Tour: Highlights along the Elbe (Glanzlichter an der Elbe)
Lutherstadt Wittenberg - Torgau (approx. 68 km)
Leaving the birth place of the Reformation, you follow the Elbe upstream to the small town of Pretzsch to visit its Renaissance castle and the church St. Nicholas. Somewhat removed from the Elbe, you will then traverse small villages until you reach Torgau, where Hartenfels Castle, once the elector’s residence, and a castle church consecrated by Martin Luther invite you to stay a while.
Torgau - Riesa/Meißen (approx. 48 km/76 km)
This section has pretty castles along the river, some of which are open to visitors. You can choose the slightly shorter tour to Riesa and take some time there to visit the pasta museum or the zoo at the Riesa monastery. If you prefer to be active, just continue directly to Meißen. You will notice the city’s landmark from afar: the castle mount with the cathedral and Albrechtburg Castle.
Meißen - Dresden (ca. 30 km )
Once in the wine region of Saxony, enjoy a first wine tasting in Meissen or stop at one of the many regional wine taverns (Straußenwirtschaften) along the route. Paths in mint condition let you fly past the Karl May city Radebeul right into the lively city of Dresden. If you are looking for yet another challenge, take a detour to the hunting lodge of August the Strong in Moritzburg. But don’t lose too much time. Dresden, often affectionately called “Florence on the Elbe,” has a lot to offer for people interested in culture, activities and night life.
Dresden - Bad Schandau (ca. 45 km)
The last leg once again holds many impressive sights in store, among them Pillnitz Castle, the Bastei Bridge, Königsstein Fortress and the bizarre rocky landscapes on the edge of "Saxon Switzerland" (Sächsische Schweiz). From Bad Schandau, it is a mere 7 km to the last village before the Czech border. Schmilka is a well-known eco-refuge at the border of the national park and a wonderful place to relax after an eventful cycling tour.
