The Elbe Cycle Route

Book excerpt: Here is a guidebook to the Elbe Cycle Route, possibly the easiest long-distance cycle route in Europe, being almost entirely flat or downhill for some 1200km. Cruise alongside one of Europe's great rivers as it flows from its source, through Czechia and Germany to the North Sea. This guidebook describes the route across 29 stages (together with a practical prologue stage), with stages ranging from 21 to 69 kilometres. Suggested schedules include 13, 15, 17 and 19 day options, making this a perfect 2-3 week cycle tour. Map extracts at a scale of 1:150 accompany clear route description, with gradient profiles provided where they are helpful. Background information on the region's history and natural environment is also provided, as are practical tips relating to preparation, transport to the start and finish, accommodation, amenities, navigation, safety and more. History abounds along this waymarked route. Pedal passed restored palaces, cathedrals, churches and other baroque and rococo buildings; see where the Iron Curtain once stood; and discover the great cities of Dresden, Magdeburg and Hamburg.