The Elbe Valley
Cycling from Prague to Dresden
© Mistervlad
© Petr Slavík
© Petr Slavík
© Liane M.
© České Středohoří
© České Středohoří
Highlights
The variety of landscapes, from vineyards and rocky canyons to verdant plains
The region's rich cultural heritage
Prague, the charming listed city
Melnik vineyards
Melnik and Decin castles
Bohemia's oldest town, Litomerice
Saxon Switzerland National Park
The pearl of the Elbe, Dresden, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape
A grandiose journey from the Czech Republic to Germany
Cycle 225 km from the romantic Czech capital to Germany, along one of Central Europe's most beautiful rivers, the Elbe.
This cycling tour in the heart of Europe, between the historic jewels of Prague and Dresden, offers a cycling adventure on signposted roads and easy, flat paths along the charming banks of the Elbe. The gentle stages allow you to appreciate the magnificent cultural landscape of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Your journey begins in the heart of Prague, a city where history and architecture blend in a fascinating way. The cobbled streets of the Old Town and Prague Castle bear witness to a rich and complex past. Take to the bike paths along the Vltava and discover incredible panoramic views of the city before plunging into the Czech countryside.
The Elbe river, the cyclist’s faithful companion, gradually reveals itself. Its calm waters reflect the changing sky, while the emerald banks seem lulled by birdsong. As you pedal, the landscape changes from wooded hills to vast plains, like the pages of a book gently turned by the wind.
Your route takes you to Melnik, a region renowned for its wine production. Although the town is relatively small, its historical charm is undeniable. Several sites are worth a visit: the castle, of course, which is one of the oldest in the Czech Republic, and the wine cellars. Then pedal on to Litoměřice, Bohemia’s oldest town, where green vineyards and medieval buildings provide a picturesque backdrop. A stopover in Děčín is highly recommended for a dip in history, culture and natural beauty.
A few more turns of the wheel and you’re in the most impressive part of your journey, Saxon Switzerland, a region of spectacular rock formations and deep canyons. Each bend offers breathtaking views, and a stopover in Bad Schandau allows you to soak up the sumptuous surroundings. You’ll be riding through a cultural landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your journey culminates in Dresden, the pearl of the Elbe. As you approach Dresden, the city’s majestic silhouette looms on the horizon. Baroque domes and imposing towers stand as a final salute to this journey. Contemplate the magnificent Zwinger Palace or the rebuilt Frauenkirche and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this cultural city. A leisurely cruise on the Elbe offers a unique perspective of Dresden and brings this epic adventure to a close.
This region is suitable for all levels of cyclists, and cycling here is a pleasure. You’ll travel through a mostly flat region, and the breaks will allow you to take full advantage of its peaceful landscapes. A cycling holiday in the Elbe Valley is sure to be an unforgettable experience for couples, families and friends alike.
Leisure From PRAGUE to MELNIK 53km 
Start your adventure as you leave Prague, where the beautifully restored Trója Castle and its royal gardens welcome you with timeless elegance. From the castle, pedal along the Vltava River. You leave behind the urban area, the landscape begins to change and you discover the first vineyards. Melnik and its surroundings are the wine-growing center of the Bohemia region (western part of the Czech Republic).
Along the way, be sure to marvel at the graffiti of Nelahozeves Castle, a true Renaissance gem. You’re invited to explore the courtyard and contemplate the exceptional architecture. And don’t forget to take a look at the little house nestled in the shadow of the castle, the birthplace of composer Antonín Dvořák.
To round off your day’s cycling in style, treat yourself to a well-deserved break with a glass of wine. This region is a real paradise for wine lovers, being one of the major centers of Czech viticulture. Let yourself be carried away by the local flavors and soak up the intoxicating atmosphere of this land steeped in history.
From MELNIK to LITOMERICE 52km
Today, you leave Melnik with the majestic silhouette of the Říp volcanic cone, a mythical witness to the arrival of the Slavs in Bohemia. You’ll be guided all the way to the beautiful towns of Roudnice nad Labem and Libechov, with their remarkable castles and gardens. Your journey continues to places steeped in history, from the dark days of the 20th century. The fortress of Terezin is a memorial to the Shoah.
