Night 1
Hotel in Hamburg
There’s no shortage of attractions in Hamburg, with historic buildings, modern shopping districts, and boat tours of this port city available.
Follow the Elbe Rive on bike from Hamburg to Dresden
Discover the myriad of sights along the Elbe Cycle Path, a biking route along the beautiful Elbe River that meanders through modern cities and rolling countryside. The Hamburg to Dresden in a Week by Bike Tour is great for long-distance cyclists who enjoy covering 100km or more per day.
You'll ride from the beautiful bridges and canals of Hamburg through the charming small towns of Hitzacker, Tangermünde, and Magdeburg, past historic castles and cathedrals. Finish your tour in the vibrant city of Dresden, renowned for its artistry and architectural style. Challenge yourself to a journey of 640km through Germany's gorgeous countryside!
The beautiful port city of Hamburg has rivers, canals and bridges to rival Venice, and many important attractions. After your arrival check in to your hotel and pick up your welcome package which has all the information and maps for your biking holiday.
It's time to saddle up and hit the road. Your biking holiday kicks off today with a ride along the riverside 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.
Enjoying the quiet scenery of the idyllic countryside, pass small villages until you begin to approach Wittenberge, with its towers rising in the distance.
When you reach Havelberg, the traditional round village where you'll stay for the night, be sure to visit the town's lovely Romanesque church.
After breakfast, cycle towards the historic town of Tangermünde with its imposing red brick walls. From here, pass the technological marvel of the Waterway Junction, a canal bridge for ships.
Once in Magdeburg, enjoy some free time visiting the old market square.
Today's route takes you through the protected Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve, a refuge for many species of rare birds. When you arrive in Dessau, take some time to appreciate its interesting character, with a mix of traditional architecture and modern Bauhaus style.
Continuing along the peaceful riverside path, you'll pass Dessau's famous Wörlitz Park and Gardens, a World Heritage Site recognized for its exceptional landscaping.
End your ride at the renaissance town of Torgau, known for its palatial Protestant church and the Hartenfels Castle, overlooking the Elbe River.
Passing through the Elbe River's vineyards and wineries, you may be tempted to stop and buy a bottle of local wine. Don’t fight temptation!
You’ll finish today's ride in the city of Dresden, chock-full of incredible sites to visit. From riverside palaces to opulent Baroque churches, Dresden is dazzling. You’ll be ending your trip on a high note in one of Germany's most beautiful cities.
Though your cycling adventure comes to an end today, you are welcome to add on additional nights in Dresden to extend the fun! Otherwise, safe travels home!
This self-guided cycling tour of the Elbe Cycle Path is run as a private tour for your group only and the price per person is fixed.
Please note that the departures for this tour are available every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday from April to October.
The prices below are per person:
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. The required supplement for solo travellers or single rooms is included in the listed price.
There’s no shortage of attractions in Hamburg, with historic buildings, modern shopping districts, and boat tours of this port city available.
Take time to explore the cobblestoned squares and colourful old-fashioned half-timber houses of Hitzacker.
Havelberg is a traditional round village or “Wendland,” with quaint streets and a lovely Romanesque church.
Magdeburg is a charming town with a historic cathedral and monastery, perched right on the river.
Dessau is home to the World Heritage Worlitzer Park and Gardens, iconic Bauhaus buildings, and a number of palaces, churches, and museums.
Torgau is known for its palatial Protestant church and the regal Hartenfels Castle overlooking the Elbe River.
A city full of impressive sights and Baroque architecture, Dresden has a number of castles, museums, palaces, and parks.
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.
How hard is the Hamburg to Dresden in a Week by Bike Tour?
We rate this tour as a 5/5. Though Elbe Cycle Path is fairly flat, this tour does require participants to be fit enough to bike anywhere from 80km to 130km per day for 6 consecutive days. You should be comfortable with high-mileage cycling 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?
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 in a Week by Bike Tour?
7 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 cycling. 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 transport to your hotel.
Where does the Hamburg to Dresden in a Week by Bike 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 Germany for this tour is from May to September when the weather tends to be warm and mostly clear.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
There are no written reviews yet.
62 total ratings, 0 with reviewsYou must be logged in to post a comment.
Thank you for submitting your review!
If you enjoyed your tour please consider leaving a Google review for 10Adventures to help others discover the world of custom adventure travel.
Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 5/5. Though Elbe Cycle Path is fairly flat, this tour does require participants to be fit enough to bike anywhere from 80km to 130km per day for 6 consecutive days. You should be comfortable with high-mileage cycling to get the most out of this tour.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.
Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.
We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!
We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.
Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.
Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers