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.

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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

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

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
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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
Website
2 km · 8 min
Stay

Hotel Goldener Anker Radebeul

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

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
Website

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

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

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
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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
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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

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

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
Website
· 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.