The 3 Best Elbe River Cruise Options - Cruise Reviews Tips The 3 Best Elbe River Cruise Options The 3 Best Elbe River Cruise Options An Elbe River cruise is a fantastic way to explore Eastern Europe. The river originates in the Krkonose Mountains in the Czech Republic and winds its way 680 miles through Bohemia and Germany before reaching the North Sea at Cuxhaven. The river flows through many small towns and cities, the major ones being Dresden, Magdeburg and Hamburg. Cruise boats on the river are luxurious and renown for the service and quality of food and accommodation provided. Here are some cruise options on the river you may like to consider. 1. Berlin to Prague Take this 10-day cruise through the most scenic stretches of the Elbe. Visit Berlin, Potsdam and Magdeburg before embarking your ship; the Brandenburg gate and the Berlin wall are prominent attractions in Berlin. At Potsdam, view the 18th century Sanssouci Palace and the New Palace, both built by Frederick the Great. Dessau is home to the Worlitz Castle and its magnificent English style garden.

At Wittenberg, you can visit the house of Martin Luther, stroll through the town of Torgua and see the awe-inspiring Hartenfels Castel. At Meissen, you can take a tour of the famous porcelain factory and stroll along the streets of the Old Town before you set sail for Dresden. The stretch through Saxon Switzerland sees Elbe at its panoramic best. Litomerice is the first town in the Czech Republic. St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Jesuit Church are the main attractions here. Be sure to taste the region’s specialty, the Bohemian beer. Prague, the “City of Hundred Spires,” is where the cruise ends. 2. German Elbe Hamburg to Dresden This 7-day cruise originates at Hamburg. There are many museums and parks in the city. You can take a tour of the City Hall, stroll down the harbor promenade, visit the St. Michaeli’s church or check out the Tierpark Hagenbeck zoo. The river winds its way through serene meadows and vineyards till it reaches the medieval city of Magdeburg, home to Emperor Otto. The Magdeburg Water Bridge is the largest of its kind in Europe.

Dessau, the next stop on the cruise, is situated at the confluence of the Elbe and the river Mulde. The city has many palaces and parks. The prominent ones are the Georgium Castle and the Worlitzer Gartenreich. Wittenburg, the city of the 15th century Protestant Reformer Martin Luther and Torgua, is next before you enter the spellbinding sandstone hills of Saxon Switzerland. The cruise ends in the Dresden, the city of the Kings of Saxony. 3. German and Czech Elbe This cruise starts in the city of Magdeburg and ends at Melnik, a town 35-km north of Prague. Winding its way down from Magdeburg, Dassau, Wittenburg and Dresden, the river meets the Vltava at the city of Melnik in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. An important agricultural hub, endless fields of fruit and vegetables dominate the landscape of this town. Famous for its wine, a visit to the wine cellars below the renaissance style Melnik Castle is well worth your time. Visit the Peter and Paul church and dine at a river-side restaurant. Enjoy your holiday on the Elbe.

Remember these cruise tips and come away with great memories. Elbe River | river, Europe | Britannica.com Elbe River Meissen Elbe River, Czech Labe, one of the major waterways of central Europe . It runs from the Czech Republic through Germany to the North Sea , flowing generally to the northwest. The river rises on the southern side of the Krkonoše (Giant) Mountains near the border of the Czech Republic and Poland . It then makes a wide arc across Bohemia (northwestern Czech Republic) and enters eastern Germany about 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Dresden. For the remainder of its course it flows through Germany. Above Hamburg the Elbe splits into two branches; these rejoin farther downstream, and the river then broadens into its estuary, the mouth of which is at Cuxhaven , where it flows into the North Sea. Elbe River Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The total length of the Elbe is 724 miles (1,165 km), of which roughly one-third flows through the Czech Republic and two-thirds through Germany. Its total drainage area is 55,620 square miles (144,060 square km).

Major tributaries are the Vltava (Moldau), Ohře (Eger), Mulde, and Saale rivers, all of which join it from the left, and the Iser, Schwarze (“Black”) Elster, Havel, and Alster rivers from the right. Physical features Physiography The Elbe is formed by the confluence of numerous headwater streams in the Krkonoše Mountains a few miles from the Polish-Czech frontier. It flows south and west, forming a wide arc for about 225 miles in the Czech Republic to its confluence with the Vltava at Mělník and is joined 18 miles downstream by the Ohře. It then cuts to the northwest through the picturesque Elbe Sandstone Mountains, and, in a gorge four miles long, it enters Germany. Between Dresden and Magdeburg the Elbe receives many long tributaries, of which all except the Schwarze Elster are left-bank streams. These are the Mulde and the Saale and its tributaries—including the Weisse (“White”) Elster, the Unstrut, and the Ilm.

These left-bank tributaries rise in the Ore Mountains or the Thuringian Forest and form the drainage basin of the middle Elbe, with its geographic foci in Halle and Leipzig. Halle is on the Saale, just below the confluence of the Weisse Elster; Leipzig lies at the confluence of the Pleisse and the Weisse Elster. Below Magdeburg the Elbe receives most of its water from its right bank. Most of these tributaries rise in the uplands of Mecklenburg. The Elbe, Oder, and Vistula river basins and their drainage network. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Tour the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxon Switzerland National Park, eastern Germany. Contunico © ZDF Enterprises GmbH, Mainz Similar Topics World Tour The lower course of the Elbe is tidal as far as the dam at Geesthacht, above Hamburg, where the river flow periodically reverses its direction. The average tide at Hamburg is about eight feet. However, during storms the water may rise much higher, occasionally even flooding parts of the city.

