Elbe trail

Transfer from Prague do Špindlerův Mlýn. In the afternoon hours a facultative walking or cycling trip to the spring of Labe and to the heart of the Krkonoše National Park. Here you can enjoy the memorable panorama of the highest mountain of the Czech Republic - Sněžka (1604m), as well as the valley of the Labe brook, unfolding below the peaks of Krkonoše.

Transfer included in tour price departs from Prague every Sunday at 9am (May-September). For different transfers please see surcharge in Extras!

We take the cableway in the morning, and those interested might climb to the hill above Špindlerův Mlýn. Here we follow the track over mountain crests to the top of the town of Vrchlabí. It is reached by a two-kilometre-long descent! Vrchlabí is said to be the Gate of the Giant Mountains. Sights such as the Museum of the National Park Krkonoše, an Augustinian monastery, or an interesting neo-renaissance chateau can be found here. From Vrchlabí we follow the strengthening stream of the river to Hostinné, a town with an outstanding town hall, guarded by two statues of giants. The artificial dam Lesní Království is one of the highlights of the day and it brings us for a moment into the fairy world of princes and princesses. The day is completed in the old city of Dvůr Králové. This royal and dowry city is famous not only through its beautiful historical square, but also thanks to the Safari Park with the largest collection of African animals in Europe.

We leave the region of The Giant Mountains and head to Polabí. First you visit one of the best-preserved Baroque complexes of buildings in the Czech Republic – Kuks. Not only this memorable chateau located high above the river, but also the statues by Bernard Braun create a unique atmosphere. Our next stop is the city of Jaroměř with its beautiful historical square, and the neighbouring impressive Josefov fortress, the walls of which had never been conquered. The biggest town of today is Hradec Králové. Here we find a preserved medieval city and also architectonically revolutionary buildings from the beginning of the twentieth century. Hradec Králové used to be the hereditary town of Bohemian queens and buttress of Bohemian kings, our todays lodgings, Pardubice used to be seat to the powerful lords of Kunštát. They built a remarkable city that is the pearl of Renaissance architecture until today. Close to Pardubice we can admire the castle of Kunětická hora castle from the distance, rising grandly over the countryside. We do recommend visiting the castle! At the bottom of the hill the magical Museum of gingerbread can be found.

This day we cycle along the strengthening stream of Labe through flat territory, till we reach the oldest stud farm in Europe, Kladruby. Its history reaches back to the 16th century and the local horses have been used for many centuries by many royal and noble families. Along the route there is the possibility of swimming and relaxing in the Bunkov region. At the end of the day we divert form Labe to see one of the most significant cities of medieval Europe under UNESCO protection, Kutná Hora. Before we reach the city, we visit the beautiful classicist chateau Kačina and the uniquely preserved and breath-taking charnel-house in Sedlec at Kutná Hora with the mortal remains of more than 30000 people.

After seeing the sights of Kutná Hora we cross one of the few hills on our journey and head to Kolín, a significant city and important seat of Central Bohemia. A Jewish synagogue, a gothic church or a unique lookout with marvellous view over the landscape can be found here. After that we follow the newly constructed cycling routes that lead us to the city of Poděbrady. These routes are among the most popular in the Czech Republic. The atmosphere of this beautiful and peaceful spa town can be enjoyed at the colonnade, where you can taste one of the local healing springs. The memorial of the Slavníkovec family is also visited. The aim of the day is Nymburk with its unique medieval battlements.

Right at the start of a day in Nymburk, you have to decide, which side of river you will follow as next bridge to cross the river is near Lysá nad Labem. You can either follow the stream of Labe along its right bank on official 2 route through beautiful countryside with nice views over the river. However, this route is mainly not on reinforced ground. The other alternative on left river bank offers heading through minor roads. Here Labe is reached only occasionally, but this route also offers several interesting sights such as one of the few sand dunes of the Czech Republic, or the open-air museum of folklore architecture. Both ways meets again near open air museum in Lysá nad Labem. From here you follow the nice trail over Brandýs and stará Boleslav, where the St. Wenceslas was assasinated. Next stop is industiral Neratovice and then finally you enjoy the Elbe vineayrds all the way to the confluence with Moldau in ancient Mělník!

