Along Danube River
Austria, Germany8-days / 7 nights - 6 biking days
Self-guided individual tour
Length 290 km / 180 miles
The cycling path is completely paved from one end to the other, flat, almost always directly along the riverbank, very suitable for beginners and children.
Route
Alongside the "blue" Danube lies the renowned and most famous cycling path in Europe. Passau to Vienna is an absolute cycling classic. Discover the enchanting river landscape,
picturesque villages, lush vineyards and countless cultural sites from the time of the Romans and Nibelungengau. As you cycle comfortably along the banks of the mighty river, enjoy the wooded forests and the magical meadows of the Schlögener Loop, Strudengau, Nibelungengau and Wachau, as each region offers its own impressive and unique attractions. Art and cultural features convey myths and stories of the past while quaint accommodations and taverns invite you to relax in the culinary world of Austria. The welcoming Austrian hospitality and the scrumptious Austrian cuisine add to this absolutely remarkable experience.
Highlights
Day 1 - PassuaIndividual arrival. Use the remaining time for a city tour or get to know the “City of Three Rivers” by a walk through the picturesque old part of town. Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. bike hand over – for late arrivals on the next morning. |
Day 2 - Passau – Schlögener Loop, approx. 41 kmStart the first cycling route through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlögen. In Engelhartszell, you can visit the one and only “Trappist“ monastery in Austria and you can even sample some delicious liqueurs straight from the convent. Continue the journey to the impressive “Schlögener Loop”, where the river makes a complete 180-degrees turn. |
Day 3 - Schlögener Loop – Linz, approx. 55 kmBetween the banks of the Danube there are small passenger ferries waiting for you to take them. Next, you cycle through the slowly widening fertile basin of Eferding and further to Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and European Culture Capital of 2009. Enjoy a magical summer evening doing some shopping around the lovely main square of the city. |
Day 4 - Linz – Strudengau, approx. 60 kmAn excursion to Enns, the oldest town in Austria is highly recommended and worthwhile in any case. This leg guides you through beautiful meadows and tranquil hinterland while passing the Celtic village Mitterkirchen, rolling by the majestic church in Baumgartenberg and on to the romantic castle of Clam. |
Day 5 - Strudengau – Nibelungengau, approx. 50 kmToday’s tour is enjoyed by cycling through the fascinating landscape of tall and densely wooded rock formations on both sides of the Danube. High above the Danube is the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Taferl. From there, you are greeted from afar by the marvellous Benedictine Monastery of Melk. |
Day 6 - Nibelungengau – Krems/surroundings, approx. 50 kmAnother highlight of this tour is the chance to cycle through the magnificent Wachau. A landscape where you will find terraced vineyards, apricot groves interspersed with castles, palaces and monasteries. There is also the possibility to take a break off your bike and relax on a short boat excursion. On your way to Krems you cycle through the winery villages of Spitz, Weißkirchen and Durnstein. Through these charming villages you will see quaint alluring taverns, which are just waiting to present Austrian hospitality at its best. Something you have to experience first-hand. |
Day 7 - Krems/surroundings – Vienna, approx. 40 km + Train ride Krems - TullnBy train you will depart from this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage region. 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. |
Day 8 - ViennaSome say that one must personally experience this great city. A few of the must-sees include the famous Naschmarkt (international food/goods market), the City Opera, the Ringstrasse, (a beautiful boulevard with imposing buildings which bear witness to ancient times) and of course the gorgeous imperial castle Schönbrunn. Extension at Vienna or train ride back to Passau (Season 1+2) or comfortable by bus (season 3). |
Season 1
October 5th – October 19th 2024
Season 2
March 23rd – April 26th + September 21st – October 4th 2024
Season 3
April 27th – September 20th 2024
Optional (* must be reserved at time of booking)
-Helmet purchase – payable on the spot € 40
-Supplement train ride Vienna airport – Vienna central station € 12
-Local tax payable on the spot (approx. € 1 - 2,5 per person/night)
-Private transfer Munich city center or airport – hotel Passau, One way € 270 (1-8 pers.)
Reduction
-Reduction for „no return ticket to Passau“ € 34
-Reduction with 2 full paying adults in a double room (additional bed):
0-6,99 years -100%
7-11,99 years -50%
12-14,99 years -25%
15-99 years -10%
Early-bird discount
For bookings until 60 days prior to arrival 5 % reduction off the tour price (excluding: bike rental, extra nights and extra services)!
Parking
Different possibilities: starting from 60,- EUR per week.
-7 nights in the chosen category, rooms with private facilities
-Breakfast or 6 x dinner (surcharge, in Vienna breakfast only)
-Daily luggage transport (1 suitcase per Person / max. 23 kg)
-1 bottle of high-level wine in the Wachau Valley per room
-A tasting of regional products
-1 x train Krems/surroundings – Tulln incl. bike
-1 x train ride Vienna central station – Passau (transfer of own bike not included) in season 1+2
-1 x bus ride Vienna - Passau (incl. own bike) in season 3, the train ride back possible (excl. own bikes)
-Free WLAN in all hotels (only Cat. A)
-Service hotline (also on weekends)
-Handlebar bag with digital route book and information material per room (also available as GPX file)
Additional charge
-local tax payable on spot (approx. € 1,- - 2,5 per person/night)
Optional - must be reserved at time of booking
-Helmet purchase - payable in advance € 39,-
-Supplement train ride Vienna airport – Vienna central station € 10,-
-Private transfer Munich city center or airport – hotel Passau, One way up from € 240,- (1-8 pers.)
Bicycles for rent inclusive panniers:
The offered bikes are tourbikes and kitted with responsive brakes and gears. Plus: mudguards, trip computers, comfort gel saddles, flat-palmed grips, Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tires.
You can choose between the following bikes:
-7-speed-bike with hand brake and backpedal brake
-21-speed-bike with hand brakes
-E-bikes unisex
-children seat, children trailer
-children E-bikes from 9 years up
All rental bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and an odometer (except E-bikes).
Safety
In Austria it is mandatory for children under the age of 12 to wear a bike helmet when on a bike. Please protect your little ones and bring their own helmet. Reflective vests are not obligatory, but surely useful.
Helmet purchase – payable in advance € 39,-
In Austria it is mandatory for children under 12 yrs to wear a helmet when on a bike.
Category A
-selected 4* hotels, the best 3* hotel in town
Category B
-selected 3 & 4* hotels and inns
Category C
-selected 3* hotels and inns