Berlin, Dresden & Prague Rail Journey

Connect three historic capitals along the Elbe Valley railway, with a stop to see the Bastei, crossing Germany and Czechia.

This is one of the most classic multi-country rail routes in Central Europe: explore Cold War history in Berlin, Baroque splendor in Dresden, and the medieval Old Town in Prague. The railway from Dresden to Prague runs right along the Elbe River through Saxon Switzerland; breaking up the journey to climb the Bastei turns a travel day into a scenic highlight. Ideal for first-time visitors to Central Europe. Spending about two nights in each city makes for a compact itinerary. The trade-off is skipping Potsdam and the outskirts of Prague.

Day by day

Day 1 · Berlin: Government District & TV Tower

Berlin（Brandenburg Gate、Reichstag Building、Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe、Berlin TV Tower & Alexanderplatz）

Take the Airport Express (FEX) into the city center (about 30 minutes). Spend the afternoon exploring Mitte on foot.

Visiting the Reichstag Dome is free, but you must reserve a time slot online in advance.

Stay: Mitte

Day 2 · Berlin Wall & Museum Island

Berlin（Berlin Wall Memorial、Museum Island、Checkpoint Charlie、East Side Gallery）

Use the S-Bahn and U-Bahn to get around. The journey from Bernauer Straße to the East Side Gallery takes about 30 minutes.

The Pergamonmuseum is closed for renovations until June 4, 2027.

Stay: Mitte

Day 3 · South to Dresden Old Town

Dresden（Frauenkirche & Neumarkt、Zwinger、Semperoper、Brühl's Terrace）

Take a direct train from Berlin to Dresden (under 2 hours). Arrive before noon and explore on foot for the rest of the day.

Stay: Altstadt

Day 4 · Green Vault & Pillnitz Palace

Dresden（Dresden Castle & Green Vault、Saxon Steamship Company Paddle Steamers、Pillnitz Palace & Park）

Walk to the Royal Palace in the morning. In the afternoon, take a historic paddle steamer along the Elbe to Pillnitz (about 1.5+ hours one way).

The Green Vault is closed on Tuesdays. Paddle steamer services are very limited in winter.

Stay: Altstadt

Day 5 · Bastei Stopover to Prague

Saxon Switzerland（Bastei Bridge, Saxon Switzerland） → Prague（Municipal House & Powder Tower）

Take the S1 to Rathen to climb the Bastei, then continue to Bad Schandau to catch the EuroCity (EC) train to Prague (about 2 hours).

Sit on the left side of the train in the direction of travel for the best views of the Elbe Valley. Luggage can be stored at the station.

Stay: Old Town & Josefov

Day 6 · Prague Castle & Lesser Town

Prague（Prague Castle、Malá Strana & Kampa Island、Lennon Wall、Charles Bridge）

Take tram 22 up to Prague Castle, then walk downhill through the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) to the Charles Bridge.