Overview
Flowing between steep mountain slopes, green meadows and medieval castles, the Danube river has carved one of the most scenic routes in central Europe, and we invite you to explore it in the most exciting way – by bike on our classic 8-day itinerary!
The Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Vienna is Europe’s most popular cycling route. This iconic trail goes on a dedicated cycling path along the river, so you will be able to marvel the natural beauty around you without worrying about any car traffic. On your way, you will also have plenty of time to stop and indulge yourself in the culinary delights of the region: from the traditional dishes of the rustic cuisine to the sparkling wine and sweet and light cider of the Wachau region, everyone will find something they like.
The cycling paths are mostly flat and accessible to cyclists of all levels, which is one of the reasons why this tour is a true classic and ideally suited as a first cycling holiday for the whole family.
- Relaxed cycling on a dedicated path from Passau to Vienna
- Explore the culture-filled cities of Passau and Vienna and the small, charming towns along the way
- Optional wine tastings and juicy apricots as you cycle through the vineyards and orchards of the beautiful Wachau Valley
- Schärding’s colourful market square
- The natural spectacle, Schlögener Schlinge
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Depending on the time and place of your arrival you can spend the rest of the day strolling through the pretty little baroque town of Schärding or going for a walk through the “New Centre” of Passau which has been completely redesigned as a pedestrian, car-free area.
- Accommodation: MK Hotel Passau, IBB Hotel Passau Süd or similar
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Passauer Wolf or similar
Day 2: Passau – Bend of the Danube | 40km
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.
- Accommodation: Revita Hotel Kocher or similar
- Distance for the day: approx. 40km
Day 3: Bend of the Danube – Linz | 55km
After breakfast, you will ride your bike through the green area of the Eferdinger Becken (basin) via Aschach, Ottensheim, and Wilhering to the Upper Austrian capital Linz where you can go for a city tour exploring the many restaurants and cafes in the historic old town and enjoy the magnificent views from the Pöstlingberg or a stroll along the Danube.
- Distance for the day: approx. 55km
- Accommodation: Park Inn Linz, Hotel Prielmayerhof or similar
- Upgraded accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott or similar
Day 4: Linz – Grein/Bad Kreuzen | 60km
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.
- Distance for the day: approx. 60 km
- Accommodation: Hotel Schatz.Kammer Burg Kreuzen, Hotel-Gasthof Zur Zugbrücke or similar
- Upgraded accommodation: Wellness-Oasis Aumühle or similar
Day 5: Grein/Bad Kreuzen – Wachau Valley | 70km
Today’s tour is enjoyed by cycling through the impressive landscapes of the Strudengau and Nibelungengau. 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.
- Distance for the day: approx. 70 km
- Accommodation: Wachauerhof Renner or similar
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Wachau in Melk (cycling for the day: 50km)
Day 6: Wachau Valley to Traismauer | 40km
Another highlight of this tour is the chance to cycle through the magnificent Wachau. A landscape where you will find terraced vineyards, apricot groves interspersed with castles, palaces and monasteries. There is also the possibility of taking a break from your bike and visiting traditional wine taverns. Cycle through the winery villages of Spitz, Weißkirchen, Durnstein and Krems before reaching Traismauer. 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.
- Distance for the day: approx. 40km
- Accommodation: Hotel Nibelungenhof or similar
- Upgraded accommodation: arte Hotel Krems in Krems
Day 7: Traismauer (Krems) – Vienna | 60km
After breakfast, you will depart this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage region. The ‘City of Music’, Vienna, awaits you.
- Distance for the day: approx. 60km
- Accommodation: Hotel Roomz Prater or similar
- Upgraded accommodation: Arcotel Kaiserwasser (cycling for the day: 45km+train from Tulln to Vienna)
Day 8: Vienna | Departure
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. Extra night in Vienna bookable upon request.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in typical 3, and some 4-star Austrian inns, guesthouses and hotels. We have carefully hand-picked all places, and their quality is regularly monitored. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour. Rooms may be single, twin or double. A double bed may consist of twins pushed or joined together. Requests for twin rooms will be accepted, however, they cannot be guaranteed.
