Elbe River Trail: Prague to Dresden
This superb trail leads you along one of the largest European rivers, the Elbe (total length 360 km), and through two countries, the Czech Republic and Germany. Starting in Prague, close to the river's source amongst the mighty Krkonose Mountains, you'll enjoy one of our most leisurely routes. Go zoom downhill and comfortably pedal on roads that are mostly straight. Like the majority of our cycling routes following water courses, this path offers beautiful views of the river and the surroundings. One very special highlight is the confluence of the Elbe with the Vltava River in beautiful Melnik, Czech Republic. Along the route, there are also many interesting monuments in the towns and villages that have historical centers protected to preserve their historical charm, such as in Vrchlabi, Jaromer, Hradec Kralove, Pardubice, Kolin, Podebrady and Stara Boleslav. In addition, there are a host of chateaux and castles you may choose to visit. For sure, you'll not want to miss the stunning palaces at Kuks, Vrchlabi, Kuneticka Hora, Melnik, Libechov and Decin before pushing through to the spa town of Bad Schandau and finishing your extraordinary adventure in Dresden.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Germany
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level : Hobby
Type : On the way
Category :
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Biking
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrival in Prague
Prague is the “city of a thousand spires”. The Charles Bridge, the Old Town square and Prague Castle are all great places to visit. The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in Europe and shouldn’t be missed.
Accommodation : Dum u velke boty - "Prague"
Accommodation : Hotel Constans - "Prague"
Day 2 : Ride from Prague to Melnik
Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 51 Km
You will be met by your tour guide who will explain how the tour works with the Road Book, GPS, hotel vouchers, emergency assistance, and answer any questions that you may have. After setting up your bike so that you can ride comfortably and efficiently, you’ll have a short transfer to the outskirts of Prague where you will start your cycling.
The start of the tour sees Prague left behind as you cycle along the Vltava River, the longest in the Czech Republic. After passing the castles of Troja and Nelahozeves, the landscape will slowly change to having more vineyards. Once in Melnik, which is the center of the Bohemian wine growing region, it is worth tasting some wine in one of the many cellars. Melnik’s renaissance palace looks out over the confluence of the Vltava with the Labe, offering a nice place to relax and take a few photos.
Accommodation : Hotel U Rytiru - "Melnik"
Accommodation : Pension U Zámku - "Melnik"
Day 3 : Ride from Melnik to Litomerice
Distance 1 : 29 Miles - 47 Km
Today's ride takes you from Melnik through Roudnice nad Labem, which has an incredible palace. The next stop is in Terezin, which was a transit camp and ghetto that was used for Jewish and other Nazi prisoners during WWII. In this fortress town a memorial is maintained as a monument to the memory of the people who passed through. From here it is a short ride to Litomerice, which contains superb architecture and is the main town of the region.
Accommodation : Grandhotel Salva - "Litomerice"
Accommodation : Hotel Apollon - "Valtice"
Day 4 : Ride from Litomerice to Decin
Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 51 Km
As you cycle along the river valley, be sure to look out for the ruins of Strekov Castle high above the river, and then continue on to the town of Usti nad Labem. Today's route finishes in Decin, which is at the border with the sandstone rock outcrops of the Bohemian Switzerland area.
Accommodation : Hotel Ceska Koruna - "Decin"
Accommodation : Hotel Ceska Koruna - "Decin"
Day 5 : Loop ride from Decin to Hrensko with a hike to the Pravcicka Brana stone arch
Distance 1 : 27 Miles - 43 Km
Today’s ride goes through the interesting landscape of the Bohemian Switzerland area to Hrensko. Here you will cross the river for a walking trip to see the Pravcicka Brana which is the largest natural stone arch on the European continent. It’s the symbol of Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Accommodation : Hotel Ceska Koruna - "Decin"
Accommodation : Hotel Ceska Koruna - "Decin"
Day 6 : From Decin to Bad Schandau
Distance 1 : 15 Miles - 24 Km
Today’s ride, rather easy in length, continues through the unique landscape of the Bohemian Switzerland to the German border, then continuing on to Bad Schandau. You’ll be riding through forested river valleys that have been carved over millions of years by the Elbe, leaving intricate formations in the sandstone. Once you cross the border, this same Bohemian area changes its name to Saxon once in Germany. A hilly ride but can be modified to be shorter cutting out hills.