The economy By means of the Elbe and its connecting waterways, vessels from Hamburg can navigate to Berlin , the central and southern sections of eastern Germany, and the Czech Republic. The Mittelland Canal , a short distance below Magdeburg, runs westward about 200 miles to the Dortmund–Ems Canal , carrying barges of up to 1,000 tons to the German industrial cities of Osnabrück, Hannover, Salzgitter, Hildesheim, Peine, and Wolfsburg and connecting with the Weser and Rhine rivers. The Elbe–Havel Canal carries traffic from Magdeburg eastward to the network of waterways around Berlin and farther on to Poland. The Kiel Canal runs from the mouth of the Elbe to the Baltic Sea , and the Elbe–Lübeck Canal , starting at Lauenburg, also runs to the Baltic, following an older (14th-century) canal . Another canal connects the lower Elbe with Bremerhaven on the Weser River . The Elbe itself is navigable for 1,000-ton barges as far as Prague through the Vltava.

In eastern Germany it serves the river ports of Magdeburg, Schönebeck, Aken, Dessau, Torgau , Riesa, and Dresden, carrying bituminous coal, lignite, coke, metal, potash, grain, and piece goods. Although Hamburg lies far upstream from the mouth of the Elbe, it is one of the largest seaports in Europe; a six-line railway tunnel and a multilane road tunnel under the Elbe there are important links in trans-European traffic flows. The Kiel Canal, which runs from the mouth of the Elbe River to the Baltic Sea, at Kiel, Germany. A.G.E. FotoStock Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest The basin of the Elbe has been settled since prehistoric times. Until the Middle Ages the river was the western boundary of the area inhabited by the northern Slavs. In the 12th century the Germans began to colonize the lands east of the Elbe and along the Baltic Sea. In World War II a point on the Elbe near Torgau was the meeting place of the U.S. and Soviet armies.

From the end of the war until 1990, the river formed part of the demarcation between East and West Germany . The city of Hamburg dates from the early 9th century ad. Together with Lübeck, Hamburg established the Hanseatic League in 1241. Today it is Germany’s second largest city, surpassed only by Berlin. Another ancient city on the Elbe is Magdeburg , which in the early 9th century was a trading post on the border between the Germans and the Slavs. In the 13th century it was a flourishing commercial city and an important member of the Hanseatic League. Today it is the largest inland harbour of eastern Germany. The other chief city of the Elbe is Dresden, founded about 1200. During the 18th century Dresden developed into a great centre of the fine arts, known as “Florence on the Elbe.” Its beautiful architecture, almost completely destroyed during World War II, has been partially rebuilt. Other towns of historical interest along the Elbe include Wittenberg, the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation, and Meissen , which became famous for the manufacture of porcelain.

Saxony-Anhalt | state, Germany | Britannica.com state, Germany Halle Saxony-Anhalt, German Sachsen-Anhalt, Land (state), east-central Germany . Saxony-Anhalt borders the German states of Brandenburg to the east, Saxony to the south, Thuringia to the southwest, and Lower Saxony to the northwest. The state capital is Magdeburg . Area 7,895 square miles (20,447 square km). Pop. (2011) 2,287,040. The cathedral at Magdeburg, Ger. © Huber/Press and Information Office of the Federal Government of Germany Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Geography Almost all of Saxony-Anhalt lies within the North European Plain , and its landscapes exhibit impacts from successive eras of glaciation. The Elbe River flows through the eastern and northern portions of the state, while the south is drained by two of the Elbe’s tributaries, the Saale and Mulde rivers. The sandy plains of the valley of the Elbe are interspersed with farmlands, pastures, pine forests, and bog lands.

The southwest portion of the state includes parts of the Harz mountains, adjacent foothills, and the fertile Harz Foreland, which lies between the hills and the Halle - Leipzig conurbation. The central portion of Saxony-Anhalt is occupied by the Fläming Hills and the fertile Börde region, which extends from the Harz foothills in the southwest to the Elbe at Magdeburg. Apart from the valley of the northward-flowing Elbe, the northernmost segment of the state mostly consists of the Altmark heath. About two-thirds of the landscape is in farmland; roughly another one-fifth is covered by forests. Most of Saxony-Anhalt has a temperate climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean , though the climate of the Harz is harsher. Saxony-Anhalt’s population is composed almost entirely of ethnic Germans. There is no significant indigenous ethnic minority, and the foreign population is very small. From the mid-20th century, the state’s population declined dramatically, losing about one-fifth of its inhabitants between 1960 and the beginning of the 21st century.

Population densities vary greatly, from the thinly populated north to the quite densely populated Börde region and industrialized, urbanized south. Similar Topics Saarland Though agriculture in Saxony-Anhalt dominates much of the landscape, it plays a quite modest role in total output and employment. The fertile lowlands of the Börde region and of the Saale and Mulde river valleys support the cultivation of wheat, rye, barley, rape, sugar beets, and fodder crops. This productive agriculture has given rise to important local food-processing industries, especially sugar-refining and flour-milling. Cattle are also raised, and cheese production is important. The heathlands produce some rye, potatoes, and cattle. The major industrial resource in Saxony-Anhalt is lignite, mined in several locations in the southeastern part of the state in a coalfield that straddles the border of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, with an additional small area in adjacent Thuringia, within what is called the Central German Coalfield. Between unification in 1990 and the beginning of the 21st century, production dropped by more than three-fourths and employment by more than nine-tenths.

While the mining of metals has ceased since German unification, some production of potash continues in Zielitz. Like other eastern German states, Saxony-Anhalt suffered severe economic recisions in production and employment in virtually all sectors following unification. In the early 2000s the state was considered to be among Germany’s poorest, with high unemployment, especially in the former mining and chemical works regions in the south. Decreased economic activity, however, especially reductions in chemical and lignite production, has led to dramatic improvement in air quality in the postunification era. Although Saxony-Anhalt’s economy, including manufacturing, has shrunk, the state’s two main industrialized regions continue to be of some importance. Magdeburg, almost completely flattened during combat in World War II , was rebuilt in the postwar era. It has food-processing and metalworking industries. In southern Saxony-Anhalt a line of cities and towns from Dessau south through Zeitz, including Wolfen, Bitterfeld, Halle , Merseburg , and Leuna, have varied chemical, machinery, and metallurgical plants, as well as food processing. Aspirin manufacturer Bayer has a large complex in Bitterfeld.

