The 340km stretch of cycle paths hugging the River Danube between Passau in Germany and Vienna in Austria is one of the most popular cycle tourism routes in Europe, part of the epic Eurovelo route 6 that runs from the Atlantic coast of France to the Black Sea.
As the route closely follows the river it is almost completely flat, taking you through some of the most scenic parts of Northern Austria.
Starting in the pretty Bavarian town of Passau , known as the ‘town of the three rivers’ you can explore the car-free streets of the city centre with its gothic and Baroque architecture.
From there head across the Austrian border and through the countryside, crossing the impressive Schlögen bend in the river before arriving in the city of Linz , the third largest in Austria. Explore the chocolate-box Altstadt and enjoy its vibrant cultural scene – including the modern art collection at the Lentos gallery and the cutting-edge Ars Electronica Centre. Head to the Markthalle for some typical Austrian produce or the harbour to see some fantastic street art from renowned artists.
Between Linz and Vienna you will explore the wonderful Wachau region , a picturesque patchwork of vineyards, orchards and Baroque towns like Melk and Krems – the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
End your tour on a high note in the magnificent city of Vienna with its exquisite coffee houses and eclectic selection of museums, from the imperial art collection at the Kunsthistoriches museum to the dazzling, unconventional KunstHaus Wien.
Self-guided cycling holiday along the Danube River path
Have you been looking for an easy-going itinerary with lots to see along the route? Then this 7-night self-guided cycling holiday is ideal. Start in the German town of Passau close to the Austrian border and cycle the 325kms along the River Danube to Vienna. The route is almost entirely made up of flat cycle paths, with a few brief sections of quiet roads. Soak up the idyllic scenery of the Danube valley and its beautiful small towns along the way. Contact us for availability, prices from € 698 euros per person
Highlights
- Cycle around 50 kms per day along flat cycle paths
- Discover the famous Wachau wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Round off your stay in the grand city of Vienna
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation in 3* hotels along the route
- Bed & Breakfast basis
- Bike hire and insurance
- Daily luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (no limit in number of luggage items; each item max. 20 kg)
- Route description with printed material and GPS-Tracks (1 per room)
- Service hotline for emergencies
- Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting
- 1 ferry ticket (for the Danube bend)
Excluded
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Meals & beverages - unless otherwise specified above
- Local taxes where applicable
- Everything not specified above
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Passau and check-in
Explore the completely pedestrianised centre of Passau before your personal welcome briefing and bike fitting in the evening.
Overnight in Passau
Day 2: Passau - Danube bend/surrounding (approx. 40 km)
Head out along the Danube, passing Obernzell and arriving in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria). You will then cycle through the Donauleiten nature reserve, from where you will reach the Schlögen Bend to the north where the river bends by 180° due to the granite rock. Take a ferry ride to the opposite river bank and enjoy the views of this interesting natural phenomenon.
Overnight in Niederranna
Day 3: Danube bend/surrounding - Linz (approx. 50 km)
Today you will head towards the beautiful city of Linz through the green Eferdinger basin via the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering. Once you arrive you should have time to enjoy the magnificent views from Pöstlingberg Mountain and a stroll through the Donaulände Park.
Overnight in Linz
Day 4: Linz - Grein/surrounding (approx. 60 km)
Take a slight detour away from the river today as you head St. Florian (an Augustinian monastery) and the town of Enns, the oldest town in Austria. Hop back on your bike and return to the river, reaching the beautiful little baroque town of Grein. Here you can visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria that is still in use, or visit the maritime museum or Greinburg castle.
Overnight near Grein
Day 5: Grein/surrounding - Wachau (approx. 65 km)
Cycle along the Strudengau section of the river, once feared by sailors due to the fierce currents, now a pleasant area for a bike ride. High above the Danube in Maria Taferl you can visit the magnificent pilgrimage church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Take a break in Melk and enjoy the views of the beautiful Stift Melk monastery that overlooks the Danube. From here continue on into the picturesque Wachau region, with its vineyards and orchards.
Overnight in Melk
Day 6: Wachau - Traismauer/Tulln (approx. 60 km)
Explore the Wachau area further passing through the little wine towns of Spitz and Weißenkirchen, the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, and the 1,000-year-old town of Krems, ending up in Traismauer or Tulln. If you would like to organise a wine tasting in Austria’s most important wine growing area just let us know.
Overnight near Krems
Day 7: Traismauer/Tulln - Vienna (approx. 50 km)
The final stretch of your bike tour will be a relaxed ride to Vienna. Treat yourself to a Viennese coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte cake in one of Vienna’s traditional cafes.
Overnight in Vienna
Day 8: Check out and departure
Extras/Upgrades
Half board is available for the first 6 nights (not Vienna). If you would prefer 4* accommodation throughout please contact us before you book. Premium bike hire and e-bike hire also available.
You will stay at the following hotels (or similar) along the route:
4* Hotel Passauer Wolf, Passau
3* Gasthof Draxler, Niederranna
4* Arcotel Nike, Linz
3* Gasthof Zur Donaubrücke, Ardagger
3* Hotel Rathauskeller, Melk
3* Gasthof Zum Schwan, Traismauer
4* ROOMZ Hotel Prater, Vienna
A superior category of hotels is also available, please contact us for details and availability.
Nearest Airport: Start point: Munich 163km; 2 hours by car
End point: Vienna
Other airports: Start point: Vienna 310km; 3 hours by car
By Car:
As this tour starts and ends at different points we do not recommend car hire.
By Public Transport:
From Munich to Passau: Take the bus from the airport to Freising (15 mins), from there take a direct train to Passau (approx 2 hours).
From Vienna to Passau: Take a train from the airport to Linz (1 h 40), from there take a direct train to Passau (1 h 20).
By Private Transfer:
Taxi available outside airport. Private transfer available on request after main booking.
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