Cycling tour from the source of the Elbe (Spindlermühle) to Dresden

Your adventure begins at the source of the Elbe – high up in the Giant Mountains, where the young Elbe springs forth from the rock with crystal-clear water. Here, surrounded by quiet forest paths and the sound of small waterfalls, you'll experience the start of an extraordinary cycling journey. In the saddle of your bicycle, you'll then follow the course of a river that blends culture and nature: from the verdant high mountains through the gentle Bohemian landscapes to tranquil floodplains and vibrant cities.

You'll cycle through the Czech Republic on quieter sections of the Elbe Cycle Path, discovering charming small towns, historic old towns, and the interplay of river, cycle path, and nature. Finally, you'll reach Germany and enter a region steeped in history, architecture, and the Elbe landscape. Your destination: Dresden, the "Florence of the Elbe," with its impressive old town, castles, and inviting riverbanks.

This cycling tour combines adventure and relaxation, activity and enjoyment. Every pedal stroke is an invitation to discover new perspectives: the source of the river as well as the highlights of the city and landscape at the destination. Get ready for 11 days full of impressions, kilometers cycled, and unique views – with the river always by your side.

The Golden City offers a wide variety of cultural options for evening entertainment.

Overnight stay in Prague

Spend the morning in Prague exploring its many sights, such as the Charles Bridge or Prague Castle. At 2:00 pm, you will travel by group transfer to Spindleruv Mlyn, the starting point of your cycling tour.

Optional Experience MODULE
Extra night in Spindlermühle including hike to the Elbe spring

Would you like to go directly to the source of the Elbe River? We would be happy to include this excursion (approx. 15,5 km hike, approx. 5-6 hours walking time) as part of an extra night in Špindlerův Mlýn. The day begins with a chairlift ride (operating May 31.05st - October 05.10th, extra charge payable locally, bicycle transport free) up to the 1235m high Medvedin. After a short uphill walk, you will reach the plateau and hike past the Pančavský vodopád waterfall to Labska Bouda. Soon you will reach the beautifully designed source of the Elbe. Enjoy the view over the Giant Mountains before continuing downhill along the young Elbe, past the 35m high Elbe waterfall, back to Špindlerův Mlýn.

Overnight stay: Spindlermühle

Today you'll hop on your bikes and cycle past the Elbe Dam with its impressive dam wall, soon reaching Vrchlabi, the "Gateway to the Giant Mountains." Numerous attractions, such as Renaissance buildings, wooden houses, and the Augustinian monastery, invite you to explore. From there, the route continues via Hostinne to Dvůr Králové with its picturesque market square.

Overnight stay: Dvur Kralove

Today, don't miss the fortress town of Josefov, which impresses with its underground network of tunnels and bunkers. The last few kilometers of today's stage take you along a beautiful cycle path right by the Elbe River. In the university town of Hradec Králové, you can explore the historic center, numerous galleries, and the diverse cultural offerings.

Overnight stay: Hradec Kralove

You leave the "royal city" on a good cycle path. There is ample time to visit Kuneticka Hora Castle, which rises imposingly on a hill. In Pardubice, you can explore the charming castle complex and the historic old town with its buildings and alleyways. Alternatively, you can continue to Brehy and there turn off the cycle path to reach Prelouc with its neo-Renaissance buildings.

Accommodation in Pardubice or Prelouc: By default, accommodation is in Prelouc. If you prefer Pardubice, please let us know in the comments field when booking (subject to availability)!

Accommodation location: Pardubice or Prelouc

The first highlight is the National Stud Farm in Kladruby nad Labem, one of the oldest stud farms in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019. It is home to the Old Kladruby horses, a unique Bohemian breed bred for ceremonial court purposes. Some bumpy sections await you around Tynec nad Labem and Kolín, a town formerly known as "Jerusalem on the Elbe." The route continues to Poděbrady with its equestrian statue and spa park. The final kilometers to Nymburk are on a well-paved cycle path. Explore the town with its medieval fortifications and the weir on the Elbe River.

Overnight stay: Nymburk

Today's tour takes you along the Elbe River. You'll cycle to the Mydlovar Castle ruins and through the artisan village of Botanicus to Celakovice. The Elbe Cycle Path leads you to Melnik, the heart of Bohemia's wine region. From Melnik Castle, you'll have a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape and the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe rivers.

Overnight stay: Melnik

Starting today, you'll cycle along the Elbe River on the Elbe Cycle Path. Passing through Roudnice, you'll first reach Terezín, a former fortress town. From there, the route continues to Litoměřice. Here you can stroll through the picturesque old town, visit the famous Chalice House, and thus bring your cycling tour to a pleasant close.

Overnight stay: Leitmeritz/surrounding area.

Today's leg of your cycling tour takes you through Ústí nad Labem (Aussig), past the Schreckenstein castle ruins, and along the Elbe River to Děčín (Tetschen). The impressive Baroque castle there once inspired Frédéric Chopin.

Overnight stay: Decin

From Děčín, you cycle along the Elbe Cycle Path on the left bank of the Elbe River and soon reach Germany. The bizarre rock formations of Saxon Switzerland rise up on both sides of the river. Take your time to soak in the impressions of the picturesque Elbe Valley. Passing the famous Bastei rock formation and Königstein Fortress, you reach Pirna and then Pillnitz Palace. Here you should take a break and explore the palace gardens. Upon arriving in Dresden, the historic Old Town awaits you, where a visit to the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) is highly recommended.

