Elbe Cycle Path: From Pirna to Děčín

From Pirna station, we descend to the Elbe cycle path. We now follow this to Děčín. The signposting is simple - either the blue "e" or the green and white intermediate signposts with the Saxony coat of arms show us the way. The rocky world of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains now begins on the bank on the other side of the Elbe. Shortly after Obervogelgesang, we cross the railroad embankment. At this point, please pay attention to the local signs and the oncoming traffic!

In Stadt Wehlen, a short stop at the adventure pool is a great way to cool off in summer. The route continues towards the spa town of Rathen. A few small elevations allow us to gain altitude and then roll rapidly into the spa town of Rathen. The view to the left goes up to the Bastei Bridge, which is enthroned here on the rock massif above the Elbe.

The route continues to Königstein. The fortress of the same name comes into view after a bend in the river, and the Lilienstein rises up on the other side of the river. After Königstein, the route continues along the water to Bad Schandau. We cycle on via Krippen towards Schöna and enjoy the panoramic views of the Schrammstein rock faces. If you wish, you can make a detour to the other side of the Elbe to Schmilka. From the ferry in Schmilka, two things change: the Elbe canyon becomes even narrower than before and the Czech Republic already begins on the other bank, while we still have a few kilometers ahead of us on the German side.

Have you enjoyed the rocky views before? Then the last stretch to Děčín is the cherry on the cake. The Elbe winds its way through the mountains and every bend reveals a new rock massif that you can hardly get enough of. In Schöna, we cross the German-Czech border. A boundary stone marks the point where the two countries meet. The Elbe cycle path is now called Labská stezka and the signposting changes from white-green to yellow-black. In the Czech Republic, the Elbe Cycle Route is signposted with the number 2. Via Dolní Žleb, where there is also an e-bike charging station at the beer garden, the final stretch takes you through the Bohemian Switzerland National Park to Děčín. There, the castle towers over the town and opposite, climbing enthusiasts can try their hand at rock climbing on the Schäferswand.

Our route ends at the train station in Děčín.

Plan your route with Google Maps to the starting point in Pirna

Parking in Pirna

Arrival:

S-Bahn S1 (Meißen - Schöna) to Pirna

Departure:

National Park Railway U28 (Děčín - Rumburk) to Bad Schandau, change there to S-Bahn S1 (Meißen - Schöna)

Please buy a bike ticket!

The Elbe cycle path runs along both sides of the river as far as Schmilka, with one exception: between the spa town of Rathen and Königstein-Halbestadt, we switch to the southern side of the Elbe. In the Czech Republic, the Elbe Cycle Path only runs along the left bank as far as Děčín. In general, you can change banks regularly with the help of many ferries.

• The Elbe cycle path is sometimes also used by cars.
• Groups of cyclists on racing bikes like to ride along after work or at the weekend.
• In Kurort Rathen, you cross the level crossing twice.
• Please watch out for each other at junctions that are not clearly visible.