Hamburg to Dresden Bike Tour on the Elbe Cycle Path
Ride the stunning Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Hamburg to Dresden Bike Tour on the Elbe Cycle Path Overview
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 self-guided bike tour will take you on a 645 km 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.
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.
Day By Day Itinerary
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Hamburg
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Lauenburg
- Distance:
- 55km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Hitzacker
- Distance:
- 55km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Wittenberge
- Distance:
- 78km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Havelberg
- Distance:
- 38km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Tangermünde
- Distance:
- 50km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Magdeburg
- Distance:
- 80km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Dessau
- Distance:
- 78-88km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Lutherstadt Wittenberg
- Distance:
- 37km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Torgau
- Distance:
- 68km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Strehla
- Distance:
- 40km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Dresden
- Distance:
- 66km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Though your biking adventure comes to an end today, you are welcome to add on additional nights in Dresden to extend the fun.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 12 breakfasts are included.
- 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 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
- 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
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 4/5. Though Elbe Cycle Path is fairly flat, this tour does require participants to be fit enough to bike anywhere from 40 km to 80 km per day for 12 consecutive days. Active cyclists will be able to get the most out of this tour.
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 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.
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’d prefer it.
12 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 Hamburg Airport (HAM) to begin this tour. You will need to arrange a transfer to your hotel.
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.
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 German for this biking tour is from May to September when the weather tends to be warm and mostly clear.
Why book Hamburg to Dresden Bike Tour on the Elbe Cycle Path 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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