Overview
A six day, self-guided cycling tour along an Austrian section of the Danube Cycle Path, between the ancient and lively city of Linz to Vienna, the elegant capital city. These cities alone are good reason to toast this section of the Danube, and you will have plenty of opportunity to do so, as you are also cycling through Wachau and Kremstal Valleys, famous for their fine wines. Staying in 4* hotels along the way, with your luggage transferred for you, waltz, wine and dine your way along the Danube.
- Linz
- Wine tasting in Melk
- Guided tour of the wine experience at Sandgrube 13
- Wine taverns and restaurants in Vienna
- Danube Cycle Path
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Linz
You start the cycling holiday along the Danube Cycle Path in the historic town of Linz. Stroll leisurely through the Old Town up to the Castle of Linz with views along the Danube and Urfahr district. A visit to a coffeehouse with a piece of the city’s famous Linzer Torte is the perfect way to end the day.
- Accommodation: Hotel Prielmayerhof**** in Linz or similar
Day 2: Linz – Ardagger/Mostviertel | 55km
The first stage on the Danube Cycle Path takes you to Mostviertel. Pear orchards and meadows line the cycle path today, in a region where the fruit is processed into the region’s famous pear cider. Take time out to visit the MostBirnHaus, to learn more about how it is made, and also for some tastings.
- Cycling for the day: approximately 55km
- Accommodation: Hotel-Gasthof Schiffsmeisterhaus*** in Ardagger or similar
Day 3: Ardagger – Melk/Wachau Valley | 40km
Cycle along the Danube Cycle Path through the wild Strudengau region, always following the river until you reach the world renowned Wachau Wine Region. The hotel has a cosy wine tasting in store for you. A first taste of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling will make your palate rejoice.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 40km
- Accommodation: Hotel zur Post**** in Melk or similar
Day 4: Melk – Krems | 40km
Today you cycle through the famous wine-growing villages of Spitz, Weißenkirchen, Dürnstein and Krems. For lunch, you stop to picnic in the heart of a vineyard too, with lots of regional delicacies. The day comes to a close with a visit to Sandgrube 13, an excellent winery and all round wine experience, in Krems.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 40km
- Accommodation: Wein & Wohnen at family Rethaller in Krems or similar
Day 5: Krems – Vienna | 45km
Today you cycle along the Danube again from the wine-growing region of Kremstal to Tulln and then on to Vienna by train. The Austrian capital is itself a wine-growing city with over 600 hectares of vineyards. You will have plenty of time to enjoy an evening at a traditional Viennese wine tavern.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 45km
- Accommodation: Hotel Kaiserwasser**** in Vienna or similar
Day 6: Departure
Departure day or extend your visit in Vienna. Before leaving the city, make sure to visit the famous Naschmarkt, as well the magnificent, stately Schönbrunn Castle.
What to expect
Accommodation
The tour includes accommodation in standard en-suite double/twin rooms in typical Austrian Inns (guesthouses) and 4**** city hotels. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms. A double bed may consist of twins pushed or joined together.
Click to view default hotels
- Hotel Prielmayerhof**** (Linz)
- Hotel-Gasthof Schiffsmeisterhaus*** (Ardagger)
- Hotel zur Post**** (Melk)
- Wein & Wohnen at family Rethaller (Krems)
- Hotel Kaiserwasser**** (Vienna)
*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 en route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops or markets, or packed lunches can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before.
Difficulty and terrain
The route is almost completely flat, going along the Danube on a well-built cycling path, nearly all the way without sharing lanes with cars. 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 (one set per room).
When to go
This trip is available from April until October.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your holiday at any time in the season – so please indicate desired beginning date when booking.
The weather is best in July – August.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By train or bus
- The train from Vienna to Linz usually takes around 1h 26m to travel 96 miles (154 km).
- For more details, visit Deutsche Bahn or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 5 nights in comfortable country inns, private en-suite rooms
- 5 breakfasts
- Wine tasting at the hotel in Melk with a tasting of three wines & traditional pastry, Wachauerlaberl.
- Picnic in the vineyard
- Guided tour of Sandgrube 13, with wine tastings
- Train ticket Tulln–Vienna incl. bike
- Access to Navigation App with route book and information (also available as GPX tracks)
- 24/7 phone support
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Bike rental
- 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 single room
- 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 Vienna
- Bike rental (7/21 gear)
- E-bike rental
Bike rental
Women’s trekking bike 21-speed
- Model: KTM touring bike
- Frame: Aluminium women’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
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