Saxony-Anhalt also has a modest tourist industry that primarily serves German travelers. Research laboratory at a pharmaceutical plant in Saxony-Anhalt, Ger. © Punctum/Press and Information Office of the Federal Government of Germany Britannica Stories Ringling Bros. Folds Its Tent Magdeburg is Saxony-Anhalt’s major service and university centre in the north and an important inland port and trucking centre. Halle is the dominant service and university centre in the south, as well as the site of major new suburban retail concentrations. Dessau serves as an important service centre for the region north of Halle. World Tour The Börde region has excellent rail, road, and navigable waterway networks that carry passengers and cargo not only within the region but also east-west across Germany and Europe. The city of Magdeburg, along the Elbe, is especially well connected to Germany’s east-west oriented transport systems by the Mittelland Canal , major rail lines, and highways. Saxony-Anhalt is governed by a parliament and a minister-president, who is generally a leading member of the parliament’s strongest party. The state offers a variety of cultural activities.

The most appealing natural area in the state is the Harz region, composed of both low mountains and high hills. The area around Brocken , the highest point of the Harz mountains (3,747 feet [1,142 metres]), is part of Harz National Park, which spans the border with Lower Saxony. A number of urban attractions also draw visitors, notably the beautifully restored medieval architecture in Quedlinburg and Wernigerode on the northern flanks of the Harz. Quedlinburg, with its timber-framed buildings and Romanesque church, is a UNESCO World Heritage site (designated in 1994). The castle and church of St. Servatius, Quedlinburg, Germany. W. Krammisch/Bruce Coleman Inc. In the south the Bauhaus Building and Masters’ Houses in Dessau have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site (1996) in recognition of the Bauhaus school’s profound influence on 20th-century architecture and design. A second World Heritage site in Dessau is the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz, an exceptional example of 18th-century landscape design.

Two towns in Saxony-Anhalt are so closely associated with Martin Luther , the priest and scholar who set in motion the Protestant Reformation , that they are officially referred to as Lutherstadt Eisleben and Lutherstadt Wittenberg . The Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg constitute yet another World Heritage site (1996), consisting of houses and churches associated with the lives of Luther and his close associate the writer and educator Philipp Melanchthon . The majestic cathedral in Naumburg and sights and cultural events in Halle, most notably the annual Handel music festival, also draw visitors. Portrait of Martin Luther, oil on panel by Lucas Cranach, 1529; in the Uffizi, Florence. Photos.com/Thinkstock Take a tour of the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz, Dessau, Germany. Contunico © ZDF Enterprises GmbH, Mainz History Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest Saxony-Anhalt had its origins in the principality of Anhalt , which was a duchy from 1863 to 1918 and a state of Germany from 1918 until 1945, when it became part of Saxony-Anhalt.

The latter was a newly created state of East Germany (the German Democratic Republic) from 1949 until 1952, at which time it was broken up into the Bezirke (districts) of Magdeburg and Halle. Upon the reunification of East Germany with West Germany in 1990, the post-World War II state of Saxony-Anhalt was reconstituted to include former Magdeburg and most Halle districts. Elbe river cruises from Berlin to Prague | Cruising Holidays Elbe river cruises from Berlin to Prague Discover Eastern Germany and the Czech Republic on the Elbe, visiting Berlin, Prague, Dresden, Meissen and Wittenberg The River Elbe rises in the mountains of Bohemia and flows through the Czech lowlands into Germany. Just over the German border it cuts through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, known locally as the Saxon Alps or Saxon Switzerland, which have been eroded over the millennia into fantastic rock formations. Highlights Elbe Info As the river continues north-westwards towards Hamburg and the North Sea, the landscape alternates between tranquil meadows and steep slopes covered with vineyards that have been producing wine for more than eight hundred years.

Explore Germany's historic capital, Berlin, with its Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and remains of the infamous Berlin Wall. Voyage from Magdeburg down the Elbe to Wittenberg, where Martin Luther founded the Protestant Reformation, and through the Torgau to Meissen, one of the world's renowned names in porcelain. Dresden, now rebuilt after its WWII bombing, has a fabulous cultural heritage, with many fine buildings near the River Elbe. The Elbe continues into the Czech Republic, ending with a transfer to Prague for a visit or overnight stay. The Czech capital with its castle and many bridges, and famous Wenceslas Square, is a fascinating place to end this exciting holiday.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin 4 Nights - Berlin and back Choice of Ships This superb 4-night cruise is the perfect way to see the sights of Berlin, as well as the magnificent Charlottenburg Castle and the impressive Sanssouci Palace, with unlimited complimentary drinks on board 9 Nights - Prague to Berlin Johannes Brahms Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the picturesque Elbe on this intimate cruise which travels all the way along the river from Prague to Berlin with highlights including the infamous Colditz Castle, with flights from a range of UK airports 8 Nights - Berlin to Prague Elbe Princesse This unique cruise on paddlewheel ship Elbe Princesse travels all the way from Berlin to Prague on the Elbe, Havel and Vltava rivers, visiting Berlin, Potsdam, Magdeburg, Meissen, Wittenberg, Dresden, Saxon Switzerland, and Prague. 9 Nights - Berlin to Prague Viking Elbe Longships Follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther in Wittenberg and cruise through the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Saxon Switzerland on this 9-night holiday along the Elbe, with hotel stays in the fascinating cities of Berlin and Prague.

Includes travel package from the UK Last Updated: 13 January 2017 15:31:01 Elbe River Highlights Berlin (Germany) Berlin is served by the port of Warnemunde which is one hour away by train. Berlin's landmarks include the Brandenburg Gate which was once part of the Berlin Wall, and the avenue of Unter den Linden which formed part of old Berlin's aristocratic quarter. Potsdamer Platz is an area of theatres and restaurants popular with locals, and the Reichstag's new glass dome was designed by Sir Norman Foster. Berlin's TV Tower has a rotating Telecafe for birds-eye views of the city. Dessau (Germany) From Dessau visit the Worlitz Park, Germany's first landscaped park with English-style gardens. Dresden (Germany) The thriving city of Dresden has leafy corners, monumental buildings and contemporary architecture. Known as the 'Florence of the Elbe', the main sights are the magnificent, re-constructed Frauenkirche and the lovely Bruhl Terrace. Tours take in Semper Opera House, Zwinger Palace and Dresden Castle, which holds a splendid collection of the Saxon monarchs crown jewels.

