Set out on a bike ride from Děčín and follow the Elbe Cycle Route, marked as bike route No. 2. It will take you downstream along the Elbe through the stunning Elbe Canyon, which is the deepest sandstone canyon in Europe. The surrounding landscape will captivate you. Passing through Dolní Žleb, you’ll reach the national border, where the Czech section of the Elbe Cycle Route seamlessly connects with its German counterpart, the Elberadweg. The beautiful natural scenery of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains continues even beyond the border. After a few kilometers, you’ll see the small town of Bad Schandau on the opposite bank—a spa town and an ideal place to stop. The Elberadweg then takes you all the way to the foot of the vast Königstein Rock Fortress. As you ride, you can spot the popular tourist destination Bastei on the horizon across the river. By then, you’ll be almost in Pirna, which has a very charming historic center. From Pirna, it’s just over 20 km to the center of Dresden. For the return trip, we recommend taking the train. EuroCity trains run on the route from Dresden (with a more expensive bike ticket), or you can take regional trains, for which the Elbe-Elbe network ticket is valid. If taking regional trains, expect a transfer in Bad Schandau.

Route: Děčín – Dolní Žleb – Bad Schandau – Pirna – Dresden

Trip length: 68 km

Ascent: 65 m, Descent: 85 m