Elbe River Cruises
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The Elbe River
Where does the Elbe start & finish?
The Elbe River originates in the Krkonoše Mountains in the Czech Republic and flows through Germany before emptying into the North Sea and spans a total length of approximately 1,094 kilometres (680 miles).
Can you cruise the length of the Elbe?
No. River cruises typically operate between key cities such as Berlin, Prague, Dresden, and Hamburg. Some parts of the Elbe are not navigable due to shallow depths or other natural barriers and at present only Viking operates cruises on the Elbe.
Berlin to Prague
Unlike many European rivers that flow between similar cultural zones, a cruise on the Elbe can take you from the buzzing metropolis of Berlin to the historic charm of Prague (or vice versa), offering a unique blend of the modern and the medieval.
Saxon Switzerland
The Elbe runs through the stunning Saxon Switzerland National Park near Dresden, featuring dramatic sandstone cliffs and forested landscapes. The scenery here is so picturesque, it's like cruising through a painting.
Musical Heritage
The city of Leipzig, located along one of the Elbe's tributaries, was home to famed composer Johann Sebastian Bach for much of his life. A stop here offers music lovers the opportunity to visit St. Thomas Church, where Bach served as a Kapellmeister.
Historical Weight
The Elbe was a significant geopolitical boundary during the Cold War, separating East and West Germany. A cruise on the Elbe offers not just natural beauty but also a journey through a significant chapter of 20th-century history.
Discover Must Do Experiences and Highlights
Prague
With the city divided by the Vlatva river, wind through a maze of Baroque architecture, Gothic churches and, at Old Town Hall Tower, marvel at the Astronomical Clock, which animatedly chimes every hour between 9am - 11pm!
Dresden
Explore the Dresden Castle complex with a visit to the Green Vault, which houses an unparalleled collection of priceless treasures. Discover Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House, and the Frauenkirche, which survived WWII bombings.
Meissen
Full of historic charm, visit the Meissen Cathedral, and the iconic Albrechtsburg Castle with its storybook views. Meissen is also famed for its porcelain, which has been in production since the early 1700s.
Wittenberg
Birthplace of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther's legacy is engrained throughout the city. Visit landmarks such as Castle Church and Lutherhaus Museum - a UNESCO-listed site and home to Luther throughout most of his adult life.
Berlin
Germany's dynamic and vibrant capital is where history and modernity meet. Explore iconic sites like the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie, or visit the Reichstag with its incredible glass dome.
