Classic Danube Cycle Path (Passau to Vienna)

DAY 1: Arrive Passau

Passau, the city of three rivers, sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers and has developed as a wonderful historic city. Once you arrive in Passau take the time to enjoy a city tour or stroll through the lanes, arches and tunnels of the beautiful old city.

Overnight: Passau

DAY 2: Passau to Schlögener Loop area

Passau is right on the border of Austria and you are soon cycling through the wonderful scenery of the Upper Danube Valley on the way to Schlögen, your first overnight stop on the way to Vienna. Highlights of today’s route include a visit to the only “Trappist“ monastery in Austria at Engelhartszell, where you can sample some delicious liqueurs. The impressive “Schlögener Loop” where the river makes a complete 180 degree turn, marks the end of the day.

Cycle: Approx. 44km

Overnight: Schlögener Loop area

DAY 3: Schlögener Loop to Linz area

Small passenger ferries whisk you across the Danube to start your day, before you continue to the Eferdinger basin. Here the landscape opens onto the fertile plains and before you know it you will arrive in Linz.
Linz is the capital of Upper Austria and was the European Culture Capital of 2009. It is hard to beat the pleasure of enjoying a stroll around the lovely main square on a gorgeous summer evening.

Shortcut: Train from Ottensheim to Linz (approx. 10 km, trains leave every 30m)

Cycle: Approx. 53km

Overnight: Linz area

DAY 4: Linz to Region Grein

Don’t miss the short diversion to the town of Enns. This delightful town is the oldest in Austria and both beautiful and fascinating in equal measure. As you continue to follow the Danube you will enjoy cycling through beautiful meadows and tranquil countryside. Other highlights include the Celtic village Mitterkirchen, the majestic church in Baumgartenberg and the romantic castle of Clam. The beautiful Baroque village of Grein, home to the oldest theatre in Austria, is your destination for the day.

Shortcut: Train from Linz to Enns (approx. 15 km, trains leave every 30 min.)

Cycle: Approx 60km

Overnight:  Region Grein

DAY 5: Region Grein  to Region Melk

Today you will be cycling through a wonderful landscape of high, densely wooded rock formations on both sides of the Danube. The scenery is absolutely sublime. Look out for the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Taferl, which is perched high above the Danube. The Benedictine Monastery of Melk marks the end of the day and can be seen from many miles away.

Cycle: Approx. 51km

Overnight: Region Melk

DAY 6: Region Melk to Region Krems

The Wachau is the next highlight on the Danube Cycle Path. The Wachau valley is a landscape of terraced vineyards and apricot orchards, dotted with castles, palaces and monasteries. The wine growing villages of Spitz, Weißkirchen and Durnstein are filled with tempting taverns, where you can experience Austrian food, wine and welcomes at their best.

Cycle: Approx. 40km

Overnight: Region Krems

DAY 7: Region Krems to Vienna

You depart the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape of Wachau by train for Tulln. On arriving in Tulln you continue on a delightful cycle through the Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald) and pass through the “Gates of Vienna”. Don’t miss the Klosterneuburg monastery.
And finally you arrive in Vienna, “The City of Music”. Vienna is one of Europe’s most delightful cities and the perfect place to end a wonderful cycle tour on a high.

Shortcut: Take a boat or regional train all the way to Vienna.

Cycle: Approx. 39km

Overnight: Vienna

DAY 8: Departure Day

Your holiday finishes after breakfast when your will travel onwards or maybe to another destination in Austria.
The train back to Passau is included in the price of your trip but you will have time to explore the delightful city of Vienna before you leave. You will not be disappointed by Vienna, a few of the must-sees include the famous Naschmarkt (international food/goods market), the City Opera, the Ringstrasse and of course the gorgeous imperial castle Schönbrunn.

Accommodation

Our Classic Danube Cycle Path trip includes accommodation in standard ensuite double/twin rooms in typical Austrian Inns which are normally 3* and occasionally 2* standard. We carefully select them for their warmth of welcome and character.
We can also upgrade you to hotels if requested.

Accommodation Location

We work with a number of accommodations along the cycle path, so all distances are an approximation of the recommended routes. You may be accommodated up to 5km away in the surrounding area.

Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists

Single rooms are available although a supplement is payable.

This trip is available to solo cyclists and is perfect as the route is popular so there are plenty of people to chat with every day.

Grade

This cycle tour is graded easy. The Danube Cycle Path is completely paved from one end to the other, flat, almost always directly along the riverbank, very suitable for beginners and children. The route is marked throughout and we supply you with detailed maps, route notes and information pack.

Baggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20kg).

Rental Bikes

Our rental bikes includes 21 gear women's or gents' bikes. Electric bikes and children’s bikes and other specialized equipment for children available upon request.
All rental bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and an odometer. Helmets are not included as part of the rental package and we ask that you bring your own helmet.

General Information

All bike tours are unescorted. The mileages and approximations are distances of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen and proper sport shoes. Travel to and from Passau is not included in the tour price and must be arranged on your own. In Austria it is mandatory for children under 12 yrs to wear a helmet when on a bike.

Getting to/from Passau

Passau is located in Germany close to the Austrian border. It has a railway station and is easily accessible.

By Air

Passau has direct train connections to Linz (1h30), Salzburg (2h45), Munich (2h30) and Vienna (3h30), which are the most convenient airports. Please visit the DB Bahn Website to check times. We can arrange transfers from Munich Airport to Passau.

By Train

Visit the DB Bahn Website to check train times and book tickets to Passau from European destinations. You may also wish to try Rail Europe for European rail tickets and passes.

 By Car

Parking is available in Passau from between €30 and €60 per week.

 Getting from Vienna

We include a train transfer back from Vienna to Passau in your tour but you may prefer to fly out of Vienna Airport. There is a reduction in price if you do not need the return transfer.

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.

How fit do I need to be?

This trip is graded as easy because the route is almost entirely flat. Daily distances are between 40 and 60 km so you will need to have a basic level of fitness and we advise some training before the trip.

Which is the best airport to fly to?

The best option is to fly into Munich or Linz, which connect by train to Passau..

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this trip is extremely popular especially during peak season from July to August. 

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need comfortable sports shoes, comfortable clothes for cycling, waterproof jacket and trousers, a helmet and a sunhat. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack. 

This tour is available to start on any day of the week from 14th of April to 13th of October. 

• Low season: 14 April - 20 April & September 29 - October 13
• Mid season: 21 April - 11 May & 1 September - 28 September
• High season: 12 May - 31 August
  
  

To make a provisional reservation select "Book". Option & extension prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour/s you are interested in on your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.