One of Europe’s most popular cycle paths, this family-friendly route along the Blue Danube passes through the picturesque towns and villages of Upper and Lower Austria and Bavaria, and is a perfect introduction to the magic of European cycling holidays.
Starting in the pretty baroque town of Schärding in Upper Austria, it’s a gentle ride along easy, mostly downhill tracks through Austria, ending up in the enchanting town of Linz. Short daily stages on well-marked, traffic free paths, frequent breaks for activities and child-friendly hotels make this trip lots of fun for children and grown-ups too. We guarantee children lots of fun - come along to the river Danube!
Day 1: Arrival in Schärding/Wernstein
Upon your arrival, you will have time for a stroll through the pretty little Baroque town of Schärding, where you can marvel at the famous ‚Silberzeile’ (row of colourful houses). Check out one or two of the numerous cafés and restaurants on the town square. Miniature versions of the 7 Wonders of the World are displayed all over Schärding and can be admired up close and will take you back into a world of myths and legend. In the evening, rental bikes will be distributed and there will be a welcome meeting.
Day 2: Schärding/Wernstein – Passau, approx. 15 km
For your first ride, you will set out on well-maintained and perfectly signposted cycle path along the river Inn to Passau. This town, located at the confluence of three rivers, has a car-free pedestrian zone, and is widely regarded as one of Germany’s most beautiful towns. You will have enough spare time today to enjoy ice-cream, cakes or a cup of coffee in one of the countless pavement cafés and restaurants. This afternoon you can enjoy some time in the adventure-pool ‚Peb’ in Passau (entrance fee included). This swimming paradise has diving platforms, a wave pool, slides and much, much more. It is one of the most spectacular pool facility in Germany!
Day 3: Passau – Schlögen, approx. 40 km
Today's rute starts on the Southern side of the Danube. You will cycle along a marvellous route that offers lovely views all the way to Jochenstein. If it is a particularly hot day, we recommend making a short detour to the outdoor swimming pool in Engelhartszell. You will then continue the Northern side of the Danube through the nature reserve ‚Donauleiten’ which will lead you all the way to Schlögen. From here you take the ferry (autonomously) and change over to the other side again, where you will reach the day's destination.
Day 4: Schlögen – Aschach, approx. 30 km
The Schlögener River Bend’ is an absolute natural spectacle, that you will witness right at the start of today’s stage. Here, the Danube reached invincible granite, which caused it to change direction by 180 degrees. From there, you will continue to follow the course of the Danube all the way to Aschach.
Day 5: Aschach – Linz, approx. 30 km
Switching on to the North side of the Danube once again, today you will continue along the Danube cycle path into the leisure land ‚Freitzeitland Linz’ where you will find five wonderful bathing lakes. After cooling off with a splash, you can continue through the 'vegetable patch’ of Upper Austria - the basin around Eferding, past Ottensheim and Wilhering into the provincial capital Linz. The 2009 European Capital of Culture; itis now a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. In Linz, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in one of the countless restaurants, or exploring the museums and areas of interest.
Day 6: Boat trip Linz - Passau
After today's breakfast, take your time exploring the provincial capital of Upper Austria today. We recommend a casual stroll through the old part of town. If you didn't have time yesterday, why not make a visit to one of the fantastic museums or to join in the special cultural programmes on offer for the entire family. At approx. 2pm you board the boat to Passau. On board, you can relive your entire cycle tour, with an entirely new and unique perspective (arrival time approx. 8.45pm, daily except Monday and Friday, then alternative bus transfer). Overnight stay in Passau.
Day 7: Passau – Schärding/Wernstein, approx. 15 km and departure
Check out of the hotel in the morning. After a stroll through the town and a visit to the cathedral ( where you can see the largest church organ in the world!), you will cycle from the 'Innspitz’, the confluence of the three rivers Inn, Danube and Ilz, on the Inn-cycle-path in the shade along the riverbank. In Wernstein we suggest a short break, in order to enjoy the nature of the narrow parts of the river Inn there. When you arrive at Schärding you will receive your luggage. After that, it is time to say your final “Good Bye” to the Danube.
The terrain along the rivers Inn and Danube is either flat or descends slightly, you cycle mostly on a well-maintained cycle paths without any motorised vehicles. Only on very short segments on side roads.
Total distance cycled: 130 km
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Scharding
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
We recommend flying to Munich, Nuremberg, Linz or Salzburg 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.
The Danube Cyle Path Family Special cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
Not Included
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes based on KTM frame technology, Selle Royal saddles, Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, aluminium frames with mudguards, comfortable saddles and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation when riding your daily itinerary. 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)
Men's Bike (Colour may vary)
Electric 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 and please make sure that you bring along with you 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.
Gears
7 speed bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus gear hub and 21 speed bikes have a Shimano Alivio derailleur. We request 21 speed bikes for all cycling holidays (when available).
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 with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
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.
The hotel list below is subject to change and should be used as a guide. We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival. |
|
Danube Cycle Path (Family) | Sample Hotel List |
St Florian | Landhotel St.Florian |
Passau | Dormero Hotel Passau |
Haibach | Hotel Donauschlinge |
Aschach/Donau | Gasthof Zur Sonne |
Linz | Hotel Arcotel Nike Gmbh Linz |
Passau | Dormero Hotel Passau |
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 now book this cycling holiday online using by entering the details above or use our link: Book online here >>
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 27.03. – 16.04.2021 | 02.10. – 09.10.2021 | Daily |
Season 2: | 17.04. – 21.04.2021 | 04.09. – 01.10.2021 | Daily |
Season 3: | 22.05. – 03.09.2021 | Daily |
Season | Prices per person excluding bike hire | Child aged 12-14 Years | Child aged 6-11 Years | Child aged 0-5 Years |
Season 1: | £525 | £440 | £345 | £20 |
Season 2: | £545 | £440 | £345 | £20 |
Season 3: | £585 | £440 | £345 | £20 |
Half Board Upgrade: | £160 | |||
Half Board Upgrade 5 x children aged 6 – 14: | £110 | |||
Single Supplement: | £169 | |||
Bike Rental: | £75 | |||
Child bike/Tag-along/Child bike trailer: | £60 | |||
Child Seat: | £20 | |||
Follow-Me with Child Bike: | £90 | |||
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £170 | |||
Rental Bike PLUS: | £125 |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | 3* family friendly hotels |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Room Price SGL/BB |
Scharding: | £50 | £80 |
Passau: | £50 | £80 |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
27 March 2021 | 09 October 2021 |