more than  1.200 km 

Explanatory supplement Welcome to the Elbe Cycle Route to the official ELBERADWEG GUIDE published in German www.elbe-cycle-route.com SCHLESWIG- HOLSTEIN Kiel

Brunsbüttel Cuxhaven Elbe Schwerin MECKLENBURG- Hamburg VORPOMMERN Stade Lauenburg Bremen Lüneburg Hitzacker Wittenberge NIEDERSACHSEN Havelberg Tangermünde Potsdam Berlin Hannover Magdeburg BRANDENBURG Lutherstadt Dessau-Roßlau Wittenberg NORDRHEIN- Wörlitz WESTFALEN SACHSEN- ANHALT Torgau Elbe Düsseldorf Riesa Bad Meißen Schandau Erfurt Dresden Schmilka HESSEN SACHSEN Děčín THÜRINGEN Litoměřice Ústí n. L. Mělník RHEINLAND- Wiesbaden CZECH REPUBLIC Labe Špindlerův Mlýn PFALZ Vltava Mainz Praha Vrchlabí Nymburk SAARLAND Saarbrücken Kolín Hradec Králové Pardubice

Stuttgart BAYERN BADEN- WÜRTTEMBERG München

ELBEERADWEG [ 2 ]

Dear cycling enthusiasts, 1.270 kilometer full of surprises can also discover a stretch of the Vltava river. The low gradients make for a relaxed cycling trip. this “Welcome to the Elbe Cycle Route” brochure Why not enjoy a special Besides detailed maps of the route, our guide in English is a supplement to the official experience – a cycling also contains plenty of tips for sightseeing along ELBERADWEG GUIDE in German. trip along the banks of the way, lists cycle friendly accommodation, ferries the Elbe river. The Elbe crossing the Elbe, and bicycle repair shops. We have translated the most important pages Cycle Route (“Elberad- of the guide including the legends and basic weg”, “Labská stezka”) Please contact the various information centres explanations in order to help you to understand is one of Europe‘s most attractive and interesting for the individual sections of the Elbe Cycle Route how the guide works. We have also given you a long-distance cycle routes. Discover a wide range – North, Central, South and Czech Republic – for first overview of the four sections of the 1,270 of landscapes over 1,270 km from the mudflats additional information about events and all-in- kilometre long cycle route, as well as useful in- to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains (“Elbsandstein­ clusive cycling holiday offers, or visit our website formation about how to get there, cycle hire gebirge”) all the way to Bohemia. at www.elbe-cycle-route.com or at www.labska- and luggage transfer. stezka.cz Along the way, you can experience outstanding culture and vibrant major cities but also the See you soon on the Elbe Cycle Route! almost untouched nature of the Elbe flood plains. As the wind tends to blow from the North-West, If you cycle the route all the way to Prague, you we recommend cycling the route upstream.

Information Dyke Maintenance Dear cycling enthusiasts, the marshland dykes are of major importance when cycling along the top of the dyke or was made more than obvious during the next to it, you might come across a herd record floods in 2002, 2006, 2011 and 2013. of sheep (or their marks), or dyke mowing Please cycle around the fences and close the machines. Both have the right of way at all gates again behind you after passing times! The sheep keep the grass short and through. the turf firm, which is important for dyke maintenance and preservation. The fact that Thank you! Travel Arrangements We also recommend finding out about where you can park your car in advance when you are Please visit www.bahn.de online for information planning your trip. The tourist information at about how to get there by train, or call the your chosen starting point will be able to provide German national railway network cyclists‘ hot- you with respective information, or you could line on +49 0180 6996633 (20 ct/call made ask at the accommodation where you will be from a landline, a maximum of 60 ct/call from staying the first night prior to starting your trip. a mobile phone in Germany).

