Nature & Outdoor Activities
Elbe Cycle Route – an adventure amongst Elbe sandstone and mudflats
This long-distance cycle route runs alongside the River Elbe, the second-largest river in Germany, and is therefore named after it. Cyclists will pass through towns and cities steeped in history and secluded wetlands, pedalling past the port of Hamburg on their way to the North Sea.
Just past the German border with the Czech Republic, the river flows into the sandstone outcrops in the Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany. From there, the route proceeds straight to the Elbe Valley, offering up a spectacular view of the dramatic rock formations. Other highlights soon found along the way include the Semper Opera House and Church of Our Lady in Dresden. Heading in a northerly direction, cyclists pass through fascinating towns such as Torgau, Wittenberg and Dessau. Fans of marvellous feats of technology will feel an urge to stop at the canal bridge near Magdeburg. And the sights of Hamburg alone would make this lengthy journey worthwhile. Ocean liners await a friendly wave at the Elbe North Sea estuary near Cuxhaven.