Accommodation location: Dresden

After your eventful and unforgettable cycling tour from the source of the Elbe to Dresden, you begin your journey home today. You are welcome to extend your cycling tour from the source of the Elbe to Dresden with a few extra nights in Dresden, Prague, or other accommodations along the route – please contact us for details!

Overnight stay: Dresden (departure)

10 nights' accommodation in 3-star hotels and guesthouses (in Prelouc, a guesthouse with rustic and simple furnishings)
10 x hearty breakfast
Group transfer from Prague to Spindlermühle including bicycle and luggage transport
Luggage transport from accommodation to accommodation (9am-17pm, up to 2 pieces of luggage per person, max. 20 kg each)
GPS data
1 package of detailed maps and information material per room
7 days service hotline

Money-saving tip: 5% early booking discount for tours in 2027, valid until 31.10.2026

The discount is automatically deducted during the booking process.

Further information

Basic price in € per person

Get a price quote now: Go to the price calculator

Note: To book this tour you need at least 2 participants.

Double room including breakfast	Cat I
13.09.2026 - 31.10.2026	1.269,00 €
01.04.2027 - 09.05.2027	1.269,00 €
10.05.2027 - 11.09.2027	1.319,00 €
12.09.2027 - 31.10.2027	1.269,00 €

Single room including breakfast	Cat I
13.09.2026 - 31.10.2026	1.629,00 €
01.04.2027 - 09.05.2027	1.669,00 €
10.05.2027 - 11.09.2027	1.719,00 €
12.09.2027 - 31.10.2027	1.669,00 €

Rental bikes

Unisex touring bike with 7-speed coaster brake and pannier
01.04.2027 - 31.10.2027	119,00 €

Men's touring bike with 7-speed coaster brake and pannier
01.04.2027 - 31.10.2027	119,00 €

Unisex touring bike with 21-speed freewheel and pannier
01.04.2027 - 31.10.2027	119,00 €

Men's touring bike with 21-speed freewheel and pannier
01.04.2027 - 31.10.2027	119,00 €

Unisex electric bike with 7-speed coaster brake and pannier
01.04.2027 - 31.10.2027	309,00 €

Additional Services

Discount for digital travel documents (-20,00 EUR per room)
01.04.2027 - 31.10.2027	0,00 €

Individual special transfer Dresden-Prague (price per bus for 1-7 people, bookable at any time)
01.04.2027 - 31.10.2027	310,00 €

Transfer Dresden-Prague, bring your own bike (price per bike)
01.04.2027 - 31.10.2027	25,00 €

Experience MODULE in a double room per person (additional night Spindlermühle incl. hike to the Elbe source)
31.05.2027 - 05.10.2027	75,00 €

Experience module in a single room per person (additional night Spindlermühle incl. hike to the Elbe source)
31.05.2027 - 05.10.2027	110,00 €

Group transfer Dresden-Prague, every Friday and Sunday from 14 pm
01.04.2027 - 31.10.2027	105,00 €

Prague

Room price per person	Cat I
Doppelzimmer inkl. Frühstück	73,00 €
Einzelzimmer inkl. Frühstück	115,00 €

Dresden (departure)

Room price per person	Cat I
Doppelzimmer inkl. Frühstück	84,00 €
Einzelzimmer inkl. Frühstück	125,00 €

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Reisecode: ELB 25

Cycling tour from the source of the Elbe (Spindlermühle) to Dresden

Duration: 11 days
Overnight stays: 10 nights
Overnight stays: about 425 km

Daily departure from April 1rd to October 31th, 2027

Note: To book this tour you need at least 2 participants.

Arrival possible
Limited arrival possible
Arrival not possible

Book now Price calculator

Basic price in € per person * 2027	Cat I
Double room including breakfast	From €1269
Single room including breakfast	From €1669

5% early booking discount for tours in 2027, valid until 31.10.2026

Attention: This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Still have questions?

Antje Wolter

Phone: 03831 30676-0 Mon–Fri 8am–17pm
E-mail: info@mecklenburger-radtour.de

Information on how to travel to Prague:

Arrival by train:
Prague is easily accessible by train from all major cities in Germany.
From Prague Main Station you can then use public transport to get to your hotel.

Current timetable and price information can be found at In www.bahn. or by www.dpp.cz.

Arrival by car and parking facilities:
Depending on the hotel, there is either direct parking available or often very close by.
Check directly with your starting hotel to see if they offer parking. www.parkopedia.de you will find a good overview of other parking options and we will be happy to inform you individually.

General tip for traveling by car

A comprehensive overview of parking lots can be conveniently viewed on the external website www.parkopedia.de.

accommodation

Hotels and guesthouses with 3-star standard (sometimes simpler standard in the Czech Republic)

Digital bonus

On this tour, you can forgo printed travel documents – all information is provided digitally (PDF route booklet and GPS data). As a thank you, we offer a discount of €20 per room. Simple, convenient, and paper-saving! Please indicate this preference under "Additional Services" when booking. This option applies to all rooms in the booking and cannot be selected for individual rooms.

General information

Not included in the price: Cultural development tax, bed tax, arrival and departure, transfers, excursions, entrance and sightseeing fees, city maps, ferry fees, insurance, tips and personal expenses.
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Maps presented are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect geographical reality.