For the part of the route in the Czech Republic: Luggage Transfer Train and public transport timetables at www.idos.cz (in German). All accommodation providers marked with this logo ( offer luggage transfer services to their The following airports are the most convenient guests on request. Please remember to give if you are travelling by plane: Hamburg, Leipzig/ advance notice of your luggage transport requi- Ferries Halle, Dresden and Prague. Carrying a bike may rements in good time, i. e. around 24 hours in be associated with difficulties or even damages. advance. Tour operators also offer all-inclusive Please see the respective subsection part Please give the airline prior notice if you want tours including luggage transfer, or you can book for detailed information about Ferry service to transfer your bike by plane. Some airlines the service directly with a luggage transfer company (“Fährzeiten”). require the bike to be packed. (list at www.elberadweg.de/prospekte-service/ gepaeck-und-radtransport.html). Travelling by coach is an affordable and comfor- The Elbe Cycle Route Special table alternative, and it is possible from a great number of cities. The coach operator should be Cycle Hire Discover and enjoy the culinary specials notified in advance that you intend to take a bike of the specific places along the Elbe river with you, it is usually not a problem to do so. You would like to hire a bicycle for your tour (“Elberadweg-Teller”). along the Elbe Cycle Route? Some tour operators It is also possible to reach the Elbe Cycle Route offer a cycle hire service. You can have a bike For more information by car and to start at any point along the route. delivered to the starting point of your tour, see www.elbe-cycle-route.com. Suitable starting points are all sizeable towns, and agree a date and place for its return with as these can be conveniently reached by rail the hire company. once you have completed your trip. (www.elberadweg.de/prospekte-service.html).

All accommodation marked with the cycle logo s lend you bicycles for day trips.

ELBEERADWEG [ 4 ] Cuxhaven

Section A Brunsbüttel

Freiburg ‹ approx. 327 km › ‹ approx. (Elbe) Cuxland Glückstadt

Section B Elmshorn Stade

Altes Land Wedel

Hamburg Section C

Ochsenwerder Contact Section D Winsen (Luhe) Geesthacht www.elbe-cycle-route.com

Lauenburg Coordination Elbe Cycle Route North Part Boizenburg c/o ELBTALAUE-WENDLAND Touristik GmbH Bleckede Am Markt 7 Section E 29456 Hitzacker (Elbe) Tel. +49 (0) 5862 969720

Hitzacker Biosphärenreservat Fax +49 (0) 5862 969724 Flusslandschaft Elbe [email protected] Dömitz Wendland Section F Lenzen(Elbe) Gartow Prignitz Schnackenburg Wittenberge Coordination Elbe Cycle Route Central Part c/o Magdeburger Tourismusverband Rühstädt Section G Elbe-Börde-Heide e. V. Werben Domplatz 1 b | 39104 Magdeburg (Elbe) Havelberg Altmark Tel. +49 (0) 391 738790 Arneburg Fax +49 (0) 391 738799

‹ approx. 260 km › ‹ approx. Section H Tangermünde [email protected]

Rogätz Jerichow Section I Parey Magdeburg Hohenwarthe

Schönebeck Pretzien

Barby Biosphärenreservat Mittelelbe

Dessau-Roßlau Coswig Wörlitz Lutherstadt Wittenberg

Elster Pretzsch Lausiger Teiche Prettin Dommitzsch Torgau Dübener Heide Elbe Belgern

Mühlberg Strehla

Riesa

Zehren Sächsische Meißen Weinstraße

Radebeul Dresden Germany Pillnitz Heidenau Pirna Elbsandsteingebirge Bad Schandau Schmilka Hřensko Ústí n. L. (Herrnskretschen) Děčín

Lovosice Litoměřice Terezín Czech Republic Labe Roudnice Štětí Račice Poland Moldau Liběchov Kralupy Mělník Libčice Velký Borek Roztoky Labe Praha (Prag) Neratovice

Vrchlabí

Nymburk Kunčice n. L. Hostinné Poděbrady Labe Cidlina Chlumec Labe Dvůr Králové n. L. Kolín nad Cidlinou Jaroměř Kladruby n. L. Hradec Králové Přelouč

