Explore the paths along the blue Danube River just like the Romans, the legendary Nibelungs, and even Europe’s powerful kings and emperors did before you. You will get to know the beauty and historical significance of this ancient military and trading route. Never too far away from the cool, clear water of the Danube, you will enjoy one of Europe’s most beautiful and popular cycle routes.
You start your trip in Passau, the town of three rivers. Cycle through various districts of Upper and Lower Austria and finally to the Danube metropolis of Vienna and Budapest. You will love the breathtaking natural beauty of the Danube valley and the Schlögen Bend or perhaps you will fall in love with the landscapes along the Danube River such as the Machland, the Strudengau, or the famous Wachau. In the rural areas, to complement these wonderful impressions, you can enjoy many traditional Austrian delicacies. Your physical wellbeing will be well catered for, from savory dumpling specialties and moreish must, all the way to the wines of the Buschenschenken taverns in the Wachau region.
On the second part you will explore lowland forests, original villages and magical cities. In Carnuntum and in the Roman castle Kelemantia you will find Roman relics from the past. Discover the diversity of the flora and fauna in the lowland forests! The small villages, which you cycle through, still keep their original charm. You pass through the real natural paradise of Rye Island. Don´t forget the numerous castles and palaces, which are proudly situated nearby the Danube. But also, the small towns along the bike trail have a special flair as their charming historic centers invite visitors to discover and enjoy.
Overall, this bike tour will inspire everybody!
Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Take a walk through the “New Centre” of Passau, the town of three rivers, which has been completely redesigned as a pedestrian, car-free area. The evening will consist of a welcome briefing and bike fitting.
Day 2: Passau – Schlögen (Danube bend), approx. 40 km
You will start your tour along the Danube, first passing Obernzell and finally arriving in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria). You will then cycle through the nature reserve Donauleiten, from here you will reach the Schlögen Bend to the north. It is here where granite proved to be too much of an opponent and forced the Danube to change directions by 180 degrees. You have time to look at this natural phenomenon while a ferry takes you to the other side of the river to your hotel.
Day 3: Schlögen (Danube bend) – Linz, approx. 50 km
Today you will cycle through the green Eferdinger basin via the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering and all the way to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. The historical Old Town of Linz has many pubs and eateries for you to discover. Other highlights of the European Capital of Culture 2009 include the magnificent views from Pöstlingberg Mountain and a stroll through the Donaulände Park.
Day 4: Linz – Grein │ Ardagger, approx. 60 km
On the fourth day you will take a little detour away from the course of the Danube to St. Florian (Augustinian monastery) and to Enns. In Enns you can go to the town square to discover its 60-meter town tower, the landmark of the oldest town in Austria, or you can visit the archaeological collection in the municipal museum Lauriacum. Afterwards, you will return to the river, first reaching the beautiful little baroque town of Grein. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria that is still in use. Equally you can visit the maritime museum or Greinburg castle.
Day 5: Grein │ Ardagger – Wachau, approx. 60 km
The Strudengau, once feared by sailors, can now be cycled on and is the start of your journey. You can now take a leisurely cycle ride where they used to fight against the Danube. In Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, you will find the magnificent pilgrimage church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. You should make a little stop in Melk and look up to ensure you don’t miss the beautiful Melk monastery that overlooks the Danube. Your accommodation is located in the heart of the Wachau valley.
Day 6: Wachau – Traismauer │ Tulln, approx. 50-60 km
Today you will cycle through the picturesque Wachau region, where you can enjoy the charming atmosphere of the region’s typical orchards and vineyards. You will pass through the little wine towns of Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein with its Castle ruin. Cycle past the 1000-year-old town of Krems and finish in Traismauer or Tulln. A stay in the Wachau region means that you simply have to take part in a wine tasting, which we would be pleased to organize for you!
Day 7: Traismauer │ Tulln – Vienna, approx. 50-40 km
Your bike tour will be a relaxed trip to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. As soon as you arrive you can enjoy all the amenities of the city for the rest of the day. Treat yourself to a Viennese-style Americano coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte cake in one of Vienna’s typical coffee houses. Take a stroll along Vienna’s Parade shopping street, along Mariahilfer Strasse, visit the St Stephen’s Cathedral or see the main sights and take a trip in one of the famous Fiaker cabs.
Day 8: Vienna - Bad Deutsch-Altenburg │ Hainburg, approx. 50 km
Your bike trip will guide you through the national park Donau-Auen. Here you will get to know the diversity of the flora and fauna as well as the manifold types of landscape. You pass the castle Orth and the village Eckertsau and reach Bad Deutsch-Altenburg.
