From the heart of the Czech Republic to the German North Sea Coast, the Elbe and the Elbe Cycle Path link countries and cultures. The focus of the cycle path is on the unique natural landscapes along the way: impressive mountains and former glacial cirques and corries in the Giant Mountains, dreamy landscapes in Northern Bohemia, the dramatic river breakthrough in Saxon Switzerland, peaceful river meadows and forests in the former border area between East and West Germany, the Niederelbe in the Kehdinger Land Region, which flows from Hamburg to the Wadden Sea of the North Sea.  

From the Golden City to Saxon Switzerland
The golden city of Prague has lost none of its glamour and cultural richness over the centuries. The Charles Bridge spans the Moldau and connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town, which is towered over by Hradschin, Prague Castle. 50 kilometres further along the Moldau is the start of the Elbe Cycle Path, which continuously follows the river along its adventurous path. Almost no other German Uplands area is as dramatic as the Elbe sandstone mountains of Saxon Switzerland. It is no surprise then that this landscape has always attracted artists and poets. Romantics such as Caspar David Friedrich, Carl Gustav Carus or Ludwig Richter travelled through the mysterious landscape in search of ideas and inspiration. The name “Saxon Switzerland” has been attributed to the Swiss citizens Adrian Zingg and Anton Graff, both of who taught in the Dresden Art Academy.  

Abundance of Art and Culture
The Elbe flows on towards Dresden and Meißen, two of the most significant cultural sites in Germany. After the reconstruction of the Frauenkirche, the once famous Elbe-panorama with the Residence, Semper Opera and Zwinger Palace, has regained its previous beauty. Meißen Cathedral and Albrechtsburg Castle tower high into the Saxon sky above the narrow streets of the Old Town, which surrounds the colourful Marktplatz of Meißen and dominate the urban landscape of the town. The town is famous for its porcelain manufacture and as the birthplace of European porcelain artistry. Torgau is also a special town as it is known as one of the most beautiful Renaissance cities in Germany, whereas European history was written in Wittenberg, when Martin Luther nailed his theses to the doors of the Schlosskirche and changed the world.

Pure Nature in the former border area between East and West Germany
The landscape along the Elbe Cycle Path is surprisingly untouched; nature preservation areas and biosphere reservations ensure that the floodplain landscape of the river is preserved. Magdeburg, the capital city of Sachsen-Anhalt, is the urban highlight of this section of the route and boasts two excellent architectural accomplishments with the Cathedral and the green citadel designed by Hundertwasser. Continuing on along the Elbe Cycle Path it becomes quieter; the beneficiaries of the division of Germany into East and West were the rare animals and plants which flourished in the landscape as it went wild and todays‘ cyclists who can enjoy the nature of the area. Gradually the proximity of Hamburg becomes apparent; the city has the largest harbour in Germany and for centuries has been the gateway to the wide world. Michel and Jungfernstieg, Landungsbrücken and Reeperbahn are there all to be discovered by you. However, the Elbe Cycle Path has yet to come to an end. The Altes Land region with its countless fruit trees and old hanseatic towns is located on the Unterelbe. In Cuxhaven the river finally enters the sea and visitors enjoy the fine sandy beaches.  

The Moldau Cycle Path
No description of the Elbe would be complete without mentioning its most important tributary. The Moldau is not just any old river; it has a special place in the hearts of the Czech people.  From Prague on you can explore the River along the Moldau Cycle Path which follows the River upstream through Bohemia and slowly through the heights of the Bohemian Forest. You will then come to the Austrian Mühlviertel and finally reach the city of Passau on the Danube with its Mediterranean flair.

As you can see, there is a lot to discover along the Elbe Cycle Path. We look forward to hearing from you!