The beautiful architecture of Litomerice, the region’s largest city, brings you back to a more cheerful mood to round off this beautiful day’s cycling.
From LITOMERICE to DECIN 52km
You cycle through the Elbe Valley, known as the romantic region of the central Czech mountains. The surrounding hills offer a new landscape, as this ancient volcanic region frames the river valley road with medieval castles.
Don’t miss the baroque castle of Žernoseky, and its village famous for its vineyards. See the ruins of Střekov Castle. Your journey ends in Decin, the last major city before Germany.
From DECIN to BAD SCHANDAU 25km
The shortest stage of your stay allows you to recuperate a little today. You follow the German border to the town of Bad Schandau.
Over millions of years, the river has gradually carved away the sandstone, creating incredible landscapes. To make the most of it, we invite you to leave your bikes behind and climb up to the Pravcika Brana, Europe’s largest natural arch. If you prefer a more relaxed getaway, take a leisurely stroll and gondola ride through an unspoilt part of the Kamenice river valley. Bad Schandau is a spa town, and you can take advantage of the many SPA options on offer in the town. Bad Schandau is peaceful and offers you a balmy evening.
From BAD SCHANDAU to DRESDE 40km
Your route continues into Saxon Switzerland amidst sandstone formations. Above the spa town of Rathen, you can climb up to Bastei Rock, an impressive rock formation at 305m above sea level. Cycle along the Elbe to the impregnable fortress of Koningstein, which once guarded an important trade route. You cycle through peaceful meadows, with the option of taking a small ferry, and through precious wetlands to Dresden.
DRESDEN
Free visit of Dresden. End of your stay.
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Starting from 780€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1045€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- Roadbook in English
- Detailed travel documents in English (1 per room)
- Navigation application including GPS tracks
- If bike rental: Rental bike insurance included
*Luggage transfer: 2 pieces of luggage per person, maximum 15kg.
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to do a bikefitting and receive your travel documents.
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Tourist taxes
- Drinks, visits and other personal expenses
A “home-made” tour by a local partner specializing in the Czech Republic and Germany:
- Routes selected with the Abicyclette team for their tourist and cycling interest, fully marked out and kept out of traffic.
- Accommodation selected for the quality of its welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy.
- Flexible organization that adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date you want! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local assistance:
- A personalized welcome on the first day of your trip by a local guide who will give you your travel documents (welcome in your choice of French, English or German).
- An application to follow the itinerary without ever having to look for your way (bike support supplied)
- 7/7 telephone assistance from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the ABICYCLETTE team.
- Local telephone assistance 24/7
- Luggage transfer service
And also :
- Comfortable bike rentals, ideal for this itinerary on mainly cycle paths.
- Cancellation and comprehensive insurance to cover you in case of problems or unforeseen events.
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking bikeAluminium frame Shimano Alivio groupset, 29 speeds, disc brakes. Wheels 28″ Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Electric BikeAluminium frame, adjustable fork suspension, 26″ wheels, 8-speed drivetrain. Bafang motor, 400Wh battery, 65-90KM autonomy. Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Gravel BikeAluminium frame. Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Child BikeSupplied equipment per bike
|  |
Getting here
Departure city : PRAGUE
Coming by car
- at 10h from PARIS
- at 15h from BORDEAUX
- at 10h from LYON
Coming by train
- Prague train station - 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Prague airport
Arrival city : DRESDE
Coming by car
- at 10h from PARIS
- at 15h from BORDEAUX
- at 10h from LYON
Coming by train
- Dresde train station - 9h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Dresde airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Dresde to Prague in 2h15 (hotline)
- Return by car in 2h00 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 7 days and 6 nights
Level Leisure
Departure date From April 25th to October 20th
Destination Germany
EuroVelo 7
Czechia
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Fit
Easy , 
PRAGUE
Arrive on your own to Prague. Nicknamed the city of a thousand towers and a thousand spires, take the time to visit after you’ve settled in. Welcome to your new cycling adventure!
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.