Today’s bike tour stage will take in the most fertile part of the Czech Republic – the Elbe lowlands (Polabská nížina region) or Czech Garden. For most of our day we will have the volcanic cone Říp in sight, a hill where the mythical arrival of Slavs into the Bohemian (Czech) Lands occurred. Pause to watch local champions working out on rowboats in the Račice sports facility before pedaling to Roudnice, one of the oldest cities in the Czech Republic and an ideal place for a pleasant lunch. From Roudnice it is only a short bike ride to the impressive 18th-century fortress of Terezín. Unfortunately, nowadays it is very well-known as a Jewish concentration camp during the Second World War, bearing witness to the dark side of the 20th-century. But a happier coda to the day can be found just across the river in the regional capital town of Litoměřice, our overnight stay.

On day 9 we will head towards the romantic region of the Czech Central Mountains. This ancient volcanic region rises high around our river valley route, medieval castles looming over visitors from the narrow peaks of extinct cones. But we will use the ancient trade route along the river Labe connecting the Czech and Saxon Kingdoms. We will enter the Czech Central Mountains by the symbolically named Porta Bohemica. From here we will continue to nearby Žernoseky, a village known for its wine-growing and Baroque chateau. Our next landmark will be more modern: the Masaryk flood-gates, followed by the ancient ruins of Střekov Castle majestically rising above the City of Ústí. In Ústí, we can admire the most off-center tower north of Alps. The incline of the tower was caused due to a heavy bombing at the end of World War II. Farther along, Velké Březno Castle is a fine testimonial of Empire architecture in the Czech Lands. We will end our bike route in a city of Děčín, a city dominated visually by a chateau high above on a rocky perch.

Adventures bikers after arrival to Děčín can try really interesting via ferrata/klettersteigs (rock climbing) built just across the river (all equipment is possible to rent on spot).

Distance: 25 km, 5 - 15 km hiking

Today we cross the border to Germany. During day 10 we will take a little break from our bicycles, only making a short crossover through the picturesque landscape of the Czech and Saxon Switzerland National Park. The bike path is lined by amazing sandstone cliffs and pillars - one would scarcely believe that this is the lowest point of the Czech Republic! After arriving at Hřensko, we can dedicate the whole day to hiking across this exquisite terrain. We can again chose from a few options: we can either hike up to the largest natural arch in Central Europe – Pravčická brána (Gate of Pravčice) with an admirable view of the surrounding area or we can take a relaxed stroll and gondola ride through an untouched part of the Kamenice River valley. Our third option would be to combine these two hikes into one trip.We will conclude the day after a short bike ride and crossing the border to Germany in the lovely spa town of Bad Schandau. (those not interested in hiking can spend half of a day with spa procedures or at swimming pool in this town).

On our last full day of bike touring from Bad Schandau it is only a short ride to an impregnable fortress of Königstein that guarded a very important trade route in the past. In Bastei we will come along a great view combining the natural beauty of the local sandstone and the medieval castle ruins. It is rather more than highly recommended to cross the river and take a hike. For your effort you will be rewarded by stunning views of the Elbe valley and the Bastei Brücke. A visit to the Neurathen castle ruin tour, built upon rocky cliffs and connected through a system of bridges is also unique experience and you will definitely not regret all the effort to climb to this place! The system of fortresses and castles built by Saxon kings have merited an inscription onto the UNESCO World Heritage list.  After a fulfilling day among culture and nature we will end up our day by arriving to bustling Dresden.

TIP: Again, as an option to biking, you can ride to Dresden on one of the historical boats 

You can spend the very last day of our touring visiting Dresden. One can hardly imagine today that this city was the epicenter of the most destructive Allied bombing in Europe at the end of the Second World War, almost completely turning the city into ashes. Thanks to a solicitous reconstruction and persistence we can today admire the beauty of most of the historical buildings, whether it is the imposing Royal Palace, the Opera building or the symbol of this city – the Frauenkirche Church. All of these historical sights have merited the Saxon capital the nickname of the Venice of Germany!

On request we can arrange transfer to Prague/Berlin by car/train or prolong your stay for extra day. It is definitely worth it!!! (you can also do one day loop trip to visit nearby Meissen and Moritzburg chateau!)

