Danube Bike Tour
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
Pick up your bike and start your journey through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlögen, following the river. Visit Engelhartszell, a charming Austrian border town with a former Cistercian abbey turned Trappist monastery. Continue to Schlögen and marvel at the panoramic view from the famous Schlögener Blick.
41 km (26 mi)
Hotel in Schlögen
Today, explore the southern bank of the Danube as you pass through Aschach and the fertile basin of Eferding. Visit the Wilhering Monastery before reaching Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, known for its vibrant arts and music culture. Explore the illuminated modern art gallery “Lentos” or stroll around the charming main square.
55 km (34 mi)
Hotel in Linz
Continue cycling along the Danube, stopping at Enns, Austria’s oldest town, or visit the Mauthausen concentration camp and its museum. Ride through serene meadows and tranquil hinterland, passing the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen and Baumgartenberg’s majestic church. Explore the romantic Clam Castle and the town of Grein, home to Austria’s oldest theater still open. Continue to Strudengau, or overnight in Ardagger for more luxurious accommodations.
60 km (37 mi)
Hotel in Strudengau
Pedal through the densely wooded rock formations on both sides of the river, past Ybbs and towards the pilgrimage church of Maria Taferl. Reach Melk, famous for its immense monastery, and explore its museum and abbey while enjoying the sweeping views from the balcony. As the day comes to an end, settle in for a relaxing night in the picturesque Nibelungengau region.
50 km (31 mi)
Hotel in Nibelungengau
Cycle through the romantic Wachau region, known for its terraced vineyards, apricot groves, and quaint villages. Pass through Spitz, Weisskirchen, and Durnstein, discovering abbeys, castles, and ruins. Visit Austrian wine taverns, or “Heurigen,” for wine tasting and regional foods. Overnight in Krems or the surrounding area. After a day filled with exploration and enjoyment, find rest and comfort in Krems or the surrounding area.
50 km (31 mi)
Hotel in Krems
Take the train to Tulln and cycle through the Vienna Woods towards Austria’s capital, Vienna. Stop at the impressive Klosterneuberg Monastery before continuing on a vehicle-free cycle path to the city center. Tonight, you will have the opportunity to explore Vienna’s culinary delights, so we will recommend a few nice places to try.
40 km (25 mi)
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.
Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organization
Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
Service and support during your tour
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
7x Accommodation with breakfast
Luggage transfer
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, allowing you to explore at your own pace and adapt your route or schedule as you see fit. With our team taking care of all logistics such as accommodations, detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and 24/7 support, you can enjoy a stress-free, immersive experience that offers independence, customization, and authentic encounters with local culture.
Our tours are described by the next difficulty levels: Leisurely, moderate, or challenging.
A tour can have harder and easier days, so our rating represents the difficulty of an average tour day. For now, all our tours are rated either leisurely or moderate, so the challenging category doesn’t yet apply.
Leisurely means that the tours mostly take part on flat and paved cycling paths, asphalt roads, or easy-going gravel tracks. They are suitable for everyone.
Moderate means that the tours may have some uphill climbs or feature some technically more demanding terrain. If you are of average fitness, these are all doable.
Challenging means that the tour days either feature long distances and many climbs or are done on technical terrain; Possibly on some downhill sections where skill with a mountain bike is required.
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 where accommodation options are limited. The best choices often get booked for summer before spring arrives.
The ease of accommodating dietary restrictions depends on their severity. Vegetarian options are fairly common in Austria, but vegan dishes can be challenging to find 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 of their standard menu. Keep this in mind during your trip.
Most tours can proceed even in light rain, provided you dress appropriately. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon in the peak months of summer, so early starts are recommended. If the weather appears to be particularly unfavorable, we can try to adjust the tour beforehand.