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Highlights
Ride the stunning Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path
Visit tiny port towns, quaint circular villages (rundling) and pristine nature reserves along your cycling route.
See historic Protestant churches and lovely Renaissance architecture in Torgau.
Enjoy the incredible landscapes in Dessau's world-famous Wörlitzer Park and Gardens as you ride.
Explore the top sights in two of Germany's most vibrant cities, Hamburg and Dresden.
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 self-guided bike 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.
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 self-guided bike 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.
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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
2026 Pricing for Self-Guided Cycling Tour from Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe River Cycle Path
The departures are available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, from April to October, 2026. This tour can be customized for you, and prices depend on group size, room types, trip customizations, and date of travel. This tour can also be done in 7 days with much longer days, please enquire for more details. The starting price for two people sharing a double or twin room is EUR1469 per person, and standard bike rental is from EUR129, with E-Bikes available from EUR329.
Accommodation 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).
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
- How hard is the Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path tour?
- Can I rent a bike?
- What do the rental bikes come with?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- 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 Dresden to Hamburg tour?
- Are meals included on the Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Hamburg to start this tour?
- Where does the Hamburg to Dresden on the Elbe Cycle Path 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 4/5. Though Elbe Cycle Path is fairly flat, this tour does require participants to be fit enough to bike anywhere from 40km to 80km per day for 12 consecutive days. Active cyclists 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.
All rental bicycles are supplied with the following accessories: one cable lock with key and one waterproof pannier per bicycle, one map holder and complete tool kit per room (tool kit: inner tube, pump, puncture repair kit, tire levers, cleaning cloth, allen key). Speedometers can be rented for 5 EUR per day.
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.
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.
12 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 Hamburg Airport (HAM) to begin this tour. You will need to arrange a transfer to your hotel.
The tour ends in Dresden when you check out of your hotel. You can fly out of Dresden Airport (DRS), or take a train back to Hamburg.
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 German for this biking tour is from May to September when the weather tends to be warm and mostly clear.
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.
