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Home , Altmark, Belgern, Black Elster, Bohemian track, Elbe, Elbe Cycle Route

1,300 kilometres

Explanatory supplement to the offi cial Cycle Route Handbook published in German

Welcome to the ELBERADWEG www.elbe-cycle-route.com 2 The Elbe Cycle Route – an overview Our contact details:

The German CYCLE NETWORK DEN- Koordinierungsstelle Elberadweg Nord (D-routes) MARK c /o Herzogtum EuroVelo network Marketing und Service GmbH (EuroVelo routes) D 7 D 2 Elbstraße 59 | 21481 Lauenburg / Elbe Tel. +49 4542 856862 | Fax +49 4542 856865 [email protected] D 1 D 11 Koordinierungsstelle Elberadweg Mitte D 10 c /o Magdeburger Tourismusverband NETHERLANDS D 7 Elbe-Börde-Heide e. V. ELBERADWEG Hannover Domplatz 1 b | 39104 Magdeburg D 12 Tel. +49 391 738790 | Fax +49 391 738799 D 3 [email protected] D 10 D 7 Koordinierungsstelle Elberadweg Süd D 4 D 4 c /o Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz e. V. a. M. D 5 Bahnhofstraße 21 | 01796 D 5 LUXEM- Tel. +49 3501 470147 | Fax +49 3501 470111 BURG [email protected] D 8 D 11 Koordinierungsstelle Elberadweg Tschechien D 6 Nadace Partnerství Na Václavce 135/9 150 00 Prag 5 | Tschechien Zurich Tel. | Fax +420 274 816 727 [email protected] www.elbe-cycle-route.com Dear Cyclists, 1,300 kilometres full of surprises of the . Gentle slopes make for a relaxed cycling trip. In addition to the route, We are very happy that you are interested Immerse yourself in a special experience – our brochure also contains information in the Elbe Cycle Route. This booklet is a cycling trip along the banks of the river about bicycle-friendly accommodation and a supplement to the official Elberadweg Elbe. The Elbe Cycle Route is one of the restaurants along the way, as well as tips Handbook published in German. Here you captivating and panoramic bicycle tours in for sightseeing and information about ferry will find information about maps, as well . What awaits you on the 1,300 km connections across the Elbe. You are welcome as an explanation of all symbols used and long route from the Wadden Sea across the to contact the respective coordination offices much more. You will also learn more about Elbe Mountains all the way to for the individual parts of the Elbe Cycle the four sections of the 1,300 km long cycle Krkonoše (The Giant Mountains)? Unique Route – Northern, Central, Southern and route. cultural landscapes and vibrant cities, as well Czech Republic. You can obtain additional as the almost unspoiled natural landscapes information on our website, such as details along the Elbe. If you cycle all the way to about arrival, package deals and tour tips: Hoping to see you soon on the Elbe Cycle Route! Prague, you can also experience a stretch www.elbe-cycle-route.com

LEGAL NOTE Dyke maintenance CONCEIVED, WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED BY: Coordination Offices for Elbe Cycle Route Photos: Title: Dominik Ketz Dear cycling enthusiasts, when cycling when auxiliary workers had to take many Northern part: Koordinierungsstelle Elberadweg Nord und die Tourismus­organisationen; J. Harbeck/photocompany along the top of the dyke or next to it, you measures over many weeks to buttress them. Central part: Dominik Ketz Southern part: S. Dittrich/elberadweg.de might come across a herd of sheep (or their Nonetheless, the Elbe foreland is high enough The section in the Czech Republic: Stadt Děčín (p. 14: Děčín); traces), or dyke mowing machines. Both have so that even during less severe floods the Destination agency České středohoří (p. 14: Berg Říp); CzechTourism, Petr Polák (p. 15: Litoměřice, Mělník); the right of way at all times! The sheep keep foot of the dyke can no longer be seen. Hradec Králové Region (p. 15: ) the grass short and the turf firm, which is Please drive around the fences made by the REALISATION: Ö GRAFIK agentur für marketing und design, important for dyke maintenance and pre- shepherds and watch out for closed folding www.oe-grafik.de servation. The fact that the dykes in the gates (especially on the lower Elbe). You OSM-DATA: © OpenStreetMap-participants Data processing: map-site.de, Ö GRAFIK marshland have an important function be- must be particularly careful when cycling PRINT: Grafisches Centrum Cuno GmbH & Co. KG, () came abundantly clear during the historic near areas where machines are in use for COPY DEADLINE: February 2019 floods of 2002, 2006, 2011 and 2013, maintenance work on the dyke. Thank you! 3 4 The Elbe Cycle Route

