Cruise on the Elbe: on the water through Bohemia and Germany
Compared with Europe's major rivers, the Elbe is still relatively unknown to cruisers, yet its banks are dotted with a diversity of landscapes, cities of art and history. The Elbe rises on the southern slopes of the Giant Mountains, a mountain range on the borders of Poland and the Czech Republic. Czechs call it Krkonoše. After almost 1100 kilometers, the Elbe flows into the North Sea. The river only flows through the Czech Republic for 364 kilometers. The rest of its course winds through Germany. From Dresden to Hamburg via Magdeburg, the Elbe crosses Germany for 727 kilometers. While Dresden, Magdeburg and Hamburg are the three largest cities (with over 100,000 inhabitants) on Germany's Elbe, other smaller destinations dot the river's banks. Your cruise on the Elbe, for example, will take you to the town of Stendal, which inspired the writer Henri Beyle to choose the name of his artist: Stendhal. Stendal and the surrounding area is an agricultural region. Like the latter, the Elbe's rural landscapes are very characteristic. Saxon Switzerland, with its rock formations, is another face of this Central European river. Hamburg, for its part, rolls out its sandy beach in the Övelgönne district, a former fishing village that has become a popular meeting place for Hamburgers.
Cruising on the Elbe: between bucolic landscapes and Baroque wonders
If you're planning a cruise on the Elbe from the Czech Republic, Prague, the capital, is the first stop on your journey. Nicknamed the Golden City, Prague is certainly on the list of Europe's most beautiful cities. Situated in the heart of the continent, the city reveals itself to you through a rich architectural heritage of multiple influences, the legacy of a long past. The city invites you to discover or rediscover the Château Royal, a palatial complex built in the 9th century. The monument's surprisingly heterogeneous style is the result of numerous modifications over the centuries. Until the 15th century, the various eras left their mark on this edifice. With its secret gardens, alleyways, palaces and religious buildings, the Château is like a small city within a city. Stroll over the mythical Charles Bridge, where artists flourish, and cross Václavské náměstí Square for a glimpse of the city's majesty. And did you know that Prague was home to one of the world's greatest libraries? The Clementinum Library, housed in a beautiful baroque building, boasts a magnificent collection of 20,000 books. After soaking up the magic of Prague, continue your adventure along the Elbe to your next port of call: Mělník. Welcome to romantic Bohemia. At the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava rivers, this old town in the Czech Republic welcomes you to a bucolic setting of period buildings and vineyards. At the confluence of the Elbe and Ohře rivers, Litoměřice is also well worth a visit. Like Mělník, it's one of Bohemia's oldest cities. Your cruise then takes you to Dresden, Germany's first port of call. Sublimated by its Baroque architecture, this city has earned the nickname "Florence of the North". Along with Notre-Dame, visit the Zwinger, Dresden's most beautiful Baroque monument, built in 1709. Take time to appreciate the Fürstenzug, an impressive 102-meter-long mural frieze depicting the rulers from 1127 to 1156. Dresden is also home to some fifty museums, including the famous Green Vault. This is the west wing of Dresden Castle, built during the reign of Prince Elector Maurice of Saxony in 1547. Four of the wing's rooms served as secret treasure chambers, later transformed into a museum by Augustus the Strong. Here you'll find magnificent goldsmiths' and silversmiths' pieces, jewels and precious stone ornaments, works of art in bronze, ivory and more.
When should you take an Elbe cruise?
The towns along the Elbe can be visited all year round, and the river is navigable in all seasons except for particularly harsh winters. Nevertheless, spring and summer remain the best seasons for cruising on the Elbe. The best months are from June to September. During this period, temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is rare, especially in July. In summer, i.e. June, July and August, temperatures hover around 23°C in the towns along the Elbe. In spring, nature wakes up and the banks of the river offer magnificent green and colorful landscapes. Embark on an Elbe cruise and enjoy this exuberant nature from the end of April and into May. The summer months are ideal for cruising on the Elbe. Whether on the deck of your boat or in one of the magnificent squares of the towns you'll be calling on, you'll be able to enjoy a gourmet break in the mild spring or summer weather. At the foot of the castle in Mělník, you'll find charming eateries like the Pobuda restaurant, where you can revel in local flavors.
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