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A journey through highly diverse stages from Dresden to Magdeburg
Dresden elbe cycling holiday
Denkmal der begegnung
Woerlitz Elbe
Pillnitz

Along the Elbe from Dresden to Magdeburg

On the excellently signposted Elbe Cycle Route between Dresden and Magdeburg, you cycle mainly through a region rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Highlights include Dresden, Torgau, Wittenberg and Dessau. Along the way, you'll pass through charming late medieval towns such as Pirna and Meißen, and the expansive Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. » read more about Along the Elbe from Dresden to Magdeburg

  • Cycling von Dresden nach Magdeburg
  • Dresden, Riesa, Torgau, Wittenberg, Dessau, Magdeburg
  • Middle Elbe Nature Reserve and the Porcelain City of Meißen
Prices and dates
Prices and dates

Formulating Theses along the Elbe

Various myths have formed around the reformer, thinker, monk, and rebel Martin Luther. The most famous of these is that he nailed 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517. However, this event is far from certain. It’s the perfect opportunity to do just that during your cycling trip – and perhaps make history yourself. And what theses might these be? "Dresden is the most beautiful baroque city along the Elbe!" and "The best Bauhaus buildings are in Dessau!" You could easily come up with 93 more.

Varied Stages

Wittenberg is one of the stops on your cycling journey along the Elbe. The Elbe Cycle Route has been a popular bike trail for years, and this highly varied stage takes you from Dresden to Riesa, via the impressive Hartenfels Castle, to Torgau and Elster. After Wittenberg, you’ll cycle through the expansive Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz and arrive in Dessau, the city of Bauhaus. Then, Magdeburg awaits with its Green Citadel and stunning cathedral.

Colourful TorgauDresdenTorgau

A Dream World in Dresden

A reconstructed shop displays shelves full of typical East German products, such as Rodkäpchen sparkling wine and Spreewald pickles. Further on, you'll find a regiment of Trabants, a classroom, and living rooms that give you a glimpse into the 1970s and 80s. It was a good time for the working class, at least judging by the kitchens. The camping section also depicted a cheerful world. At the Die Welt der DDR museum, it's a joyful Ostalgie experience. Is it realistic? The shelves were never really that full in the GDR. Life under the Stasi regime was far from easy. Keep that in mind, and it's still a fun museum to explore a world that no longer exists.

Address: Antonstraße 2A, Neustadt, Dresden.

A Candle for Anna

The historic town of Meißen is renowned as the porcelain city. In 1708, it became the first place in Europe to master the art of making porcelain – a groundbreaking achievement, as porcelain had previously only come from the Far East. The town also has a Dutch connection. In addition to the maze of narrow streets leading up from the market square to the impressive Albrechts Castle, there is the large Gothic cathedral. Here lies Anna of Saxony, the second wife of William of Orange. Light a candle for her, as her life was far from happy. Forced into marriage with William, the union was a failure. William had her declared insane, and she spent the last year of her life, at the age of 32, confined to two rooms with bricked-up windows in a palace in Dresden. She died from neglect and exhaustion.

ElbeAlbrechts Castle - Anna of Saxony

Luther’s Clever Timing

Wittenberg’s main sights are almost all located along a single street. At one end stands the Castle Church, with its famous doors, and at the other the Lutherhaus. In 1507, the Castle Church served as the university’s assembly hall, and its doors were used by professors as public noticeboards. The Elector’s many relics were displayed there every year at Easter and on November 1st, drawing large crowds. Luther deliberately chose October 31st to post his theses on the church door, knowing they would be seen by many. A strategically timed move – and precisely that clever timing helped his message spread rapidly and widely.

When are you going to take this trip?

Along the Elbe from Dresden to Magdeburg

Prices and dates

Routes

On the excellently signposted Elbe Cycle Route between Dresden and Magdeburg, you ride mainly through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Middle Elbe. In addition to its diverse natural landscapes, the route offers an abundance of culture. It all begins in Dresden – the “Florence on the Elbe”. You’ll stay in former royal cities like Torgau and Wittenberg (the epicentre of the Reformation in the 15th century), as well as Dessau, the world-famous Bauhaus city. You’ll pass through charming late medieval towns such as Pirna and Meißen, and explore the expansive Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey ends in style at the foot of the imposing cathedral towers of Magdeburg.

Along the Elbe from Dresden to Magdeburg

Tip:
Dresden is an excellent destination for extending your holiday. You can visit famous museums and take a guided city walk or city tour, as described in your travel documents.

Details

Including

  • 7 nights bed and breakfast
  • Luggage transport
  • Maps and navigation app for your smartphone (GPS tracks for your own GPS device on request)

Excluding

  • Day train to Dresden, return from Magdeburg: we can reserve the train for you.
  • Return transfer (for options and prices, see calendar) 
  • Travel insurance
  • Rental bikes
  • Tourist tax
  • Entrance fees, transfers, etc. that are not listed under “including”

  • Rental bike (excl. bike insurance): € 140,- p.p. 
    Extension on request
  • E-bike: (excl. bike insurance): € 240,- p.p.
    Extension on request
  • Bicycle insurance: You can take out separate bicycle insurance with Happy Cycling Holidays for € 1.77 per day. Travel insurance often does not include bicycle insurance against damage and/or theft.
  • When booking a rental bike/E-bike, we ask for your height so that we can provide a suitable bike.
  • Read more about rental bikes and helmets

  • Parking: In Dresden, paid parking available at the arrival hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

NH Dresden of Grand City Hotel Dresden Zentrum in Dresden. Hotel Mercure of Hotel Wettiner Hof in Riesa. Hotel Goldener Anker of Hotel Torgauer Brauhof of Central Hotel of Hotel-Torgau zum Markt in Torgau. Hotel Schwarzer Bär of Luther Hotel in Wittenberg. NH Dessau of Radisson Blu Fürst Leopold Hotel in Dessau –Rosslau. InterCityHotel Magdeburg of Hotel Ratswaage in Magdeburg.

Maximaal 343 kilometer, minimaal 258 kilometer.

Ja, dat is inbegrepen.

Ja, en desgewenst kan er een GPS-apparaat à € 45,- worden gehuurd.

Ja

Terugtransfer personen van Magdeburg naar Dresden kan op zondag (10:00) inclusief eigen fiets. Overige dagen kan een prive transfer geregeld worden.  Tegen betaling en bij boeking te reserveren. 

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Along the Elbe from Dresden to Magdeburg

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Dresden elbe cycling holiday
Dresden elbe cycling holiday
Denkmal der begegnung
Denkmal der begegnung
Woerlitz Elbe
Woerlitz Elbe

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Self guided cycling holidays Individual cycling holidays from Happy Cycling Holidays Cycling from hotel to hotel in Europe Cycle holidays with e-bike Distance tours