Passau Cycling the Danube River from Passau to Budapest |  <i>Pat Rochon</i> Passau in the southeast of Germany is located at the Austrian border at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Arkona barge used on our Rhine bike and boat holidays Heidelberg Charming scenes to admire on your hiking journey Explore the delightful city of Passau by bike Arlene II barge Cycling towards crisp mountain skyline
24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
 
 

Germany's Best Bike and Barge Tours

Discover Germany with these affordable bike and boat holidays

On a bike and barge trip in Germany you'll explore the beauty of this fascinating country. Discover Germany's spectacular architecture and rich history, indulge in world-class beer and soak up local culture and tradition as you tour exciting cities and charming historic villages. 

Cycle through three countries in as many days as you circle Lake Constance, flanked by the Alps; or experience the beauty of the German Danube at handlebar level as you cycle through picturesque scenery past ancient castles and monasteries. 

Here are the best barge and bike experiences in Germany.

 

  1. The Danube by Bike and Boat tour

  2. Cycling in beautiful Bratislava

     

    From the cobblestone streets of picturesque Passau, Germany's so-called ‘Town of Three Rivers’, wind your way past atmospheric monasteries and majestic castles as you cruise the Danube through Upper Austria and Slovakia to reach the intriguing city of Bratislava and the enchanting capital of Vienna. Heading west, the pace slows down as you cycle across the atmospheric landscapes of the Wachau Valley past rolling vineyards, hill top castles and enchanting forests.

    The Danube by Bike & Boat is a popular self-guided barge holiday.


     

  3. Rhine Valley Bike and Barge tour

  4. Discover Ehrenfels Castle near Rüdesheim on our Rhine Valley Bike & Barge in Germany

     

    The Rhine River flows from high in the Swiss Alps through five countries and the majestic Lake Constance, to reach a vast delta in the Netherlands. The Neckar River joins the Rhine at Mannheim and the stretch between Koblenz on the Rhine and Bad Wimpfen on the Neckar is the focus of this engaging journey by bike and barge. This compact region is home to numerous castles, Roman ruins, quaint medieval towns and a rich wine making tradition as evidenced by the terraced vineyards lining the river banks. 

    On the Rhine Valley by Bike and Barge tour there is a relaxed pace of cycling, there is ample time to explore the cobblestone wine villages and absorb the fascinating history embedded in such towns as Heidelberg with its historic old town and castle ruin, the Dome of Worms and the Hornberg Fortress en route to Bad Wimpfen.

    .

  5. Berlin Bike and Barge Tour

  6. Cyclists enjoying the flat roads during our Berlin Bike & Barge trip

     

    Travel by barge from Berlin to the Baltic Sea on the Berlin Bike and Barge tour.

    Take to the water and discover parts of Germany few travellers ever see. Leaving the busting capital of Berlin having explored its historic sights, museums and streetscapes, set off through vast forests along the peaceful landscape of the Oder River, which forms the natural boundary between Poland and Germany. Marvel at baroque-style castles and explore nature reserves before concluding at the gothic city of Stralsund, whose old town is honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  7. Cologne to Mainz by Bike & Barge Tour

  8. Arkona barge used on our Rhine bike and boat holidays

     

    The landscapes of the Middle Rhine Valley look could easily be mistaken for fairytale illustrations. Lined with pretty riverside villages, steep vineyards, and what seems like a castle on nearly every hilltop, exploring the World Heritage listed region by both bike and barge is nothing short of magical. Numerous romantic castles and fortresses have been built along the banks of the Rhine between Cologne and Mainz, and they all have exciting stories to tell. 

    Travelling from Cologne to Mainz by bike and barge is the perfect way to explore this beautiful and historic region, allowing you to soak in the beauty from both land and water.


     

  9. Mainz to Strasbourg Bike & Barge Tour

  10. Strasbourg |  <i>Sue Finn</i>


    Enjoy this comfortable bike and barge trip between Strasbourg in France and Mainz in Germany. Cross between France and Germany as you make your way between the cities, visit the Alsace wine and Black Forest regions. Pass by beautiful churches and Baroque castles, scenic towns with half timbered medieval houses such as Speyer and Strasbourg and sample delicious cheeses and traditional wines. 

    The gentle cycling on mainly flat terrain allows you to relax and enjoy the outstanding scenery whilst offering an excuse to indulge in the wonderful cuisine offered on board your floating hotel in the evening.

     

  11. Moselle Bike and Barge Tour

  12. MS Arlene II Premium Category A boat on Moselle and Rhine Rivers


    Originating in the Vosges Mountains in the French region of Alsace, the fabled Moselle River flows north along the Luxembourg border and into Germany for 545km in total before it meets the Rhine River at the cultural city of Koblenz. The picturesque valley formed by the river is home to a rich tradition of wine making, Germany's oldest town and a strong Roman and medieval heritage. On the Moselle Barge and Bike tour, you can enjoy it all.

    The section between Koblenz and Cochem is known as 'castle country' due to its abundance of castles including the fairytale Eltz Castle considered to be one of the finest in Germany. Based on a comfortable barge, this cycle journey along the Moselle and its tributary, the Saar, offers an ideal balance of activity, history, culture and relaxation.

  13. Danube Explorer to Budapest | Bike and Barge Tour

  14. Admiring the Esztergom Basilica |  <i>Lilly Donkers</i>

     

    From the cobblestone streets of charming Passau to the Austrian capital of Vienna and the majestic city of Budapest, this journey by comfortable river boat and bike offers the opportunity to experience life on the Danube and the surrounding countryside at your own pace. 

    Using the MV Fortuna boat (MVF) or MV Carissima boat (MVC) as a base, enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the legendary Wachau, Bratislava, the Slovakian capital at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and the icon studded cities of Vienna and Budapest. The Danube Explorer by Bike and Barge is a fantastic way to experience the Danube River.


 

>> Browse our full range of tours in Germany. 

>> View all of UTracks' bike and boat tours in Europe.

>> Join UTracks' Active Travel Community.

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