Elbe Cycle Route – Northern part N

Cuxhaven

Wadden Sea Section A National Park

Glückstadt Orchard Region Section B

Section C Hamburg

Section D Drage Lauenburg / Elbe Lüneburg / Elbe UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Section E Elbhöhen- (Elbe) Natural Park Dömitz Section F

Elbe Cycle Route – Central part

Section G Section H Kleitzer Heath Tangermünde Bird Reserve Colbitz-Letzlinger Heath Section I Magdeburg

Section J Steckby- Central Elbe Biosphere Reserve Elbe Cycle Route – Southern part Lödderitzer -Roßlau Fläming Natural Park Wörlitz Section K

Section L Dübener Heath

Belgern Mühlberg

Section M Saxon Wine Route Meißen

Section N GERMANY Dresden Mountains / Section O Natural Park Pirna National Park Elbe Cycle Route – The section in the Czech Republic Mountains Hřensko Section P Ústí n. L. Děcin National Park Gate to Litoměřice POLAND CZECH REPUBLIC Bohemian Midlands Section R Roudnice n. L.

Mělník Giant Mountains National Park Jelenia Góra Section S Špindlerův Mlýn Prague Vrchlabí

Hostinné Section V Section T Kuks Kolín Hradec Králové Section U Parducice

5 6

Explanation of the maps in the Legend – Elbe Cycle Route (ECR) Tips, direction of travel, accommodations GERMAN HANDBOOK Price categories per person in a double room, General tips Page 1 The map shows you the link bet- incl. breakfast (single room at extra cost) The route: Just follow the Elbe Cycle Route ween the European bicycle route network € = up to 30 Euro | €€ = 31 to 40 Euro logo. Around 80 % of the route consists of EuroVelo and the D-routes, the Germany- €€€ = more than 40 Euro dedicated cycle paths. Most of the surfaces wide guidance system. The Elbe Cycle Route A 1 Accommodation listed are asphalted and therefore range from good is D-route no. 10, as well as a part of Euro- in the address section to very good for cycling. Velo 7. Along the Elbe, you will therefore A 1 or dining facilities be accompanied by the blue E and the D10 A 1 or recreational facilities Do you want to ride downstream or signpost. EuroVelo no. 7 is partially marked A 1 or campsite upstream? in the Czech Republic. ← 1,0 left bank, distance from the ECR There is only a slight altitude difference from Page 2 – 3 This map shows you the entire 1,0 → right bank, distance from the ECR Prague to the mouth of the Elbe. You can Elbe Cycle Route. For convenience, the cycle E-bike: battery charging facilities therefore easily ride downstream or upstream route is divided into 20 sections. Restaurant because of this gentle slope. However, due Luggage transfer Northern part, sections A to F: 327 km to the dominating north-west direction of Bike hire service, for the public or Central part, sections G to J: 260 km the wind, we recommend that you ride guests only Southern part, sections K to O: 253 km WLAN upstream, and ride downstream only in the Czech Republic part, sections P to V: 380 km Elbe Cycle Route (ECR) upper area, i. e., the Elbe Spring. and Route Prague: 80 km Alternative routes / tracks Maps of the coordination offices Connecting cycle tracks Ride to the Elbe Spring (Pramen Labe) – Each of the four coordination offices briefly Elbe 1,386 metres above sea level. introduces its section. The map shows a more Driving route The Elbe Cycle Route (cycle route no. 2) ends detailed view of the area of responsibility Railway route at Vrchlabí/Herlíkovice. You can then cycle of the respective contact persons. Ferry via Křížovky to Benecko and Rovinka (cycle Section maps Bridge route K10) and proceed to Třídomí* on cycle You can find all the relevant information 1 1 Route restriction route K11. Then switch to cycle route K12 to for your trip here! In addition to the exact Train station Horní Mísečky. From here, you can ride on route, we have also marked cycle-friendly Tourist information the asphalted mountain road (cycle route accommodation, ferries, bridges, shelters, Shelter K13/Masaryk route) to the Elbebaude. train stations and much more. Highly recommended *From Třídomí, you can also take the road via Important! Luggage transfer cycle route K11 to Špindlerův Mlýn. Hop onto The route becomes very busy during the Tour operators provide a complete package, the chair lift “Špindlerův Mlýn Medvědín” holidays and on weekends. We therefore including luggage transfer (overview on (you can take your bike along) and cycle on recommend booking your cycle-friendly www.elberadweg.de). Individuals can also routes K13A and K13 via the Vrbata-Baude. accommodation in advance. avail of this luggage service. All cycle-friendly Cycling between Vrbata-Baude and Elbe- accommodation marked with ( ) offer baude is allowed only on asphalted roads Cycle-friendly restaurants luggage transfer services to their guests on in order to conserve nature. At the Elbe­ An increasing number of restaurants are request. There are also transport companies baude, you can safely park your bike and making special efforts to meet the particu- that specialise in this. Please remember to hike on the remaining 500 metres to the lar requirements of cyclists. Along the Elbe give advance notice of your luggage transfer Elbe Spring (1,386 above sea level). Cycle Route, these restaurants display the requirements in good time (24 hours in “Cycle-friendly” (“Radfreundlich”) logo. advance) so that luggage transfer can be Cycle-friendly accommodation Cycle-friendly restaurants provide: › cycle planned reliably. We want you to feel adequately cared for at parking and luggage storage facilities in full all times during your cycle tour. The cycle- view of the restaurant › suitable drinks for Bicycles on hire for individual travellers friendly accommodation listed in this Elbe cyclists › hot meals › bike repair kits › maps along the Elbe Cycle Route Cycle Route guide meet the criteria for cycle-­ › information about nearby repair shops For anybody who wants to hire a bike at friendly accommodation as determined by point A and return it at point B, please contact: the ADFC (German Cyclists‘ Federation). Bike tour operators – Elbe Rad Touristik, Gerhart-Hauptmann-Str. 2, This includes, for example › overnight accom­ Partners along the Elbe Cycle Route 39108 Magdeburg, Tel. +49 391 7330334, modation for one night only › lockable cycle A large number of bike tour operators in www.elberadtouristik.de storage facilities › facilities for drying wet Germany and the Czech Republic offer cross-­ clothes › generous breakfast › bicycle repair regional cycling trips along the Elbe Cycle Arrival by train kits and contact details of professional bike Route. We list only tour operators who have For information about how to get there by repair shops › packed lunch service. many years of experience and a thorough train, please visit www.bahn.de. For the The choice of accommodation near the Elbe understanding of the location, and who part of the route in the Czech Republic: You Cycle Route ranges from campsites to private have a direct partnership with us. can get train and public transport timetables rooms, guesthouses and youth hostels to from www.idos.cz and train connections five-star hotels. Cycle-friendly accommoda- from www.cd.cz. EC trains stop at Děčín, tion is indicated by the logos shown here. More information Ústí nad Labem, Prague, Kolín and . 7 8 Northern part From Brunsbüttel/ to