Distance: 0-30 km

Today is yours to explore Špindlerův Mlýn, the gian mountains etc. Take the time and go to enjoy the Elbe spring, the Pančava falls, or even a long one to conquer Sněžka, the highest peak of the whole country!

Hradec Králové and the following city on the way, Pardubice, have been both fighting each other for many centuries for control over the region. Hradec Králové used to be the hereditary town of Bohemian queens and buttress of Bohemian kings, Pardubice used to be seat to the powerful lords of Kunštát. They built a remarkable city that is the pearl of Renaissance architecture until today. Both cities offer interesting museums or aqua parks with the possibility of comfortable relaxation. In the middle between those two cities we can see the Kunětická hora castle from the distance, rising grandly over the countryside. We do recommend visiting the castle! At the bottom of the hill the magical Museum of gingerbread can be found.

From Pardubice we cycle along the strengthening stream of Labe through flat territory, till we reach the oldest stud farm in Europe, Kladruby. Its history reaches back to the 16th century and the local horses have been used for many centuries by many royal and noble families. Along the route there is the possibility of swimming and relaxing in the Bunkov region. At the end of the day we divert form Labe to see one of the most significant cities of medieval Europe under UNESCO protection, Kutná Hora. Before we reach the city, we visit the beautiful classicist chateau Kačina and the uniquely preserved and breath-taking charnel-house in Sedlec at Kutná Hora with the mortal remains of more than 30 000 people.

After seeing the sights of Kutná Hora we cross one of the few hills on our journey and head to Kolín, a significant city and important seat of Central Bohemia. A Jewish synagogue, a gothic church or a unique lookout with marvellous view over the landscape can be found here. After that we follow the newly constructed cycling routes that lead us to the city of Poděbrady. These routes are among the most popular in the Czech Republic. The atmosphere of this beautiful and peaceful spa town can be enjoyed at the colonnade, where you can taste one of the local healing springs. The memorial of the Slavníkovec family is also visited. We continue through Nymburk with its unique medieval battlements.

From Nymburk, you have to decide, which side of river you will follow as next bridge to cross the river is near Lysá nad Labem. You can either follow the stream of Labe along its right bank on official 2 route through beautiful countryside with nice views over the river. However, this route is mainly not on reinforced ground. The other alternative on left river bank offers heading through minor roads. Here Labe is reached only occasionally, but this route also offers several interesting sights such as one of the few sand dunes of the Czech Republic, or the open-air museum of folklore architecture. Both ways meets again near open air museum in Lysá nad Labem. From here you follow the nice trail over Brandýs and stará Boleslav, where the St. Wenceslas was assasinated. Next stop is industiral Neratovice and then finally you enjoy the Elbe vineayrds all the way to the confluence with Moldau in ancient Mělník!

Today’s bike tour stage will take in the most fertile part of the Czech Republic – the Elbe lowlands (Polabská nížina region) or Czech Garden. For most of our day we will have the volcanic cone Říp in sight, a hill where the mythical arrival of Slavs into the Bohemian (Czech) Lands occurred. Pause to watch local champions working out on rowboats in the Račice sports facility before pedaling to Roudnice, one of the oldest cities in the Czech Republic and an ideal place for a pleasant lunch. From Roudnice it is only a short bike ride to the impressive 18th-century fortress of Terezín. Unfortunately, nowadays it is very well-known as a Jewish concentration camp during the Second World War, bearing witness to the dark side of the 20th-century. But a happier coda to the day can be found just across the river in the regional capital town of Litoměřice. Former royal town with very nice cafés and restaurants. Definitely worth it to take a walk through its historical center.

Then we will head towards the romantic region of the Czech Central Mountains. This ancient volcanic region rises high around our river valley route, medieval castles looming over visitors from the narrow peaks of extinct cones. But we will use the ancient trade route along the river Labe connecting the Czech and Saxon Kingdoms. We will enter the Czech Central Mountains by the symbolically named Porta Bohemica. From here we will continue to nearby Žernoseky, a village known for its wine-growing and Baroque chateau. Our next landmark will be more modern: the Masaryk flood-gates, followed by the ancient ruins of Střekov Castle majestically rising above the City of Ústí. In Ústí, we can admire the most off-center tower north of Alps. The incline of the tower was caused due to a heavy bombing at the end of World War II.