Accommodation : Elbhotel - "Bad Schandau"
Accommodation : Park hotel - "Bad Schandau"
Day 7 : From Bad Schandau to Dresden
Distance 1 : 28 Miles - 45 Km
Continue through the sandstone formations of Saxon Switzerland. As you journey along the Elbe river valley you will pass the impressive Bastei fortification high above the town of Rathen. You'll finish by cycling through peaceful meadows and precious wetlands on the way to Dresden, rounding off this tour perfectly.
Accommodation : Hotel Privat - "Dresden"
Accommodation : Hotel Rothenburger Hof - "Dresden"
Day 8 : Departure day
Sightseeing is recommended in Dresden after your breakfast. No visitor to Dresden should miss the Zwinger Pavilion, The Frauenkirche Church, the Semper Opera House, and the Royal Palace. Depending to your program and schedule, we can arrange accommodations and transportations before or after your tour.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1
Dum u velke boty (House at the Big Boot) is a small family hotel in an old renaissance-looking burgher house in Mal Strana. It is located ten minutes walk from the Prague Castle or the Charles Bridge, in a small square just opposite the Lobkowitz Palace - today's offices of the German Embassy.
Day : 2
Formally a humble hotel and pub endewed with an old-world charm, the building has been meticulously transformed into a complex of unique restaurants, to renew its formerappeal. The original structure dates back to the Middle ages. Within it, an elegant, hospitable restaurant seating 35 guests effers fine cuisines.Would you wish to relax with a glass of wine or a cup of aromatic coffee? A cozy cafe with 25 seats will immerse you in a nostalgic atmosphere of days gone by and the savor of your your mother's baking.
Day : 3
Remarkable family type hotel located in the beautiful Renaissance-style building which decorates the main square of Litomerice town. Stylish restaurant with two lounge bars and café is a part of the hotel. There is Renaissance-style hall on the first floor of this building. Hotel offers 43 beds in originally furnished rooms and studios including one room with non-barrier access. Parking place in the front of the hotel.
Day : 4, 5
Hotel Ceska Koruna is situated in downtown Decin at the Masaryk square, near Decin castle. It is a perfect departure spot for a large variety of different activities and excursions to the Czech Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe sandstones area.
Day : 6
The hotel with restaurant "elbhotel" is located in a central but nevertheless silent location in the green oasis of Rostock-Reutershagen. After only some driving minutes or directly by public means of transport you arrive at the city centre of Rostock and the white sand beach of the Baltic Sea bath Warnemunde.Discover the diversity of our house, the fascination of the Baltic Sea coast and the hospitality in the traditional Hanseatic city of Rostock. We offer to you a creative relaxation during your holiday or after your working day.Here await you comfortably furnished rooms, apartments and suites, the restaurant "Fritz Reuter" with its diversity of fish specialities, the bar "Leuchtturm" with international mixed drinks, long drinks and cocktails as well as a terrace area with beer garden and lily pond in the summer months.A banquet and event room with a capacity of up to 150 places as well as sauna, solarium and fitness club provide you the possibility to recreate and relax to your heart's content.
Day : 7
This family-run hotel is a new building, constructed in the Wilhelmina style. Located in the "Prussian quarter", a villa district close to the city centre of Dresden, it enjoys a quiet, very green location near the Regional Council building and Military Academy.Just a few minutes ride or walk away is the centre of the Neustadt (new city) around the Goldener Reiter statue and the Altstadt (old city) with historic sights such as the Zwinger, castle, Semperoper, Frauenkirche, Albertinum and Bruhlsche Terrasse.
Day : 1
Hotel Constans is located in the historical center of Prague - directly under Prague Castle. There are 31 spacious luxuriously furnished rooms. Due to its location and larger than standard rooms, it is the ideal place not only for business clientele, who especially appreciate the quiet environment in the centre, but also for those, who wish to spend unforgettable moments in historic Prague's romantic environment.