Pardubice Cuxhaven

Brunsbüttel

Freiburg (Elbe) Cuxland Glückstadt

Elmshorn Stade

Altes Land Wedel Cuxhaven Hamburg

Brunsbüttel Ochsenwerder

Freiburg (Elbe) Winsen (Luhe) Geesthacht Cuxland Glückstadt Lauenburg

Elmshorn Boizenburg Stade Bleckede Altes Land Wedel

Hamburg Hitzacker Biosphärenreservat Flusslandschaft Elbe Ochsenwerder Dömitz Wendland Lenzen(Elbe) Winsen (Luhe) Geesthacht Gartow Prignitz Schnackenburg Lauenburg Wittenberge

Boizenburg Rühstädt Bleckede

Werben (Elbe) Havelberg Altmark Hitzacker Biosphärenreservat Arneburg Flusslandschaft Elbe Dömitz Tangermünde Wendland Jerichow Lenzen(Elbe) Rogätz Gartow Prignitz Parey Schnackenburg Magdeburg Hohenwarthe Wittenberge

Schönebeck Pretzien Rühstädt Barby Biosphärenreservat Mittelelbe Werben (Elbe) Havelberg Altmark Arneburg

Tangermünde Dessau-Roßlau Coswig Wörlitz Rogätz Jerichow Lutherstadt Wittenberg Parey Magdeburg Hohenwarthe Elster Pretzsch Schönebeck Pretzien Lausiger Teiche Prettin Barby Biosphärenreservat Dommitzsch Section J Mittelelbe Torgau Dübener Heide Elbe Belgern

Dessau-Roßlau Coswig Mühlberg Strehla Wörlitz Section K Lutherstadt Coordination Elbe Cycle Route South Part Wittenberg Riesa c/o Tourismusverband Elster Sächsische Schweiz e.V. Zehren

‹ approx. 253 km › ‹ approx. Sächsische Pretzsch Bahnhofstraße 21 | 01796 Pirna Meißen Weinstraße Lausiger Tel. +49 (0) 3501 470147 Teiche Prettin Section L Dommitzsch Radebeul Fax +49 (0) 3501 470111 Torgau Dresden [email protected] Dübener Heide Elbe Pillnitz Belgern Heidenau Germany Pirna Mühlberg Elbsandsteingebirge Strehla Bad Schandau Section M Riesa Schmilka Hřensko Ústí n. L. (Herrnskretschen) Děčín Zehren Sächsische Meißen Weinstraße Lovosice Litoměřice Terezín Labe Radebeul Roudnice Section N Dresden Štětí Račice Germany Moldau Liběchov Pillnitz Heidenau Kralupy Mělník Czech Republic Poland Pirna Libčice Velký Borek Roztoky Section O Elbsandsteingebirge Labe Elbquelle Bad Schandau Praha (Pramen Labe) Coordination Elbe Cycle Route Neratovice Schmilka (Prag) Špindlerův Mlýn Czech Republic Part Hřensko Stara Boleslav Ústí n. L. (Herrnskretschen) Děčín Brandys n. L. Vrchlabí › Czech Environmental Section P Partnership Foundation Kunčice n. L. Lovosice Litoměřice Nymburk Terezín Hostinné Krátká 26 | 100 00 Prague 10 Czech Republic Poděbrady Tel. | Fax +420-27816727 Labe Cidlina Labe

‹ approx. 430 km › ‹ approx. Chlumec Roudnice Labe Dvůr Králové n. L. [email protected] Section R Štětí Kolín nad Cidlinou Račice Poland Jaroměř www.labska-stezka.cz Moldau Liběchov Kladruby n. L. Kralupy Further cycle route www.greenways.cz Mělník Hradec Králové Libčice on the right map Velký Borek Přelouč Section U Roztoky Section S Section T Labe Praha Pardubice [ 5 ] (Prag) Neratovice

Vrchlabí

Nymburk Kunčice n. L. Hostinné Poděbrady Labe Cidlina Chlumec Labe Dvůr Králové n. L. Kolín nad Cidlinou Jaroměř Kladruby n. L. Hradec Králové Přelouč

