moderate
4 days (approx. 6–8 hours paddling daily)
Participants should have good endurance for extended paddling and some experience with river navigation.
Paddle the Elbe River over four days from Ústí nad Labem to Dresden, experiencing striking sandstone cliffs, historic towns, and cross-border culture on this 95-kilometer water adventure.
Enjoy the crossborder tour! • Full of nature and history in Dresden
Unique 4 paddling days from Czech Usti nad Labem to german Dresden. Calm river, camping, two national parks, some of the world´s most visited sites, and the UNESCO Elbe valley Dresden. That´s what makes this tour wonderful.
We´ll rent you boats and complete equipment for your individual boating adventure.
We care about the equipment transfers, provide you with all useful information about campsites and places to see and go. We´ll meet you in Ústí nad Labem at the Mariánsky most (bridge) at the meeting point, where we will hand you in boats, paddles, life jackets and dry bags. There will be a short briefing on-site.
We care to make your holidays hassle-free.
What you´re going to see?
At the beginning of the trip, you will pass the Mariansky bridge, which has been internationally awarded for its unique construction. After leaving the city, nature will surround you with the green hills of the Bohemian Central Mountains. Let's make a stop at Velké Březno for local beer Březňák on your way. The day ends up at the Děčín Camp, on the right riverbank under the motorway bridge in Děčín.
Děčín amazes you by the looks of the Shepherd's Wall with the Via Ferrata and with Děčín chateau on the other side, which rises above the river. The river will take you through a majestic sandstone canyon through the national parks of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland to the spa town of Bad Schandau in neighboring Germany. After a while, you will see the Königstein fortress over the river and campsites on the left riverside.
On the third day of the trip, you will pass meanders around the Bastei rock bridge in Kurort Rathen, where you can stop and stretch your legs as you ascend to this unique sandstone bridge. You will continue through the town of Pirna, behind which Camping Wostra awaits you on the left bank.
The last day of the trip is dedicated to the capital of Saxony, Dresden, also called Florence on the Elbe, for its architecture and important monuments. The trip ends on the beach on the left river bank before the third bridge of Dresden (Albertbrücke).
● Elbe Cycle Route - Usti nad Labem at Mariansky bridge
● Day 1: Camp Děčín - Book your stay ● Day 2: Camping Königstein / Campingplatz Am Treidelweg / Ferdinands Homestay ● Day 3: Campingplatz Wostra Dresden
Come already at the evening before your planned tour and stay at the Camp Děčín, where you can park your cars over the time of your tour. The next day we´ll transfer you to Usti nad Labem with the boats. On the last day, we´ll transfer you back to Camp Děčín.
● Rental of a raft or canoe or kayak, paddles, life jackets, dry bag ● Equipment transport to start and from the finish ● Instructions in boat manoeuvring ● Personal transportation from Radebeul back to Camp Děčín for max 8 persons
● Accommodations
The Elbe’s flow can vary seasonally; always check water levels and flow rates before launching.
Even with guided trips, having a waterproof map helps navigation during portages or breaks.
Weather can change quickly along the river; layering keeps you comfortable from cool mornings to warm afternoons.
Maintain distance from nesting birds and wildlife to preserve the protected ecosystem.
The Elbe River has been an important trade route since the Middle Ages, linking Central European towns and facilitating cultural exchange.
Local operators promote low-impact practices to protect Saxon Switzerland’s delicate sandstone ecosystems and water quality.
Spring weather can be wet and chilly, so a waterproof jacket is crucial.
spring specific
Stay comfortable with clothing that dries fast after water exposure.
summer specific
Bring extra insulation for cooler temperatures and early morning starts.
fall specific
Protect your belongings from water during paddling and unexpected splashes.