Autumn panorama of Wachau valley (Unesco world heritage site) with ships on Danube river near the Weissenkirchen village in Lower Austria, Austria

Danube Bike Tours

Enjoy Danube cycling holidays, traveling from Passau to Vienna and beyond, discovering vibrant cities and diverse scenes, from hilly vineyards to open plains.

Bikepacking on gravel path with wooden fence, mountains in background, Austria.

About Danube Bike Tours

The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance cycling routes, offering cyclists an unforgettable journey along the banks of the majestic Danube River.

Stretching from Passau in Germany to Vienna, the Austrian section of this trail spans approximately 300 kilometers and is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and accessibility.

Following the winding route of Europe’s second-longest river includes many notable stops, like the lively town of Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, and Enns, Austria’s oldest town.

One of the main highlights is the stunning Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the river winds through a landscape of vineyards, medieval castles, and quaint villages.

Beyond Vienna, the cycling path continues toward Bratislava and Budapest. This section offers a mix of cultural highlights and tranquil landscapes, connecting three vibrant capital cities and capturing the essence of Central Europe.

The Danube Cycling Path is known for its predominantly flat terrain and well-paved tracks. Families, leisure riders, and long-distance enthusiasts will appreciate the marked signs and dedicated cycling lanes.

Together, the unique landscapes and rich history of the region define the timeless charm of one of Austria’s most iconic cycling routes, leaving every cyclist full of impressions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Self-guided cycling tours provide a personalized and flexible approach to cycling holidays. You can explore at your own pace and adapt your route or schedule as you see fit. Our team arranges all details, such as logistics, accommodations, detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and 24/7 support. Thus, you can enjoy a stress-free, immersive experience that offers independence, customization, and authentic encounters with local culture.

Our tours are rated on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 to help you choose the right adventure:


1/5 – Short daily distances of approximately 30 km. Easy, flat terrain suitable for everyone, including those with no prior sports experience.


2/5 – Daily distances up to 40 km. Some light uphill sections, up to 200 m, but not every day. Suitable for anyone in good health.


3/5 – Daily distances around 50 km. Daily altitude gains of up to 500 m. On days with less altitude, distances may be longer. Ideal for recreational cyclists in good physical condition.


4/5 – Daily distances of 60 km or more. Daily altitude gains of 500 m or more, with some stages reaching up to 1000 m. Designed for well-prepared amateur cyclists who are comfortable with uphill riding.


5/5 – Challenging stages with steep climbs and long distances. Suitable for experienced road cyclists seeking a demanding adventure along with breathtaking scenery.

We continuously strive to find the perfect fit for you. We work with multiple accommodation providers that meet our standards, but their availability can vary, especially during peak season. We can also tailor your holiday according to your preferences and budget, ensuring we find the most suitable solution for your taste.

We recommend booking as early as possible. Many of our tours pass through popular tourist destinations with limited accommodation options. The best-selling tours are often fully booked for the summer before spring arrives.

The ease of accommodating dietary restrictions depends on their severity. Vegetarian options are usual in Austria, but vegan dishes can be challenging in rural areas or smaller towns. Please note that lunch stops are often at traditional establishments that may struggle to cater to special requests outside their standard menu. Keep this in mind during your trip.

Generally, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the ideal times for cycling, depending on the tour. Summer is also a fantastic choice because Austria has a milder climate, especially in the Alps.

Most tours can proceed even in light rain, provided you dress appropriately. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the peak months of summer, so early starts are recommended. If the weather appears to be particularly unfavorable, we can adjust the tour beforehand. You will be in contact with our support in case last-minute changes are necessary.

Our tours cater to different cycling preferences, whether you prefer road, gravel, or mountain biking. Our cycling experts will consider your experience, preferences, and group dynamics to provide tailored recommendations. Additionally, e-bikes are always an option. If there’s a significant difference in fitness levels among group members, some can choose an e-bike while others opt for a regular bike.


