Elbe Cycle Route with a Child: From Dresden to Torgau

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This trip is planned for 16 May – 20 May 2027.

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Day 1 · Sun 16/05 1:36 hr

Travelling to Dresden and a first loop along the Elbe riverside

Arriving and settling in

A short first day to arrive, with no pressure to cover distance.

Along the Elbe riverside there are wide paths and several playgrounds for a first break.

Start

Leipzig Hauptbahnhof

This is where your journey begins. With the Regionalexpress and your bikes on board, you'll head to Dresden in a relaxed manner.

120 km · 1:15 hr · 30–50 €
1
Station

Dresden Hauptbahnhof

Arrival in Dresden. From here you'll be rolling to the Elbe and the Elberadweg within a few minutes.

View on map
3 km · 12 min
2
Sight

Brühlsche Terrasse

The famous 'Balcony of Europe' offers views over the Elbe, with the Semperoper and Frauenkirche within sight. The wide riverside promenade is perfect for a first gentle stroll with a child.

child-friendly
Website

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

2 km · 10 min
Stay

Hotel Martha Dresden

1 night · Sun 16/05

A family-friendly place centrally located in the Neustadt, with a lockable bike room. Short distances to the Elbe and to plenty of small cafés nearby.

95–130 € / night child-friendly

Places to stay that fit

Pension Zum Goldenen Engel

guesthouse · Neustadt, Dresden · approx. 75–100 €/night (estimate)

A family-run guesthouse in Dresden's Neustadt, with quiet rooms, child-friendly and well connected to public transport.

Ferienwohnung Louisenstraße Dresden

holiday flat · Äußere Neustadt, Dresden · approx. 80–110 €/night (estimate)

A spacious holiday flat in the heart of the Neustadt, with a kitchen, ideal for families with a small child.

Pension Raskolnikoff

guesthouse · Äußere Neustadt, Dresden · approx. 70–95 €/night (estimate)

A well-known guesthouse with Kunsthof charm in the Neustadt, simple rooms, centrally located and suitable for families.

Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.

Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.

0351 81760

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 2 · Mon 17/05 2:54 hr

From Dresden to Radebeul and into wine country

Vineyards and a first ferry

About 25 km, flat and well signposted.

The ferry is a highlight for the child — do make sure to check the timetable.

A long cycling stage (44 km) — split it up or plan plenty of breaks.

6 km · 25 min
3
Sight

Blaues Wunder (Loschwitz Bridge)

The striking blue steel bridge over the Elbe is one of Dresden's landmarks. Right beside it, the Elbe riverside invites you to linger, with meadows for children to run around in.

child-friendly
Website

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

8 km · 25 min
4
Ferry

Elbe ferry Kleinzschachwitz–Pillnitz

A short crossing that's exciting for children, aboard the passenger and bicycle ferry across the Elbe. On the other side, it's worth taking a detour to Schlosspark Pillnitz.

2–4 € / person child-friendly
View on map
25 km · 1:56 hr
5
Sight

Schloss Wackerbarth

Saxony's state winery, with a baroque palace and vineyards, makes for a lovely stopover. The spacious garden is well suited for a break, and there are regional wines and sparkling wine for the parents.

0–12 € / person child-friendly
2 km · 8 min
Stay

Hotel Goldener Anker Radebeul

1 night · Mon 17/05

A cosy place in Radebeul with cycle-friendly facilities and good access to the Elberadweg. A quiet location, ideal for a relaxed evening.

80–110 € / night child-friendly

Places to stay that fit

Pension Villa Bärenfett

guesthouse · Radebeul-Ost, Radebeul · approx. 70–95 €/night (estimate)

A quiet guesthouse in Radebeul near the vineyards and the Karl-May-Museum, family-friendly with a garden.

Ferienwohnung Weingut Hoflößnitz

holiday flat · Radebeul-Oberlößnitz, Radebeul · approx. 85–115 €/night (estimate)

A holiday flat set within a historic winery estate, with space for families and close to attractions for children.

Pension Am Weinberg Radebeul

guesthouse · Radebeul, Radebeul · approx. 65–90 €/night (estimate)

A small guesthouse on the edge of Radebeul's vineyards, quiet location, good connections to Dresden.

Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.

Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.

0351 83990100

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 3 · Tue 18/05 1:18 hr

To Meissen and the Albrechtsburg

Castle, porcelain and old town

Only about 15 km of actual cycling, leaving plenty of time for the castle and old town.

The climb up to the Albrechtsburg is more pleasant on foot than with a trailer.

