Danube Cycle Path
Along the beautiful Blue Danube, you can find Europe’s most famous cycling path: Passau to Budapest. Discover a wonderful landscape, picturesque villages and the numerous impressive sights of the Roman and Nibelungen times. Schlögener Loop, Strudengau, Nibelungengau and the Wachau Valley (UNESCO region) all have their own unique and alluring attractions.
You will cycle along the Danube through gorgeous landscapes of rolling hills, forests and meadows. Art and cultural aspects show and tell stories former times. Cosy wineries and other inns invite you to enjoy the culinary “Schmankerln“ (specialities of the region). One of the many highlights included on this tour is the “City of Music”, Vienna. The Slovakian capital Bratislava is a diverse city with a picturesque old town and is a “must-see” on the way to Hungary. The Hungarian metropolis Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, is the crowning conclusion to your journey. This tour offers a pure and cultural experience mostly set away from touristic centres and is “off the beaten track”. Untouched nature and cultural monuments can be found on the route between Vienna and Budapest. You cycle through the infinite widths of the Hungarian lowlands and you can also visit the famous Arabian National Stud in Babolna. The Basilica in Esztergom is the largest Catholic cathedral in Hungary and is more than worth a visit with all its cherished treasures. Enjoy the friendly people and the Hungarian hospitality on an unforgettable journey of a lifetime.
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.
You will depart this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Region by train. 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.
Nestled 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 landscape of the Szigetköz is an idyllic paradise for birds and fish. In the midst of this wild and untouched landscape with more than 500 tiny islands you will find farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube creeks. After a short train ride you reach Györ with its beautiful Baroque-style old town.
Take a look to 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.
Amidst the hilly landscape, the river Danube divides itself into parts creating the Szentendre-Island. On this island, you cycle through typical Hungarian villages. Szentendre is famous for its numerous handicraft boutiques and the Open-air Museum of Skanzen. A few particular highlights include some of the most famous attractions in Budapest. During your boat ride to Budapest you´ll enjoy the beautiful view of Budapest´s most popular sights.
Enjoy this day in the metropolis of Budapest. If you want you can go back to Vienna by bus, departures by scheduled bus every 2 hours on a daily basis. The bus has to be booked prior to the guests´ arrival. Duration of trip approx. 3 hours. On request the bus is also stopping at Vienna International Airport. Train ticket Vienna-Passau is also available on request.
Tour proflie
the tour is mostly flat and only sometimes slightly hilly. The Austrian section follows well-maintained and equipped cycling paths, in Hungary you will often cycle on country back and side roads. Upon entering and leaving cities there is traffic that must be closely observed.
Per person in a 2-person room
Surcharge single room € 460,-
Surcharge dinner € 329,-
Extra night in Passau (incl. Breakfast)
Per person in a 2-person room
April - October € 68,-
Surcharge single room € 30,-
Extra night in Vienna (incl. Breakfast)
Per person in a 2-person room
April - October € 68,-
Surcharge single room € 30,-
Extra night in Budapest (incl. Breakfast)
Per person in a 2-person room
April - October € 64,-
Surcharge single room € 52,-
Rental bikes:
Supplements:
Reservation costs € 20,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)
Included
Not Included
Special details
Arrival by plane (arrival at airport Munich or Vienna)
We recommend to travel by train to Passau.
From Munich we also offer a transfer to the hotel in Passau (must be reserved at time of booking).
Price per person: one-way € 64, -/ both directions € 109, -
Arrival by train
You can take a scheduled bus or taxi from Munich airport to train station in Freising. From Freising you can take a train to Passau.
Costs are approx. € 30,- (by train); € 55,- (taxi+train).
Depending on your hotel you can either choose to walk or take a taxi or bus from the train station in Passau.
Accommodation
At the first hotel your room is available from 2 PM on the day of arrival. In case you will arrive after 7 PM, please call your hotel to let them know.
The standard tour includes bed and breakfast. It is also possible to book half board; this has to be asked for upon booking.
Half board includes breakfast and dinner and starts with dinner on the first day until breakfast on the day of departure except for the dinner in Vienna.
Please note that the listed hotels are only hotel samples and subject to change. You will find your definite hotel in the hotel list, which you receive after booking/before departure.
The Hotel Passauer Wolf offers rooms with attached bathroom with city or river views, and which are equipped with comfortable furniture. The sofa can also be used as an additional bed. Guests can relax in the bar. Breakfast is included.
Located at the Danube River’s famous Schlögen Loop, Hotel Donauschlinge features a spa and wellness center. The restaurant serves traditional Austrian cuisine, including asparagus, fish and game specialties. A rich breakfast buffet is served.
Located in the center of Linz, Hotel Schillerpark is a 12-minute walk from the main square. All rooms feature large windows with panoramic views, individually adjustable air conditioning. A rich and varied breakfast buffet are available in the morning at the Tafelspitz restaurant.
Wellnesshotel Aumühle offers a wellness center with indoor pool and massage service, and a restaurant that serves regional specialties. All rooms are spacious and bright. Wellness facilities include several saunas and steam baths, a hot tub and a solarium.
The hotel Zum Schwarzen Bären in the scenic Wachau region combines tradition with modern amenities like a 400-m² spa area.The restaurant’s cuisine serves traditional and regional cuisine.
In a scenic location in the Wachau region overlooking the town of Krems, The 4-star superior Steigenberger Hotel & Spa Krems is 1.2 mi from the center. It offers a large spa area, and a restaurant. Guests can relax in the 9.8 ft² spa area, which is spread over 3 levels.
The hotel Kaiserwasser is a 10-minute ride from the city center. Rooms offers views of the modern skyline. The hotel features a modern gym with views of the Danube, a sauna and a steam bath. The restaurant serves Austrian specialties. There is also an inviting bar on site.
This hotel Altes Kloster occupies a 17th-century monastery in the historic Old Town of Hainburg. A wellness area is included. The rooms feature cable TV, a mini-bar, and a bathroom. The restaurant serves Austrian and international cuisine and a daily breakfast buffet.
All rooms at Hotel Famulus come with satellite TV, air conditioning and a minibar. The Podium Restaurant serves lunches and dinners with international dishes. Guests can play racquetball and go bowling.
The Hotel Peklo in the center of Komárno offers you air-conditioned rooms and suites, a wellness area, an elegant restaurant and mini-bar.The wellness area includes a sauna and a hot tub and invites you to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Novotel Budapest Danube offers a bar and a 24-hour restaurant with views of the river and the Hungarian Parliament Building. Each room has air conditioning. A fitness center and a sauna can also be found on the premises.
Rental bikes & equipment
All rental bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and an odometer (except Electro bike).
By this tour you can rent the following bikes:
21-speed (ladies/gents)touring bikes with an aluminium frame and kitted with responsive brakes and gears. Plus: mudguards, trip computers, comfort gel saddles, flat-palmed grips, Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tyres.
Our modern e-bikes (pedelecs) are quality branded bikes with hub gear, freewheel, powerful electric motor and gradually selectable pedal assistance. Only for experienced cyclists with a very good sense of balance.
General information