The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. Gravel bikes maintain excellent road performance while allowing you to explore scenic backroads that may be less maintained than main routes. They also tend to offer greater comfort, enhancing your overall experience.

Ratings & Reviews

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Paul McConnell

Verified customer · 7 months ago

From the very beginning, the Cycling Holidays Austria team have been amazing. They provided a flexible service that met our specific needs and journey itinerary, which a good number of other providers would not entertain. The speed of reply was excellent and the use of the Trip Plans and Cycle with GPS apps just made our journey so easy. The quality of the rental bikes was excellent and they easily met the demands of the cycle track. Overall, excellent friendly service that we will definitely use again next year as we plan our continued trip along the stunning Danube River. Huge thanks to the team.

Cyclists taking a selfie by a river with a historic European city skyline and cathedral in the background.
Cyclists taking a selfie by a stone marker with a coat of arms in a wooded area.
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Mystie Pineda

Verified customer · 3 months ago

I found this place with a simple Google search, and I never could’ve expected the custom experience I received. They provided options to help my husband and I hone in on exactly what we wanted to do for our honeymoon. We had perfectly curated GPS-lead rides all across the country, they booked all of our hotels, and planned all of our transportation. Every place that we went was so beautiful. I’m so grateful that we found this company to help us plan our honeymoon, couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

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Bill Wright

Verified customer · 3 months ago

I was able to tailor a bike tour itinerary along the Adriatic coast that suited our group during the shoulder season. We added individual pre and post-trip activities which went smoothly. Our trip included stops in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The trip planner, guide and support team were great.

Group posing in front of Pula Arena with a stone wall and parked car.

barney barnhart

Verified customer · 3 months ago

Brilliant planning, great communication, terrific hotels and accommodations, interesting cities and beautiful scenery plus amazing routes.

Black and white cat with green eyes looking up from light gray tiled floor
Maroon gravel bike resting against a low stone wall in grassy terrain
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John Woeste

Verified customer · 4 months ago

Highly recommend the bike trip from Bled to Pula. It was well planned. We did a small group self-supported. Big fun. Bikes, hotels, route selection and communication with the company was great.

Cyclist riding on dirt path under green leafy archway toward open field
Cyclist with panniers riding up a narrow cobblestone street in a historic town.
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Alison Booth

Verified customer · 4 months ago

I would highly recommend anyone doing this tour take the e-bike option. There were only 3 of us on our tour who completed this on regular bikes. Four others who started out on regular bikes swapped over to e-bikes after the first day. The climbs are long and steep. There is pretty much only up or down, not much flat or undulating road. It is doable, but very challenging. If you are on an e-bike then this also helps with the group staying together and no-one having to wait too long for others to catch up. The bikes were really good and had great gearing that was capable of handling the steeper climbs. When we booked we were unaware that we would be riding in a group of 20plus at all time. Thankfully our group had prior group riding experience but we did observe other large groups with less than desirable riding behaviours.Others in our group were extremely understanding and supportive. Our guide, David, was very adamant about staying safe on the road. He was flexible with the itinerary and made changes to suit the weather conditions and to ensure we got in as much riding as possible. He was vey knowledgeable about Croatian history and agriculture and taught us lots about the country he is so passionate about. Our captain, Tolma, was also amazing and along with his awesome crew, made our cruise an enjoyable experience.

View from sailboat bow approaching coastal town with white buildings and green hills under blue sky.
Sailboat on the water during a vibrant orange and yellow sunset over the sea.
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Talk to our travel expert

Hassle-Free

We take care of route planning, accommodations, luggage transfers, and all logistics, so you can focus purely on enjoying your ride.

Tried & Tested Adventures

Our cycling routes are hand-picked & tested, to ensure breathtaking landscapes, smooth roads, and maximum safety - giving you the perfect ride every day.

Unbeatable Support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, ensuring your cycling holiday runs smoothly and your well-being is always our top priority.

Book with Confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.