Travelling to Prague by train is a good option. From there to the starting point in Spindleruv Mlyn, a bus transfer is recommended, for example with the company "Bags and Bikes", www.bagsandbikes.cz. From 40 euros per bike and person.
Tours
Day 1
Spindleruv Mlyn - Elbe spring - Benecko - Vrchlabi - Hostinne - Dvur Kralove
approx. 78 km, 500 metres in altitude (using the chairlift)
The toughest stage: despite the chairlift (incl. bike 160 CK), the last kilometre to the source of the Elbe is still steeply uphill and forbidden to cyclists. Descent on cycle routes 13, 12, 11 and 10 to Vrchlabi, where the official Elbe cycle path marked "2" begins. Architectural highlight: the 100-year-old Les Kralovstvi dam
2nd day
Dvur Kralove - Kuks - Hradec Kralove - Pardubice
approx. 60 km, 200 m ascent
Past the historic Kuks hospital, then the cycle path bypasses the centre of Jaromer and follows the banks of the Elbe for a long time on its own route. Hradec Kralove (Königgrätz) has a pretty old town centre, the onward route to Pardubice is somewhat less attractive.
Day 3 Pardubice - Kladruby - Tynec - Kutna Hora
approx. 55 km, 220 m elevation gain
Deviation from the Elbe cycle path: After a few earthy kilometres west of Pardubice on small roads, past the stud farms of the Kladruby horses to the rewarding World Heritage town of Kutna Hora (Kuttenberg).
Day 4 Kutna Hora - Kolin - Podebrady - Nymburk
approx. 40 km, 50 m ascent
On a side road back to the markings of the Elbe cycle path.
Day 5: Nymburg - Stara Boleslav - Melnik
approx. 50 km, 200 metres in altitude
The cycle path markings here lead partly along tracks and busy roads. If you want to make faster progress, take parallel side roads and cycle path 19 on the southern bank of the Elbe
Day 6 Melnik - Prague,
approx. 60 km, 200 m elevation gain
First along the Vltava Canal, then on increasingly better cycle paths into the centre of Prague.
Best time to travel
May to October. In the Czech Republic, hotel prices vary greatly between high and low season.
Food
The standards of Bohemian-Czech cuisine are well known: Roast pork with gravy and dumplings is everywhere, good and cheap. The "Villa Hubertus" (see below) in particular shone with its dining room and kitchen.
Two tips beyond the dumpling classics:
Nymburk: Pizzeria Caffe Castello; www.pizzerie-nymburk.cz
A welcome change in the centre of Nymburk: a modern "Italian" restaurant, just like you would find in Germany.
Prague: Restaurace Podolka/ Yacht Club Cere; www.restauracepodolka.cz
A modern, young, predominantly vegetarian restaurant on the banks of the Vltava, a little way upstream from the centre. Highly recommended!
Accommodation tips
Dvur Kralove: Penzion Za Vodou, penzionzavodou.cz
Modern accommodation, quiet. The better rooms are in the new building at the rear. With pool and outdoor area! DZ/F about 1200 crowns
Spindleruv Mlyn: Villa Hubertus, www.villahubertus.cz
Traditional and charming, directly on the Elbe bridge. Double room/F from 47 euros.
Kutna Hora: Vila U Varhanare, www.uvarhanare.cz
Beautiful baroque villa right next to the church with a lovely view, cosy and friendly. Double room/F from 45 euros.
Prague: Hotel Waldstein, www.hotelwaldstein.cz
Prague is expensive. The Hotel Waldstein may not be the classic four-star accommodation, but it is charming and perfectly located in the historic centre (on Castle Hill). Double room/F from 114 euros.
Organiser
We were supported by the Czech organiser Enthusia (www.enthusia.cz). However, it is also possible to organise the trip yourself.
Map/Guide
Comprehensive information page on the Elbe Cycle Route, including sketch maps, in German.
Official Elbe cycle path handbook 2015 incl. cycle-friendly accommodation for free download in German at www.labska-stezka.cz; www.cyklistevitani.cz
Jan Ritter: Elbe Cycle Route in the Czech Republic 1 : 60,000,
www.labskastezka.cz/de/elberadweg-labska-stezka-labska-cyklotrasa/
Info
General information page of the national tourist office. www.czechtourism.com
The complete article was published in Trekkingbike issue 5/2015. You can read the entire issue in the Trekkingbike app (iTunes and Google Play) or order the issue in the DK shop.
You can download the individual articles as PDF files here.
