Gotte

My friend and I are first time tourers, planning a trip from Prague, to Berlin via Dresden, for April 07. We can get good flights, but I'm unsure of accommadation. What's the general consensus, do you book ahead or play it ear, trying to find accomadation wherever you turn up? And what do you do if you don't find anwhere. I'm guessing some of those towns in the old East Germany and Czech republic will be pretty small.

Also, anyone done the trip? What's the land like? flat, forrested? Any hills? How cycle friendly are the locals?

Any input welcome, thanks.

jcm

So jealous.

axolotl

In April, you shouldn't have to worry too much about finding accommodations. I haven't biked in eastern Germany, but the western Czech Republic is somewhat forested with rolling hills.

Gotte

Many thanks.

timmhaan

jot down the number of the tourist office for each city you plan to go to. they're usually very helpful in pointing you toward accomodations. give them a call a day or two before you arrive so you know where you need to go. i doubt you'll have any trouble in april.

Gotte

Again, many thanks.

becnal

The good news is that there are sign-marked long-distance bike routes from Prag to Berlin. I have the overview map.

Old Hammer Boy

Be prepared for rain, and it can be fairly cold in April. I was there about 5 years ago and it was C-O-L-D and wet. Hopefully it will be perfect for you! The CR, closer to Prague is hilly and forested, to the west it's a bit flatter. It's also hilly around Dresden, reminded me of eastern Missouri.

You'll love the beer in the CZ. Best beer in the world, and reasonable.

vtjim

The train ride from Prague to Dresden is nice if you decide to go that route.

+1 on the Czech beer. Have fun!

littleal

Grab a Lonely Planet Guidebook for the accomodations and general good info. Not really geared for bike tourism but they work great for places to stay from cheapest to most expensive.Written mostly by backpackers and other adventurous souls.I've been using them for the last 15 years.You can buy them for each country you plan on visiting.
Have fun

becnal

From Prag, take the Elbe Bike Path into Germany all the way until Wittenberg. At Wittenberg, switch to the Europa Radweg R1.

This is an awesome map book with the best maps and all the accomodation info for every spot, including where to eat and find groceries as well:
https://www.esterbauer.com/buecher/ht...1_frameset.htm

The attachment below is the profile for the route from Prag to Wittenberg. 377 km long, and not hilly at all. Just one tiny section where the path leaves the river bank.

vtjim

That bike path parallels the train, doesn't it? I saw what looked like a pretty major path on our way to Dresden. The train also follows the Elbe.

becnal

Probably does. Train lines and rivers are usually flat, which makes them ideal companions for bike paths. Canals are great to for the same reason.