Litomerice (Czech Republic) Litomerice, on the confluence of the Elbe, is one of the most charming towns in the Czech Republic. See the mix of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance buildings in the centre of the city, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the historic Market Square. Magdeburg (Germany) There is a fine cathedral in Magdeburg with sculptures of the 'Twelve Virgins', and the lovely Monastery of Our Lady, which gave the city the title of 'Pearl of the Romanesque Route'. The famous Magdeburg Rider is a 750-year old equestrian statue in front of the Town Hall. There are plenty of quaint corners, and the woodland scenery of Herrenkrug Park Meissen (Germany) Meissen is dominated by its huge, red-roofed castle, Albrechtsburg. The Town Hall is one of the oldest Gothic buildings in the region, and Heinrich's Fountain is in a pretty corner shaded by trees. The town is best known for its delicate porcelain, which was used to furnish many of Meissens churches. A visit to the factory is usually offered from here.

Prague (Czech Republic) Prague is deservedly one Europe's favourite tourist destinations and its beautiful buildings and squares can be discovered on foot. Magnificent Wenceslas Square, the Jewish Quarter, the towers of Charles Bridge, the State Opera House, one of the world's finest Astronomical Clocks and the extraordinary Dancing House, built in the 1990s, are among them. Saxon Switzerland (Germany) Saxon Switzerland is well-known for its soaring rock formations and its small villages, including Bad Schandau. The national park is dotted with sandstone rocks and peaks, which attracts climbers from all over the world and was where the concept of 'free climbing' originated. Wittenberg (Germany) Wittenberg is associated with Martin Luther, leader of the German Reformation. The Luther sites are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include the Luther House where he lived with his family and which houses well-preserved Reformation relics, the Castle Church and the twin-towered Gothic church.

River Elbe | Article about River Elbe by The Free Dictionary River Elbe | Article about River Elbe by The Free Dictionary Related to River Elbe: River Rhine Elbe (ĕl`bə), Czech Labe, a major river of central Europe, c.725 mi (1,170 km) long, rising in the Krknoše Mts., NW Czech Republic, and traversing NW Czech Republic in a wide arc. It then cuts through steep sandstone cliffs, enters E Germany, and flows generally NW through E Germany (past Dresden, Wittenberg, and Magdeburg) and onto the North German plain. The Elbe forms part of what was the East German–West German border before flowing across N central Germany (past Hamburg) and into the North Sea at Cuxhaven. In Hamburg, the river divides into two arms before forming a 60-mi-long (97-km) estuary. The chief tributaries of the Elbe are the Vltava, Mulde, Saale, and Havel rivers.

One of the chief waterways of Europe, the Elbe is navigable for c.525 mi (845 km); freight-laden barges can move on the river as far as Prague. A canal system connects the Elbe with Berlin and the Oder River (to the east); with the Ruhr region and the Weser and Rhine rivers (to the west); and with the Baltic Sea (to the north). There are numerous dams in the Elbe River basin. Known as the Albis to the Romans, the river marked the farthest Roman advance into Germany (9 B.C.) and was later the eastern limit of Charlemagne's conquests. The Treaty of Versailles (1919) internationalized its course from the Vltava River to the sea, but Germany repudiated its internationalization after the Munich Pact (1938). In 1945 the river was made part of the demarcation line between East and West Germany. Elbe (Czech, Labe), a river in Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic (GDR), and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG).

The Elbe, which is 1,165 km long and drains an area of 145,800 sq km, rises on the southwestern slopes of the Krkonoše Hory (Riesengebirge) of the Sudetes mountain system. In its upper course the river has a large gradient and forms the Elbe Waterfall, with a height of approximately 70 m; it then flows along the hilly plains of northern Bohemia. Taking a northwesterly direction, which it maintains to its mouth, the Elbe cuts, in gorges, through the eastern spurs of the Erzgebirge and the mountains of Saxonian Switzerland. Below the city of Meissen the Elbe flows across the Central European Plain, forming a broad valley with marshy sections and lakes. In certain sections dikes have been constructed, and the bends have been straightened. Between Dresden and Hamburg the river increases in width from 100–150 m to 300–500 m. The Elbe empties into the North Sea, forming an estuary about 100 km long and 2.5–15 km wide.

The river’s chief right tributaries are the Iser, Schwarze Elster, and Havel; the principal left tributaries are the Vltava, Ohře, Mulde, and Saale. In spring, melting snow results in high water. The summer low-water period is characterized by occasional freshets brought on by rain: the water level is higher throughout the remainder of the year. Annual fluctuations average 7–8 m. The mean flow rate near the border between Czechoslovakia and the GDR is about 300 cu m per second; in the river’s lower course, it is about 750 cu m per sec. The Elbe is tidal for a distance of 160 km from the mouth. In its upper course the river freezes over for a period of 1.5–2 months; the lower course remains frozen for 2–3 weeks, and in mild winters it does not form an ice cover at all. The Elbe is navigable for 950 km, as far as the city of Kolin, Czechoslovakia; oceangoing vessels reach as far as Hamburg.

The river is linked by a system of canals with the Baltic Sea and with the Rhine, Weser, Ems, and Oder rivers. The cities of Hradec Králové, Pardubice, and Ústi nad Labem in Czechoslovakia; Dresden, Meissen, and Magdeburg in the GDR; and Hamburg in the FRG are situated on the Elbe. A. P. M Elbe River Cruise Tips - Cruise Critic Elbe River Cruise Tips Subscribe By Maria Harding, Cruise Critic U.K. contributor As is the case with many of Europe's great rivers, the Elbe -- Germany's second most well-known river after the Rhine River -- was named by the Romans. They called it the Albis, which became the Elbe to the Germans and the Labe to the Czechs. Its source is located high in the Czech Republic's Krkonose Mountains, and it flows 724 miles northwest through Germany to meet the North Sea at Cuxhaven, north of Hamburg. From Dresden to Hamburg, the river passes through the verdant vineyards of Saxony and the beautiful Sandstone Mountains, known locally as the Saxon Alps.

