Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Budapest

Your Danube cycling adventure starts in Passau, also known as 'the city of three rivers'. If you have time to spare before collecting your rented bike (between 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM) the historic Bavarian city is a delight to explore. The Old Town was created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century and reveals soaring towers, picturesque palaces, promenades, and romantic lanes. At the heart of the old town is the Cathedral of St Stephen, which boasts the world’s largest cathedral organ.

Passau has direct train connections to Salzburg, Munich (2.5h) and Vienna (3.5h), which are the most convenient airports. 

If you arrived late on your first day, it is possible to collect your rented bike before setting off on your first bike ride. Then it’s off for today’s delightfully flat and traffic-free route along the scenic River Danube Cycle Path visiting several fascinating attractions, including a Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell, where cordials and liqueurs boast "special healing powers". Next up is the Schlögener Loop, where the river makes a dramatic bend of 180 degrees.

You’ll leave the impressive Schlögener Loop behind and continue cycling along the easy-going route through the fertile and picturesque Eferdinger basin. The valley is wider here and you’ll pass numerous ferries and boats as they sail the Danube while you go by pedal power. The destination is Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, where you can make the most of a summer’s evening with a stroll through the enchanting old town.

Today’s cycling heads along the Danube and through breath-taking scenery of lush meadows. Cycle to Enns, the oldest town in Austria and worthwhile a visit! Further along, you will pass the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen, the majestic church of Baumgartenberg and the romantic castle of Clam. The final destination today is Grein, which is home to Austria's oldest city theatre and the magnificent Grein Castle.

Discover remarkable scenery in a landscape that is known for its diversity. Pass densely wooded areas and rock formations on both sides of the Danube River as you pedal along the cycle path. The narrow Strudengau valley gives way to a wider landscape from the attractive town of Persenbeug, and then to the Wachau valley, which is characterized by terraced vineyards and fruit orchards. At Melk, you will revel in the sight of a gorgeous baroque Benedictine monastery.

More delights are in-store today in the beautiful Wachau Valley, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will rarely be without the sight of a castle, palace or monastery as you follow the route on its way to Krems. Stop off at the pretty winery villages of Spitz, Weissenkirchen, and the cobbled streets of Durnstein. 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!

Leave the Wachau Valley behind as you hop on a train to Tulln, famous for its beautiful market gardens and Art Nouveau painter Egon Schiele. 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.

Today’s theme is peace and relaxation, although you will still be cycling for a few hours! Not far from Vienna you’ll discover an off-the-beaten-track landscape and a Nature Reserve boasting a stunning and diverse collection of flora and fauna. This is your chance to revel in the wonderful peace and tranquility of the region. At the town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg, the Archaeological Park of Carnuntum awaits, offering a fascinating journey back to ancient Roman times.

Enjoy a short but scenic train transfer after which you’ll cycle on to the city of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and Europe’s youngest capital city. Located between the Danube plains, the hills of Hainburg and the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava enchants with its dreamy old quarter. This compact city is guaranteed to surprise you with its charming cobbled streets and laid-back atmosphere. The walled castle is even more beautiful at night when it's entirely illuminated against a dark evening sky. 

The wild and untouched land and waterscape of the Szigetköz is an idyllic paradise for birds and fish. Cycling from Bratislava, you will relish the tranquility and the stunning scenery encompassing 500 tiny islands boasting numerous farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube creeks. After your cycle, you can relax on a train journey taking you to Györ, with its Baroque-style old town.

Did you know that the National Stud of Babolna is world-famous for breeding truly magnificent Arabian horses? On a visit to the stud farm and museum, you’ll catch a glimpse of some of the secrets of the Hungarian horse breeding techniques. Today’s cycling takes you through lush, rolling hills on mainly quiet country road into the village of Komarno, which was much favored by the renowned King Matthias.

The magical scenery and quaint villages accompany you on your cycle today, first along the banks of the Slovakian Danube and then on small, quiet roads. Pass the impressive Roman fort of Kelemantia on your way to Esztergom, known as Hungarian Rome. Another highlight is the magnificent Hungarian Danube Bend located just past Esztergom. Enjoy one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube, the river winds through the Visegrad mountains here and then makes an abrupt turn south between Esztergom and Szentendre. In the Basilica of Esztergom, you’ll find Hungary’s largest Catholic church and all kinds of attractions to explore.

Amid the hilly landscape of Hungary, the River Danube divides into parts and gives form to Szentendre Island where you will cycle through traditional Hungarian villages and settlements. One of the highlights are the handicraft boutiques and the Open Air Museum of Skanzen. After a short ferry* you will reach your final destination Budapest, where you’ll experience the atmosphere and attractions of this cosmopolitan capital. It’s a city where Eastern Europe meets Western.

*Depending on the time of year the ferry may not be operating and you will be provided with train tickets instead of ferry tickets.

Depending on your onward travel plans, you may like to further explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Budapest. It may be worth it to spend an extra night or two relaxing in one of the spas, visiting one of the many castles of fortresses and sampling the local cuisine such as Hungarian Goulash.