Elbe Cycle Path: Source of the Elbe to Prague

This eight-day self-guided tour begins and ends in Prague. After a morning sightseeing in the city, a shared transfer takes riders to Spindleruv Mlyn, the cycling start point near the Elbe's source. The route passes the Elbe Dam and Vrchlabí, "Gateway to the Giant Mountains," to Dvůr Králové, then via the fortress town of Josefov to the university city of Hradec Králové.

Riders continue past Kunětická Hora Castle to Pardubice or Přelouč, then via the UNESCO-listed National Stud at Kladruby nad Labem and the spa town of Poděbrady to Nymburk. The final stage follows the Elbe to Čelákovice before joining a dedicated cycle route into Prague's historic centre.

As sections between the source and Mělník run along country roads and unpaved field and forest tracks, this route is described as an insider tip among touring cyclists.

Highlights:

• Elbe Dam and Vrchlabí, the historic "Gateway to the Giant Mountains"
• Fortress town of Josefov and the university city of Hradec Králové
• Kunětická Hora Castle and the historic centre of Pardubice
• UNESCO-listed National Stud at Kladruby nad Labem, home of the Old Kladruber horse
• Spa town of Poděbrady and medieval Nymburk
• Optional hike to the source of the Elbe and detour to UNESCO-listed Kutná Hora

Surface and terrain:
Mixed surfaces, including country roads and unpaved field and forest tracks in the early stages, becoming smoother asphalt cycle paths closer to Prague. Rated "average to demanding" difficulty. Not suitable for riders with mobility impairments.

Suitable for:
Riders of average to demanding fitness comfortable with mixed surfaces and daily distances of 22-83 km. Bookable from 2 people (not solo).