The Elbe and the cycle routes have a unique successes, sophisticated and entertaining maritime character. You are bound to see plays, excellent restaurants and shopping some small and large ships along your way, facilities, exciting nightlife and a host of as well as huge ocean liners. There are historic sites, all of which bear witness to islands on the Elbe, the dykes are high and the 1,200 years of the city’s history. have to withstand the mighty floods of the From Hamburg onwards, the cycle route during storm and flood. Fresh sea runs through marshlands up to Bleckede, air accompanies you on your way into the where the Elbtalaue begins. The steep national park and UNESCO world heri­tage slopes on the right bank of the Elbe look site of Wadden Sea, through the maritime landscape of the Lower Elbe, and right up Cyclists near Cuxhaven with a view to the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. The Elbe You can admire the ocean liners between of the Elbe river Cycle Route runs past smaller and more Brunsbüttel and Hamburg sizeable ports, for example at , Stade, Glückstadt and , with quaint Between Cuxhaven and Brunsbüttel, where farms and orchards as far as the eye can see. the Elbe flows into the North Sea, it is so wide The Elbe gradually becomes narrower. that you cannot see the opposite river bank. Its banks still feature extensive beach areas, Worth visiting in Cuxhaven are the beach, but you can now also see the other side of the “” (Ball Beacon), the old the river and, from Hamburg onwards, you fortress “Alte Festung” and the impressive can cycle only on the right bank of the river. Centre of the Wadden Sea National Park. Enjoy the throbbing metropolis of Hamburg. Worth visiting in Brunsbüttel are the The Elbe Cycle Route takes you right up to (North-[to]-) canal lock and the heart of the city, which offers outstanding the lock museum “Schleusenmuseum”. art and cultural events, world-class musical stunning even from a distance, impressing the river landscape from a different per- the GDR border posts on the Elbe or the visitors with their half-timbered houses spective or treat yourself to a day off and fortress Dömitz, bring history to life. Nature, from the 16th and 17th centuries, right from avail of the excursion boat‘s offer to spend culture and history form a harmonic triad. up to the old maritime town a relaxing day on deck. The peace and This section of the Elbe was heavily used of Lauenburg. Here, the Hohes Elbufer (high quiet of the Elbtalaue from Lauenburg will for shipping. Many captains settled in the Elbe bank), with its marvellous views of do you good! After this, you will enter the small villages here. The small towns of the , invites you to continue your UNESCO biosphere reserve “Flusslandschaft Bleckede, Boizenburg, Hitzacker and Dömitz cycling tour from Geesthacht to Lauenburg. Elbe” along the Elbe. You will be surrounded provide additional variety on the long A worthwhile addition to your tour along by almost unspoiled nature because the route, which is close to nature and rich in the Elbe is to take one of the numerous plants and animals here, in the former wildlife. A particularly interesting time to excursion boats that invite cyclists to enjoy internal­ German border area, have remained visit this area is in autumn, when numerous a shorter or longer section of the river from undisturbed for decades. different types of birds gather in the mea- the water. Come on board! Hop onto a boat Witnesses of the more recent as well as dows along the river dykes to start their and spend some relaxing hours enjoying distant past, such as the watchtowers of migration.

