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Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Vienna
Explore the enchanting riverside towns of Passau, Linz, and Krems
Cycle through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley with its terraced vineyards
Admire the stunning architecture of Melk Abbey and other historical sites
Discover Vienna’s rich history, culture, and world-renowned attractions
Enjoy a traffic-free, well-marked, and paved cycle path ideal for all skill levels
Itinerary
Begin your adventure in Passau (Germany), a picturesque town situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. After checking into your hotel, spend the day exploring the town’s historic sites, including the medieval Fortress “Veste Oberhaus” and its observation tower, offering stunning views of the town and rivers, and St. Stephens Cathedral, home to the world’s largest church organ.
Hotel in Passau
You will ride through the Upper Danube Valley towards Aschach, following the river’s scenic path. You will pass through Engelhartszell, a quaint Austrian border town where you can explore the country’s only Trappist monastery. The journey will take you through the remarkable Schlögener Schlinge, where the Danube carves a dramatic loop through the surrounding hills. Aschach will await you at the end of the route, a charming riverside town on the edge of the expansive Eferdinger Basin.
70 kilometers (45 miles)
Hotel in Aschach an der Donau
You will travel along the southern bank of the Danube, passing through the fertile landscapes of the Eferding Basin. Your route will take you to Wilhering, with its stunning Baroque monastery. Continuing onward, you will arrive in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. You might admire the illuminated Lentos Art Museum or wander through the historic main square. From there, your journey will lead you past medieval castles and along the scenic Linzer Pforte before reaching Enns, Austria’s oldest town, renowned for its iconic medieval tower and beautifully preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
55 kilometers (34 miles)
Hotel in Enns
You will set off from Enns and ride through the fertile plains of the Machland region. The route will provide opportunities to explore the reconstructed Celtic village of Mitterkirchen or admire the impressive church in Baumgartenberg. As you continue, you will pass through the historic town of Grein, home to Austria’s oldest operating theater and the striking Clam Castle nearby. The path will lead you into the rugged beauty of the Strudengau Valley. Eventually, you will reach the Nibelungengau area, with Marbach an der Donau offering a conclusion to your day.
70 kilometers (45 miles)
Hotel in Marbach an der Donau
You will leave Marbach an der Donau and cycle through the picturesque landscapes of the Nibelungengau, passing the towering pilgrimage church of Maria Taferl perched high above the river. Your journey will bring you to Melk, renowned for its grand Baroque abbey, where you can explore the museum and stroll through the ornate gardens. From Melk, the route will guide you into the enchanting Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site dotted with charming wine villages, ancient castles, and fortified churches. Finally, you will arrive in Krems an der Donau, a 1,000-year-old town.
50 kilometers (31 miles)
Hotel in Krems an der Donau
You will set off from Krems an der Donau and ride through the stunning Wachau region, where terraced vineyards, apricot orchards, and charming villages line the riverbanks. As you leave Wachau behind, the landscape transitions into the tranquil Donauauen. Here, the Danube flows through peaceful wetlands and lush greenery. Your journey will conclude in Tulln an der Donau, famously known as the “City of Flowers.” While in Tulln, you may visit the Egon Schiele Museum, dedicated to the renowned artist born here.
43 kilometers (27 miles)
Hotel in Tulln an der Donau
You will leave Tulln an der Donau, cycling past Greifenstein’s historic castle and Klosterneuburg’s impressive Baroque monastery. Arriving in Vienna, the vibrant capital, you can explore landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, or the lively Naschmarkt. Enjoy a slice of Sachertorte at a classic Viennese café or take in city views from the iconic Riesenrad Ferris wheel, marking a memorable end to your journey.
40 kilometers (25 miles)
Hotel in Vienna
After breakfast, your trip concludes. Spend time exploring Vienna’s famous sites, such as the ‘Naschmarkt,’ City Opera, Ringstrasse, and the imperial castle Schönbrunn. The Kunsthistorisches Museum is also highly recommended. If you wish to extend your stay, we can assist with additional night bookings.
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
Discover the beauty and history of the Danube Cycle Path as you follow the winding route of Europe’s second-longest river (not the whole way of course). Our carefully selected itinerary showcases the best of this captivating region, taking you on an unforgettable cycling adventure.
The bike tour starts in Passau, a city just over the German border, known for its stunning confluence of three rivers and rich cultural heritage. As you journey eastward, you’ll cycle through the picturesque landscapes of Upper Austria and the enchanting Wachau Valley, exploring medieval monasteries, ancestral vineyards, and charming villages. After one postcard-like location after another, you’ll arrive in Vienna, the capital of Austria, where the grand architecture and vibrant art scene await your exploration.
The Danube Cycle Path offers numerous route options, and we have chosen the best one for you to experience the perfect blend of nature, culture, and history.
The average daily stage covers a comfortable 40-60 kilometers (25-35 miles), making it suitable for cyclists of all skill levels, including families and beginners. The path is well-marked, paved, and traffic-free, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride through the idyllic landscapes.
To ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience, we arrange all of your accommodations and provide a comprehensive itinerary booklet, complete with a GPS track for effortless navigation. We also offer reliable customer support throughout your journey, so you can focus on enjoying the captivating landscapes and charming towns along the Danube Cycle Path.
Embark on this unforgettable Danube Bike Tour and let the magic of the Danube River and its surroundings captivate your senses.
Location
Things to know
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.
If you’re not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can arrange a rental for you. We offer a wide range of bikes, including road, gravel, mountain bikes, and e-bikes, to suit your tour needs. Simply provide us with your usual bike size and any specific preferences, and we’ll ensure you have the perfect bike for a comfortable ride.
Our bike rentals include the agreed-upon bike, delivery before your tour, and pickup afterward. Additional equipment is also provided, such as a helmet, an extra chain, a basic repair kit, and pedals if needed.
We always pick locations and starting points which are reachable by public transport. Our travel agent will extensively advise you on the most optimal option.
All our tours take place in well-developed areas, ensuring you are always close to essential infrastructure and never isolated. Additionally, our agent is available by phone every day to assist with any emergencies. Your travel materials will also include a list of bike repair workshops with contact information, so you can easily access expert assistance for issues like flat tires and other repairs.
Each morning, you will leave your luggage at the hotel reception, where it will be collected by our taxi service and delivered to your next hotel. Your luggage will typically arrive by late morning or early afternoon. For your convenience, your travel materials will include the contact details and schedules of the taxi services handling the transportation.
Most of our tours are recommended for individuals aged 12 and older who have some cycling experience. However, the Drau Cycle Path is a family-friendly option, as it features mostly flat terrain and dedicated cycling paths away from main roads. That said, younger participants should be confident cyclists, and parents are encouraged to assess whether this tour is suitable for their family.
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