Overview
A 14 day, self-guided cycling holiday along the iconic Danube Cycle Path, Passau to Budapest section. Known as the Donau in German, this journey takes you through the geological and urban highlights that have been shaped by the iconic river. Passing through four countries, you spend nights in some of its iconic towns and cities which, as well as the start and end points, include Vienna, Bratislava, Esztergom and Linz. The natural heritage highlights of the Danube Cycle Path include the vineyards of the Wachau Valley, Donau-Auen National Park, and bends of the Danube. Stay in mostly traditional hotels, with luggage transfers.
- Passau
- Budapest
- Linz
- Wachau Valley
- Vienna
- Bratislava
- Donau-Auen National Park
- Esztergom
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Passau
Arrive in Passau, a Bavarian city in south-east Germany known for its Old Town and being the meeting point of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers. If you have time, we recommend visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Veste Oberhaus Fortress, Kastell Boiotro Roman Museum or the Museum of Modern Art Wörlen Passau.
- Accommodation: Hotel Atrium or similar in Passau
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Passauer Wolf or similar in Passau
Day 2: Passau – Schlögen/Danube bend | 40km
Start the tour along the Danube, cycling to Obernzell and crossing the border into Austria before arriving in Engelhartszell. While there, visit Engelszell Abbey, known for being the last remaining Trappist monastery in Austria. Continue the journey to Schlögener Schlinge (Schlögen Loop), a 180-degree bend in the Danube. Take a short ferry journey (€3, payable locally) to the other side of the river to your hotel in Niederranna. If you have chosen the upgraded accommodation, tonight’s stay is in Sankt Agatha, located above the Danube on the northern side of the valley.
- Cycling for the day: 40km
- Accommodation: Gasthof Draxler or similar in Niederranna
- Upgraded accommodation: Revita Hotel Kocher or similar in Sankt Aghata
Day 3: Schlögen/Danube bend – Linz | 55km
Cycle through the rural areas of Eferdinger Becken as well as the small riverside towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering before arriving at Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. As well as a lot of classic architecture such as Mariendom, the largest church in Austria and Linz Castle, check out the quirky graffiti at Mural Harbour, the ARS Electronica Center, and of course the local specialty, Linzer Torte.
- Cycling for the day: 55km
- Accommodation: Prielmayerhof Hotel or similar in Linz
- Upgraded accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott or similar in Linz
Day 4: Linz – Ardagger/Grein | 65km
Start by taking a short detour away from the course of the Danube to St. Florian and Enns. In St. Florian, we recommend visiting Augustinian Canons Monastery and, in Enns, don’t miss the town square and its 60m-high city tower. The route returns to the Danube before arriving at Ardagger. Travellers selecting the upgraded accommodation continue a short distance beyond Ardagger to stay in Grein, a riverside town further along the route.
- Cycling for the day: 65km
- Accommodation: Schiffsmeisterhaus or similar in Ardagger
- Upgraded accommodation: Aumühle or similar in Grein
Day 5: Ardagger/Grein – Wachau Valley – Spitz an der Donau | 65km
Cycle to the villages of St. Nikola an der Donau and Maria Taferl, passing through the landscapes of the Strudengau and Nibelungengau regions on your way to the Wachau Valley, famous for its winelands. On the approach to Melk, the impressive Melk Abbey can be spotted in the distance. In Melk, cross the bridge over the Danube and continue to toady’s destination, Spitz an der Donau.
- Cycling for the day: 65km
- Accommodation: Gasthof Goldenes Schiff or similar in Spitz an der Donau
- Upgraded accommodation: Kirchenwirt or similar in Wachau
Day 6: Wachau Valley – Traismauer | 40/60km
Cycle to the wine towns of Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein through a landscape of terraced vineyards, apricot groves, castles and monasteries. Continue cycling past Krems and finish in Traismauer. As you are staying in the Wachau Region, one of Austria’s most famous wine regions, we recommend booking a wine tasting (€20-30, payable locally).
- Cycling for the day: 40km
- Accommodation: Gasthof Zum Schwan or similar in Traismauer
- Upgraded accommodation: Arte Hotel Krems in Krems
Day 7: Traismauer – Vienna | 40/60km
Leaving Traismauer behind, head towards Vienna. Today’s ride can also be shortened by cycling to Tulln and taking the train to Vienna (29mins, payable locally). In Vienna, explore the capital city’s cultural highlights, starting with Staatsoper and Stephansdom Cathedral, but also its plethora of galleries and museums. These include Hundertwasserhaus, Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) and Mak, followed by visits to Schönbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz.
- Cycling for the day: 60km (or 40km if taking the train)
- Accommodation: Hotel Roomz or similar in Vienna
- Upgraded accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott or similar in Vienna
Day 8: Vienna – Bad Deutsch-Altenburg/Hainburg an der Donau | 50km
Today’s route goes through Donau-Auen National Park. Cycle along well-maintained paths, exploring diverse floodplain habitats and riverside landscapes, passing by Eckertsau Castle and the village of Eckertsau. The route ends in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, a spa and market town close to the border between Austria and Slovakia. For those who choose to stay in an upgraded accommodation, the overnight is in Hainburg an der Donau, a small town on the Danube close to the Slovak border.