Pardubice [ 6 ]

The Route Important! Additionally, none of the accommodation is further than 2.5 kilometers away from the Elbe Just follow the Elbe Cycle Route logo. In the The route gets very busy during the holidays and Cycle Route. Czech Republic the route is marked as route 2 at weekends. We therefore recommend booking­ and in section Melnik – Prague as route 7 and your cycle friendly accommodation in advance. The choice of accommodation near the Elbe EuroVelo 7 route. Around eighty percent of the Cycle Route ranges from campsites to bed route consists of dedicated cycle paths. Most Cycle Friendly Accommodation and breakfasts, guesthouses and youth of the surfaces are paved and therefore range hostels to five-star hotels. Accommodation from good to very good to cycle on. From We want you to feel safe and sound at all times where cyclists are particularly welcome will Prague to the Vltava-Elbe confluence, the during your journey. The cycle friendly accommo­ display the logo shown here, or the “Bett & Bike” route is almost level. dation listed in the ELBERADWEG GUIDE meets logo. In the Czech Republic, you will see the the criteria for cycle friendly accommodation “Cyclists Welcome” logo. For a better overview, we have divided the determined by the ADFC (ADFC = Allgemeiner ELBERADWEG GUIDE into differently coloured Deutscher Fahrrad-Club e. V., the German national Cycle Friendly Restaurants sections. cycling association), and the Czech “Cyclists Welcome” certification scheme. An increasing number of restaurants are Northern Part (Sections A to F) approx. 320 km making special efforts to meet the parti- These include, for example: cular requirements of cyclists. Along the Central Part (Sections G to J) approx. 260 km › overnight accommodation for one night only Elbe Cycle Route, these restaurants bear › lockable cycle storage facilities the cyclists welcome (“Radfreundlich”) logo. Southern Part (Sections K to O) approx. 253 km › facilities where wet clothes may be dried › generous breakfast Cycle friendly restaurants offer: Czech Republic Part (Sections P to U) approx. 430 km › bicycle repair kits available on site › cycle parking facilities in full view of the restaurant and cooperation with professional bike › hot meals, suitable drinks for cyclists repair shops › bike repair kits and maps › packed lunch service › information about nearby repair shops For passionate pedal pushers: From the North Sea mudflats along the scenic Elbe river to the city of Prague. Legend Location in relation to the river: The tour card (“Radwanderpass”) Price categories per person in a double room, le = left bank re = right bank for the Elbe Cycle Route including breakfast (single supplement not is available from included): tourist information and at Elbe Cycle Route  Cat. 1 = up to € 30 www.elbe-cycle-route.com. (“Elberadweg”, “Labská stezka”) Cat. 2 = up to € 40 Cat. 3 = € 40 plus Elbe Cycle Route alternative Ferry route A 1 Accommodation listed in the address section A 1 Restaurants listet in the address section Railway route

Legal Notices Distance from Elbe Cycle Route Bridge 2014 edition

( Luggage transfer Ferry Designed, written and published by: Projektkoordinationen Elberadweg This material and any offers contained therein (or in this publication) s Bike hire service, Campsite may not be sold or used otherwise for commercial purposes involving for the public or guests only third parties, in particular the sale of addresses, nor may it or excerpts Railway connection thereof be reprinted or copied E-bike: Accommodation provides guests with battery charging facilities Route restrictions Photos: ! Northern Part: Koordinierungsstelle Elberadweg Nord und die ( Public restaurant Tourismus­organisationen, A. Vones, J. Klemme, photocompany Central Part: Archiv des Magdeburger Tourismusverbandes ( Restaurant opening hours Elbe-Börde-Heide e. V., A. Lander (S. 10), J. Ramminger (S. 11), Asterisk-marked establishments are partici- R. Floum (S. 11)  Culinary special offer “Elberadweg-Teller” pants in the voluntary classification systems of Southern Part: Norbert Eisele-Hein (S. 5), S. Dittrich (S.12, 13), the DEHOGA the German hotel and restaurant F. Exß (S. 13), J. Laštůvka (S. 3) | Hergestellt mit Fördermitteln  See featured advertisement des Freistaates Sachsen im Rahmen des Förderplanes Tourismus. association, or the Deutscher Tourismusverband Czech Republic Part: CzechTourism.com (S. 4), the German national tourist association. Nadace Partnerstvi (S. 14, 15), An absence of such asterisks should therefore Pražská informační služba – Prague City Tourism (S. 15) not be viewed as an indicator of the respective Realization: www.oe-grafik.de establishment’s grade. ( ) Classification does Print: westermann druck gmbh not apply to all accommodation offered. Copy deadline: March 2014

