The Elbe. Like a lifeline, the river runs through the city in the easternmost corner of Germany. Its course is lined by the vast expanses of the Elbe meadows, where sheep sometimes graze even in the centre of the city. During the twice-yearly hay harvest, Dresden feels like a village bursting at the seams. Hardly like a metropolis, anyway. Even the single trails are supposed to end virtually in front of the brewery, er, Semper Opera House. At least that's what cross-country racer Alex Stark told me beforehand. Alex is something of a jack-of-all-trades. In addition to his racing career in the Scott team, he studies business administration and also founded the 4Socks Company, which produces sports socks.
By MTB along the Elbe and Frauenkirche
In general, everyone in this city seems to be "doing" something. Or rather, they have several projects going on at the same time. Behind the next bend in the Elbe, the silhouette of the old town slowly comes into view. The striking dome of the Frauenkirche, the baroque tower of the Hofkirche, the temple-like Kunsthalle. Dresden's second name "Florence on the Elbe" must have originated from this perspective.
Alex and his mates are waiting for me at the Augustus Bridge, which swings from the Neustadt district over to the old town. Also on board is Carsten Maiwald, former railway rider and creator (yet another one) of these spartan, elegant machines labelled Veloheld. He has worked out the upcoming tour of the city trails, which should give me a first impression of how and where to go biking in Dresden. I soon realise how: fast and smooth.
The best MTB tours around Dresden
- Tour 1: Pillnitz Elbe slopes
- Tour 2: Saxon Switzerland
- Tour 3: Wilisch Mountain
- Tour 4: Dresden City Tour
The complete MTB travel story including the tours and GPS data for Dresden can be found below as a PDF download.
