Whether it’s the classic natural features of the valley, the tantalising traces of its history, or the intoxicating views of the vineyards, this classic cycle route is one of the best in Europe.

The cycling is largely traffic free and in many places the path runs on both banks of the river, with options to skip between banks using the numerous bike ferries along the way. Don’t worry about missing things however, we recommend the best route for you to follow. Of particular interest to families, non cycling days are possible if you use of the cycle friendly railway which follows the Danube or one of the many boats which ply their trade on the river.

The hotels are very comfortable (all 4 star). Most hotels have saunas and many have swimming pools. Some hotels also offer the option of a relaxing massage - something else to look forward at the end of the day as well as a cold beer, glass of local wine and a guilt free pastry.

Day One - Travel to Passau, Germany
Arrive in Passau and collect your bikes and additional route information. Passau, known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’ because of its location at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz, has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and it has a rich cultural heritage. A ‘3 Rivers’ boat trip around Passau is included in the tour price.

Day Two - Passau to Schlogen 43 km (27 miles)
You leave Passau cycling along the north bank of the Danube, and, you cross into Austria near Engelhartszell, the location of Austria’s only Trappist monastery. It is difficult to miss your overnight stop at Schlogen as the Danube makes a 180° turn when it meets the hard granite rocks ahead. You take the hotel’s own bike ferry across to south bank (included in the tour price) and can enjoy an early evening drink on the riverside terrace watching the activity on the river.

Day Three - Schlogen to Linz 56km (35 miles)
The day starts with some fascinating views as you travel around the tight river bends between Schlogen and Aschach, catching glimpses of the old fortified ruins in this area. You leave the immediate riverside for a short time at Feldkirchen before reaching Ottensheim where, if you wish, it is possible to cross to the monastery at Wilhering. Then it’s on to Linz, capital of Upper Austria and your overnight accommodation.

Day Four - Linz to Perg 37 km (23 miles)
Your cycling today is through the area known as ’Austria’s vegetable garden’. If you wish you may take an interesting detour to St. Florian with its baroque style Augustine monastery and into Enns, the oldest city of Austria sitting beneath a 60m city tower dating back to the 16C. Onward then through Mauthausen before leaving the river at Au and heading inland for a short distance to spend the night in Perg.

Day Five - Perg to Maria Taferl (nr Marbach) 55-66 km (34-41 miles)
First stop this morning is the hamlet of Lehen, with its re-construction of a Celtic village. You rejoin the Danube and continue to the pretty town of Grein, a handy stop for lunch and home to a museum showing the history of shipping on the Danube and the oldest theatre of Austria. The river at Strudengau is a navigational nightmare for boat captains - thankfully it is easy to cycle. You pass Persenbeug, once an important shipbuilding town, and on to Marbach where you are transferred (included in tour price) with your bicycles up out of the river valley to the ancient pilgrimage centre of Maria Taferl. You stay overnight in a lovely hotel close to the wonderfully sited church and can enjoy the beautiful views of the river stretching east to west and of the high mountains way to the south.

Day Six – Maria Taferl to Krems 52 km (32 miles)
Returning to the bank of the Danube there is an option to visit Melk with its imposing Benedictine monastery. Melk forms the gateway to the vineyards and apricot orchards of the Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage site and highlight of the tour. You cycle past the ‘wine’ towns of Spitz, Weissenkirchen and Durnstein. The ruined castle perched high above the blue church of Durnstein is where King Richard the Lionheart was held hostage whilst returning from the Crusades. From Durnstein, it’s on to your overnight stop in the old town of Krems and the opportunity to taste the Muller Thurgau or Green Veltliner wines for which the region is justly famous!

Day Seven - Krems to Tulln (Vienna) 47 km (29 miles)
Your final day’s cycling takes you to the ‘flower city’ of Tulln. Here you return your bicycles and transfer by train to Vienna (NB the transfer not included. Trains run half hourly, fare approx €4). Alternatively you can continue by bike and follow the river into the heart of Vienna [additional 38 km (24 miles)].

Day Eight – Depart Vienna
Depart after breakfast, although we would be happy to extend your stay to allow you more time to enjoy Vienna, capital city of the Habsburg Empire. Visit St Stephen’s Cathedral and the imperial palace of Schonbrunn, see the art treasures at Klosterneuburg Abbey or enjoy a night at the State Opera.

Travel Information