Danube Cycle Path: Vienna to Budapest
8 days / 7 nights
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Starting point
Vienna
Finish point
Budapest
Season
From April to October
Fitness level
3/5
Tour type
Gravel / E-bike
Starting point
Vienna
Finish point
Budapest
Season
From April to October
Fitness level
3/5
Tour type
Gravel / E-bike
Highlights
- Cycle through three countries along the Danube, connecting Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary
- Cycle between Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, connecting three of Europe's most iconic capitals
- Visit the Esztergom Basilica, Hungary's largest church and a symbol of the nation's history
- Discover cultural treasures like Roman ruins in Carnuntum and the baroque town of Győr
- Follow well-marked, flat paths through tranquil river landscapes and charming villages
- Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures and cuisines of Central Europe
Itinerary of the trip
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
NOT INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Experience the vibrant cultures, diverse landscapes, and historical landmarks along the cycling route from Vienna to Budapest, a journey that captures the essence of Central Europe.
This tour connects three of Europe’s most iconic capitals, taking you through Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, while showcasing the natural beauty and rich heritage of the Danube River.
The route features a comfortable daily cycling distance of approximately 40-65 kilometers (25-40 miles), suitable for cyclists of all experience levels, including families and those new to cycling. The well-marked, mostly flat paths wind through serene river landscapes, charming villages, and lush forests.
Highlights of the tour include the Donau-Auen National Park, where you will ride through one of Europe’s last remaining natural wetlands, home to diverse flora and fauna. In Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, you can explore its medieval old town and impressive hilltop castle.
The journey also takes you through Hungary’s picturesque Szigetköz region, known as the “Little Rye Island,” a tranquil area with countless waterways and quiet villages.
Historical and cultural treasures abound on this tour. From the Roman ruins at Carnuntum to the grand Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, every stop offers a new story. You will visit towns such as Mosonmagyaróvár, famous for its 17 bridges, and Győr, with its beautifully preserved baroque old town.
The route concludes in Budapest, where the iconic Parliament building, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle provide a grand finale to your adventure.
To make your journey seamless, accommodations are pre-arranged in comfortable, cyclist-friendly hotels, and you will receive detailed route materials, including GPS tracks, ensuring effortless navigation.
Luggage transfer services and reliable support are available throughout, allowing you to focus entirely on the joy of cycling and exploring.
This journey blends natural beauty, historical intrigue, and cultural richness into an unforgettable cycling experience, connecting three countries and countless memories along the Danube.
Top Places You'll See
From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.
Vienna
Austria’s capital has been named the “World’s Most Livable City” multiple years running in 2023 by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). It blends grandeur and green spaces. You’ll cycle past imperial palaces, elegant coffeehouses, and along the wide banks of the Danube. With bike-friendly infrastructure and countless cultural stops, Vienna is both a highlight in itself and a comfortable starting point for many tours.
Bratislava
Slovakia’s capital sits on the banks of the Danube, just 65 kilometers from Vienna. The compact old town is filled with baroque palaces, Gothic churches, and cozy squares, overlooked by Bratislava Castle with views across three countries. Cyclists ride riverside paths and cross modern bridges before diving into cobbled streets lined with cafés. It’s a small capital with a mix of charm and accessibility, perfect for a short stop on the way east.
Esztergom
Often called the “City of Kings,” Esztergom was Hungary’s capital until the 13th century. Its basilica is the largest church in Hungary, with a dome rising 100 meters above the Danube and visible for miles. The city also houses the Christian Museum, home to one of the country’s most important collections of medieval art. With its dramatic riverside setting, Esztergom is both a spiritual and scenic highlight near the Slovak border.
Gyor
Located midway between Bratislava and Budapest, Győr is one of Hungary’s oldest cities. Its baroque old town has more than 170 listed monuments, including the Bishop’s Castle and the ornate Benedictine Church of St. Ignatius. The city lies at the meeting point of three rivers — the Danube, Rába, and Rábca — giving it a lively waterfront atmosphere. For cyclists, Győr is both a cultural and practical pause before continuing along the Danube path.
Budapest
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, has a population of about 1.7 million and is divided by the Danube into the historic Buda and the vibrant Pest. The city is known for landmarks such as the neo-Gothic Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Its extensive network of thermal baths, fed by more than 100 hot springs, reflects a tradition dating back to Roman times. Budapest is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews
5.0 average rating
Had a ball! We rode from Ljubljana to Bled via the mountains - 5 days/4 nights. Daja did a great job communicating with us and ironing out any hitches as soon as they were identified. E-Bikes were great (and v necessary!), accomm was great and the scenery was extraordinary! Being less fit, I wished I had opted for a days’ break at Lake Bohinj. My legs and butt would have appreciated it. Can’t wait to return and do another riding tour with this company!
We did the alps to the adriatic bike tour and let me tell you it was fantastic. The bikes were great, the organization of the company was great, the hotels they picked were (mostly) perfect. We honestly had a 10/10 experience. Our bags were in our hotel room every afternoon we arrived!! We had no issues, the app they use to give you information about your ride and help you get from point A to point B were extremely impressive. We never felt lost, or confused, or off track and we had zero cell service for the most part!!
We did the alps to the adriatic bike tour and let me tell you it was fantastic. The bikes were great, the organization of the company was great, the hotels they picked were (mostly) perfect. We honestly had a 10/10 experience. Our bags were in our hotel room every afternoon we arrived!! We had no issues, the app they use to give you information about your ride and help you get from point A to point B were extremely impressive. We never felt lost, or confused, or off track and we had zero cell service for the most part!!
Had a ball! We rode from Ljubljana to Bled via the mountains - 5 days/4 nights. Daja did a great job communicating with us and ironing out any hitches as soon as they were identified. E-Bikes were great (and v necessary!), accomm was great and the scenery was extraordinary! Being less fit, I wished I had opted for a days’ break at Lake Bohinj. My legs and butt would have appreciated it. Can’t wait to return and do another riding tour with this company!
All available guidance options
Self-guided
Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.
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We are a financially protected company operating since 2014, and with thousands of satisfied customers in the past, we still put you first.We are a financially protected company operating since 2014, and with thousands of satisfied customers in the past, we still put you first.
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