Day : 2
Situated in a historic building right at the heart of Melnik, Penzion U Zámku is only 30 m away from Melnik Castle. The property has been awarded The Best Guesthouse of 2017 Award. Free WiFi and free on-site parking are available, as well as free parking on the square nearby. The units feature a fully equipped kitchenette, a dining table and a sofa bed. There is flat-screen satellite TV and a bathroom with a shower. One unit is furnished in a historical style, featuring exposed ancient stone walls, while others are fitted in Romantic Style and Provence Style. Breakfast can be served directly in the room. Coffee and tea is available for free. A bar serving drinks, snacks and typical wines from Melnik is at guests' disposal. Penzion U Zámku is located on the car-free Svatovaclavska street, where you can find many restaurants and pubs serving Czech and international cuisine.
Day : 3
The Family Hotel Apollon is located in the historic city center of Valtice, which is famous for its rich history, excellent wine and the scenery beautiful manor houses, buildings and romantic hideaways. The hotel has 22 comfortably furnished rooms and suites which will provide the ideal background for an unforgettable holiday in this viticultural paradise. The restaurant offers a varied menu of regional specialties, which served the best wines, mainly from Valtické and Mikulov region.
Day : 4, 5
Hotel Ceska Koruna is situated in downtown Decin at the Masaryk square, near Decin castle. It is a perfect departure spot for a large variety of different activities and excursions to the Czech Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe sandstones area.
Day : 6
In our big own park near the Elbe-promenade which is situated in the idyllic health resort Bad Schandau, our traditional Parkhotel is awaiting you. The architectural ensemble of the Parkhotel is characterised by two lovingly restored villas and the relocated building of the 'Residenz'. Altogether they form a perfect composition of history and modernity. The in room amenities of the 75 modern rooms include a shower or a bathroom, WC, hairdryer, satellite TV, direct dial telephone and Internet. Elegant, comfortable rooms, modern bathrooms and mostly balcony or terrace create a pleasant atmosphere.
Day : 7
The traditional and family dresden hotel "Rothenburger Hof" is located in Dresden Germany government district called the "Neustadt". It is about a kilometre from the pedestrian shopping-trip Hauptstr., within walking distance of the historical "Altstadt" with the Semper Opera House, Hofkirche (Catholic Court Chapel) and the Zwinger with it's exhibition of dresden procelain and meissen procelain..Our recently renovated house has 26 double rooms (Bed and breakfast in Dresden Germany), which can also be used as single rooms. All rooms are very comfortable and furnished with a bathroom en suite, color television, radio and mini-bar. Certain rooms also have a balcony. For long-term guests and business-travellers, we offer 13 hotel-apartments, which have various sizes and are equipped with a kitchen.
Bikes available for your tour |
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Our SCOTT Sportster 40 hybrid bikes are a suitable choice for all our routes in Central Europe. They are comfortable, yet fast with 27 gears. The front suspension makes them capable of more rugged terrain. All sizes available: S, M, L, XL.
Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SPORTSTER 40 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The E-Sportster 20 is the perfect touring bike. It combines functionality with a 250w Bosch E-drive motor system. Enjoy extra assistance on your ride so you can arrive at your destination with extra energy for you next activity.
Electric assist bike - Standard
SCOTT ELECTRIC SPORTSTER 20 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (110€) 
TREK Domane S 5 is a full-carbon frame performance bike equipped with Shimano 105 groupset, which fits perfectly winding roads in the hilly countryside as well as long-distance flat asphalt bike paths. 700x25 Bontrager R1 tires allow for taking any road, IsoSpeed seat tube decoupler reduces vibration and brings additional comfort even to a long ride. TREK Silque S 5 is the Domane women's version with Women Specific Design to fit ladies' body geometry.