Click to view default hotels
- MK Hotel Passau, IBB Hotel Passau Süd
- Revita Hotel Kocher
- Park Inn Linz, Hotel Prielmayerhof
- Hotel Schatz.Kammer Burg Kreuzen, Hotel-Gasthof Zur Zugbrücke
- Wachauerhof Renner
- Hotel Nibelungenhof
- Hotel Roomz Prater
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a property of equal standard. We will provide full accommodation details upon booking confirmation.
Click to view upgraded hotels
We can upgrade your accommodation to selected 4* or the best 3* hotels in town. Please note that the itinerary will slightly change as per the location of the hotels.
- Hotel Passauer Wolf
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Wellness-Oasis Aumühle
- Hotel Wachau
- arte Hotel Krems
- Arcotel Kaiserwasser
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a property of equal standard. We will provide full accommodation details upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included every day. When no restaurant location is available on the route, lunches and snacks could either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before.
Difficulty and terrain
The route is flat or slightly downhill, going along the Danube on a well-built cycling path, almost all the way without sharing lanes with motor vehicles. Minor motor roads make up only very short sections of this route – the Danube cycle path is one of the best cycling routes in Europe (read more about difficulty grades). Upon arrival, you will receive detailed travel information with route maps or overview maps, route descriptions, tourist attractions and important telephone numbers (1 set per room).
When to go
This trip is available from April until October. Weather is best in July – August.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your holiday on any date in the season – so please indicate desired starting date when booking.
Getting there
FCO up-to-date travel advice on Germany and Austria.
Click to view travel options
By train or bus
- In case you travel by train, the best connections are from Schärding and Passau train stations.
- At Passau, the public parking costs €35-€65 per week, no reservation possible/necessary.
- The train journey from Vienna to Passau would be approx. 3 hours.
- For more details, visit Deutsche Bahn or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation, private en-suite rooms
- 7 breakfasts
- Daily luggage transport (1 piece per person/ max. 23kg)
- Access to Navigation App with route book and information (also available as GPX tracks)
- 24/7 phone support
- *1 x train fare Krems/surroundings – Tulln incl. bike (*upgraded accommodation only)
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Extra nights in Passau or Vienna. Rates are calculated for default accommodations. For upgraded hotels, a supplement will be applicable.
- Half-board (6 evening meals, mostly multi-course, sometimes outside the property, payable with voucher – not included in Vienna). Rates are calculated for default accommodations. For upgraded hotels, a supplement will be applicable.
- Hotel upgrades
- Bike rental (7/21 gear)
- E-bike rental
Bike rental
Ladies trekking bike 21-speed
- Model: KTM touring bike
- Frame: Aluminium ladies’ frame
- Gear change: 21-speed derailleur with freewheel, Shimano Altus
- Brakes: 2-rim brakes, Shimano V-Brakes
- wheel/tyre: 28-inch hollow chamber rim/robust tyres, Schwalbe Marathon
- Saddle: high-quality gel saddle, Selle Royal
Men’s trekking bike 21-speed
- Model: KTM touring bike
- Frame: Aluminium men’s frame
- Gear change: 21-speed derailleur with freewheel, Shimano Altus
- Brakes: 2-rim brakes, Shimano V-Brakes
- wheel/tyre: 28-inch hollow chamber rim/robust tyres, Schwalbe Marathon
- Saddle: high-quality gel saddle, Selle Royal
Unisex e-bike
- Model: KTM Macina Fun
- Frame: Aluminum unisex
- Motor: Bosch Performance or Panasonic
- Battery: 500 Wh
- Gearshift: 8-speed hub gear Shimano Nexus or 9-speed derailleur Shimano Altus
- Brakes: 2 disc or rim brakes, Shimano
- Wheel/tire: 28-inch hollow rim/rugged tires, Schwalbe Marathon
- Saddle: high-quality gel saddle, Selle Royal
Gallery