A cruise along the Elbe provides a cultural tour of Germany and Eastern Europe, taking in some of the region's loveliest scenery and most fascinating cities. Show Cruise Prices Show Prices Most river voyages run between Prague, the fairy tale capital of the Czech Republic, and Hamburg. Prague is linked to the Elbe by the Moldova River (also known as the Vltava), while beyond Hamburg, at the seaward end of the Elbe's flow, you'll find the famous Kiel Canal -- which links the North Sea and Baltic Sea -- and the Oder River (famed for its rich bird life), which allows access via the Havel River to Berlin. Other notable towns and cities along the river's banks include Dresden, Meissen (known for its delicate porcelain), Worlitz (home to magnificent castles and gardens), Wittenberg (where Martin Luther began his Reformation) and Magdeburg, with its atmospheric Gothic Cathedral. With so much to explore, the Elbe is burgeoning in popularity as a river cruise destination. But it is likely to remain a relatively uncommercialized river because it is shallow and narrow in parts, with low bridges.

Therefore, the types of riverboats able to navigate it are limited -- thankfully, you might say. Best Time for Elbe River Cruises The Elbe can suffer from low water levels, especially in June and July. Riverboat operators adjust if a stretch of river is running either too high (causing a problem with low bridges) or too low (where the concern is that the boat might run aground). Sometimes passengers are bussed to destinations along the river or transferred (where possible) to boats in a different riverside location. It's important to understand that fluctuating water levels are part and parcel of river cruising and beyond the control of operators. Be prepared -- quite literally -- to "go with the flow." With year-round Elbe cruises available from 2016, you'll be able to enjoy the river in its many moods and seasons. If you need warmth, it's best visit between May and September when temperatures are in the 70s. But rain is also more likely and heavy tourist traffic is a certainty, so pre-and post-cruise hotel stays will cost peak-season prices. Temperatures fall substantially from October to December, but so do tourist numbers (except for the busy Christmas market season).

Average temperatures in October can be in the mid-50s and fall to the 30s and below as the year draws to a close. January and February are often freezing. While temps rise again in March and April, you should still take layers of warm clothing. Key events include the Duckstein Festival (an annual beerfest that takes place during July and August in Hamburg and Berlin); Hamburg's Reeperbahn Festival in September; and Christmastime, of course, when Hamburg, Prague and other cities along the river host magical markets. Elbe River Cruise Lines Operators of Elbe river cruises include Viking River Cruises , Noble Caledonia , The River Cruise Line, Riviera Travel, Saga , Titan Travel, Grand Circle Cruise Line and CroisiEurope , which plans to offer year-round Elbe cruises beginning in spring 2016, when it introduces its new 80-passenger paddle steamer Elbe Princesse. The steamer, adapted to cope with shallow waters and fluctuating river levels, will operate Elbe cruises between Berlin and Prague. Elbe River Cruise Itineraries Most cruises start in Hamburg or Berlin and end in or near Prague (or vice versa).

Cruises starting from Berlin sometimes originate at Potsdam to bypass part of the Havel-Oder's complex lock system. If this is the case, your operator will arrange for you to travel from Berlin to Potsdam by coach. Seven-day cruises. A classic seven-day "Elegant Elbe" sailing visits the German destinations of Magdeburg, Dessau, Wittenberg, Torgau, Meissen, Dresden and Bad Schandau, enters the Czech Republic to call at Litomerice and ends at Melnik or Usti nad Labem (for Prague) or at Prague itself. Czech Republic cruises. These itineraries are best if you want to visit just the Czech Republic and explore Prague in depth. These seven-day voyages concentrate on the Czech capital, operating from Prague to Melnik, Litomerice and Usti (home to Strekov Castle and the Vetruse Chateau), then calling at Nymburk and 13th century Nelahozeves, before returning to Prague for a three-night stay with a side trip to Trebenice. Berlin-focused sailings.

Alternatively, some Elbe cruises run round-trip from Berlin, with two days in the city before visiting Potsdam, Magdeburg, Dessau, Wittenberg, Meissen and Dresden. The voyage spends two days in Bad Schandau in Germany -- a gateway to Prague -- before you return to Dresden to disembark and transfer by coach back to Berlin. Elbe River Cruise Port Highlights Berlin: The classic Berlin tourist trail shows you the Reichstag (Berlin's 19th century parliament building, now topped with an eye-catching glass dome), the iconic Brandenburg Gate, and one of the world's most famous boulevards, Unter den Linden, which leads to it and to lovely Tiergarten park. Look for "Checkpoint Charlie" and remnants of the Berlin Wall, which divided East Berlin and West Berlin from 1961 until its spectacular destruction in 1989. But since its restoration as capital city of a unified Germany, Berlin has looked confidently toward the future, as well as acknowledging its past. Its new confidence is reflected in a host of glossy, architecturally impressive new buildings like the Potsdamer Platz retail and entertainment complex.

Potsdam: This city -- which lies on the Havel River just southwest of Berlin and is the boarding point for most Elbe cruises -- is home to magnificent palaces, vast parks and manicured gardens. Once the seat of Prussian royalty, Potsdam epitomizes haute European stylishness and boasts many fine houses. The most notable is Sanssouci, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the summer palace of Frederick the Great. The palace was built in 1745 and features glorious parklands. Also, make time to explore Potsdam's historic Dutch Quarter, its ancient Weavers' Quarter and the Alexandrowka (formerly a Russian colony and now a museum). Indeed, it's worth considering having a pre- or post-cruise stay in Potsdam, as well as Berlin. Magdeburg: Linked by the Elbe River to the North Sea, Magdeburg was an important trading city in medieval times, and its past glories are still celebrated, notably its fine cathedral, which was the first Gothic church in Germany when it was built between 1209 and 1520.

