Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Budapest
14 Days & 13 Nights 4.7 Read 6 reviews- Cycle along flat and easy-going paths along the Danube River
- Marvel at the Schlögener Loop & Hungarian Danube Bend
- Travel through Germany, Austria, Slovakia & Hungary
- Explore the Wachau Valley, UNESCO World Heritage
- Visit the Baroque Old Town of Györ
Tour Type:
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Activity:
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
This trip is suitable for:
Solo Travellers
Ideal if you have an interest in:
- Long-Distance Trails
Activity Level & Terrain
This cycling holiday is graded easy to moderate and the daily rides follow mostly flat and largely traffic-free routes. The Wachau Valley in Austria can be described as slightly more undulating in comparison to the other sections of the path. The Danube Cycle Path is a dedicated, paved and well-marked route. There will be a mixture of cycle paths and roads, so please be mindful of other road users at all times, especially on routes shared with traffic.
Navigation
The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe's most popular cycling routes and it is very well maintained and waymarked throughout. Following the waymarking along the banks of the river would be sufficient, but we will also be supplying you with a trip information pack, and access to the GPX tracks via the Macs Adventure smartphone App. You will also receive a printed, personalised tour book on arrival at your first hotel. This tour book contains everything you need including personalised route notes and maps, as well as your hotel list with directions and vouchers. This book will also include recommended side visits and more information about points of interest that you will pass along the route. Rest assured that you will have no trouble finding your way!
Please note that due to popular demand we aim to get your personalised itinerary with hotel confirmations to you 3 to 4 weeks prior to departure. There may be a slight delay in receiving your personalised information when booking last-minute or during the high season.
Accommodations
Our Danube Cycle Path trip includes accommodation in standard en-suite double or twin rooms in quaint inns, hotels, and pensions that are of 3* standard. In Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest the hotels are of 4* standard. Occasionally if a hotel is not available in the location specified in the standard itinerary of this trip, you will be accommodated in a hotel of the same or better standard in the surrounding area. Each day's distance is approximate as the distance will depend on the location of your hotel.
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.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning. Packed lunches are not included but are in most cases available at your accommodation (please order the night before!) or you can stop on the way for a traditional "wurst" or bowl of "goulash". Travelling through 3 countries means your tastebuds are also on an incredible journey! You will find suggestions of where to dine in your route notes. Your accommodation hosts are also happy to advise of the local places to eat.
- 13 nights in rooms with private facilities
- Breakfasts
- Daily luggage transfers
- 1 bottle of wine in the Wachau Valley (per room)
- Train journey from Krems area to Tulln (including bike)
- Train journey from Mosonmagyarovar to Györ (including bike)
- Boat (or train) journey from Szentendre to Budapest (depending on the season)
- Handlebar bag with route book, maps and an information pack
- Emergency support from our local partners and our office
- Lunch, Dinner, Snacks & Drinks
- Travel to Passau & From Budapest
- Bike Hire
- Helmet and personal equpiment
- Return transfer of your own bikes
- Local tax (€ 1 - € 2,5 p.p.n.) valid for Passau-Vienna section
- Travel Insurance (required)
- Bike Hire
- Helmet Purchase (must be reserved at time of booking)
- Return travel from Budapest to Passau
When To Go
This trip is available on selected Sundays and Mondays from April through to October.
May to September are the busiest months, and in July and August, the days are wonderfully long for exploring and making the most of the historic towns that you will visit. The summer months generally do not become unbearably hot and temperatures are often pleasantly warm, especially for cycling. Do keep in mind that some days will be hotter than others and it is important to make sure to always carry plenty of water, avoid cycling at noon and wear sunscreen while cycling even on cloudy days.
Please note that the following events are held in Budapest in 2023:Â Formula 1 Grand Prix (July 23/24). This will not have a huge impact on your trip but the city will be busier as usual and a supplement will be applicable for any extra nights.
Getting to the Start
Passau is located in Germany close to the Austrian border. It is easily accessible with direct train connections to four major airports. Linz (1h30), Salzburg (2h45), Munich (2.5h), and Vienna (3.5h). Please see www.oebb.at for train times & prices.
Getting from the End
Budapest Airport is served by a number of scheduled and low-cost airlines connecting through to most major international cities. If you need to return to Passau this can be booked at an extra cost for you. This is a combination of bus travel to Vienna and train travel to Passau.
Luggage 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).
Equipment
Rental Bikes: 7-speed bikes with coaster brake (backpedal) or 21-speed bikes (unisex) are available to rent, these are not included in the tour package but can be booked as an extra. Electric bikes (unisex), children’s bikes, and other specialized equipment may be available upon request.
All rental bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and an odometer (except for the electric bikes). Please note that helmets are not included as part of the rental package, but can be bought locally (€39). Please remember that your own helmet is likely to be a better fit. If you would like to buy a helmet, this must be reserved at the time of booking.Â
If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know the height and frame size you currently ride. If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip.
Travel Insurance
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Bike that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, bike theft, emergency evacuation, and hospital care.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Passau Day 2 Cycle from Passau to Schlögener Loop 26 miles / 41 km Day 3 Cycle from Schlögener Loop to Linz 35 miles / 55 km Day 4 Cycle from Linz to Strudengau 37 miles / 60 km Day 5 Cycle from Strudengau to Nibelungengau 31 miles / 50 km Day 6 Cycle from Nibelungengau to Krems 31 miles / 50 km Day 7 Cycle from Krems to Vienna 25 miles / 40 km Day 8 Cycle from Vienna to Bad Deutsch Altenburg 26 miles / 42 km Day 9 Cycle from Bad Deutsch Altenburg to Bratislava 20 miles / 32 km Day 10 Cycle from Bratislava to Györ 28 miles / 45 km Day 11 Cycle from Györ to Komarno 36 miles / 57 km Day 12 Cycle from Komarno to the Danube Bend 32 miles / 52 km Day 13 Cycle from the Danube Bend to Budapest 36 miles / 58 km Day 14 Onward TravelThe Macs Way
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