ELBEERADWE[ 7G ] [ 8 ] ‹ Northern Part › It welcomes its visitors with outstanding art Elbe Cycle Route and cultural events, world-class musicals, sophisticated and entertaining plays, excellent from Cuxhaven and Brunsbüttel restaurants and shopping facilities, exciting Where it flows into the North Sea, between to Wittenberge nightlife and a host of historic sites. From Cuxhaven and Brunsbüttel, the Elbe is so wide Hamburg onwards, the cycle route runs through you cannot see the opposite river bank. traditionally farmed marshlands up to Bleckede, High dykes protect the wide, flat country from where the flood-meadows begin. Just a short flooding during storms, and from dangerous stretch later, the banks on the right side of tidal surges. The National Park and Wadden Sea the Elbe river become impressively steep; from World Heritage (“Nationalpark Hamburgerisches Geesthacht onwards the high riverside (“Hohe Wattmeer”) features salt marshes and banks of Elbufer”) offers marvellous views across the sand, dunes and marshland, and is perfect for Worth visiting in Cuxhaven are the beach, the Elbe marshlands. long walks along the beach. It is the protected historic aid to navigation “Kugelbake”, the old habitat of a diverse flora and fauna, including fortress “Alte Festung” and the national park numerous species of wild birds but also mam- conservation area centre “Nationalpark-Zentrum”; mals such as common and grey seals. worth visiting in Brunsbüttel are the North Sea – Baltic Sea canal lock and the lock museum ▼ Thatched timbered house close to Stade “Schleusenmuseum”. The lower Elbe between the North Sea coast and Hamburg is a very busy shipping lane. You are bound to see some fascinating and highly interesting vessels passing by – from streamlined yachts to huge ocean liners. The Elbe Cycle Route runs past smaller and more sizeable ports, for example at Neuhaus, Stade, Glückstadt and Wedel. Extensive orchards and large old farms are proof of the region‘s agricultural history.

The Elbe gradually becomes narrower. Its banks still feature extensive beachy areas, but you can now also see the other side of the river. The Elbe soon reaches the old Hanseatic League town of Hamburg – today a throbbing metropolis. You will soon reach the formerly busy riverside A particularly interesting time to visit this area town of Lauenburg, with timber-framed houses is in autumn, when numerous different types dating from the 16th and 17th century. There of birds gather in the meadows along the river are numerous ships offering river cruises on the dykes to start their migration. As this area was Elbe from here, a recommended change from once part of the no man‘s land along the border cycling along its banks. It is certainly a worth­ between East and West Germany, the local flora while change of perspective, relaxing whilst and fauna remained undisturbed for decades. exploring a section of the river from the water. However, not only the landscape provides So why not treat yourself to a restful, yet no memorable experiences; encounters with historic less exciting day spent on deck. The beautiful buildings such as the former watchtowers of the peace and quiet of the flood meadows alongside GDR border guards stationed along the Elbe or the Elbe valley, will be waiting for you. Most of the 16th century fortress at Dömitz, which f the “Flusslandschaft Elbe” biosphere reserve eatures impressive bastions and vaulted case- consists of almost unspoilt nature. mates, give a fascinating idea of the region‘s eventful ancient and more recent history. ▼ The elbe nearby Lauenburg ▲ Harbour of Stade

The small villages on both banks of this section of the Elbe river have always been very much shaped by shipping. Many captains settled here; quite often, their pretty homes are now let as holiday homes or used as guesthouses. The idyllic small towns of Bleckede, Boizenburg, Hitzacker and Dömitz provide additional interest along this route, which is otherwise close to nature and rich in wildlife.

