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Highlights
Cycle the beautiful Saxony from Dresden to Dessau
Enjoy the best sights in Saxony's vibrant capital city of Dresden, full of beautiful architecture.
Pedal along the Elbe River through pristine countryside and verdant vineyards, stopping for tastings along the way.
Overnight in Renaissance towns full of castles, churches, and charming old squares.
Stroll around the World Heritage Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz.
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!
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!
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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 Dresden or Bad Schandau Day Trip
Today you can either explore more of Dresden or hop on the train with your bike to Bad Schandau and ride back to Dresden. This route through Saxony shows off the beautiful Elbe Sandstone Mountains and its most notable sights, like the Bastei Bridge, Konigstein Fortress, and Pillnitz Palace and Park.
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
2024 Departures The departures are available daily, from April to October.
- Single room: from EUR979*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR719*
Accommodation 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.
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. 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
- How hard is the Dresden to Dessau by Bike Tour?
- Can I rent a bike?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- What do the rental bikes come with?
- Where do I pick up/drop off the rental bike?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Where do I park my bike at the end of the day?
- Can I bike in the other direction from Dessau to Dresden?
- Are meals included on the Dresden to Dessau by Bike Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Dresden to start this tour?
- Where does the Dresden to Dessau by Bike Tour end?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Germany?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Germany?
- When is the best time to travel to Germany for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. The Elbe Cycle Path is fairly flat with little change in altitude, and the majority of the path is paved and well-maintained. Travellers with some previous biking experience will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are standard touring bikes or electric pedal assist bikes.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
All rental bicycles are supplied with the following accessories: one cable lock with key and one waterproof pannier per bicycle, one map holder and a complete tool kit per room (tool kit: inner tube, pump, puncture repair kit, tyre levers, cleaning cloth, allen key). Speedometers are only provided if booked in advance (5 EUR per day).
The rental bikes will be delivered to your hotel at 8 am on Day 1. The bike will be picked up from the last hotel when the tour finishes.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Every hotel and guesthouse along the route provides safe and secure bicycle parking.
Yes, this tour can be done in the opposite direction. Ask us about this option if you’d prefer it.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Dresden Airport (DRS) and transfer to your hotel to begin this tour.
The tour ends in Dessau when you check out of your hotel. The nearest airport is Leipzig Airport (LEJ) and and Berlin Airport (BER). We would also be happy to arrange private transportation for you back to Dresden.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Saxony for this biking tour is from April to October. If you prefer hotter weather, visit in July or August. If you prefer cooler weather, try April-May or September-October.
Customer Ratings
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.
