Prague to Dresden

The "Golden City" is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The historic buildings, the romantically winding streets of the old town and the breathtaking view from the Charles Bridge are ideal for a stroll through the city. The nickname "Golden City" becomes visible at sunset when you have a beautiful view of the illuminated city from the bridge.

Don't miss the historic town hall, with its monumental clockwork, the Gothic dungeon and the viewing gallery with an amazing view of the city. Standing in front of City Hall on the hour, you can see the Astronomical Clock in action. Also, visit the lesser-known highlights such as the John Lennon Wall.

Today you will get on your bike and say goodbye to Prague, following the Vltava River, which inspired the Bohemian composer Smetana to write a well-known composition. After the cosmopolitan city of Prague, the rural Czech Republic is a stark contrast. In the beautiful town of Melnik, you have not only reached the confluence of the Vltava and the Elbe, but also the centre of Czech viticulture. Enjoy the great view from Schloss Mělník. The famous castle wine from Mělník is sold here in original bottles and can be tasted in the castle's wine cellar.

It continues along the gentle loops of the Elbe. Via Roudnice you reach the impressive fortress town of Terezin (Theresienstadt). This town is a confrontation with the oppressive past of the Second World War. Here stood the transit camp for Jews who were then sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau or other extermination camps. You can visit the Terezín Memorial.

From Terezin, it is only a few kilometres to the day destination Litomerice (Leitmeritz) with its beautiful mansions. In Litomerice you can let the impressions of the day sink in. Here you will find colourful Renaissance buildings next to Baroque buildings and the Gothic city wall makes the place unique.

You continue on the Elbe cycle path into the Bohemian hills. After about 20 km you will reach the town of Usti nad Labem (Aussig). At Ústí to the right bank, pedal hard for a 100m climb to the ruins of Schreckenstein castle on a rock. There you have a beautiful view over the Elbe valley. At your destination, take the time to visit the Baroque castle of the same name.

In the afternoon you will reach the atmospheric town of Děčín (Tetschen). Located in a wide valley on both banks of the Elbe. On one bank is the monumental cheese farm, on the other bank the Pastýřskou stěnu, the Shepherd's Wall (sheep's wall). A gigantic stone wall with 2 restaurants on top and the best view of the city. If you are a daredevil, you can climb this wall via fifteen different routes, secured with steel ropes and footrests on the rock, and bridge a difference in height of 90 meters.

Today you cross the border into Germany, the route runs between the twin cities Děčín (Tetschen) and Pirna. After a few kilometres, the spectacular breakthrough of the Elbe through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains begins and you can see the picturesque table mountains of the picturesque landscape of Saxon Switzerland. Erosion weathered the soft Elbe sandstone to the most amazing formations, the view over the rocks is breathtaking.

The course of the Elbe leads past the picturesque and romantic town of Königstein with its legendary fortress. Visit the grand fortress and enjoy the enchanting view of the Elbe Valley.

You continue this impressive route through the picturesque landscape of the valley of the Elbe to today's final destination, the charming town of Pirna "the gateway to Saxon Switzerland". This romantic city with a historic city centre has beautiful facade paintings and bay windows, the design of which is unparalleled.

The last cycle stage takes you via Pillnitz Castle to Dresden. You pass the "Blue Wonder" and the castles on the Elbe. Today's short route gives you plenty of time to get to know Dresden. In addition to the historic buildings of the Zwinger, Semperoper and the rebuilt Frauenkirche, the Neustadt district stands for modern, lively Dresden: galleries, music venues and theatres and lovingly designed cafes can be discovered here.

This impressive and varied cycling holiday ends after breakfast, or you can start your extension if you haven't had enough of this beautiful city and surroundings.