The weather looked a little doubtful as we set off from Pension Senkova after a very good breakfast.
Leaving Pension Senkova.
Crossing the river to find the bike path on the left bank.As usual, we had a morning hiccup. We had crossed the bridge over the Labe (Elbe) to join the 'better' bike path. As we turned towards the river at the end of the bridge the road was closed. The sandstone cliff above the road had collapsed. After a little re-navigation, we rejoined the bike path.
Some of the most scenic and pleasant riding we have done.It proved to be a wonderful path and an enjoyable 74km to Dresden.
Along the way, we passed many kilometres of spectacular sandstone cliff formations. The views along the Elbe were at least as good as the Danube.
A section of track some km long approaching and crossing the borderwas decorated with varying designs.
We crossed into Germany and stopped for coffee at a radweg (bike route) restaurant.
Our usual photo stop at the border.
Beautiful little towns squeezed into the narrow valley next to the river.
With a few big hill climbs it would be perfect.
What to photograph is the problem.
Yes! - even a few little hill climbs through forest.
Our first German coffee stop.
Even the trains are pretty around here.
We crossed on this ferry after our coffee.
Waiting for a train to pass.As we were passing through another small town, an old German cyclist (quite a bit older than us) stopped to chat. He advised us that the Alstadt (old town centre) of Pirna, the town we were passing, was "super". So we turned around and pulled in to Pirna for lunch. It was indeed a lovely old town with beautiful cobbled streets, spires and a lively alstadt with lots of cafes and icecream shops - perfect!
The Pirna town square.After lunch, we continued on to Dresden and rode straight to our hostel - Kangaroo Stop - in the Neustadt, only 15 minutes walk from the historical centre.
As we neared Dresden, the bike path became progressively busier, and we were glad it was Tuesday and not a weekend.
Dresden is the best city for access by bikes we have found.
A view across the river in Dresden.
Approaching central Dresden - on bike path through parklands!
Ha! your trip ,into Praha reminds me of our trip from Eszterdom into Budapest. Similarly, we took the train only to be bailed out a few stops down the line due to track works - and the replacement bus service couldn't take our bikes! With the assistanace of a very kinf local woman we got a map but we still needed to navigate by the seat of our pants the unplanned kms of cycling into Budapest. But we got there! A bit like you guys! Enjoy the bratwurst!
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