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Follow the gentle bends of the Danube Cycle Path and uncover the rich history of one of Europe’s most iconic rivers. Pedal past Austrian castles, Benedictine monasteries and centuries-old vineyards on your way to Vienna. Beginning in Germany, your journey takes you east into Austria and through the fertile Wachau Valley – a region famous for its terraced vineyards, medieval abbeys and apricot orchards. Along the way you’ll ride past castle ruins and charming riverside villages before reaching Austria’s capital, where the timeless “Blue Danube” waltz captures the spirit of Vienna. This is one of Europe’s classic cycling holidays, combining relaxed riding with cultural treasures and spectacular scenery.
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30kg of CO2-e PP per day
(207kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join Passau (Germany)
Make your way to your hotel, where you will receive your travel documents. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town. Nestled at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is known as the “City of Three Rivers”. Its charming old town is filled with baroque architecture, narrow cobblestone streets and colourful houses that reflect the town’s Bavarian character. Highlights include St Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the world’s largest cathedral organ, and the hilltop Veste Oberhaus fortress, offering sweeping views over the rivers. Passau’s riverside promenades, cafés and markets make it a delightful place to explore before beginning your Danube cycling journey. Collect your bike this afternoon (4.00pm-7.00pm) or tomorrow morning.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle through countryside to Engelhartszell and Schlögen / Sankt Agatha (41km/25.5mi)
If you pick up your bike this morning, the cycle begins directly at the bike garage. Today’s ride takes you along the Upper Danube Valley towards Schlögen, following the river’s gentle course. Along the way you’ll pass through Engelhartszell, an Austrian border town known for its historic abbey, which dates back to 1293 and has been home to Austria’s only Trappist monastery since 1925. Continue on to Schlögen, where the renowned Schlögener Blick lookout offers sweeping views of the Danube and the surrounding countryside. Tonight’s accommodation will be in Schlögen or the nearby village of Sankt Agatha.
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle past Aschach and Wilhering to Linz (55km/34mi)
As you follow the Danube, small passenger ferries connect the riverbanks, offering a charming way to cross. On the southern bank you’ll pass Aschach before cycling through the fertile Eferding Basin. The route continues past Wilhering Abbey before reaching Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. Linz is known for its vibrant arts and music scene – Mozart composed his Symphony No. 36 here, now called the “Linz Symphony”. Highlights include the striking Lentos Museum of Modern Art, beautifully lit at night along the river, and the historic main square, perfect for an evening stroll. If you’d like more time to explore, you can add an extra night in Linz on request.
Day 4
Cycle to Grein (or Ardagger) and Strudengau via Burg Clam Castle (50-60km/31-37mi)
Follow the Danube Cycle Path with the option to stop in Enns, Austria’s oldest town, or cross the river to visit the former Mauthausen concentration camp and museum. Please note the detour involves a steep uphill section. The route then leads through peaceful meadows and countryside, passing the reconstructed Celtic village of Mitterkirchen, the impressive church at Baumgartenberg, and the romantic Clam Castle before arriving in the riverside town of Grein. Here you can visit Austria’s oldest theatre, open to the public. Continue on to the Strudengau region. Travellers booked in Category A hotels will overnight in Ardagger, approximately 10km before Grein.
Day 5
To Nibelungengau and Melk, famous for its imposing monastery (50km/31mi)
Cycle through the striking scenery of the Strudengau, where the river winds between steep, forested rock formations. You’ll soon reach Ybbs, once an important Danube trading hub, before continuing past the pilgrimage church of Maria Taferl, perched high above the river. Long before you arrive in Melk, the impressive Benedictine Abbey comes into view, dominating the skyline. In the afternoon you’ll have time to explore the abbey and museum, and enjoy the sweeping panorama from its balcony. Tonight’s stay is in the Nibelungengau, the region surrounding Melk.
Day 6
Cycle through Wachau and on to Krems (50km / 31mi)
Today you pedal through the celebrated Wachau Valley, a landscape of terraced vineyards, apricot orchards and charming riverside villages. Along the way to Krems you’ll pass the wine villages of Spitz, Weissenkirchen and Dürnstein, as well as historic abbeys, castles and ruins. You might choose to pause your ride for a short boat trip on the Danube, or stop at a traditional Heurigen wine tavern to sample local wines and regional specialities. Tonight you’ll stay in Krems or the surrounding area.
Day 7
To Vienna including train journey (40km/25mi)
This morning begins with a train ride to Tulln*, followed by a scenic cycle through the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) towards Austria’s capital. On the way, we recommend a stop at Klosterneuburg to visit its impressive monastery before continuing into Vienna, the world-famous “City of Music”. The approach into the city is almost entirely on a dedicated cycle path with no traffic, offering safe and straightforward access to the city centre and your hotel. *If you’d prefer to ride from Krems to Tulln instead of taking the train, this will add approximately 40km /25mi to your day’s journey.
Day 8
Trip concludes in Vienna
Your trip concludes after breakfast. Before you leave, take time to enjoy Vienna’s highlights – wander through the lively Naschmarkt, admire the State Opera House, or stroll along the Ringstrasse lined with grand architecture. Don’t miss the Schönbrunn Palace with its elegant gardens, and the renowned Kunsthistorisches Museum. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore further, we can assist with additional night bookings in Vienna.
What's included
What's not included
This accommodation offer a mix of charming 3-star and 4-star hotels and inns. These properties provide a comfortable and welcoming experience, with en-suite rooms and a cozy atmosphere that reflects the character of the region. Located conveniently along the cycling route, they allow for easy access to nearby attractions and provide an authentic taste of Austrian hospitality. Free Wi-Fi is included, and the settings often feature idyllic views of the countryside or the Danube River.
These are chosen for their superior comfort and locations along the Danube. Guests can expect stays in 4-star hotels, offering modern amenities, refined décor, and excellent hospitality.
You’ll be provided with a 21-speed touring bike fitted with hand brakes. Each bike comes with a pannier for your daily gear, plus a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and a repair kit (per room). Helmets are mandatory on all cycling tours so please bring your own well-fitted helmet. Alternatively, you can pre-book and pre-pay to purchase one through us. In the event of a puncture, it’s expected that you’ll carry out the repair yourself. A puncture repair kit is included with your equipment to help you quickly get back on the road.
A limited number of electric bikes are available for an additional supplement. These must be requested at the time of booking or in advance. These are 8-speed KTM or Flyer models that increase your pedalling power and allows cyclists of different athletic conditions to book a bike tour together. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Note: Frame sizes 43/45/50cm - minimum height 153cm. E-bikes are not fitted with odometers.
The Danube Cycleway from Passau to Vienna features a mostly flat, well-maintained, and smooth trail surface, with large sections paved, making it ideal for all skill levels and types of bicycles, including e-bikes. While the primary path is smooth and easy, you may encounter some sections with varied surfaces.
GRADE 2 - This trip involves 6 days cycling between 40 and 60km / 25 and 37mi per day usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. The terrain is almost exclusively on the Danube cycle path. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera/rain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is graded introductory to moderate and is considered suitable for beginners and children who have a good level of fitness. A limited number of children’s bikes are available (minimum height 120cm), as are bike seats (max 18kg) and trailers (2 children, maximum 40kg). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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14Days
Moderate
8Days
Introductory to Moderate