Ride the stunning Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path
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 biking tour will take you on a 645km 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.
Highlights of the Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path
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Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Hamburg
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
Day 2 Hamburg to Lauenburg
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
Day 3 Lauenburg to Hitzacker
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
Day 4 Hitzacker to Wittenberge
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
Day 5 Wittenberge to Havelberg
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
Day 6 Havelberg to Tangermünde
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
Day 7 Tangermünde to Magdeburg
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
Day 8 Magdeburg to Dessau
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
Day 9 Dessau to Lutherstadt Wittenberg
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
Day 10 Lutherstadt Wittenberg to Torgau
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
Day 11 Torgau to Strehla
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
Day 12 Strehla to Dresden
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
Day 13 Departure from Dresden
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
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2025 Departures
The departures are available every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, from April to October.
- Single room: from $2,075 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,595 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 Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path
This tour is based in hotels and guesthouses. Hotels and guesthouses on this trip are 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
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 you will need to pay a supplement (please inquire for the pricing).
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Hamburg
There's no shortage of attractions in Hamburg, with historic buildings, modern shopping districts, and boat tours of this port city available.
Hotel in Lauenburg
The old shipping town of Lauenburg boasts beautifully-preserved half-timber houses from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Hotel in Hitzacker
Take time to explore the cobblestoned squares and colourful old-fashioned half-timber houses of Hitzacker.
Hotel in Wittenberge
This peaceful riverside town of Wittenberge has a gorgeous old castle to visit and lots of lovely architecture.
Hotel in Havelberg
Havelberg is a traditional round village or “Wendland,” with quaint streets and a lovely Romanesque church.
Hotel in Tangermünde
With more than 1000 years of history, Tangermünde is home to the imposing red-bricked walls of Elbe Gate, St. Stephen's Church, and the impressive Town Hall.
Hotel in Magdeburg
Magdeburg is a charming town with a historic cathedral and monastery, perched right on the river.
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.
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 Torgau
Torgau is known for its palatial Protestant church and the regal Hartenfels Castle overlooking the Elbe River.
Hotel in Strehla
A quaint but charming town nestled in the countryside, Strehla is known for its pottery.
Hotel in Dresden
A city full of impressive sights and Baroque architecture, Dresden has a number of castles, museums, palaces, and parks.
What’s Included in the Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path?
Meals
12 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
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 during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the tour.
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
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions about Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path
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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