18 km · 1:05 hr
6
Sight

Albrechtsburg Meissen

This late-gothic castle is regarded as one of the oldest castles in Germany and sits high above the Elbe. From the top you get a wide view over the old town, and children love the grand halls and castle atmosphere.

8–12 € / person child-friendly

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

1 km · 10 min
7
Town

Meissen Old Town with market square

Winding lanes, the historic market square and the Frauenkirche define this small old town. Perfect for a break with an ice cream and a stroll around the weekly market with regional produce.

child-friendly
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

· 5 min
Stay

Hotel Goldener Löwe Meissen

1 night · Tue 18/05

A traditional establishment right in the old town, within walking distance of the market square and the castle. Cycle-friendly with secure bike storage.

85–115 € / night child-friendly

Places to stay that fit

Pension Altstadt Dresden

guesthouse · Altstadt, Dresden · approx. 80–110 €/night (estimate)

A centrally located guesthouse in Dresden's old town, breakfast included, short distances to the sights.

Ferienwohnung Frauenkirche Dresden

holiday flat · Altstadt, Dresden · approx. 90–130 €/night (estimate)

A holiday flat right in the old town, with enough space for a family with a small child, kitchen included.

Gästehaus Taschenbergpalais Umgebung

guesthouse · Altstadt, Dresden · approx. 85–115 €/night (estimate)

A family-run guesthouse near the Zwinger and Semperoper, child-friendly and easy to reach.

Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.

Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.

03521 41110

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 4 · Wed 19/05 2:06 hr

Through the Elbe valley to Riesa

River landscape and relaxation

About 28 km, mostly along the water and flat.

Plan plenty of breaks — the floodplain landscape invites you to take your time.

13 km · 55 min
8
Ferry

Elbe ferry Diesbar-Seußlitz

An idyllic ferry crossing on the edge of the Seußlitz wine-growing area. This small village, with its baroque palace and park, invites you to take a relaxed break by the water.

2–4 € / person child-friendly
View on map
6 km · 22 min
9
Nature

Elbe meadows near Nünchritz

A wide, open floodplain landscape with views of the river and plenty of space for a picnic break. A peaceful natural stretch where the child can roam freely.

child-friendly
View on map
12 km · 45 min
10
Town

Riesa town harbour

This former pasta-making town on the Elbe has a lovely riverside promenade with a playground and meadows. A good spot to wind down the day and grab a small bite to eat.

child-friendly
Website
1 km · 6 min
Stay

Hotel Mercure Riesa Dresden Elbland

1 night · Wed 19/05

A solid establishment near the Elbe with family-friendly facilities and secure bike storage. Centrally located, with short distances to the riverside promenade.

80–110 € / night child-friendly

Places to stay that fit

Pension Elbblick Riesa

guesthouse · Riesa, Riesa · approx. 60–85 €/night (estimate)

A quiet guesthouse in Riesa with a view of the Elbe, family-friendly, conveniently placed for continuing your journey.

Ferienwohnung Am Stadtpark Riesa

holiday flat · Riesa, Riesa · approx. 65–90 €/night (estimate)

A spacious holiday flat near the town park, with room for a family with a small child, kitchen and parking included.

Pension Zur Alten Schmiede Riesa

guesthouse · Riesa, Riesa · approx. 55–80 €/night (estimate)

A small guesthouse in Riesa, simple and clean rooms, child-friendly and good value for a single night.

Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.

Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.

03525 7090

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 5 · Thu 20/05 2:24 hr

To Torgau and the return journey by train

Renaissance and journey's end

The longest stage of the tour, at about 30 km — so start early in the morning and take plenty of breaks.

Check the Torgau–Leipzig train connection in advance and reserve a bicycle space, usually with one change.

A long cycling stage (51 km) — split it up or plan plenty of breaks.

49 km · 2:10 hr
11
Sight

Schloss Hartenfels Torgau

The most significant fully preserved early-Renaissance castle in Germany sits right above the Elbe. Real bears live in the castle moat, and the spiral staircase and castle chapel are exciting destinations for children.

0–8 € / person child-friendly
· 5 min
12
Town

Torgau Old Town

One of the best-preserved Renaissance old towns in Germany, with a lovely market square and historic town hall. A good opportunity for lunch and a final stroll before heading home.

child-friendly
Website
2 km · 8 min
13
Station

Torgau station

From here, the return journey takes you back to Leipzig by train, with bikes on board. The change is usually at Falkenberg or Riesa.

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This trip is planned for 16 May – 20 May 2027.

Copy it and move it to your own dates.

Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.