- Cycling for the day: 50km
- Accommodation: Hotel-Gasthof Restaurant Stöckl or similar in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Altes Kloster or similar in Hainburg an der Donau
Day 9: Bad Deutsch-Altenburg/Hainburg and der Donau – Bratislava | 35km
From Bad Deutsch-Altenburg/Hainburg an der Donau, there is an option to cycle west towards on the Roman Cycle Trail to Carnuntum, a Roman fortress (approx. 4km). The Roman Cycle Trail is dotted with several Roman settlements, with Carnuntum being one of the main archaeological sites along it. After visiting Carnuntum, return to Hainburg an der Donau. Continue cycling towards the Slovakian border via the village of Wolfsthal and follow the riverside path to Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, where you stay for the night. The shorter distance today leaves plenty of time to explore the city’s Old Town and Bratislava Castle.
- Cycling for the day: 35km
- Accommodation: Apollo Hotel or similar in Bratislava
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Devin or similar in Bratislava
Day 10: Bratislava – Györ | 40km
Start the day by cycling a short distance in Slovakian territory before crossing the Hungarian border into Rajká. The route leads to Szigetköz, an island on the Danube, a popular place for kayaking and cycling. Continue to Mosonmagyaróvár, also called the city of 17 bridges, as it has a complex system of water channels. From here you have the option to cycle to Györ or take a train (23mins, included). While in Györ, we recommend visiting the cathedral and taking time to wander around the Old Town.
- Cycling for the day: 40km
- Accommodation: Hotel Klastrom or similar in Györ
- Upgraded accommodation: Barokk Hotel Promenád or similar in Györ
Day 11: Györ – Komárom | 40km
Leave Györ and cycle towards Gönyű, then continue to Komárom along the Danube. Komárom is a city split in two by the Danube, with the southern part belonging to Hungary and the northern part belonging to Slovakia. We recommend visiting Fort Monostor, one of the largest modern fortresses in Central Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or try one of the city’s thermal baths.
- Cycling for the day: 40km
- Accommodation: Hotel Forrás or similar in Komárom
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Európa or similar in Komárom
Day 12: Komárom – Esztergom/Visegrád | 55km
Continue cycling along the riverbanks of the Danube and briefly cross into Slovakia to visit Kelemantia, the largest Roman castellum in the region. Continue through Slovak villages such as Obid and Štúrovo, with views of local vineyards, before crossing back into Hungary and following the route to Esztergom. This was the capital of Hungary until the 13th century, and still capital of the Hungarian Catholic Church, which is why it’s home to Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary. Depending on availability, tonight’s stay is either in Esztergom or in nearby Visegrád.
- Cycling for the day: 55km
- Accommodation: Hotel Adalbert or similar in Esztergom or Hotel Visegrádon or similar in Visegrád
- Upgraded accommodation: Portobello Wellness and Yacht Hotel or similar in Esztergom
Day 13: Esztergom/Visegrád – Budapest | 65km
In the first part of today’s stretch, cycle along the Danube Bend where the Danube makes a sharp turn south. Arrive at Visegrád, where we recommend making a stop to visit Fellegvar Citadel, the Royal Palace ruins or the 12th century Solomon Tower. Continue to Szentendre, where you take a boat to Budapest (1h, included). Spend the rest of the day exploring the Hungarian capital on foot. Recommended places to visit include the Parliament building, Buda Castle or St Stephen’s Basilica. Whether you visit the riverfront, take the funicular to Buda Castle Hill, walk up Gellért Hill to see the Freedom Statue, or spend time at the historic Gellért Baths, Budapest offers a wide range of places to explore.
- Cycling for the day: 65km
- Accommodation: Impulso Fashion Hotel or similar in Budapest
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel NH or similar in Budapest
Day 14: Departure
Departure after breakfast. Extra nights in Budapest are available upon request.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. 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. Please note that, in Austria, it is common practice for hotels and other accommodations to join twin beds together to make a double, with separate linen for each person. If you prefer to opt for twin beds, we will happily request this at time of booking, however they can’t always be guaranteed.
Click to view default hotels
- Hotel Atrium Garni Passau (Passau)
- Gasthof Draxler (Niederranna)
- Prielmayerhof Hotel (Linz)
- Schiffsmeisterhaus (Ardagger)
- Gasthof Goldenes Schiff (Spitz)
- Gasthof Zum Schwan (Traismauer)
- Hotel Roomz Prater (Vienna)
- Hotel-Gasthof Stöckl (Bad Deutsch-Altenburg)
- Apollo Hotel (Bratislava)
- Hotel Klastrom (Györ)
- Hotel Forrás (Komárom)
- Hotel Adalbert Szent Tamás House (Esztergom)
- Wellness Hotel Visegrádon (Visegrád)
- Impulso Fashion Hotel (Budapest)
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Click to view upgraded hotels
There is the option to upgrade your accommodation to selected 3-star and 4-star hotels. Please note that the itinerary will change slightly as per the location of your accommodation.