Like so many German treasures destroyed by the rise of Nazism, the cathedral was badly damaged in World War II, but it was lovingly reconstructed in the 1950s and continues to be Magdeburg's most imposing building. The Renaissance-style Town Hall in Magdeburg's Market Square is another impressive reconstruction, and you can get a feel for the city's history in the Museum of Modern Art, which is housed in the 11th century Monastery of Our Lady. When you've had your fill of history, head downtown and explore Magdeburg's bustling waterfront, where the Elbe meets the Mittelland Canal and the Elbe-Havel Canal. Hamburg: Hamburg is Germany's second largest city (after Berlin), and its cultural diversity, modern outlook and vibrant nightlife make it one of Europe's most popular cities for tourists. You can have a lively time lunching and exploring the city's Harbour Promenade and revitalized Warehouse District. Or check out the clubs and bars of its world-famous (and outrageous) Reeperbahn red light district.

Those with more cultured tastes will enjoy the Art Gallery and Gallery of Contemporary Arts, while lovers (or just lovers of classical music) should be in Hamburg in August for "Romantic Nights" in the city's lovely Tierpark, which has a well-maintained zoo and hosts woodland classical concerts throughout the month. Don't miss a chance to view Hamburg from the water on a canal boat tour; these depart from the harborfront and provide spectacular evidence to back Hamburg's proud boast that it has more than 2,500 bridges -- more than Venice and Amsterdam combined. Wittenberg: Located between Leipzig and Berlin, Wittenberg is famous as home to one of the world's oldest universities, founded in 1502. Even more importantly, it was home to Martin Luther, who launched the Protestant Reformation from there, and the city's connection with the reformer led to several of Wittenberg's historic sites being given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996. Part of the Augustinian monastery in which Luther lived has been preserved as a museum of the Reformation, but if time's at a premium, put the Castle Church top of your must-see list.

The church holds Luther's tomb, and its door was where he nailed his 95 theses in 1517. The original wooden doors of the church were destroyed in 1760, but they were replaced with bronze doors on which Luther's text is written in Latin. Dresden: The capital of Saxony, Dresden straddles both banks of the Elbe. Its two sides are linked by the Blue Wonder bridge, a marvel of 19th century engineering and one of the city's most famous landmarks. The city is crammed with the reconstructions of elegant Baroque buildings and grand villas once owned by the cream of European aristocracy. Dresden was largely destroyed during bombings during World War II and then spent 40 years under Communist rule. Since the reunification of Germany, the city has enjoyed a true Renaissance that has seen the detailed reconstruction of former Baroque splendours including the Zwinger Palace, the Opera House and the Frauenkirche, Dresden's cathedral, which was rebuilt in 2005.

This regeneration has been so successful that a call at Dresden is now a highlight of an Elbe cruise, and the Dresden Elbe Valley's beautiful scenery -- which includes Pillnitz Castle, extensive parkland and vineyards -- has earned it a UNESCO World heritage listing. Zernoseky and Leitmeritz: These charming Czech towns epitomize the pleasures of cruising along the Elbe. Zernoseky, a quiet place surrounded by terraced vineyards, offers wine tastings in a 13th century chateau, while Leitmeritz -- on the Elbe's right bank -- is famous for its beer and worth exploring for its historic cathedral, bishops' palace and 15th century bell tower. Melnik: This city of viniculture is set in one of Bohemia's most fertile agricultural areas, where the Elbe and the Vltava rivers meet. Worth seeing: Melnik's Renaissance castle and its extensive wine cellars, along with Melnik Square, which is home to Gothic and Baroque houses as well as a Renaissance City Hall.

Prague: This fairytale city has fast become a "bucket list" destination for travelers all over the world, and most flock to see its lofty, ninth century castle (the Czech president's official residence). Devote time to a visit to Prague Castle and its Imperial Stables and riding school, three lavish courtyards and toy museum. You also can check out grand palaces, monasteries and churches, including St. Vitus Cathedral. Prague 's Lesser Town lies on the slopes below the castle, and top attractions there include Wenceslas Square (with its historic animated clock) and the Charles Bridge. Elbe River Cruise Tips Bring layers. The weather is cold in the shoulder months and freezing in winter. Even in summer, breezes on the river can be chilly, so take a few layers to stay snug. Invest in good shoes. Don't forget stout walking shoes because there is much to explore on foot. Be flexible. Be prepared for fluctuating water levels. The Elbe flows through a fascinating part of the world, so it's worth bracing yourself for the possibility of some inconvenience.

Sponsored links Elbe | Article about Elbe by The Free Dictionary Elbe | Article about Elbe by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Dictionary , Thesaurus , Wikipedia . Related to Elbe: Donau Elbe (ĕl`bə), Czech Labe, a major river of central Europe, c.725 mi (1,170 km) long, rising in the Krknoše Mts., NW Czech Republic, and traversing NW Czech Republic in a wide arc. It then cuts through steep sandstone cliffs, enters E Germany, and flows generally NW through E Germany (past Dresden, Wittenberg, and Magdeburg) and onto the North German plain. The Elbe forms part of what was the East German–West German border before flowing across N central Germany (past Hamburg) and into the North Sea at Cuxhaven. In Hamburg, the river divides into two arms before forming a 60-mi-long (97-km) estuary. The chief tributaries of the Elbe are the Vltava, Mulde, Saale, and Havel rivers.

One of the chief waterways of Europe, the Elbe is navigable for c.525 mi (845 km); freight-laden barges can move on the river as far as Prague. A canal system connects the Elbe with Berlin and the Oder River (to the east); with the Ruhr region and the Weser and Rhine rivers (to the west); and with the Baltic Sea (to the north). There are numerous dams in the Elbe River basin. Known as the Albis to the Romans, the river marked the farthest Roman advance into Germany (9 B.C.) and was later the eastern limit of Charlemagne's conquests. The Treaty of Versailles (1919) internationalized its course from the Vltava River to the sea, but Germany repudiated its internationalization after the Munich Pact (1938). In 1945 the river was made part of the demarcation line between East and West Germany. Elbe (Czech, Labe), a river in Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic (GDR), and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG).

