Goeller Danube Cycle Adventure

The Danube River, Wachau Valley

Cycling with trailer in the Wachau Valley, Austria | Kate Baker

A family riding together through the Wachau region | Richard Tulloch

Cyclists enjoying wine tasting in the Wachau Valley, Austria | Kate Baker

Melk Monastery

The delightful city of Passau

Duration

6 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

5 nights in 3-4 star hotels

Meals

5 Breakfasts

Overview

Trip Code: SOG6061

Trip highlights

Cycling along the Danube bike path
Exploring the three river town of Passau and the majestic city of Vienna
Experiencing the timelessness of the river landscape
The abbey at Melk and the Danube loop
The romantic Wachau Valley

Follow the winding route of the Danube and discover the lively history of one of Europe's most important rivers. Cycle past Austrian castles, Benedictine monasteries and ancestral vineyards 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.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Share trip:

Facebook Twitter Google+ Email

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Cycle through countryside to Engelhartszell and Schlögen (41km / 25.5mi)

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.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle past Aschach and Wilhering to Linz (55km / 34mi)

Between the banks of the Danube there are small passenger ferries that you can take. On the southern bank of the Danube you pass Aschach and cycle through the slowly widening fertile basin of Eferfing. Continue 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 and illuminated at night, is worth a look, or enjoy an evening strolling around the lovely main square.

Meals: B

Day 3
Cycle to Grein (or Ardagger) and Strudengau via Burg Clam Castle (50-60km / 31-37mi)

The cycle continues along the Danube cycle path and you can 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. Note that if you are staying in Category A hotels, you will overnight in Ardagger, about 10km before Grein.

Meals: B

Day 4
To Nibelungengau and Melk, famous for its imposing monastery (50km/31mi)

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. There will be ample time in the afternoon to explore the museum and abbey and absorb the sweeping view from its balcony. Overnight in the Nibelungengau (the region surrounding Melk).

Meals: B

Day 5
Cycle Melk – Dürnstein, approx. 30km

On that they you start cycling from Melk. You will pass Willendorf. It is a small but famous stop because here someone found the famous figure “Venus von Willendorf” You continue cycling to the beautiful stop “Spitz an der Donau”. Now you are in the middle of the Wachau and see a lot of beautiful vineyard. Spitz is famous for some real good wine. Then you reach Dürnstein. Dürnstein is famous for the Abbey church of Dürnstein.

Meals: B

Day 6
Dürnstein – Vienna, approx. 68km (clients cycle from Dürnstein – Krems approx. 8km, take the train from Krems – Tulln and cycle from Tulln – Vienna approx. 40km)

Today you cycle from Dürnstein to Krems and take the train until Tulln. After arriving in Tulln, you will ride your bike for the last time on this tour directly through the Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald) and pass through "The Gates of Vienna". Along the way don’t forget to stop in and visit the impressive monastery in Klosterneuburg and then continue on to "The City of Music": Vienna.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

5 breakfasts. Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices.
5 nights accommodation in rooms with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis
Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel (1 suitcase max 20kg per person)
21 speed bike rental equipped with 2 panniers (7 speed bikes on request or if 21speed is fully booked, children trailers - max 2 children, 40kg - on request. A limited number of 8-speed electric bikes are available for hire - must be pre-booked and a supplement applies). Odometer (not on e-bikes). Lock and repair kit including pump.
A tasting of regional products
Train ride Krems to Tulln (including bike)
Maps, route information and tourist information, and handlebar bag per room.
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Passau and from Vienna
Meals not indicated
Items of a personal nature
Tour guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
Entrance fees
Ferries
Transfers
Travel insurance
Helmets - bring your own or you can purchase through UTracks to have them provided locally (must be pre-booked and pre-paid) - please ask for our rates
Train or bus Vienna back to Passau - we can book this if required - please ask for our rates

Bike information

Rental Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 21 speed bike with handbrakes. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and repair kit (per room). Helmets are not supplied locally but are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Alternatively you can purchase one for an additional cost (must be pre booked and prepaid). If you would like a 7 speed bike (with backpedal brake) you need to book this in advance. You should specify which bike is required at the time of booking.

Electric Bike

A limited number of electric bikes are available for an additional supplement. These must be requested at the time of booking or in advance. Our specially made 8-speed KTM or Flyer models increase your pedaling power 3 fold and allows cyclists of different athletic conditions to book a bike tour together. E-bikes are not fitted with odometers.

Grading

introductory to moderate

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), and tag-a-long bikes (minimum height is 120cm/3ft 11.3in). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Departure dates

Notes

Base Price

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

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.

Self-Guided Specialists

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.

Our Wide Range

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.