The Classic Danube Cycle Path from Germany to Austria
Alongside of the “blue” Danube lies the renowned and most famous cycling path in Europe. Passau to Vienna is an absolute cycling classic. Discover the enchanting river landscape, picturesque villages, lush vineyards and countless cultural sites from the time of the Romans and Nibelungen.
Cycle leisurely along the banks of the mighty river and enjoy the beautiful forests and the magical meadows of the Schlögener Loop, Strudengau, Nibelungengau and Wachau, as each region offers its own impressive and unique attractions. Art and cultural features convey myths and stories of the past while quaint accommodations and taverns invite you to relax in the culinary world of Austria. The welcoming Austrian hospitality and the scrumptious Austrian cuisine add to this absolutely remarkable experience.
Individual arrival. Use the remaining time for a city tour or get to know the “City of Three Rivers” by a walk through the picturesque old part of town. Until 4 p.m. bike hand over – for late arrival the next morning.
Start the first cycling route 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-degrees turn.
Between the banks of the Danube there are small passenger ferries waiting for you to take them. Next, you cycle through the slowly widening fertile basin of Eferding and further to Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and European Culture Capital of 2009. Enjoy a magical summer evening doing some shopping around the lovely main square of the city.
An excursion to Enns, the oldest town in Austria is highly recommended and worthwhile in any case. This leg guides you through beautiful meadows and tranquil hinterland while passing the Celtic village Mitterkirchen, rolling by the majestic church in Baumgartenberg and on to the romantic castle of Clam.
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 there, you are greeted from afar by the marvellous Benedictine Monastery of Melk.
Another highlight of your bike tour is the magnificent Wachau Valley. A landscape where you will find terraced vineyards, apricot groves interspersed with castles, palaces and monasteries. There is the possibility taking a break from cycling on an excursion boat. On your way to Krems you cycle through the winery villages of Spitz, Weißkirchen and Durnstein. Through these charming villages you will see quaint alluring taverns, which are just waiting to present Austrian hospitality at its best. Something you have to experience first-hand.
By train you will depart from this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage region. Shortly before Vienna, the valley narrows once again, the Danube enters through the Vienna Gate at the edge of the Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald) and guides you via the Klosterneuburg to the “The City of Music”: Vienna.
Some say that one must personally experience this great city. A few of the must-sees include the famous Naschmarkt (international food/goods market), the City Opera, the Ringstrasse, (a beautiful boulevard with imposing buildings which bear witness to ancient times) and of course the gorgeous imperial castle Schönbrunn. Extension at Vienna or return to Passau.
Tour proflie
The cycling path is completely paved from one end to the other, flat, almost always directly along the riverbank, very suitable for beginners.
Price per person in a double room in 2027
Category B: 3 and 4 star hotels/guesthouses
Category A: 4 star and the better 3 star hotels
Surcharge single room € 400,- / € 370,-
Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)
Rental bike disclaimer € 25,- per touring bike / € 55,- per e-bike
Bike rental:
Touring bike € 99,-
E-bike € 239,-
Bike helmet € 48,- (for sale only)
Extra night in Passau (breakfast incl.)
Per person in a double room
April - October € 96,- (Cat. A & B)
Surcharge single room € 43,- (Cat. A & B)
Extra night in Vienna (breakfast incl.)
Per person in a double room
April - October € 96,- / € 133,-
Surcharge single room € 43,- / € 59,-
Extras
Private transfer from Munich Airport/Munich city center to Passau, one-way, max. 8 people, from € 300,-
Included
Not Included
Special details
Arrival by plane (arrival at airport Munich or Vienna)
We recommend to travel by train to Passau.
We can book a private transfer for you (1-8 persons) from Munich to Passau: from € 300,-.
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. € 50,- (by train); € 75,- (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 tour includes bed and breakfast.
(Please note that the hotels listed are only examples and are subject to change. You will find your final hotel in the hotel list, which you will receive 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.
Starlight Suiten Hotel Renngasse is centrally located in Vienna. A sauna and a gym are further features of the property. You can enjoy different hot and cold drinks at Starlight Suiten’s bar.
All rental bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and an odometer (except e-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