The Elbe, which is 1,165 km long and drains an area of 145,800 sq km, rises on the southwestern slopes of the Krkonoše Hory (Riesengebirge) of the Sudetes mountain system. In its upper course the river has a large gradient and forms the Elbe Waterfall, with a height of approximately 70 m; it then flows along the hilly plains of northern Bohemia. Taking a northwesterly direction, which it maintains to its mouth, the Elbe cuts, in gorges, through the eastern spurs of the Erzgebirge and the mountains of Saxonian Switzerland. Below the city of Meissen the Elbe flows across the Central European Plain, forming a broad valley with marshy sections and lakes. In certain sections dikes have been constructed, and the bends have been straightened. Between Dresden and Hamburg the river increases in width from 100–150 m to 300–500 m. The Elbe empties into the North Sea, forming an estuary about 100 km long and 2.5–15 km wide.

The river’s chief right tributaries are the Iser, Schwarze Elster, and Havel; the principal left tributaries are the Vltava, Ohře, Mulde, and Saale. In spring, melting snow results in high water. The summer low-water period is characterized by occasional freshets brought on by rain: the water level is higher throughout the remainder of the year. Annual fluctuations average 7–8 m. The mean flow rate near the border between Czechoslovakia and the GDR is about 300 cu m per second; in the river’s lower course, it is about 750 cu m per sec. The Elbe is tidal for a distance of 160 km from the mouth. In its upper course the river freezes over for a period of 1.5–2 months; the lower course remains frozen for 2–3 weeks, and in mild winters it does not form an ice cover at all. The Elbe is navigable for 950 km, as far as the city of Kolin, Czechoslovakia; oceangoing vessels reach as far as Hamburg.

The river is linked by a system of canals with the Baltic Sea and with the Rhine, Weser, Ems, and Oder rivers. The cities of Hradec Králové, Pardubice, and Ústi nad Labem in Czechoslovakia; Dresden, Meissen, and Magdeburg in the GDR; and Hamburg in the FRG are situated on the Elbe. A. P. M Dresden - Dessau - Elbe Cycle Path - Cycling Holidays Germany - AugustusTours Itinerary Itinerary In 2017 the big Luther-Anniversary will be celebrated in Lutherstadt Wittenberg! Therefor the room capacity is limited and room rates are pretty expensive. It might be that we cannot book any available room in Lutherstadt Wittenberg on your travel date. If that happens we will contact you immediately to dicuss all the alternatives we have. Day 1: Individual arrival in Dresden You arrive in the Florence of the Elbe, Dresden, which is beautifully located along the Elbe valley. Day 2: Stay in Dresden or day trip to Bad Schandau (approx. 45 km) Seize the day to explore the city.

Whether the famous Zwinger, the Semper Opera or the Court Church – a tour of the former royal residence by bicycle will take you past many sites. Tip: We recommend a day trip to the Saxon Switzerland. You will get back by local train to Dresden. Day 3: Dresden - Meißen (approx. 30 km) The first leg of the bike tour along the Elbe river cycle trail from Dresden to Dessau will take you through the beautiful meadows of the Elbe valley. From far away you can already see the landmark of the city of Meissen: the impressive castle hill with the cathedral and the Albrechtsburg castle. A visit to the world-famous Meissen porcelain factory is also a must. Enjoy a good wine in the evening as you are in the heart of one of the smallest yet most distinguished winegrowing regions of Germany. Day 4: Meißen - Riesa or Strehla (approx. 28 or 36 km) Today’s bike tour along the Elbe cycle path will take you through the beautiful meadows of the Elbe will take you along the picturesque wine villages located along the Elbe river, especially Diesbar-Seußlitz.

Next stop will be Riesa, the city of sports or Strehla with an enchanting rural atmosphere. Day 5: Riesa or Strehla - Torgau (approx. 48 or 40 km) Your bike tour along the Elbe cycle path continues to Torgau, a Renaissance town featuring Schloss Hartenfels and the palatial church which is known as the first Protestant church of Germany and which was dedicated by Martin Luther. Day 6: Torgau - Lutherstadt Wittenberg (approx. 68 km) The city Wittenberg is directly connected to the behalf of Martin Luther. Follow the footsteps of the Reformer and other personalitiers such as Phillip Melanchthon and Lucas Cranach in an individual city tour. This day can be shared by an extra night in Pretzsch (approx. 33-35 km). Price see extra nights Category B. Day 7: Lutherstadt Wittenberg - Dessau (approx. 37 km) The last leg of the bike tour along the Elbe cycle path to Dessau will take you through the beautiful meadows of the Elbe and past the world-famous Woerlitzer Park and Gardens.

The 100-hectare large park offers numerous attractions including islands, canals, temples and statues. Dessau is famous for its Bauhaus building. In 1919 Walter Gropius founded an art school which united the avantgarde of the 20th century in architecture, art and design. Day 8: Individual departure from Dessau or transfer service to Dresden You can of course always extend your bike tour along the Elbe river cycle trail with extra nights in Dessau or other towns. We will be pleased to arrange additional accommodation for you. Services Services Welcome surprise 7 x overnight stay in the booked category with private facilities (please note that English is not spoken in every hotel and guesthouse) 7 x continental breakfast Elbe Riverboat Cruise Itineraries in Germany & Czech Republic Elbe Riverboat Cruise Itineraries in Germany & Czech Republic March 25, 2013 by Henk Bekker in Elbe River , Germany , River Cruises Luxury riverboats cruise on the Elbe River in Germany (Hamburg, Magdeburg, Berlin, Dessau, Wittenberg, Dresden) and Czech Republic (Prague, Melnik, Nymburk).

