Danube Cycle Path: Vienna to Budapest
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
Cross the Freedom Bridge in Bratislava
Bask in the magical sunset on the Danube River
Follow calm cycling paths alongside Danube River
Begin your journey in Vienna
Visit three iconic European capitals
Admire historical landmarks every pedal of the way
Enjoy a lively evening in Bratislava
Follow Danube River around its every bend
Stop and enjoy amazing views
Wrap up your adventure in Budapest
Itinerary
You will arrive in Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital. After checking into your hotel, you will have the chance to explore some of the city’s renowned landmarks. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its stunning Gothic architecture, will stand at the heart of your discovery. The Hofburg Palace, the former residence of the Habsburgs, will offer insights into imperial history. In the evening, you might experience the charm of a traditional Viennese café, enjoying a cup of coffee paired with the famous Sachertorte.
Hotel in Vienna
You will cycle from Vienna through the Donau-Auen National Park, home to diverse wildlife and scenic river landscapes. Along the way, you will pass Orth Castle and the village of Eckertsau before reaching Bad Deutsch Altenburg, known for its Roman heritage. Here, you may visit Carnuntum, an archaeological park with reconstructed Roman ruins. Continuing past Hainburg’s medieval walls, you will cross into Slovakia and arrive in Bratislava, where you will stay overnight. Highlights of the city include Bratislava Castle and the charming old town.
70 kilometers (43 miles)
Hotel in Bratislava
You will cycle a short distance through Slovakia before crossing the border into Hungary at Rajka. The route will take you through rural landscapes dotted with charming villages, reflecting the region’s strong agricultural character. As you ride through the Szigetköz, also known as the “Little Rye Island,” you will encounter a network of Danube side arms and tranquil waterways. Your destination for the day is Mosonmagyaróvár, often called the “City of 17 Bridges,” known for its historic charm and vibrant town center.
38 kilometers (24 miles)
Hotel in Mosonmagyaróvár
You will continue cycling through the natural landscapes of the Szigetköz, a region known for its peaceful waterways and lush greenery. Along the way, you will pass through Hédervár, where you can stop for a break and explore the castle set within a beautifully preserved park. As you approach Győr, the district capital, you will find a city rich in history with a well-preserved baroque old town, notable churches, and charming squares, making it an ideal place to spend your evening.
41 kilometers (25 miles)
Hotel in Györ
You will cycle along a newly-built path alongside the Danube, offering views of the river’s surrounding greenery. The route passes through quiet villages with traditional architecture. Before reaching Komárom, you may stop at Fort Monostor, a 19th-century military stronghold known for its vast network of underground passages and exhibitions on the area’s military history. In Komárom, you can unwind in the thermal baths, renowned for their mineral-rich waters, or explore the town’s divided heritage, with Hungarian and Slovak influences evident in its architecture and cuisine.
41 kilometers (25 miles)
Hotel in Komárom
You will cycle through the flat Danube Valley, following quiet roads near the riverbanks. Along the way, you will pass small villages surrounded by vineyards and farmland. History enthusiasts may stop at the Roman fort of Kelemantia, a fascinating archaeological site that showcases ancient Roman military architecture. Your day will culminate in Esztergom, often referred to as “Hungarian Rome” for its historical and religious significance. The highlight of the day is the Esztergom Basilica, Hungary’s largest church, with its stunning neoclassical dome and panoramic views over the Danube.
55 kilometers (34 miles)
Hotel in Esztergom
Today’s route will guide you through the scenic Danube Bend, often considered one of the most picturesque sections of the river. You will pass through rolling hills and villages. Along the way, you can explore the Royal Palace and the castle of Visegrád. Continuing toward Budapest, you will arrive in Szentendre, a baroque town known for its vibrant arts scene, charming streets, and the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum. You can conclude the journey by boat or train into Budapest. Or you can cycle the entire way there instead.
48 kilometers (30 miles) with a boat/train ride
Hotel in Budapest
Your trip will conclude in Budapest, Hungary’s capital, situated on both sides of the Danube River. Before departing, you will have the chance to visit landmarks such as the Buda Castle district, home to historical buildings and museums, or the Parliament Building, one of Europe’s largest legislative structures. If time permits, you might unwind at one of Budapest’s thermal baths, renowned for their mineral-rich waters.
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
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.
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.
On cycling trips, luggage transfer allows you to ride without carrying heavy bags. Each morning, you leave your luggage at the designated spot—often the hotel reception—and it’s transported to your next overnight stop. Your bags are usually waiting for you when you arrive. Weight limits and pickup times can vary slightly depending on the service provider.
Yes, bike transfers are often available when needed—such as before, after, or during your trip. Bikes are typically transported in secure vehicles or trailers designed for bicycles. You may need to notify the provider in advance, and some services require the bike to be clean or partially disassembled. Exact procedures vary depending on location and logistics.
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