Cycle one of Europe’s great river routes on the Elbe Cycle Route, following the River Elbe from the Czech border through eastern and northern Germany to the North Sea. This largely traffic-free long-distance cycle ride traces a scenic course through dramatic sandstone landscapes, vineyard-covered hills, historic towns and vibrant cities, making it ideal for touring cyclists of all abilities.
Covering approximately 1260km (780 miles) from the Czech border to Cuxhaven on the North Sea, the Elbe Cycle Route is typically completed in around three to four weeks. This guidebook divides the Elbe Cycle Route into 29 manageable daily stages, allowing riders to tailor distances to suit their pace, with most days offering flat or gently graded riding along well-signposted riverside cycle paths. From the dramatic Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Saxon Switzerland, the Elbe Cycle Route continues downstream through Dresden, Meissen and Magdeburg to Hamburg and the wide North Sea estuary, with excellent rail links enabling flexible start and finish points for those riding shorter sections.
Combining gentle gradients, cultural highlights and ever-changing riverside scenery, the Elbe Cycle Route offers an accessible yet rewarding long-distance cycling adventure. This comprehensive guidebook provides everything you need to plan, navigate and enjoy the Elbe Cycle Route from source to sea with confidence.