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For fit cyclists looking for a challenging cycle on a mostly dedicated cycle way along one of Europe's most spectacular rivers, this self guided cycle has it all. Historical towns, Austrian castles, Benedictine monasteries and ancestral vineyards make up some of the numerous sites en route to Vienna. From Germany, follow the Danube eastward into Austria, across the fertile plains of the Wachau Valley, where vineyards climb the slopes to imposing medieval monasteries perched atop hills between Melk and Krems. Wind past castle ruins and apricot orchards before reaching the capital of Austria, where you can take in a performance of the "Blue Danube" waltz, the melody that evokes Vienna the world over.
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28kg of CO2-e PP per day
(141kg 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. Located at the junction of three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has a number of interesting sites including the Fortress “Veste Oberhaus”, built in 1219 and with an observation tower that offers a good view of the town and the river, and St Stephens Cathedral which has the world’s largest church organ. Collect your bike this afternoon (4-7 pm) or tomorrow morning. Generally we provide bikes with 21 gears – if you would like a 7 speed bike please specify this on booking.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle through countryside via Schlögen to the Eferdinger Valley (70km/43.5mi)
If you pick up your bike this morning, the cycle begins directly at the bike garage. Today you'll cycle through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlögen, following the river. Pass through the Austrian border town of Engelhartszell, which is home to a former Cistercian abbey (1293-1786) and since 1925 the only Trappist monastery in Austria, then continue to Schlögen. The famous Schlögener Blick provides a wonderful view of the surrounding Austrian countryside. Between the banks of the Danube there are small passenger ferries that you can take. This afternoon cross over to the southern bank of the Danube to reach Aschach before arriving at Brandstatt.
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle past Linz to the Strudengau region (86km/53.5mi)
Continue cycling past the monastery at Wilhering and reach the capital of Upper Austria, Linz. The city has a lively arts and music culture. In 1783 Mozart wrote his Symphony No. 36 here, now known as the Linz Symphony. The modern art gallery “Lentos”, situated on the Danube, is worth a look, or enjoy lunch in the lovely main square. Later, visit Enns, the oldest town in Austria, or across the river, the Mauthausen concentration camp. It is possible to visit the camp and its interesting museum, although the detour requires a steep uphill climb. This leg takes you through beautiful meadows and tranquil hinterland, past the Celtic village of Mitterkitchen and the majestic church in Baumgartenberg, and on to the romantic castle of Clam and the town of Grein. In Grein you will find the oldest Austrian theatre which is open to visitors. Continue to Strudengau.
Day 4
Cycle past Melk and the Wachau Valley to Krems (or surrounds) (90km/56mi)
Today's cycle takes you through the fascinating landscape of tall and densely wooded rock formations on the both sides of the river. From Strudengau you soon arrive in Ybbs, a former trading centre on the Danube. High above the Danube is the pilgrimage church of Maria Taferl, and well before you reach the town of Melk you can see its huge monastery. The cycle continues through the renowned Wachau, with its truly romantic scenery of terraced vineyards, apricot groves and quaint villages. En route to Krems you cycle through the winery villages of Spitz, Weisskirchen and Durnstein and pass several abbeys, castles and ruins. Alongside the cycle path you will find the so called “Heurigen” (typical Austrian wine taverns) where you can taste wine or regional foods. Overnight in the 1000 year old wine city of Krems or surrounds.
Day 5
Cycle through the Tullner Fields to Vienna (80km/50mi)
The last day of cycling takes you through the vast and beautiful Tullner Fields. After Tulln, you continue through the Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald) towards metropolitan Vienna, capital of Austria. Along the way, we recommend stopping to visit the impressive monastery in Klosterneuberg before continuing to the "City of Music". The route into Vienna is mostly on a cycle path with no vehicles allowed, allowing you easy access to the main centre and your hotel.
Day 6
Trip concludes in Vienna
Trip concludes after breakfast. Make sure you visit the famous sights of Vienna such as the ‘Naschmarkt’, the City Opera, the Ringstrasse with its imposing buildings and the beautiful imperial castle Schönbrunn.
What's included
What's not included
The accommodations on this trip range from 3-star to 4-star hotels, chosen for their cyclist-friendly amenities and convenient access to the Danube cycle path. Each property offers comfortable en-suite rooms and a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay. While some hotels are located in charming rural areas, others are in vibrant towns or cities, giving you a mix of experiences along the route.
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 4 - This trip involves 4 days cycling between 70 and 90km / 43.5 and 56mi 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 moderate to challenging due to the daily distances - the terrain is mainly flat. It is suitable for fit cyclists seeking a challenge or moderately fit cyclists using an e-bike. *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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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
8Days
Moderate to Challenging
14Days
Moderate