ELBEERADWEG [ 10 ] ‹ Central Part ›

Elbe Cycle Route from Wittenberge to Dessau-Roßlau On the Elbe dyke between the historic Wische area in the Altmark region and the Prignitz district in Brandenburg, cyclists are greeted by stunning riverside scenery. Find out many inte- resting facts about storks in Wahrenberg, the village with the most storks in the entire German federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, and at the “stork The centre of Werben, probably the smallest town information centre” in Rühstädt, also known as to belong to the Hanseatic League, is particu- ▲ Monastery Jerichow with monastery garden “Europe's stork village”. In Wittenberge, you can larly interesting thanks to its well-preserved, admire the largest clock tower on the European charming Biedermeier period houses. The town The monastery at Jerichow on the opposite continent. Beuster has a Romanesque red brick of Havelberg is largely built on an island. It has side of the Elbe is an impressive example of church that is one of the landmarks along the a cathedral and will be one of the Havel region‘s Romanesque architecture and is believed to “Romanesque” tourist route, as is the cathedral German national garden show sites in 2015. be one of the oldest ecclesiastical red brick in Havelberg. Where the Elbe meets the Havel The town of Tangermünde was once an imperial buildings in Northern Germany. The castle at river, near Gnevsdorf, the Elbe Cycle Route (“Elbe­ residence and a member of the powerful Hanse- Zerben was the childhood home of Elisabeth radweg“) and the Havel Cycle Route (“Havelrad- atic League. There are many interesting places von Plotho, who inspired Theodor Fontane‘s weg“) also meet; if you were to follow the Havel to see between these two towns. Arneburg has famous literary figure “Effi Briest”. Cycle Route, you would end up in Berlin. a lovely historic town centre; Schönhausen has a Romanesque village church and is closely ▼ Magdeburg – city of Otto with cathedral connected to the centuries-old family history of the von Bismarcks, whose ancestral seat is here. Running along the Elbe dyke, the route leads to the former imperial residence and Hanseatic League town of Tangermünde, where the red brick city wall with gates and towers forms a majestic background for the town‘s lanes and squares, which are located slightly above it.

 Tangermünde with historic city centre A world-class technological achievement is the waterway crossroads (“Wasserstraßenkreuz Magdeburg”) at Hohenwarte. Here, the Mittel- landkanal canal is led across the Elbe and into the Elbe-Havel canal through a 918 metre long aqueduct. Other stunning sights include the new water saving twinned locks and the historic boat lift at Rothensee. The capital of the federal state of Saxony–Anhalt, Magdeburg, is also known as the City of Otto, because of emperor Otto I and famous scientist and mayor Otto von Guericke. Magdeburg‘s most famous sights include the cathedral, the Monastery of Our Dear Lady, and the last project of artist and architect Friedens- reich Hundertwasser (“DIE GRÜNE ZITADELLE VON MAGDEBURG”). A number of museums, parks and excellent shopping facilities offer welcome ▲ Waterway crossroad “Wasserstraßenkreuz Magdeburg“ distractions.

▼ Brine concentrading facility in Schönebeck As it leads southwards, the cycle route passes “Mittelelbe”, the Elbe middle course, which is the “salt town” Schönebeck. Germany‘s oldest the UNESCO biosphere reserve “Flusslandschaft natural brine baths are located in the town‘s Elbe”, is also home to the Elbe beaver and the Bad Salzelmen district, so why not relax for a largest stretch of riverside forest in Central while in the Solepark spa. The Europe‘s largest Europe. In Breitenhagen, between Barby and sluice weir (“Pretziener Wehr”) may be admired Aken, the “Marie-Gerda”, the last ship to be in Pretzien. It regulates the Elbe water level at built at the village‘s now closed shipyard, times of flooding to this day. Where the Elbe has been converted into an unusual meets the Saale river, near Barby, the Elbe Cycle restaurant well worth a visit. Route meets the Saale Cycle Route (“Saalerad- weg”). A particularly recommended adventure is crossing the Elbe here aboard one of the many reaction ferries still operating in Saxony-Anhalt. By the way, the section of the river called

