Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka
28.9miLength
2,388ftElevation gain
11–12hrEstimated time
Point to point
Left Elbe section of the Elbe Cycle Route in Saxony.
The stage starts in Dresden and leads to Schmilka. It can also be used well as a day trip and depart from the station Schmilka-Hirschmühle. On the way there are the charming, historic towns of Dresden, Rathen, Königstsein and Bad Schandau to discover, always accompanied by magnificent views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains . For those interested in model trains, a trip to the spa town of Rathen with the world's largest garden railroad is definitely worthwhile.
Since the regular-sized railroad tracks also follow the Elbe, individual sections can also be comfortably covered by train. In the historic villages there are numerous cafes and restaurants to take a break.
This route runs on the left bank of the Elbe. It is also possible to travel on the eastern side (right bank).
Highlights:
- Kneipp spa town of Bad Schandau
- Views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
- Spa town of Rathen
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Biela
River
Königstein Fortress
Castle
Bruchwächter
Peak
Loschwitzer Brücke
Attraction
Hungersteine
Attraction
Müglitz
River
Schloss Sonnenstein
Castle
Hunger Stone
Attraction
Hunskirche
Peak
Camping Wostra
Campsite
Caspar-David-Friedrich-Quelle
Spring
Wostra
Lake
Lachsbach
River
Bumper-Boats
Pond
Camping Königstein
Campsite
Schaufelraddampfermanufaktur
Attraction
Mutmaßlicher Fingerabdruck von August dem Starken
Attraction
Campingplatz am Treidlerweg
Campsite
Pilzwand
Peak
Ratsleitenturm
Peak
Fechelsgrund
Valley
Mordgründel
Valley
Struppengrundkegel
Peak
FKK Strandbad
Beach
Schloss Kleinstruppen
Castle
Schloss Struppen
Castle
Wohnwagen- & Caravanstellplatz im Schlosspark
Caravan site
Bibelpflanzengarten
Garden
Top sights
Biela
River
Königstein Fortress
Castle
Bruchwächter
Peak
Loschwitzer Brücke
Attraction
Hungersteine
Attraction
Müglitz
River
Schloss Sonnenstein
Castle
Hunger Stone
Attraction
Hunskirche
Peak
Camping Wostra
Campsite
Caspar-David-Friedrich-Quelle
Spring
Wostra
Lake
Lachsbach
River
Bumper-Boats
Pond
Camping Königstein
Campsite
Schaufelraddampfermanufaktur
Attraction
Mutmaßlicher Fingerabdruck von August dem Starken
Attraction
Campingplatz am Treidlerweg
Campsite
Pilzwand
Peak
Ratsleitenturm
Peak
Fechelsgrund
Valley
Mordgründel
Valley
Struppengrundkegel
Peak
FKK Strandbad
Beach
Schloss Kleinstruppen
Castle
Schloss Struppen
Castle
Wohnwagen- & Caravanstellplatz im Schlosspark
Caravan site
Bibelpflanzengarten
Garden
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our communityTop trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 28.9-mile point-to-point trail near Dresden, Saxony. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 42 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and road biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Expected weather for Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka for the next 5 days is:
- Tue, September 22 - 62 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 57 degrees/clear
- Thu, September 24 - 60 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 67 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 71 degrees/clear
Where is Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka located?
Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka is a trail located in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
How hard is Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka is considered a moderate hike that covers 28.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,388 ft. It takes about 11–12 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka is considered a moderate hike that covers 28.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,388 ft. It takes about 11–12 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka a point to point trail?
Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka is a point to point trail that covers 28.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,388 ft. It takes about 11–12 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka is a point to point trail that covers 28.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,388 ft. It takes about 11–12 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Dogs may be allowed on Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka.
How busy is Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
According to trailgoers, Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka is usually busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka.
Are there lakes at Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Yes, Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka is near Wostra.
Are there beaches at Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Yes, Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka is near FKK Strandbad.
Is camping allowed at Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Camping is allowed on Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka in Saxon Switzerland National Park. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is road biking allowed at Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Road biking is allowed on Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Is backpacking allowed at Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Backpacking is allowed on Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka is paved.
Are there forests at Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Yes, Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka is a forest trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Elbe Cycle Route Stage O: Dresden - Schmilka, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 22, 2026 at 3:30 am GMT+0