- Hotel Passauer Wolf (Passau)
- Revita Hotel Kocher (Sankt Aghata)
- Courtyard Linz by Marriott (Linz)
- Aumühle (Grein)
- Kirchenwirt Hotel Restaurant Wacahu (Wachau)
- Arte Hotel Krems (Krems)
- Courtyard by Marriott Vienna Prater/Messe (Vienna)
- Hotel Altes Kloster (Hainburg an der Donau)
- Hotel Devin (Bratislava)
- Barokk Hotel Promenád (Györ)
- Hotel Európa (Komárom)
- Portobello Wellness & Yacht Hotel (Esztergom)
- Hotel NH Budapest City (Budapest)
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks can either be bought from local shops or packed lunches can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area. There is an option for half board accommodation, option (except for Vienna and Budapest).
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated easy to moderate, with an average daily cycling distance of 56km. The route is flat, or slightly downhill at points, and it follows a cycle path almost all the way, with minor roads used only on very short sections of the route. The path is well-maintained, as the Danube Cycle Path is considered one of the best cycling routes in Europe (read more about difficulty grades).
We will provide you with detailed route descriptions and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from end of March until the beginning of October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, meaning you can start your trip on any date during the season.
For more information, please visit our blogs Best time to go to Austria, Best time to go to Germany, Best time to go to Slovakia and River Danube travel guide.
Getting there
FCO up-to-date travel advice on Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary .
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airports for this holiday are Munich Airport (MUC), Vienna Airport (VIE), Linz Airport (LNZ) and Budapest Airport (BUD).
By train or bus
If you are able to travel to Germany and back from Hungary without flying, this holiday is reachable by rail, with railway stations in Passau and Budapest. For more details, see the national rail operators DB, ÖOB and MÁV or use the Omio planner above.
Arrival in Passau:
- From Munich Airport there are train services to Passau (2h 20mins) which includes a change at Landshut
- From Linz Airport take the bus to Wels Hbf (30mins) and from there take the train to Passau (1h 13mins)
- From Vienna Airport there are direct train services to Passau (2h 20mins)
- For more details, see the national rail operators DB (Germany) and ÖOB (Austria), or use the Omio planner above
Departure from Budapest:
- From Budapest city centre the 100E bus (27mins) takes you directly to Budapest Airport
- To get to Vienna Airport, take the train from Budapest-Kelenföld take the train to Flughafen Wien Train Station with a change in Vienna Central (3h 2mins). For more details, see the national rail operator MÁV or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 13 nights accommodation
- 13 breakfasts
- Daily luggage transport (20kg per piece, no limit in pieces)
- Train ticket from Mosonmagyaróvár to Györ, including transfer of bikes
- Boat ticket from Esztergom to Visegrád or from Szentendre to Budapest, depending on where you spend your overnight. Includes a transfer of bikes (the boat is expected to run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from early May until middle of September; out of this period or these days, you will receive a train ticket as replacement)
- Access to a navigation app with a road book and additional information (GPX tracks also available)
- Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting
- 24/7 phone support
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Bike and helmet rental
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
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. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Extra nights in Passau, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
- Hotel upgrades
- Half board (includes 11×3-course dinners except for Vienna and Budapest)
- Bike and e-bike rental
- Helmet rental
- Printed tour materials
Bike rental
The bikes available for rent on this tour are a standard 21-gear bike, premium bike, gravel bike and an e-bike:
Standard 21-gear bike:
- Special production based on KTM, smooth-running bike, specially customised for our tours
- Sturdy pannier rack
- Puncture kit with air pump, spare inner tube and small repair kit
- Vaude handlebar and pannier bag
- Combination lock (one piece per room)
- Rental bike insurance included
Gravel bike:
- Comfortable gravel geometry for a fast ride
- SRAM Apex gear systemwith 1 x 12 gears (front chainring 40 teeth, rear sprockets 11-50 teeth)
- Bottle cage and Trailsaddle for day luggage
- Puncture kit with air pump, spare inner tube and small repair kit
- Rental bike insurance included
Premium bike:
- Special production based on Velo de Ville, smooth-running bike specially customised for our tours
- Sturdy pannier rack
- Puncture kit with air pump, spare
- Inner tube and small repair kit
- Vaude handlebar and pannier bag, water-repellent
- Combination lock (one piece per room)
- Rental bike insurance included
E-bike:
- Wave frame with balanced e-bike geometry and low step-through
- Easy-to-use Shimano LCD display
- 630 Wh battery from Shimano including charger
- Pedal assist up to 25km/h
- Sturdy pannier rack, vaude handlebar and pannier bag
- Lockable frame and battery lock
- Puncture kit with air pump, spare inner tube and small repair kit
- Rental bike insurance included
Sample pictures attached below, note that the exact models may differ depending on availability, but the standard will be the same.
