- Wandering through the first European water tunnel, the Old Elbe Tunnel, as you marvel at its structure and engineering.
- Cruising along the “Florence of the Elbe,” in Dresden, Germany.
- Walking in Martin Luther’s footsteps in the home of the Protestant Reformation, Wittenberg, Germany.
- Gazing upon the astonishing Elbe Sandstone Mountains as you stroll along the Bastei sandstone bridge.
- Hiking to the top of a free-standing peak in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Best Things to Do in Elbe River
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Things to do in Elbe River - Expert's guide
1. Berlin, Germany
Many Elbe River tours start in Germany’s historical capital of Berlin. Although Berlin is not located directly on the Elbe River, it is connected to many waterways that lead to it. With a prominent and turbulent past, Berlin is a haven for history buffs. Here you will learn a great deal of 20th-century history through Holocaust museums and memorials from World War II and the Berlin Wall remains from the Cold War. Aside from its history, modern-day Berlin is an urban metropolis and the largest city in Germany.
2. Palaces and Parks of Potsdam
Elbe River tours usually explore Potsdam, Germany before embarking on their waterway journey. Best known for its many castles, Potsdam is home to the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam, including Sanssouci Palace and Cecilienhof Palace, a Berlin UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 1,235 acres large, this stunning landscape is home to over 150 structures.
3. Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is one of the most popular and economically powerful cities in Germany. With much of its success attributed to its position along the Elbe River, Hamburg is a major port city in northern Germany. The Elbe River connects Hamburg to the North Sea. In Hamburg, you can explore this mighty river by cruise, boat, cycling, or foot.
In Hamburg, sights to enjoy along the Elbe River include the first European water tunnel, the Old Elbe Tunnel, scenic bike routes, and beautiful river beaches. Aside from the river, travelers can enjoy the picturesque urban park, Planten un Blomen, the waterfront promenade, Jungfernstieg, and the new waterside quarter, HafenCity in Hamburg.
4. Dresden, Germany
Dresden, Germany is one of the main embarkation locations for Elbe River cruises. Referred to as the “Florence of the Elbe,” Dresden is home to beautiful Baroque
architecture and rich history.Rebuilt and restored after WWII, Dresden will impress you with its charm, culture, and magnificent buildings. Some of the treasured architectural structures include the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), the spectacular 18th-century Baroque Zwinger Palace, Dresden Castle (Residenzschloss), and the Semper Opera House, located along the banks of the Elbe.
5. Wittenberg, Germany
Another key embarkation location along the Elbe River, Wittenberg, Germany is most famous for being the heart of the Protestant Reformation. When visiting Wittenberg, you can travel in Martin Luther’s footsteps to view many prominent landmarks significant to the Protestant Reformation. These landmarks include Lutherhaus; Luther’s House, St. Marien’s Church; where he preached, and Castle Church; where he posted his “95 Theses.”
6. Elbe Sandstone Mountains
The astonishing Elbe Sandstone Mountains straddle the border between the state of Saxony in southeastern Germany and the North Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. With its towering 1,100 free-standing peaks, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains attract many rock climber adventurists. One of the most prominent attractions on the mountain range is the Bastei sandstone bridge, linking several rocks together for breathtaking views of the Elbe River and priceless photo-ops for tourists.
7. Saxon Switzerland National Park
Arguably Elbe River's most beautiful region, Swiss Saxony is home to the striking Saxon Switzerland National Park. Complete with one-of-a-kind sandstone formations, this national park is a hot spot for hikers, mountain climbers, and photography enthusiasts. One of the top must-see spots in Germany, Saxon Switzerland National Park has magnificent panoramic landscapes available for all types of travelers, whether you be an avid hiker or interested in a leisurely, beautiful stroll.
8. Magdeburg, Germany
A prominent city of Medieval Europe, Magdeburg, Germany is another popular embarkation location along the Elbe River. With architecture and history dating back to the Middle Ages, this central city is most famously known for the Gothic-style Magdeburg Cathedral. This cathedral is the burial place of the Holy Roman emperor, Otto the Great. Other tourist attractions in Magdeburg are Elbauenpark garden and amusement park, Jahrtausendturm wooden tower, and Zoologischer Garten Magdeburg.
9. Meissen, Germany
Meissen is located along the banks of the Elbe River in eastern Germany. It is most famously known for its production of exquisite white porcelain, also referred to as “white gold” pottery. This delicate porcelain is created by hand, and the process dates back to the early 18th century in Meissen.
If not visiting the Meissenware factory, you can also tour the quaint elegant Renaissance architecture and landmarks of the city such as the Albrechtsburg castle, the Gothic Meissen Cathedral, and the Meissen Frauenkirche. Wine enthusiasts can also enjoy a tour of Saxon Elbeland and Schloss Proschwitz, both charming vineyards, and wineries in Meissen.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Elbe River tours usually wrap up in the Czech Republic’s vibrant capital city of Prague. About 25 kilometers (16 miles) away from the Elbe River, Prague sits along its own river, the winding Vltava River. Commonly referred to as “the city of a hundred spires,” Prague is best known for its iconic gothic churches, colorful baroque buildings, and medieval Astronomical Clock. The magnificent architecture and design of the buildings in Prague will blow you away, the most remarkable being St. Vitus Cathedral and The Tyn Cathedral.
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Aug 2015
We enjoyed the entire experience
We enjoyed the entire experience; Normandy and Omaha Beach were especially moving. The food and service deserve praise too. This is our third Viking cruise and we'll...
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