ELBEERADWEG [ 12 ] ‹ Southern Part › Elbe Cycle Route from Dessau-Roßlau to Schöna The southern section of the Elbe Cycle Route and Schmilka starts with several UNESCO world heritage sites: The famous complex of Bauhaus buildings and Walter Gropius‘ “Master Houses” in Dessau are reminders of a period when architecture and applied arts were revolutionised. Only a few kilometres further upstream, the “English The Elbe Cycle Route continues through heath- Grounds of Wörlitz” are a fascinating place to land and the idyllic Elbauen flood plains until visit. They were created by Leopold III, Duke of it reaches the former residence of the Prince Anhalt-Dessau, in the second half of the 18th Electors of Saxony, Torgau, one of the most century: Extensive landscaped gardens and a beautiful Renaissance towns in Germany. fantastic realm of lakes, canals, buildings, Hartenfels Palace embodies the spirit of the statues and romantic grottoes – today, this time when the town was the political centre ▲ Albrechtsburg castle at Meißen artistically designed park is located in the of the Reformation. “Flusslandschaft Mittelelbe” biosphere reserve. A few kilometres further on, the route leads Lutherstadt Wittenberg also has some top-class through Belgern, famous for its six metres high sights to offer. Four of the town‘s buildings that Roland statue, and through Mühlberg, which are open to the public are closely connected to has a monastery church well worth visiting. the Protestant Reformation and are now also Sloped vineyards are the first sign of the next UNESCO world heritage sites: the former homes destination – Meissen, Saxony‘s cradle. Strolling of Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon and Lu- through the old part of town with its historic cas Cranach, and the elector‘s castle with the lanes brings the past to life. Albrechtsburg castle church “Schlosskirche”. Luther reputedly nailed his 95 theses on the door of this church in 1517. and the cathedral invite visitors to delve into the earliest days of Saxon history. The world- famous Meissen porcelain factory (“Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen”) holds demons­ tration workshops to show how some of the world‘s most exquisite china is handmade.

The Bauhaus Building at Dessau ▼ ▼ Village green of Radebeul-Altkötzschenbroda

Extensive riverside meadows frame the river as it flows through the city. In the middle of these green oases, the cycle route runs to Pillnitz Castle, the former summer residence of the kings of Saxony, then it continues towards the Elbe Sandstone Mountains (“Elbsandsteingebirge”), which are more commonly called “Saxon Switzer­ land” these days, due to visiting Swiss artists feeling reminded of their home country on trips to the romantic rocky countryside 200 years ago. Wine grows well in the areas around Meißen. The Elbe Cycle Route now follows the Saxon The cycle route alongside the river provides Wine Route. There are plenty of places offering spectacular views across fascinating sandstone a drop of the fresh and fruity local wine directly formations. Anyone wishing to explore this ▲ Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland next to the route. Anyone interested in the curious phenomenon of Germany‘s most famous ▼ Historic city center of Dresden unique landscape more in-depth should choose author of “Wild West” cowboy stories, Karl May, one of the challenging circular cycle routes on should visit the Karl-May-Museum in Radebeul. either side of the river Elbe. Dresden‘s silhouette can soon be seen on the horizon. The cycle route leads through the his- Narrow paths between craggy cliffs and wild toric part of the city, with the opera house gorges lead to viewing points that offer “Semperoper”, the church “Frauenkirche” and magnificent views, for example the fortress the Zwinger Palace and its museums. The Green “Königstein” or the rock formation “Bastei”. Vault (“Grüne Gewölbe”) or the Old Masters The Rathen open air theatre with Gallery (“Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister”) are just its unique stage hewn into the two of the Zwinger‘s museums and galleries sandstone is also nearby. definitely worth allowing time out for. On the right bank of the Elbe, Dresden‘s colourful, trendy and artistic Neustadt district is an interesting place to linger.