Landscape near Balje Old town of Stade At the Zollenspieker ferry by Winsen-

9 10 Central part From Wittenberge to Dessau

enthroned in the picturesque old town, ting place is the intersection point of the which is located on an island in the middle two most important North German water- of the . The combination of water and ways – the Elbe and the . culture makes exploration through the half- Besides the mighty water saving locks and timbered town a very interesting experience. ship lift, the trough bridge is especially Soon, you are in the heart of Altmark. impressive. With a length of 918 metres, Village churches, monasteries, cathedrals, it is the longest canal bridge in Europe. castles and half-timbered houses are living history that you can touch and admire. The path to Tangermünde, a former imperial Breakwaters on the Elbe near Tangermünde residence, takes you through a unique meadow landscape, past millennium-old Resting by the Elbe near Aulosen brick buildings and gives you a glimpse of the Hanseatic past of this region. No other region in Europe has such a large concent- The central part of the Elbe Cycle Route ration of Hanseatic cities. Many architectural starts in the cycling paradise of Prignitz. witnesses of the medieval city union can be Whether on the dyke with panoramic views seen even today. Incidentally, you will also of the Elbe or through the wide plain and run into stork pairs along the way in almost secluded forest areas – in Prignitz you can every Elbe village. relax and enjoy nature to the fullest. If you A gigantic traffic project, the waterway leave Prignitz across the pristine Gnevsdorf crossroads Magdeburg (Wasserstraßenkreuz receiving water, you will be greeted by the Magdeburg) – the largest inland hydro-­ emblem of the Hanseatic city of Havelberg engineering installation in Europe – awaits even from far. The Cathedral of St. Mary sits you at the gates of Magdeburg. This fascina- The Elbe meanders for about 20 km through What do the Eiffel Tower on the Seine and Magdeburg, also known as the City of Otto I Pretziener Wehr (Pretzien weir) on the Elbe and . The two men of the have in common? Both caused a sensation same name have significantly influenced at the World Fair in 1889, and both the capital of Anhalt and given it the amazed the world at that time with the epithet Ottostadt. For a long time, Magdeburg engineering wonder of their steel, riveted was considered one of the most beautiful construction. While the tower in Paris is an cities in Germany, until this Elbe city important viewpoint for tourists, Pretziener lost its splendour as a result of the World Wehr protects the city of Magdeburg during War II bombing raids in January 1945. After extreme floods to this day. If there is a risk 1990, the remains of the former splendour of floods, the weir channels some of the were restored, when new, modern architec­ ­ Elbe flood water into a bypass canal. tural structures were constructed near historic The water between Magdeburg and Barby buildings and the Elbe was included in the is saline – but not the Elbe water. The brine Waterways crossroads near Madgeburg urban redevelopment plan. comes from the depths of the earth and makes the region rich and has helped in establishing the in Germany. of its structure and its use in rituals and sac- Madgeburg Cathedral Salt production no longer plays a role today, rifices. The Salzlandmuseum in Schönebeck but brine continues to be the foundation of (Elbe) exhibits original finds from the health resorts. “Solepark” in Schönebeck- enclosure. Salzelmen is a magnet for recreational visi- The Elbe Cycle Route now takes you to tors and spa guests, who use the original Dessau-Roßlau through another natural graduation house as an open-air inhalatorium. wonder: the Mittelelbe (Elbe Middle Course) Another highlight on the side of the road biosphere reserve. Steckby-Lödderitzer Forst is the Ringheiligtum Pömmelte. It is not became the first UNESCO biosphere reserve called “The German Stonehenge” without in Germany in 1979 and formed the nucleus reason. The reconstruction of this site of of the “Flusslandschaft Elbe”, one of the last religious cult activity, which is more than pristine river landscapes in , 4,000 years old, is unique in the complexity which is now protected transnationally.

