Romantik Blog
The Elbe Cycle Route - Between Rocks, Baroque & the North Sea
Cycle 1,200 kilometers to the rhythm of the gracefully flowing Elbe - the Elbe Cycle Path begins in the Czech Giant Mountains and leads to Cuxhaven on the North Sea coast. In Germany, the tour starts in Bad Schandau, right in the heart of Saxon Switzerland. From there, the route winds directly along the banks of the Elbe - past the magnificent Pillnitz Castle and the striking sandstone cliffs of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, which are among the scenic highlights.
Hotel tip:
With its historic old town, baroque town houses and proximity to bizarre rock formations, Pirna is a real insider tip on the route. If you want to make your first stop on the Elbe Cycle Path in style, stay at the Romantik® Hotel Deutsches Haus - lovingly restored, centrally located and perfect for enjoying genuine Saxon flair.
The tour continues right into the heart of Dresden's old town: you cycle through baroque settings, past world-famous buildings such as the Semperoper, Zwinger and Frauenkirche. The river remains a constant companion - as do the vast Elbe meadows that characterize the landscape. Heading north, Meissen beckons with its porcelain tradition, Magdeburg with its Gothic cathedral - and finally the Lüneburg Heath awaits with endless horizons. If you still haven't had enough, simply follow the course of the Elbe - all the way to the top, where wind, waves and the Wadden Sea in Cuxhaven provide a worthy finale.
Hotel tips:
In the middle of Dresden, cyclists will find the Romantik® Hotel Bülow Residenz, an elegant city hotel close to the old town. A little further downstream in Meissen, the historic Romantik® Hotel Burgkeller & Residenz Kerstinghaus offers a fantastic view over the Elbe. Perfect for an enjoyable break between porcelain, history and wine.
Discover the Elbe cycle path on the map
Highlights along the route
- Saxon Switzerland: Mystical rock formations & gorges
Dresden & Meissen: Baroque meets porcelain
Lutherstadt Wittenberg: Experience the history of the Reformation
Hamburg: Speicherstadt, Elbphilharmonie concert hall & trendy district
Cuxhaven: Slow down on the North Sea with mudflats, wind & vastness
Hotels on the Elbe cycle path
Germany
Romantik Hotel
Burgkeller & Residenz Kerstinghaus
FAQ Frequently asked Questions & Answers
The Elbe Cycle Path is around 1,200 kilometers long - from the source of the Elbe in the Czech Giant Mountains to its mouth in the North Sea near Cuxhaven.
On the German side, the trail starts in Bad Schandau in Saxon Switzerland - just a few kilometers behind the Czech border.
Most cyclists travel downstream, i.e. from the south (Bad Schandau/Dresden) to the north (Cuxhaven). The route is well signposted in both directions.
Yes, the path is mostly flat, asphalted or well paved, ideal for beginners, families or e-bike tours.
Yes, the Elbe Cycle Path is signposted throughout with the official Elbe Cycle Path logo - in both directions.
The best time is between May and September, with spring and early summer being particularly scenic.
Absolutely. Thanks to good rail connections, the Elbe Cycle Path can be easily cycled in several day or week sections.
Official maps, stage suggestions and GPX files are available at www.elberadweg.de, for example.
This depends entirely on your riding style, fitness level and travel speed. Here is an overview for orientation:
Leisurely & enjoyable
40-60 km per day
Ideal for connoisseurs, culture vultures or families with children. Plenty of time for stops, sightseeing and breaks.
Balanced & active
60-80 km per day
The most common choice among cyclists. A good mix of exercise and adventure - with time for short detours.
Sporty & ambitious
80-100+ km per day
For experienced cyclists or e-bikers with a good pedal stroke. Fewer stops, more distance - but doable.
Tip: For multi-day tours, plan at least one shorter “pleasure day” or a break day - especially in cities like Dresden, Meissen or Magdeburg, which have a lot to offer.
Post your comment
Comments
No one has commented on this page yet.
RSS feed for comments on this page RSS feed for all comments
