Cycling holiday Passau to Budapest

Individual arrival. Use the remaining time on a city tour or get to know the “City of Three Rivers” on a boat cruise (not included) or simply go for a stroll through the picturesque old part of town. Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. bike hand over – for late arrivals the next morning.

Start the first cycle tour through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlögen. In Engelhartszell, you can visit the one and only “Trappist“ monastery in Austria and you can even sample some delicious liqueurs straight from the convent. Continue the journey to the impressive “Schlögener Loop”, where the river makes a complete 180-degree bend.

There are small ferries between the banks. Enjoy the special experience of riding past the many ferries along the riverbanks as you continue to cycle through the Eferdinger Valley to Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. Enjoy the summer evenings with a stroll through the enchanting old part of town.

An excursion to Enns, the oldest town in Austria is highly recommended and worthwhile in any case. This leg guides you through beautiful meadows while passing the Celtic village Mitterkirchen, rolling by the majestic church in Baumgartenberg and on to the romantic castle of Clam. Toward the end of the day, you reach the gorgeous Baroque village of Grein. There is the oldest theatre in Austria, which is awaiting your royal visit.

Today’s tour is enjoyed by cycling through the fascinating landscape of tall and densely wooded rock formations on both sides of the Danube. High above the Danube is the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Taferl. From the distance the marvellous Benedictine Monastery of Melk is greeting you.

Another highlight on this tour is the chance to cycle through the magnificent Wachau Valley. A landscape where you will find terraced vineyards, apricot groves interspersed with castles, palaces and monasteries. There is also the possibility to take a break off your bike and relax on a short boat excursion. On your way to Krems you cycle through the wine villages of Spitz, Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein. Through these charming villages you will see quaint alluring taverns, which are just waiting to present Austrian hospitality at its best.

By train you will depart this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Region. After arriving in Tulln, you ride your bike directly through the Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald) and pass through “The Gates of Vienna”. Along the way don’t forget to visit the impressive monastery in Klosterneuburg and then continue to the “City of Music”, Vienna.

Not far from Vienna an untouched alluvial landscape and a Nature Reserve of stunning and diverse Flora and Fauna begins. Enjoy the wonderful peace and quiet, only interrupted by the twittering chirps of birds. The ancient Romans have left their footprints and also have relaxed in the nice warm water of Bad Deutsch Altenburg. The Archaeological Park of Carnuntum is waiting to take you into an exciting journey of the past.

Embedded between the hills of Hainburg and the Carpathian Mountains, you cycle on to Europe’s youngest capital, Bratislava. The Slovakian capital has an enchanting sleepy old town parallel to magnificent modern buildings.

The marshy landscape of the Szigetköz is an idyllic environment and paradise for birds and fish alike. In the midst of these wild and untouched lowlands with more than 500 tiny islands, you will find quaint farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube canals and creeks. The day's bike tour ends in the beautiful city of Györ, situated at the mouth of 3 rivers. The city enchants with its Baroque old town.
Recommendation: Shorten the cycling stage between Mosonmagyarovar and Györ comfortably by train. Train tickets are available at ticket machines at the train station and cost approx. € 1,- per ride. This shortens the cycling stage to approx. 45 km.

Take a look at the National Stud of Babolna which is the world famous Arabian horse breeding and is defiantly worth a visit. While you are visiting the Studs and the Stud Museum you can catch a glimpse of some secret Hungarian horse breeding techniques and methods. After cycling through the lush rolling hills into the village of Komarom, you will find your accommodation in the favourite village of renowned King Matthias.

Cycle along the banks of the Slovakian Danube on low-traffic roads through quaint and quintessential villages. On your way to the “Town of Bishops and Kings”, Esztergom, you pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia. Highlight of the day will be the Basilica of Esztergom, the largest Catholic cathedral in Hungary with it´s beautiful view.

The hilly landscape of the Danube Bend will enchant you. You will cycle through small idyllic villages, discover the artist town of Szentendre with the nearby Farm Museum and enjoy a fantastic view of the most famous sights of Budapest during your ride towards the capital city of Hungary.
Note: Boat ride at the beginning or end of the stage, depending on the season. Outside the boat season train ticket as a substitute.

Enjoy this day in the metropolis of Budapest. If you want you can go back to Vienna by train. The two capital cities are very well connected. Direct trains to Vienna run every hour. Duration of trip approx. 3 hours.