The Elbe is after the Rhine and Danube the most popular river in Germany for riverboat cruises. The attractions of Elbe riverboat cruises are the cultural sights along the river and nearby destinations – numerous UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listed sites can be seen along the river or on easy excursions. Nicko Tours, Viking River Cruises, Trans Ocean and Phoenix are the main cruise lines offering regular luxury riverboat vacations on the Elbe River. The most popular cruising route is Berlin / Potsdam past Magdeburg and Dresden to Melnik and Prague. Cruising on the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic The Elbe River (Die Elbe in German, Labe in Czech) is around 1091 km (680 miles) long. Its source is in the Giant Mountains in the northern Czech Republic and its mouth in the North Sea at Cuxhaven near Hamburg, Germany. Several routings are possible on the Elbe and its tributary rivers such as the Moldau (Vltava) and the Havel. The Elbe is navigable by reasonably large riverboats from its mouth to Nymburk (Neuenburg) in the Czech Republic.

The main cruises season on the Elbe River is from April to October. However, a few cruises are possible outside this period with cruises around Christmas and New Years increasingly popular. Riverboat Cruises on the German Elbe River TransOcean’s Sans Souci Elbe Itinerary Cruises on the German Elbe from Hamburg are fairly rare but smaller boat companies sometimes include Germany’s premier harbor in their itineraries. Currently, Phoenix Reisen’s Saxonia and Trans Ocean’s Sans Souci occasionally call at Hamburg during Elbe River and canal cruises. Hamburg with 1.7 million inhabitants is the largest city on the Elbe. During the Second World War, Hamburg was extensively bombed and is therefore a mostly modern city but several historic brick-Gothic churches were restored. The city also have very interesting museums and with the Reeperbahn one of the most famous nightlife and red-light districts in the world. The Beatles shot to fame here. Magdeburg has several Romanesque buildings and claims that its thirteenth-century cathedral was the first Gothic cathedral (as oppose to an ordinary church) built in Germany.

Nicko Tours MS Königstein Itinerary Riverboats cruising down the Havel-Elbe Canal from Berlin and Potsdam enter the Elbe at Magdeburg. Most boats go upstream towards Dresden rather than downriver to Hamburg. Nicko Tours ’ MS Königstein does a weeklong cruise from Potsdam via the canal to Magdeburg, down the Elbe to Havelberg, before returning to Brandenburg and Potsdam up the Havel River. Dessau has two sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list: Bauhaus sights include the Walther Grophius-designed Bauhaus-Dessau, which housed the school, and Meisterhäuser (Masters’ Housing) where senior personnel lived and worked. The Gartenreich (Garden Kingdom) of Dessau-Wörlitz consists of a series of large eighteenth-century English landscape-style parks. Nearby Lutherstadt-Wittenberg is inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list for several monuments and buildings associated with the church reformer Martin Luther. TransOcean MS Sans Souci Elbe Routes Torgau is where the American and Russian armies met on April 25, 1945 – photos were taken only a day later.

Meißen is famous as the home of Meissen Porcelain, the impressive Albrechtsburg castle, and a lovely old town. Popular excursions go to Moritzburg, a romantic palace. Dresden is a former UNESCO World Heritage sight with numerous restored Baroque and Renaissance monumental buildings, excellent museums, and the Semperoper opera house. (Dresden lost UNESCO heritage status due to the construction of a new bridge across the Elbe.) Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz) has the loveliest nature on the Elbe. Here the Elbe flows through an area with oddly shaped sandstone hills, pillars, and rocks. Popular sights include the Bastei viewing point and Festung Königstein, the largest hill fortress in Europe. Riverboat Cruises on the Czech Elbe (Labe) and Vltava (Moldau) Cruising on the Elbe River (Labe) is a popular addition to the German part of the river. Although cruises commonly ends at Melnik, or turn here up the Vltava to Prague, it is possible to cruise deeper into the Czech Republic on the Elbe itself.

Melnik , near the Czech-German border, is at the confluence of the Elbe and the Vltava (Moldau in German), the largest tributary. Riverboats can cruise up the Vltava to Prague but many cruise lines end the riverboat cruise in Melnik and transport passengers by bus to Prague with its UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listed old town center. Popular Cruise Itineraries on the Elbe River The most common cruise route on the Elbe River is from Magdeburg to Melnik, some companies cruise all the way to Potsdam and Berlin or to Prague. A few cruises per year go the full length of the navigable Elbe. Viking River Cruises ’ MS Schumann and MS Fontane do the Magdeburg to Melnik cruise weekly from March to September. This cruise is usually sold in the international market as Berlin to Prague with hotel stays and bus transfers to the boat added at each end of the cruise. Viking River Cruises in Germany uses the MS Swiss Ruby for weeklong cruises from Berlin to Prague, or return with the full duration of the vacation on the boat.

Nicko Tours use the Katharina von Bora and Frederic Chopin (both former Peter Deilmann riverboats) for the weeklong cruises from Potsdam to Prague or return. Phoenix Reisen uses the Saxonia for longer cruises – usually 9 to 12 days – and various permutations for return cruises from Potsdam to the Elbe and back. Trans Ocean’s luxury Sans Souci follow various itineraries with the boat sometimes going all the way to Cuxhaven and Hamburg. Nicko Tours MS Florentina Route Nicko Tours offer a weeklong Czech Republic only cruise on the MS Florentina. The cruise departs down the Vltava (Moldau) from Prague, turn onto the Elbe at Melnik and cruise upriver to Nymburk (Neuenburg) and Podiebrad before retuning to Prague. Nicko Tours, which took over most of Peter Deilmann’s riverboats and cruise routes in 2010, is currently the largest cruise line operator on the Elbe River.

Viking River Cruises also operate several boats on the Elbe, while Phoenix Reisen, Trans Ocean and Croisieurope also have boats on Germany’s third largest cruising river. See Best Luxury Riverboat on the Elbe for more details on the boats that currently cruise on the Elbe and its tributaries. See also:

Question: Which river flows through many German cities including Dresden and Magdeburg?
Answer: Elbe