Cycle the beautiful Saxony from Dresden to Dessau
The journey from Dresden to Dessau by bike shows off the hidden gems of the gorgeous Saxon countryside. This 8-day self-guided biking adventure starts with the opulent palaces and cathedrals of Dresden, winds its way along the peaceful Elbe River, and stops at historic towns and quaint villages along the path. You'll marvel at impressive castles in Meissen and Torgau, sample wine at local vineyards, and visit the colourful old town of Wittenberg. Ride all the way to Dessau, home to the renowned Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz.
With a fabulous mix of rural and urban attractions, Dresden to Dessau by Bike is a cycling route sure to impress!
Highlights of the Dresden to Dessau by Bike
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Dresden to Dessau by Bike Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Dresden
Welcome to Dresden! After checking in to your hotel, you'll have free time to see the city's incredible sights, like the Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche Square, and the Semper Opera House before heading to bed.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Dresden
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Bad Schandau Day Trip
It is recommend taking the train to Bad Schandau in the morning. Cycling past below the most famous sights of Saxon Switzerland, such as the Bastei in
Rathen or Königstein fortress, you will soon reach Pillnitz and its famous castle. Continue past the three Elbe castles and you are back in Dresden.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Dresden
Distance: 45km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Dresden to Meissen
After leaving Dresden, you'll follow the Elbe River to Radebeul, one of Saxony's key wine producers. Sample away before finishing your ride to Meissen, home of the Albrechtsburg Castle. Meissen is also known for its beautiful high-quality porcelain.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Meissen
Distance: 30km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Meissen to Riesa/Strehla
Following the cycling path, you pedal past lovely rolling vineyards along the riverside before reaching the city of Riesa.
If you're still motivated to ride, you can continue to the small town of Strehla, nestled away in the rural countryside and perfect for a quiet night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Riesa/Strehla
Distance: 28-36km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Riesa/Strehla to Torgau
Today's destination is Torgau, a beautiful Renaissance town. While here, definitely visit the beautiful Hartenfels Castle! At the castle's chapel, you can admire the fine details and designs of Germany's very first Protestant church.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Torgau
Distance: 40-48km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Torgau to Lutherstadt Wittenberg
Your next landmark on the tour is Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the town where Martin Luther began Germany's Reformation movement more than 500 years ago.
Wittenberg is full of lovely architecture, museums and memorials. If today's ride of 68km is too long, you can add in a night in Pretzsch and ride to Wittenberg the following day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Wittenberg
Distance: 68km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Lutherstadt Wittenberg to Dessau
For your last day of riding, you’ll be heading to the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its exceptional landscaping and natural beauty.
After appreciating the gardens, continue to Dessau, where the Bauhaus style’s influence on local architecture is evident.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Dessau
Distance: 37km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure from Dessau
Your biking adventure comes to an end today, but you are welcome to extend your trip by adding on another night or two.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2025 Departures
The departures are available daily, from April to October.
- Single room: from $950 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $750 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the Dresden to Dessau by Bike Tour
This tour is based in hotels and/or guesthouses. Hotels on this trip are 3-star, located close to the cycling route, and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. If you prefer, you can upgrade to 3 and 4-star hotels located further from the route but closer to city centres. Please contact us if you’re interested in this option. You can also book this tour going from Dessau to Dresden if you prefer.
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. If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Dresden
A city full of impressive sights and Baroque architecture, Dresden has a number of castles, museums, palaces, and parks.
Hotel in Meissen
Visit Meissen's impressive Albrechtsburg Castle and the nearby cathedral, then sample wine at the local wineries.
Hotel in Riesa/Strehla
You can either end today's ride in the city of Riesa or continue a bit further to the smaller town of Strehla.
Hotel in Torgau
Torgau is known for its palatial Protestant church and the regal Hartenfels Castle overlooking the Elbe River.
Hotel in Lutherstadt Wittenberg
Home to Germany's Reformation movement more than 500 years ago, Wittenberg has many well preserved 16th century Renaissance buildings.
Hotel in Dessau
Dessau is home to the World Heritage Worlitzer Park and Gardens, iconic Bauhaus buildings, and a number of palaces, churches, and museums.
What’s Included in the Dresden to Dessau by Bike Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
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. You can also book your tour going from Dessau to Dresden if you prefer.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the tour, as well as a train ticket to Bad Schandau incl. bicycle transport. Transfers from Dresden to Dessa or vice versa can be added as a supplement.
Also Included
- 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
- Service hotline during the walking tour
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Rental bicycles or e-bikes
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Airport transfers
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Upgrade to centrally-located 3-4-star hotels
- Bike and biking equipment rental:
- Touring bike
- E-Bike
- Speedometer
- Transfer service between Dresden and Dessau
Frequently Asked Questions about Dresden to Dessau by Bike
AugustusTours is an established tour operator in Dresden which is well known for its customized tours for both groups and individual travellers. As an experienced incoming operator, we do not only organize city and cultural tours to the capital of Saxony and the picturesque surroundings including the enchanting vineyards of the Elbe valley. Besides classical city tour programmes, we also offer trips to the sights of the region.
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