Elbe River cruise itineraries are between Berlin and Prague. However, the Elbe River is not located in either city. Embarkation takes place in Madgeburg or Dresden in Germany or in Mělník, Czech Republic. Although both Prague and Berlin are connected to the Elbe by one or more waterways, transportation to the river cruise ship is by motor coach rather than by boat.

We’ll be reporting live from the Elbe in 2016. Aaron Saunders reports from CroisiEurope’s new Elbe Princesse in April. Ralph Grizzle reports from Viking River Cruises later in the year. See our Live Voyage Reports for details.

Berlin is about 90 miles east of Madgeburg, and Prague is about 30 miles south of Mělník and 93 miles southeast of Dresden. All Elbe River cruise itineraries include one or more nights in Berlin and Prague.

Although, there are some beautiful sights to see and intriguing cities to visit, most river cruise companies do not offer cruises on the Elbe River.

About the Elbe River

The Elbe River begins in northern Czech Republic. It flows for about 670 miles in a northwesterly direction from Czech Republic through north central Germany. The mouth of the river is located about 70 miles northwest of Hamburg where it empties into the North Sea.

There are a few tributaries that link the Elbe to both Prague and Berlin. The Havel River flows through Berlin and is connected to the Elbe via the Elbe-Havel Canal just north of Madgeburg.

In Czech Republic the Vltava River is a tributary of the Elbe. The river flows through Prague before joining the Elbe River in Mělník.

Elbe River Cruises

River cruises on the Elbe River begin in either Germany or Czech Republic. Itineraries are available from March through December, depending on the river cruise company. Currently, there are only two companies operating on the Elbe River, Viking River Cruises and CroisiEurope.

River cruises are between Madgeburg and Dresden or Mělník. For trips that begin or end in Dresden, a trip to Mělník is not included in the itinerary and a trip to Litomerice is by motor coach rather than by boat.

Before and after the river cruise, there is an overnight stay of at least one night in Berlin and Prague or Dresden.

Read more about the best choices for Elbe River Cruises.