The Elbe Cycle Route stretches for around 300 kilometers through Saxony-Anhalt and leads cyclists along the majestic river to important historical sites and idyllic landscapes. Starting in the north, for example, you can start at the thousand-year-old town of Havelberg, where the imposing St. Mary's Cathedral takes visitors back to a time when history can still be felt in the walls.
Further south and upstream in Tangermünde, medieval charm and colorful half-timbered houses enchant the senses. The city wall and the magnificent St. Stephen's Church are just some of the highlights on this section of the Elbe Cycle Route.
A “truly special" jewel along the route is Magdeburg, the proud state capital, where the imposing Magdeburg Cathedral and the unique Green Citadel by the architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser cast a spell over visitors. Here, modernity and history merge to create a unique experience. Southeast of Schönebeck and Bad Salzelmen you will find Pömmelte, a prehistoric cult site comparable to "Stonehenge". In the floodplains near Barby, the Saale River flows into the Elbe.
The Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz is also a great place to cycle. There, a 70-kilometer loop leads through the park-like UNESCO World Heritage landscape of the Elbe floodplains to lakes and castles. But Lutherstadt Wittenberg, a few kilometers upstream, is also a fascinating travel destination for athletes and culture enthusiasts alike. A tour through the picturesque old town leads along the "Historic Mile", where sights are lined up close together.
The Elbe Cycle Route is not only characterized by cultural highlights, but also by the diverse nature along the banks of the Elbe. Excursions along other rivers in Saxony-Anhalt are also worthwhile, such as the Saale, Aller, Unstrut and Elster. Cyclists enjoy well-developed paths that lead through deep green forests and vast landscapes. Mediterranean experiences are particularly available in southern Saxony-Anhalt, such as along the Saale Cycle Route, which leads through Germany's northernmost wine-growing region.
Elbe Route Guide with Cycle Pass is published to mark the anniversary
To mark the route's 30th birthday, numerous measures are planned to properly celebrate the anniversary year. An anniversary edition of the Elbe Cycle Route Guide is being published in a new layout and with expanded editorial content, for even better travel planning. For the first time, a cycle pass is being integrated that can be torn out. After completing the route, cyclists can show it to participating tourist information offices or send it in and receive a certificate and an anniversary sticker as a reward.
To increase the visibility of the anniversary directly on the cycle path, temporary floor markings with the anniversary logo will be sprayed on. Advertorials and advertisements in well-known magazines are also intended to make even more people aware of the special route.
Elbe Cycle Day as the official start of the cycling season
A special highlight will be the Elbe Cycle Day in Saxony-Anhalt, which will take place over two weekends for the first time this anniversary year. The event starts on May 5th in the Stendal district and the World Heritage Region, followed by the second weekend on May 10th in the Börde district, Jerichower Land and Magdeburg. The Elbe Cycle Day is the official start of the cycling season and offers numerous guided tours, information stands and participation activities for young and old. Exclusive anniversary giveaways will be distributed along the route.
There are also digital innovations: An updated Komoot collection offers an overview of all current tracks, classic tours such as Hamburg-Magdeburg or Hamburg-Dresden as well as short trips from Magdeburg to Wittenberg or from Wittenberge to Magdeburg. This makes travel planning easier for all cycling enthusiasts.
A particular concern is to make the Elbe Cycle Path more inclusive in the future. Therefore, we are currently examining whether certain sections of the route can be certified as barrier-free so that people with mobility restrictions can also be offered an even better cycling experience in the future.
An experience for all the senses and a varied program
"The Elbe Cycle Path in Saxony-Anhalt is an experience for all the senses," says Saxony-Anhalt's Minister of Tourism Sven Schulze. "It not only connects the historic cities along the Elbe but also shows the natural beauty and cultural diversity of our region." For the 30th anniversary, guests can expect a varied program that combines history, culture and nature in a special way. Whether guided tours to the UNESCO World Heritage sites, culinary highlights in the vineyards or interactive experiences along the route - the Elbe Cycle Path remains a fascinating destination for all cycling enthusiasts.