Cycling along the Danube through Austria and Hungary
The lightest cycling holiday, covering largely flat terrain, suitable for everyone and people of all ages; with distances to 45 kilometers. You spend about 4 hours on your bicycle.
By bike and boat from the “Bavarian Venice“ directly into the heart of the famous and glamorous former Imperial and Royal monarchy Austria/Hungary. You can look forward to visiting three of Europe’s most charming capitals: Vienna, the metropolis of waltz, Bratislava, the capital of coronation and Budapest, the „Paris of the East“.
The bike tours lead you to the romantic „Great Loop“ (Schlögener Donauschlinge), the picturesque Danube Bend with Hungary’s largest cathedral and the legendary Wachau valley, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage with its small villages, beautiful palaces and castles. On board the two premium cruise ships, you can expect an exclusive atmosphere. Look forward to spacious and comfortable cabins, stylish outdoor areas, and a varied onboard program. Indulge in culinary delights and enjoy the service on board.
Guided tour:
The ship MV Vivienne has a capacitiy of 146 people and the ship MV Lisabelle has a capacity of 152 people. If you wish to get personal attention from a dedicated, cycling tour guide, you can book this tour as a guided tour. You will stay on the MV Vivienne. You cycle in a small group (max. 18 people) where you explore a lot of local cultures, discover hidden sites and secret places and enjoy some delicious appetizers.
To book: see Danube Waltz, Guided.
Boarding time from 4.00-5.00 p.m. Located at the confluence of Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has numerous interesting sites to visit. Use your free time and stroll through the cobblestoned Old Town centre, listen to the bells of Passau’s Gothic Town Hall or have a look at the world’s largest Catholic Church organ in the Passau Cathedral. Then it's time to cast off! Slowly, the dreamlike backdrop of Passau's old town disappears on the horizon.
Your first day’s cycling begins with a ride through the classic scenery of the ‘Great Loop’ Donauschlinge – one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Along the way you will encounter tiny villages and cozy cider taverns. In Austria’s only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous ‘Schlogener View’ provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside. The boat welcomes all cyclists back on board in the charming market town of Aschach.
You pedal along the former ‘Iron Curtain’, cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Schlosshof Palace with its beautifully terraced gardens. Follow the bike path through Austria’s ‘vegetable garden’ to the coronation city of Bratislava and the slopes of the Little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.
The entrance to Budapest, Hungary's capital is stunning. Savour the beauty of Budapest during a coach tour or a guided bike tour (optional) to discover many of the highlights of this beautiful city. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene. In the evening it is definitely worth visiting the Jewish Quarter.
Steep mountain slopes frame the picturesque, gently rolling landscape of the "Hungarian Wachau." At the farmer's market in Vác, you can stock up on regional specialties, while history, folklore, and Hungarian joy of life accompany you during your bike tour to Esztergom, where the mighty Basilica (Hungary's largest church) towers high above the castle district into the sky.
By bicycle saddle or bus, Vienna's famous sights are within reach during a city tour (optional). The magnificent Ringstrasse evokes bygone eras, venerable coffeehouses entice with Viennese pastries. The splendid Schönbrunn Palace ends the evening in a
traditional manner with a classical waltz and operetta concert (optional). Night cruise to the Wachau.
Your last biking day is a special highlight! A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein, while the blue spire of the monastery church is a landmark of the renowned Wachau Valley. Amidst dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everybody who visits. Traditional wine taverns along the bike path invite to savor local wines (wine tasting optional). The Benedictine Abbey of Melk, perched on a hill, overlooking the Danube, is a true architectural marvel.
As you cruise back up the Danube enjoy the early morning sunshine as you wind your way to Passau/surroundings, where you’ll disembark at approx. 11.00 am. Connecting travel should be booked for 12.00 pm onwards.
The Danube region itself was very scenic, and we enjoyed the cycling. The level of cycling was not to hard and what we expected. The staff on Vivienne were friendly, efficient and accommodating. On board, the briefings were clear overall, though they were always given in German first. Having some English‑first briefings would help English‑speaking cyclists start a little earlier. At times there was quite a lot of side information, which made it harder to follow the key points.
Austria
Get ready for an unforgettable ride along the Danube, where every day brings new landscapes, lively towns and classic river views. Our carefully selected routes lead you past the most beautiful spots of the region, from Austria’s green valleys to Hungary’s vibrant capital. It’s a journey full of variety, culture and wide‑open river scenery. The map on the right shows both the cycling and ship stages. The dotted line marks the sections where the ship will cruise, while the solid red line indicates the daily bike routes.
Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)
Departure on Sunday April 11th and April 18th and October 10th
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 999,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.359,-
Middle deck + Upperdeck: twin cabin Superior € 1.569,-
Upper deck: twin Junior Suite € 1.889,-
Upper deck: twin Master Suite € 2.119,-
Departure on Sunday April 25th & October 3rd
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.099,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.459,-
Middle deck + Upperdeck: twin cabin Superior € 1.669,-
Upper deck: twin Junior Suite € 1.989,-
Upper deck: twin Master Suite € 2.219,-
Departure every Sunday from July 4th to July 25th and August 1st to August 29th
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.249,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.609,-
Middle deck + Upperdeck: twin cabin Superior € 1.819,-
Upper deck: twin Junior Suite € 2.139,-
Upper deck: twin Master Suite € 2.369,-
Departure every Sunday from May 2nd to May 30th and June 6th to June 27th and September 5th to September 26th
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.399,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.759,-
Middle deck + Upperdeck: twin cabin Superior € 1.969,-
Upper deck: twin Junior Suite € 2.289,-
Upper deck: twin Master Suite € 2.519,-
Departure on Saturday May 15th, June 5th + June 19th and September 11th + 18th
Main deck: twin cabin Standard Eco € 1.339,-
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.399,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort Eco € 1.689,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.759,-
Middle + Upper deck: double bed cabin Superior € 1.969,-
Extras
Private transfer from/to Munich Airport, one-way, max. 8 people: € 300,-
Private transfer from/to Munich City, one-way, max. 8 people: € 350,-
Extra options:
Cabin single use +55% (Standard cabin; limited available)
24-speed Unisex hybrid bike € 109,-
E-Bike Unisex (from 160cm) € 229,-
Bringing own bike € 29,-
Bringing own E-bike € 49,-
Bike helmet for adults: bring your own or rent a helmet € 20,- (helmet use is mandatory in Slovakia)
* If a traveller rents a bike, he is basically liable for damages and theft. When booking our rental bike disclaimer, we assume liability so that in case of loss or damage to the rental bike (when properly used and secured) no financial responsibility must be paid.
Insured are: any repair costs, spare parts in the event of an accident; theft (if bike is properly locked and secured; please never leave your bike unattended, especially in big cities).
Excluded from this are only lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as damage due to intent or gross negligence.
Embarkation: from 4 pm - 5 pm.
Drop-off luggage + bikes: possible from 3 pm.
The ship is moored at one of the following docking-addresses:
- Passau-Lindau (A), Franz-Weismann-Straße an der B 388
- Passau-Racklau (B), Racklau 3a
- Passau-Schalding (C), Industriestrasse 14a
Please note: place of embarkation/disembarkation can be changed by the port authorities even on the day of arrival. You will find the web site where you can check the correct mooring place in your travel documents
If you cannot find your ship, please contact the cruise manager on board (phone number in your travel documents).
The nearest international airport to the embarkation point in Passau is Munich Airport (MUC). Driving Munich airport - Passau (via Freising): approx. 2 1/2 h (bus/taxi, train)
Recommended routing:
Munich - Freising
BUS Munich Airport - Freising train station (ca. € 3,30/person)
TAXI Munich Airport – Freising train station (ca. € 30,-/way)
Freising - Passau
TRAIN Freising – Passau / Bayernticket: 1st person € 26,- >> www.bahn.de
every next person € 6,- (up to person).; driving time approx. 2 hrs
Passau is connected with the regional and intercity trafficnet of the Deutschen Bahn (german train). Main train station is reachable - depending on the ship landing stage of the ship - between 2-6 km. You´ll find taxis at the Airport exit. No liability for any delays. Please be informed that seat reservations can only be done via Deutsche Bahn AG (f.i. via webpage >>www.bahn.de) or in your travel agency.
Driveway to the dockings Passau Lindau / Racklau / Schalding:
Driveway is possible - parking is forbidden, stops only for un-/loading
Car parking Passau: In 2026: attended parking lot € 68,- / € 83,- / garage € 79,- / € 104,- (In 2027: Outdoor garage €87,- / Parking garage €109,-)
(incl. transfer to / from ship, payable locally; prebooking required)
In Passau we offer a guarded parking possibility with our Partner Globus Parkservice / Eichberger Reisen.
Parking for special vehicles (caravan, minibus, van) for additional charge. Prices incl. 2 transfers (parking-ship-parking). A transferbus will bring you directly to the ship. As buses cannot reach pier 1 or 2 you will get off at Römerplatz (pier 5) and have to walk the last meters (walking distance approx. 4-5 min.). Your luggage will be delivered seperately by minibus directly to the ship.
Further information will be given within your travel documents prior departure.
Disembarkation will take place after arrival of the ship (about 10:00-11:00 h) and will take about 1 hour to complete.
Please take this into account when planning your return journey and do not book trains before 12:00 h.
Note for private departing guests: Taxis are very popular in Passau on embarkation and disembarkation days - very long waiting times.
Further information can be obtained on board from the cruise line or at the reception.
On this tour the following barges are scheduled
The exquisite premium ship MV Vivienne sets new standards in comfort and spaciousness and offers a tasteful, high-quality ambience in a luxurious style. Read more...
Experience unforgettable moments aboard the MS Lisabelle – an elegant premium ship that perfectly combines comfort, enjoyment and relaxation. Read more...