11 12 Southern part From Dessau to Schmilka

dings, statues and romantic grottoes. Today, was carved in stone in 1610 and stands as a this garden kingdom is located in the “Fluss­ symbol of jurisdiction, market rights and the landschaft Mittelelbe” biosphere reserve. right to mint and issue coins. It is undoubtedly There is another UNESCO world heritage a symbol of the city. site in the Luther town of Wittenberg. Traces The small town of Mühlberg lies on the of the reformers make you want to take a opposite bank of the river. In the 16th century, stroll through the city. Among other things European history was written here when you will see the former homes of Martin the Protestant troops of the Schmalkaldic Luther, Philipp Melanchthon and Lucas League were defeated. Museum “1547” Cranach, and the elector’s castle with the helps us understand this past. Dessau master houses All Saints‘ Church. Luther reputedly nailed his 95 theses onto the door of this church in 1517. The Elbe Cycle Route continues through Marketplace in Wittenberg, the “Luther Town” The southern part of the Elbe Cycle Route heathlands and the Elbe flood plains until starts at the place where modern architecture it reaches the former residence of the Prince originated. The Bauhaus, with its masterful Electors of Saxony, Torgau, one of the most buildings in Dessau-Roßlau, has been beautiful towns in Germany. In recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site the 16th century, this was the political centre since 1996. If you ride a few kilometres of Saxony and the . Hartenfels up the Elbe, you arrive at the magnificent Palace embodies the spirit of this time. landscape park of Dessau-Wörlitz, also a A few kilometres further up the Elbe, the UNESCO world heritage site since 2000. In route leads through , which is located the second half of the 18th century, Prince on a small ridge. It is famous for its six-metre-­ Franz created a landscaped garden with high Roland statue on the left side of the lakes, , classical and neo-Gothic buil- town hall. The barefoot statue with a sword adjacent to the route. Anyone interested provides views across fascinating sandstone in making a detour in the “Wild West” can formations. Anyone wishing to explore this set off on the trail of Old Shatterhand in landscape in more depth should choose one the Karl-May Museum in Radebeul. of the more challenging circular cycle routes Dresden‘s silhouette can soon be seen on on either side of the river Elbe. Narrow paths the horizon. The cycle route leads through between craggy cliffs and wild gorges lead the historic old city, with the opera house to lookout points that offer magnificent “Semperoper”, the Palace, the views, for example, the fortress “Königstein” Dresden Castle and the Frauenkirche. Taking or the rock formation “”. The a break from your cycle tour to visit the open air theatre, with its unique natural Green Vault (“Grüne Gewölbe”) or the Old stage, is very close by. Masters Gallery (“Gemäldegalerie Alte Elbe Cycle Route near Meißen Meister”) is definitely worth it. On the other bank of the Elbe, Dresden‘s colourful, trendy Rathen spa with a view of the Bastei bridge and artistic Neustadt district is an interesting Vineyards are the first signs of the next place to linger. The paths along the Elbe destination – , the cradle of Saxony. meadows with flowering grasses and dry Strolling through the old part of town with stone walls complete the image of a true its historic lanes or climbing the castle hill Florence-on-the-Elbe. In the middle of these brings the past to life. In the showrooms of green oases, the cycle route runs to the Staatliche Porzellan Manufaktur Meissen, Castle, the former residence of visitors can see how the finest porcelain the kings of Saxony, from where it then is crafted by hand. continues on towards “Saxon Switzerland”. Wine grows well in the areas around About 200 years ago, Romantic artists Anton Meißen. The Elbe Cycle Route now follows Graff and Adrian Zingg raved about the the Saxon Wine Route. Many large and romantic rocky countryside on their trips, small wineries produce fresh and fruity local which reminded them of their home country wines. There are plenty of opportunities Switzerland. They thus gave this region its to be served a cool glass of wine directly name. The cycle route alongside the river