Farther along from Ústí, Velké Březno Castle is a fine testimonial of Empire architecture in the Czech Lands. We continue to the city of Děčín, a city dominated visually by a chateau high above on a rocky perch.

Adventures bikers after arrival to Děčín can try really interesting via ferrata/klettersteigs (rock climbing) built just across the river (all equipment is possible to rent on spot).

Few kilometres after Děčín we cross the border to Germany, but before that, we can take a little break from our bicycles, only making a short crossover through the picturesque landscape of the Czech and Saxon Switzerland National Park. The bike path is lined by amazing sandstone cliffs and pillars - one would scarcely believe that this is the lowest point of the Czech Republic! After arriving at Hřensko (crossing the river with a ferry), we can dedicate part of the day to hiking across this exquisite terrain. We can again chose from a few options: we can either hike up to the largest natural arch in Central Europe – Pravčická brána (Gate of Pravčice) with an admirable view of the surrounding area or we can take a relaxed stroll and gondola ride through an untouched part of the Kamenice River valley. Our third option would be to combine these two hikes into one trip.

Back on the bikes we go through the lovely spa town of Bad Schandau (those not interested in hiking can spend some time with spa procedures or at swimming pool in this town). 

From Bad Schandau it is only a short ride to an impregnable fortress of Königstein that guarded a very important trade route in the past. In Bastei we will come along a great view combining the natural beauty of the local sandstone and the medieval castle ruins. It is rather more than highly recommended to cross the river and take a hike. For your effort you will be rewarded by stunning views of the Elbe valley and the Bastei Brücke. A visit to the Neurathen castle ruin tour, built upon rocky cliffs and connected through a system of bridges is also unique experience and you will definitely not regret all the effort to climb to this place! The system of fortresses and castles built by Saxon kings have merited an inscription onto the UNESCO World Heritage list.  After a fulfilling day among culture and nature we will end up our day by arriving to bustling Dresden.

TIP: Again, as an option to biking, you can ride to Dresden on one of the historical boats.

You can spend the very last day of our touring visiting Dresden. One can hardly imagine today that this city was the epicenter of the most destructive Allied bombing in Europe at the end of the Second World War, almost completely turning the city into ashes. Thanks to a solicitous reconstruction and persistence we can today admire the beauty of most of the historical buildings, whether it is the imposing Royal Palace, the Opera building or the symbol of this city – the Frauenkirche Church. All of these historical sights have merited the Saxon capital the nickname of the Venice of Germany!

On request we can arrange transfer to Prague/Berlin by car/train or prolong your stay for extra day. It is definitely worth it!!! (you can also do one day loop trip to visit nearby Meissen and Moritzburg chateau!)

We take the cableway in the morning, and those interested might climb to the hill above Špindlerův Mlýn. Here we follow the track over mountain crests to the top of the town of Vrchlabí. It is reached by a two-kilometre-long descent! Vrchlabí is said to be the Gate of the Giant Mountains. Sights such as the Museum of the National Park Krkonoše, an Augustinian monastery, or an interesting neo-renaissance chateau can be found here. From Vrchlabí we follow the strengthening stream of the river to Hostinné, a town with an outstanding town hall, guarded by two statues of giants. The artificial dam Lesní Království is one of the highlights of the day and it brings us for a moment into the fairy world of princes and princesses. You continue through Dvůr Králové. This royal and dowry city is famous not only through its beautiful historical square, but also thanks to the Safari Park with the largest collection of African animals in Europe.

We leave the region of The Giant Mountains and head to Polabí. First you visit one of the best preserved Baroque complexes of buildings in the Czech Republic – Kuks. Not only this memorable chateau located high above the river, but also the statues by Bernard Braun create a unique atmosphere. Our next stop is the city of Jaroměř with its beautiful historical square, and the neighbouring impressive Josefov fortress, the walls of which had never been conquered. Our aim today is Hradec Králové. Here we find a preserved medieval city and also architectonically revolutionary buildings from the beginning of the twentieth century.