Elbe Cycle Path in Dresden

Some 50 kilometres of the Elbe Cycle Path run within the city boundaries of Dresden, and the whole route was still passable well into the 1950s, even though the surface quality left much to be desired in parts. Over the years that followed, however, numerous stretches gradually fell into disrepair and were no longer usable.

Since 1990, the Elbe Cycle Path has been restored and rebuilt step by step. To be able to offer cycle tourists an unbroken route, the path on the left bank of the Elbe was tackled first.

With only a few minor exceptions, the riverside route is now not only passable, but also newly signposted.

Individual sections of the Elbe Cycle Path

Western city boundary to Flügelwegbrücke bridge

From the Niederwartha railway bridge, a cycle path is provided on both sides of the Elbe. On the right bank - still belonging to the town of Radebeul at this point - an asphalt surface is complete as far as Altkaditz. From Altkaditz onwards, it is for the time being necessary to revert to the city's normal road and footpath network. The signposted route runs via Grimmstrasse, Kötzschenbroder Strasse and Leipziger Strasse.

The recommended unbroken route remains on the left bank of the river, passing through the former village of Gohlis. With the exception of a short 1.5 kilometre stretch, an asphalted surface is provided all the way to the Flügelwegbrücke bridge.

Flügelwegbrücke to Marienbrücke bridge

After passing under the Flügelwegbrücke bridge, the left-bank cycle path continues into the Ostragehege district, passing over a bridge at the entrance to the Alberthafen river port. Following the Ostragehege flood channel, the path is asphalted up to the Schlachthofbrücke bridge, where a small picnic area has been created. A ramp up onto the bridge permits detours to the nearby Dresden exhibition centre.

Continuing in the direction of the city centre, the route follows a service road past the open-air concert field and the extensive grounds of the Ostragehege Sports Park, before joining Pieschener Allee to return to the river proper.

On the right bank, in the meantime, the Elbe Cycle Path is complete once more from Moritzburger Strasse to the Marienbrücke bridge and the city centre.

Marienbrücke to Albertbrücke bridge (city centre)

The footpaths and cycle paths on both sides of the river are fully restored through the whole city centre.

Albertbrücke to eastern city boundary

The recommended route is again on the left bank and passes the city districts Johannstadt, Blasewitz, Laubegast, Tolkewitz and Kleinzschachwitz. The ferries in Johannstadt, Niederpoyritz and Pillnitz, as well as the Loschwitz bridge (»Blue Wonder«), permit cyclists to cross to the other side of the river. In Zschieren, the cycle path leaves the territory of Dresden in the direction of Heidenau and Pirna.

On the right bank of the river, the Elbe Cycle Path is in a good state past the Neustadt rose garden and as far as the Elbe ferry in Johannstadt. The remainder of the cycle path towards Pillnitz and Söbrigen is not yet restored. The route follows historical tracks (cobbled surface) and in part local roads and lanes (Wiesenweg, Pillnitzer Landstrasse).