Road bike - Standard
TREK DOMANE S5 & TREK SILQUE S5 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (110€) |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SPORTSTER 40 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
Our SCOTT Sportster 40 hybrid bikes are a suitable choice for all our routes in Central Europe. They are comfortable, yet fast with 27 gears. The front suspension makes them capable of more rugged terrain. All sizes available: S, M, L, XL.
Accessories
INCLUDED
GPS are included on most of our tours since 2008. We change the units every 2 years and always invest in the best models. Simple to use, easy to read, yet sophisticated devices they are available on all of our tours. The routes described in your roadbook are stored as tracks in the GPS unit. You simply have to follow the line shown on the GPS, and enjoy. 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Included
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- 1 GPS GARMIN OREGON for 3 people
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
Arrival in Prague
From the Prague airport take a taxi on your own and transfer to the 1st hotel.
Bike route conditions :
The Danube Trail has excellent cycling infrastructure: dedicated, paved cycling paths, rest stops for cyclists, and good signage and navigation through larger towns or cities. Most of the cycling is on bicycle paths, right by the banks of the Danube River. The cycling is off the bike paths mostly in towns/cities.
As for the Elbe River Trail, about 70% of the route is on dedicated cyclo paths while the rest is on back roads with very low traffic; only about 5% of the route is on busier roads. It is the first day from Prague where the route is mixed on paved sections and short sections of compacted dirt or gravel (forest and field roads) and where you can encounter some busy roads. For the last 2 and a half days the cycle trail is all on dedicated, paved cycling trails, which are a joy to cycle!
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1385 € | 280 € | 1770 € |
| Upgraded | 1585 € | 375 € | 2195 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| GPS | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 110 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 110 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
United States
We are having a good time. Never been to the Czech Republic or Germany before, so experiencing a new culture - and it seems to be changing a little bit with each town. We had a great orientation, the maps and the bike line book are great. We still prefer the GPS. The hotels have been fine, except no air conditioning. We’re not used to this heat! But, we’re doing ok. It’s interesting that the further away we ride from Prague, the less tourist-centered the hotels feel. I think that’s just the way it is here. We did the loop tour out of Děčín yesterday and it was fantastic! We loved every minute of the ride and we hiked to the Pravčická Archway. So much fun!! I must admit that it wouldn’t have been so great for me without the e-bikes. The loop was very hilly. I don’t know what the elevation gain was because the bikes made it insignificant. I’d encourage anyone taking this trip to find a way to get to the archway. Thanks for everything.
Allen
United States
We had a good time. Never been to the Czech Republic or Germany before, so experienced a new culture . We had a great orientation, the maps and the bike line book are great. We still prefer the GPS, even though we struggled with that a little bit. Waypoints are perfect, but the screen is small. It’s hot here! The hills on this trip are manageable, but the heat would have made it a challenge, if we hadn’t used the e-bikes. We loved the bikes. The hotels were gorgeous . It’s interesting that the further away we ride from Prague, the less tourist-centered the hotels feel. I think that’s just the way it is here. Or maybe, that they’re less comfortable with English?? Not entirely sure, but thinking it’s cultural. Thanks for everything !
United States
The tour could not have started on a better note - seeing wonderful Prague for the first time and Hotel Constans was of the highest quality (our room was amazing). Your Prague contact Tom arrived at the agreed time and gave us a very detailed orientation and went out of his way to make sure we had everything we need even to the point that the material he provided for our tour included a mobile phone with his number in case we needed assistance and two large water bottles to get us started. We were then taken to the bikes to be briefed on their operation . Next day we were taken to our starting point and the driver stayed until we were all prepay to commence. Great start to the tour. Day 2 Accommodation Hotel U Rytiru - make shift room in an office but comfortable enough - Owner was very pleasant and explained reason Day 3 - Hotel Salva Guarda - could easily qualify for 5 Star status - outstanding hotel and room Days 4 and 5 - Hotel Ceska Koruna - nice hotel and comfortable room Other comments- - Bikes have been excellent - enjoyed the route so far - notes and GPS easy to follows - good signage on the route as well - all accommodation is well located and easy to find - all breakfasts have been good - transfers have worked well so far