Day 9: Bad Deutsch-Altenburg │ Hainburg – Bratislava, approx. 35 km
From Bad Deutsch-Altenburg/Hainburg you can make an excursion on the Roman bike trail (Römerweg) to Carnuntum. The archaeological park is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Austria! After Hainburg you will reach the border to Slovakia and it´s capital city Bratislava: your next overnight stay. The shorter distance travelled allows plenty of time to visit the old part of this charming city.
Day 10: Bratislava – Mosonmagyaróvár – Györ, approx. 45 km + train
You will cycle a short distance in Slovak territory before you pass the Hungarian border in Rajká. Within the first few kilometers of your trip in Hungary you will discover charming villages. The complete section is influenced by agriculture. Your route will guide you through the so-called Szigetköz (a small Rye Island). This is characterized by numberless side arms of the Danube. After arrival in Mosonmagyaróvár, which is also called “City of 17 bridges“, your journey will ends. We recommend a short walking tour in this charming city, before you take the train to Györ. The district capital offers many sights and a breathtaking historic center.
Day 11: Györ – Komárom, approx. 55 km
You will cycle to reach the Hungarian Böny. From there a route guides you to Bábolna, a well cultivated town with a beautiful inner city. The local National Stud is known far beyond its borders as racehorses are bred in the splendid inner courtyard. The last part of the route will take you back to the Danube. Then you will reach the divided town Komárom/Komárno. You can relax in the local spa to fill your evening.
Day 12: Komárom – Esztergom │ Visegrád, approx. 55 km + boat
This route will run near riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. During this you will pass different villages and while cycling you can observe the vineyards in the background. The sporty bikers can choose a route over Tata but there are some increases, this requires a basic level of fitness! Those interested in history should make time for the Roman castle Kelemantia, which is on the way. The absolute highlight of the day is Esztergom (also known as “Hungarian Rome“): It´s basilica is the largest church of the country. Take time for a comprehensive visit, before you board a riverboat to take you to your destination, Visegrád. The Amazing views into the beautiful landscape of the so-called “Donauknie” will impress you.
Note: The overnight stay takes place either in Esztergom or in Visegrád (depending on availability at time of reservation). In the case of Esztergom, shipping takes place on the conscious day from Szentendre to Budapest. The different distances remain the same in both. You will receive detailed information together with your booking confirmation. Additionally, the timetable for the boat has not yet been set. It might not be possible in April, September, October, and every Monday; during these period/days you will receive a train ticket as replacement.
Day 13: Esztergom │ Visegrád – Budapest, approx. 55 km
The Royal Palace and the castle of Visegrád and the open-air museum as well as the baroque old town of Szentendre will delight you and invite you to stay! The first part of the day will guide you again through the “Donauknie”, probably the most attractive section of the Danube bike trail. Soon you will arrive in Budapest, where you can reminisce about all the adventures of this wonderful bike trip during a walk through the city.
Day 14: Individual departure or extension
Self-guided
14 Days │ 13 Nights
Approx. 605 km
Level of difficulty: 2
1 = easy; 2 = easy-middle; 3 = middle; 4 = demanding; 5 = sportive
On the first part of the journey the route is flat or slightly downhill along the Danube. A well-built cycling path is present almost all the way without motor vehicles; Minor roads appear in very short sections of this route - the Danube cycle path up to Vienna is a perfect example of a cycle route.
On the second part of the journey you cycle on bike trails, alongside a dam and partly on relatively quiet side roads. Busy roads are a short-term duration. You will cycle on unmade paths only for 3 short distances otherwise you will find asphalted roads. Overall the route is sign-posted very well with a few exceptions in the Slovakian part. Altogether the tour is relatively easy with some slight increases in some sections.
We recommend flying to Munich or Vienna airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
(Partly with voucher in a close-by restaurant in walking distance)
(No limit in pieces of luggage; each piece with a maximum of 20 kg)
(In April, September, October, and every Monday the boat doesn´t run; we will organize a train ticket as a replacement)
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
E - Bike (Colour may vary)
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gearing information available on request.
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided, and you will need to bring your own to use.
We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging, and assistance up to 25 km/h. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date | Prices per person | Arrival Day |
Season 1 | 03.04 – 15.04 | 18.09 – 02.10 | £1115 | Sunday |
Season 2 | 16.04 – 24.04 | 03.09 – 17.09 | £1260 | Saturday Sunday & Monday |
Season 3 | 25.06 – 02.09 | £1335 | Daily |
Single Room Supplement | All | £375 | |
Half Board Supplement | All | £240 |
Bike Type | Price |
Rental Bike | £155 |
Premium Bike | £245 |
Electric Bike Upgrade | £355 |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Supplement Price SGL/BB |
Passau | £65 | £110 |
Vienna | £55 | £90 |
Bratislava | £55 | £85 |
Budapest | £55 | £85 |
Date From | Date To | Price |
03 April 2022 | 02 October 2022 | £0 |