau
- Distance:
- 40-48km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Your next landmark on the tour is Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the town where Martin Luther began Germany's Reformation movement more than 500 years ago.
Wittenberg is full of lovely architecture, museums and memorials. If today's ride of 68 km is too long, you can add in a night in Pretzsch and ride to Wittenberg the following day.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Wittenberg
- Distance:
- 68km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
For your last day of riding, you’ll be heading to the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its exceptional landscaping and natural beauty.
After appreciating the gardens, continue to Dessau, where the Bauhaus style’s influence on local architecture is evident.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Dessau
- Distance:
- 37km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Your biking adventure comes to an end today, but you are welcome to extend your trip by adding on another night or two.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 7 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. You can also book your tour going from Dessau to Dresden if you prefer.
- Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the tour, as well as a train ticket to Bad Schandau incl. bicycle transport. Transfers from Dresden to Dessa or vice versa can be added as a supplement.
- Digital travel documents incl. GPS-data (english map with a surcharge)
- Telephone-service-hotline during your cycling holidays
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Rental bicycles or e-bikes
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Airport transfers
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Upgrade to centrally-located 3-4-star hotels
- Bike and biking equipment rental:
- Touring bike
- E-Bike
- Speedometer
- Transfer service between Dresden and Dessau
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 2/5. The Elbe Cycle Path follows mostly flat terrain, with largely paved and well-maintained cycling paths. Some days involve longer distances, including a ride of approximately 70 km.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are standard touring bikes or electric pedal assist bikes.
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.
All rental bicycles are supplied with the following accessories: one cable lock with key and one waterproof pannier per bicycle, one map holder and a complete tool kit per room (tool kit: inner tube, pump, puncture repair kit, tyre levers, cleaning cloth, allen key).
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.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Every hotel and guesthouse along the route provides safe and secure bicycle parking.
Yes, this tour can be done in the opposite direction. Ask us about this option if you’d prefer it.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Dresden Airport (DRS) and transfer to your hotel to begin this tour.
The tour ends in Dessau when you check out of your hotel. The nearest airport is Leipzig Airport (LEJ) and and Berlin Airport (BER). We would also be happy to arrange private transportation for you back to Dresden.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Check with your family doctor.
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.
The best time to travel to Saxony for this biking tour is from April to October. If you prefer hotter weather, visit in July or August. If you prefer cooler weather, try April-May or September-October.
Why book Dresden to Dessau by Bike with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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