ELBEERADWEG [ 14 ] ‹ Czech Republic Part › Returning to the Elbe Cycle Route, you will cycle Elbe Cycle Route along the flat Bohemian plains stretching next from Schöna to the Elbe source to the river and through small historic towns The part of the Elbe Cycle Route that runs such as Brandýs nad Labem, Stará Boleslav (an through the Czech Republic is called “Labská (A detour to Prague) important pilgrimage site), Nymburk (mediaeval stezka” instead of the German name “Elberad- city wall), the historic spa town of Poděbrady, weg”. The part is around 370 kilometres long and Kolín (synagogue) until you reach the and has some interesting scenery and diverse modern capital of the region, Pardubice, with cultural experiences to offer. It is a good idea In Děčín, Děčín Castle and its Rose Garden are its historic town centre and the world famous to get off your bike from time to time even right worth a visit. The Central Bohemian Uplands racecourse. at the beginning of the Czech part in order to start close to the town. Wine has been grown explore the wild and romantic sandstone lands- Talking of horses: Before you reach the impor- cape of Bohemian Switzerland with its famous on the steep slopes of both banks of the Elbe tant East Bohemian city of Pardubice, you can landmark, Europe‘s largest natural sandstone for centuries. Ústí nad Labem, the region‘s arch, the Pravcice Gate, on foot as well, or to modern capital, is ideal for a short break. also visit the oldest national stud in the world take in the lovely views on a boat trip through in Kladruby nad Labem. The royal town of Hradec the navigable Edmund and Kamenice gorges. Above, where the Elbe meets the Ohře river lies Litoměřice, the historic seat of the Roman ▼ Mělník, confluence Elbe/Vltava rivers Catholic Diocese of Litoměřice. The town has a mediaeval castle with a viniculture exhibition worth visiting. Nearby Terezín is enclosed by well-preserved 18th century fortifications. The town later became the site of a concentration camp and Europe‘s largest Jewish ghetto. A short detour will allow you to visit Mělník, an old wine making town with beautiful views across the confluence of the Elbe and the Vltava from its castle; follow the Vltava cycle route from there for a day trip to the Golden City, Prague. ▼ Ústí n/L center from the Elbe ▲ Prague castle and Charles bridge ▲ Water dam Les Království near Dvůr Králové n/L

Králové has a historic town centre as well as of Hostinné, you also get the chance to visit Elbe by cycle. However, you can take a chair lift contemporary flair with some architecture in the historic Les Království dam. The Elbe Cycle (bikes allowed) from Špindlerův Mlýn up to the functionalist style to offer. From Hradec Route officially ends in Vrchlabí, where Medvědín (1,235 metres above the sea level) Králové, a good cycle path leads to the Baroque the Renaissance castle and the Krkonoše and cycle along the mountain road through town of Kuks (former spa, palace and hospital), Mountain Museum are well worth visiting. Vrbatova bouda up to Labská bouda, a moun- via Smiřice (castle chapel) and Jaroměř with its tain hut where you can safely park your bike. Baroque Fortress Josefov. To reach the source of the Elbe river (pramen You can easily walk the one kilometre to the Labe), which lies 1,380 metres above the sea source of the Elbe from there. You will now already be cycling through the level, you either have to cycle along the very foothills of the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains). busy national road 295 in the Elbe valley, or You can also cycle back to A good first place to stop is Dvůr Králové nad you can take the “cycle bus” to the resort of Vrchlabí via Mísečky and Labem with its famous zoo, one of the most Špindlerův Mlýn – and continue your journey Benecko. successful breeders of African wild animals in from there to Labský důl. It is unfortunately Europe. Before reaching the cosy little town not possible to reach the actual source of the