Danube Family Cycling Adventure

Arrive in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria situated on the second-longest river in Europe; the Danube. Take a walk and discover the many historic buildings, impressive churches and cozy medieval squares.

Hop on the world’s steepest mountain railway, the ‘Postlingbergbahn’ where the kids can join the Grottenbahn’s ‘Dragon Express’ - a fairytale train ride and a fun start to your Austrian adventure. If you are hiring bikes you will need to collect them between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM (or if you are arriving later, this will happen the next morning). 

Get ready for the first day in the saddle! The family will love the easy and flat cycling alongside the waters of the Danube as you set off towards Mitterkirchen. Stop at a Celtic open-air museum and wander around an Iron Age village. Learn what life was like 2,700 years ago for the ancient Celts —how people dressed, what they ate and how they survived. Continue to your cozy farmhouse accommodation in the Machland region where a tasty array of homemade Austrian specialties awaits hungry tummies.

Cycle past old markets and castles nestled in forested rolling hills as you make your way to Strudengau. Perhaps visit the maritime museum and historic castle at Grein; transportation of timber by river used to be common in this area. See impressive models of ancient shipbuilding and early naval architecture. Adults can relax and kids can burn off any excess energy at Ardagger’s waterpark, where a sandy beach provides the ideal spot to unwind at the end of a great day’s cycling.

Enter into the world-renowned Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful riverside landscapes Europe has to offer. The impressive and breath-taking Benedictine Abbey of Melk overlooks the city and the golden edifice can be seen from afar. Cycle through the seemingly endless vineyards until you reach the wine village of Spitz. The village was built around the so-called "thousand-bucket-hill”, named for the amount of wine it produces!

Enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of the Wachau, with its terraced vineyards and apricot orchards, dotted with fairytale castles, palaces, and monasteries. Make sure to explore the castle of Dürnstein, Aggstein, or visit the museum of shipbuilding in Spitz. If there’s a must-do on this tour it’s popping into one of the quaint taverns to sample a glass or two of the local wine. Don't leave without trying some of the apricot-based delicacies on offer, guaranteed to be locally produced; Austrian hospitality at its best!

Experience another day of cycling through a spectacular landscape; steep rock walls, terraced vineyards, fragrant blooming orchards, quaint villages, monasteries, and historic castles. Enjoy the fresh air as you cycle through remarkable panoramas with your family. Travel on a small ferry* crossing the Danube River and watch the kids as they squeal with excitement as you sail along the river. Your destination today is Tulln, often referred to as ‘Blumenstadt’ thanks to its abundance of parks and green spaces.

* Depending on the time of year the ferry may not be operating and you will be provided with train tickets (from Krems to Tulln) instead of ferry tickets.

Cycle through the woods of "Wiener Wald" and pass through the gates of Vienna. It is worth taking the time to visit the impressive monastery in Klösterneuburg before making it to the City of Music. Try Austria's national dish 'Wiener Schnitzel', which is a thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet traditionally served with potato salad.

Kids will have a great time enjoying traditional sweets and hot chocolate, whilst pastries and coffee, ’Kaffee und Kuchen’, can indulge adult palates. The sound of waltzes and impromptu violin concerts float through the city whilst wandering the cobbled streets you can often enjoy performances by street artists.

Included in your tour is a ride on the famous Ferris Wheel—the world’s oldest and an icon of this romantic city. Is there a better way to end your adventure along the Danube?

The train back to Linz is included in the price of your trip but you will have time to explore the delightful city of Vienna before you leave. A few of Vienna’s must-sees are the famous Naschmarkt (international food/goods market), and of course the stunning imperial castle Schönbrunn or the Zoo. Then it’s time to catch the train back to Linz where your trip ends.