Bicycle equipment:
» 1 handlebar bag per cabin
» 1 good sized pannier bag per person
» 1 bike lock per cabin
» 1 repair kit per cabin
» 1 extra tube per cabin
If a traveller rents a bike, he is basically liable for damages and theft. When booking our rental bike disclaimer, we assume liability so that in case of loss or damage to the rental bike (when properly used and secured) no financial responsibility must be paid.
Insured are:
» Any repair costs, spare parts in the event of an accident
» Theft (if bike is properly locked and secured)*
*Please never leave your bike unattended, especially in big cities.
Excluded from this are only lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as damage due to intent or gross negligence.
By this tour you can rent the following bikes:
Our modern e-bikes (pedelecs) are quality branded bikes with hub gear, freewheel, powerful electric motor and gradually selectable pedal assistance. To be booked only by experienced cyclists with a very good sense of balance. Not suitable for people who rarely ride a bicycle.
Bicycles are modern and high stardard quality of KTM. We offer 28-Zoll-Unisex-tourbikes with deep comfort-entrance. The bikes are equipped with either 21 or 24-derailleur-gear (depending on ship) with override, caliper breaks and robust wheels.
Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink and admire the setting sun on deck. If you do not want to cycle, just stay on board and enjoy the passing landscape on the sun deck or relax in the infrared cabin. The crew is trying to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury. Please keep in mind that our ship is a river vessel, not a large ocean cruise ship. Riverboat cabins, in comparison, are relatively small, and ship amenities, in general, are comfortable but not lavish. On some docks several ships are docked next to each other and noise and other disturbances cannot be avoided. Please do not forget that the ship is your hotel as well as a machine, which has to be maintained and operated. A certain level of noise is therefore inevitable.
The captain, cruise director and the chef all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The captain is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the chef is in charge of the catering. The cruise director will be available to answer questions and solve any problem you may have during the entire week. During the daily meeting he will provide you with useful information referring the next cycling-day.
Individual tour
You will receive a detailed roadbook with maps and infomation to the routing on board. You do not cycle in a group – you cycle individually in your own tempo and are therefor able to time your day to your needs. Only the schedule gives you a time frame. Our cruise director explains the evening before the next cycling path in the daily breefings and inform you about the specifics and gives tipps about sightseeing, possibilities to take a rest and specialities.
Guided option
The Swiss Crown has a capacity of 135 people, the Lisabelle has a capacity of 152 people and the Vivienne has a capacity of 146 people. If you wish to get personal attention from a dedicated guide, you can book this tour including a cycling tour guide. You cycle in a small group (max. 18 people) where you explore a lot of local cultures, discover hidden sites and secret places and enjoy some delicious appetizers. To book: see Danube Waltz Guided.
In the convivial panoramic restaurant, all guests will eat together at the same time. We provide daily fresh prepared international and national specialties from the cuisine of the countries along the route. If you are traveling with friends, please mention this when booking. Gladly an internal note is deposited to get a common table in the restaurant. Please note that it is not always possible for several people to accommodate all at one table as there is limited space in the restaurant and not all table sizes are available. The full board consists of: breakfast, packed lunch for bikers (resp. light meal for guests on board), dinner with menu-choice, coffee-/tea break with sweets in the afternoon. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lacto-free etc is no problem. Special meals have to be ordered latest by 3 weeks prior departure. Please be informed that due to the limited shopping possibilities of the constantly changing ports, not all diets can be offered. In individual cases and by appointment, you are also welcome to bring along your own food for your special meal.
One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know various cultures at the same time! We have people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and also families with children (during the school holidays).
Most participants simply put on their rain gear and try to make the best out of it, unfortunately the weather cannot be controlled. If the weather becomes so bad that cycling is truly impossible, which almost never happens, you can stay on board or your guide can arrange an alternative program, such as cultural excursions or city tours (at your own expense).
The main countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States and Canada. We also receive guests from United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. The common language on board is English.
No, the barge does not follow the same route as the cyclists. Sometimes the route may need to be adjusted due to weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks. In those cases, the guests and the guide can coordinate with the skipper to meet at a different location. Of course, you can always choose to stay on board for one or more days.
Yes, free WiFi is limited available in lounge and on deck.
We offer a trip cancellation insurance. We recommend that all travelers take out cancellation insurance for their tour with us or with an insurance company of their choice in their home country.
We advice you to check whether you want or need to take out accident/luggage or medical insurance, and arrange this in your home country.
For more information: Insurances
Bike insurance For the tours on the barges Anna Antal; Anna van Aemstel; Floor van Aemstel; Godefridus van Aemstel; Elisabeth van Aemstel; Clair de Lune and Feniks the bike rental includes a bicycle insurance. This insurance covers the cost of the repair or replacement of bicycle parts in case of an accident. It also protects against theft of the bike while it was locked.
On some tours you can add this insurance to your reservation or buy it on board. This is indicated on the tour page under ‘Rent a bike’.