13 14 The Elbe Cycle Route in the Czech Republic From Schmilka to the Elbe Spring (Giant Mountains)

Conquer the foothills of the Giant Mountains hand at the ancient trades in the open-air and ride through the Giant Mountains Nati- museums (Zubrnice, Přerov n. L., Ostrá) or onal Park that has the Elbe Spring (Hradec climb mountains, rocks and gorges (gorges Králové region). The Elbe Cycle Route near Hřensko, Pravčická brána, Říp or Sněžka, takes you through romantic towns (Děčín, the highest mountain in the Czech Republic). Litoměřice, Roudnice n. L., Brandýs n. L.- You can experience the Elbe Cycle Route on a Stará Boleslav, Nymburk and Kolín) and boat or take a romantic train ride in Zubrnice, through modern cities (Ústí n. L., Pardubice Kolín – Sendražice, Hradec Králové. and Hradec Králové). The medieval fortresses (Střekov, Kunětická hora) and castles (Děčín, Velké Březno, Roudnice n. L., Mělník or spa Děčín with a view of the castle Říp Mountain near Roudnice n. L., Poděbrady) are worth visiting. Stroll through Bohemian Low the castle grounds in Veltrusy and Kuks or visit the fortresses ( and Josefov). The passage of the Elbe loop in the deep The Elbe Cycle Route in the Czech Republic Elbe , the at Velké (Labská stezka) offers a cycling adventure Žernoseky, with its numerous vineyards, with varied natural beauty and diverse is also unique. Taste the fresh Elbe wines culture on a stretch of about 380 km (with and the world-famous Bohemian beer. The an 80 km long detour along the Vltava River youngest visitors will appreciate a visit to a to Prague and back to the Elbe). swimming pool or aqua park (Děčín, Brná, Explore Bohemian Switzerland with its Mlékojedy, Sadská, Poděbrady, Pardubice rocky country­side, the Bohemian Uplands or Hradec Králové) or a zoo (Děčín, Ústí n. L., (in the Ústí region), the flat Elbland in Zelčín, Prague or Safari Dvůr Králové) and Central Bohemia and the . a stud farm (Kladruby n. L.). You can try your Not far from Roudnice n. L. is mountain Říp – Kladruber horses. Pardubice, with a histori- a symbol of the Czech state. Mělník, a royal cal city centre and castle, is a sports town. city with an impressive baroque castle, is an Visit the Hippodrome for an international important wine centre at the of steeplechase horse race. Ráby is home to the Elbe and the Vltava. Also worth seeing the Kunětice hill with a medieval fortress are the twin towns of Brandýs n. L.-Stará and a fairytale gingerbread museum. The Boleslav with the renaissance castle and historic royal city of Hradec Králové with the the Lázně Toušeň mud bath. The Elbland is White Tower is known as the “Salon of the known for its fertile , its floodplain forest Republic” and has recently become famous and sandy lakes, all of which invite you to for its modern architecture. Kuks offers a take a dip. Poděbrady is one of the most baroque area with a hospital pharmacy and Litoměřice famous in the Czech Republic. Kolín a herb garden, as well as the Braun Krippe with St. Bartholomew‘s Church, synagogue (Braun’s Nativity Scene), a gallery with and the Jewish cemetery, is the heart of the sculptures of Bible scenes. Vrchlabí is your The first place you reach in the Czech Republic region. The national stud farm is located ideal starting point for excursions in the is Děčín with its impressive castle. This is in Kladruby n. L. It is famous for its old Giant Mountains and to the Elbe Spring. followed by the circular metropolis Ústí n. L., where you can take the cable car up to the observation tower of Větruše castle. Cycling break near Mělník Baroque area Kuks In Střekov, you can visit the castle of the same name. Then comes one of the highlights of the Elbe Cycle Route, the picturesque Elbe loop “Gateway of Bohemia”. Litoměřice, the centre of North Bohemian baroque with a cathedral on Domberg, is celebrating its 800th anniversary. Wine lovers should try the Bohemian wines here. Litoměřice invites you on tours through the picturesque, volcano-­shaped Bohemian Uplands.

15 Self guided tours along the Elbe River Trail Perfectly organized bike tours Rückenwind Reisen GmbH Am Patentbusch 14 26125 Germany phone 0049 (0) 441 485 97 0 fax 0049 (0) 441 485 97 22 [email protected]

www.rueckenwind.de/en