Dresden to Magdeburg Biking Tour
Cycle beautiful Saxony on the Elbe Cycle Path from Dresden to Magdeburg
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Dresden to Magdeburg Biking Tour Overview
The Elbe River Cycle Path is a great choice for anyone that wants a great bike ride and lots of car-free cycle paths. This self-guided cycling tour on the Elbe River Cycle Path starts in the palatial opulence of Dresden and rides through the quiet rolling vineyards that dot the Elbe River. The Dresden to Magdeburg Biking Tour reveals Saxony's natural beauty, historic landmarks and charming small towns.
During your self-guided bike tour you'll make stops in Meissen, Torgau and Lutherstadt Wittenberg, exploring the famed Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz in Dessau. Complete your 8-day self-guided cycling tour in Magdeburg, which is known for its impressive cathedral and monastery.
Embark on an unforgettable 290 km journey along the Elbe Cycle Path and see its outstanding landscapes and old towns.
For more context on this Saxony and Middle Elbe section, our Elbe Cycle Route guide explains the route, difficulty, timing, and how this trip fits into the wider Elberadweg.
Trip highlights
Ride from Dresden through the Saxon Wine Route to Meissen
Visit historic old towns, castles and churches in Torgau and Wittenberg
Admire the stunning landscaping in the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz
Gaze up at the towering Gothic arches of the Magdeburg Cathedral
Day By Day Itinerary
Dresden has no shortage of impressive sights, like the extravagant Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House, and Frauenkirche Square.
After checking in to your hotel, be sure to read the welcome package with maps and info about your riding route.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Dresden
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
It's time to start riding! Bid farewell to Dresden and ride along the Elbe Cycle Path to reach the wine region of Radebeul. As you continue towards Meissen you're sure to see beautiful Albrechtsburg Castle and cathedral sitting proudly in the hills.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Meissen
- Distance:
- 28km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
The riverside path continues as you cycle the Elbe River Cycle Path riding past wineries and small vineyards towards the city of Riesa. You can either stop here or ride further to Strehla, a small rural town with a very peaceful atmosphere.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Riesa/Strehla
- Distance:
- 28-36km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today you’ll set out for Torgau. Torgau is a well-known Renaissance town with the impressive Hartenfels Castle, which is the site of Germany's first Protestant church. While in Torgau, take time to wander around the old town square and see the cruise ships passing by in the river.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Torgau
- Distance:
- 40-48km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Lutherstadt Wittenberg is a small but charming old town best known as the birthplace of Germany's Reformation movement under the influence of Martin Luther.
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
Leaving Wittenberg behind, cycle through verdant meadows towards Dessau, home of the perfectly-landscaped Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz.
Once you reach Dessau you'll see the iconic Bauhaus-style buildings.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Dessau
- Distance:
- 40km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Your final leg of the journey takes you through a protected biosphere where bird colonies thrive. Once in Magdeburg, you can visit the famous Magdeburg Cathedral, the oldest Gothic cathedral in Germany. Then, be sure to stop by the impressive monastery. This stage can be divided by an overnight stop in Barby (results in approx. 40 km/42 km).
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Magdeburg
- Distance:
- 84km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Congratulations, you’ve finished your ride on the Elbe River Cycle Path and you've made it to Magdeburg!
Though your biking adventure is now complete, you are welcome to add on another night or two to have some more fun.
- 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.
- Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the tour.
- 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
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Bike and biking equipment rental:
- Touring bike
- E-Bike
- Speedometer
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Transfer service for participants, their luggage and their bicycles back to the starting point of the tour
- Upgrade to centrally-located 3-4-star hotels
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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 3/5. The Elbe Cycle Path is fairly flat with little change in altitude, and the majority of the path is paved and well maintained. Participants should be fit enough to bike anywhere from 30 km to 80 km per day.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are standard touring bikes or electric pedal-assist bikes.
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, tire levers, cleaning cloth, allen key). Speedometers can be rented for 5 EUR.
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.
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’re interested in 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 Magdeburg when you check out of your hotel. The nearest airports are Leipzig Airport (LEJ), Berlin Airport (BER) and Hanover Airport (HAJ). We would also be happy to arrange transportation for you back to Dresden if that’s easier.
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 May to September when the weather tends to be warm and mostly clear.
Why book Dresden to Magdeburg Biking Tour 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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