Danube Cycle Path

From Passau to Vienna
  • with luggage transfer
  • overnight in 3* and 4* hotels
  • start on arrival possible every day
  • level of difficulty:

"Far from the Black Forest you hurry to the sea, give blessings everywhere, your course goes east

you welcome many brothers: image of unity for all time!”

Part of the 2nd stanza 'On the beautiful blue Danube' (Danube Waltz), text by Franz von Gernert

The Danube is a river with symbolic power! As already mentioned in the song "On the beautiful blue Danube", it connects Europe from west to east. The Danube Cycle Path is popular because it combines so much that makes it so unique: the path leads past spectacular landscape formations, on pleasantly navigable cycle paths, many well-chosen break and overnight accommodations as well as a bundle of cultural sights as you could wish for. Coming from Passau, the Danube makes its way through the impressive gorge between the Bavarian Forest and the Sauwald. Several famous monasteries are located along the river, such as Engelszell, St. Florian and Melk Abbey, which are impressive even from afar. The Upper Austrian state capital Linz is worth a visit. Since it was voted European Capital of Culture in 2009, it has developed into a center of modern art. Before you reach magnificent Vienna - the former capital of the Habsburg Empire - you can expect a particularly attractive stage through the Wachau, particularly well-known as a wine and fruit-growing region.

Highlights

  1. Impressive and family-friendly - the classic among cycle tours
  2. Natural wonder „Schlögener Schlinge“ and the vineyard terraces of the Wachau
  3. European protected area "Upper Danube and Valley of Aschach“
  4. Danube monasteries - unique sacred buildings
  5. Passau, Linz and Vienna - metropolises on the Danube

The course of your bicycle tour:

1. Tag: Individual arrival in the 3-river city of Passau

Upon arrival in Passau, you will receive your documents and rental bikes (if booked) at the hotel. Right at the beginning of the journey, the baroque old town, which lies on a narrow peninsula at the Danube, Inn and Ilz, invites you to linger. It is the last German city on the east-flowing Danube. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, which is magnificently decorated. With its 17,974 pipes and 233 registers, the cathedral organ is considered the largest in Europe. Those who can take the opportunity to attend an organ concert will enjoy a special musical treat. (1 night in Passau)

2. Tag: Natural phenomenon „Schlögener Schlinge“

On the densely wooded first stage, you will experience the winding Danube gorge valley. In Engelhartszell, Engelszell Abbey is remarkable. Liqueur and beer are still produced here and have a good reputation. Further downstream, the meandering Danube meets the mighty Bohemian Massif. The excavation process of the Danube in the hard rock - unique is the result - the Danube loop, known as the „Schlögener Schlinge“, took millions of years. The granite proved to be so persistent that the Danube was forced to change direction by 180 degrees. The cycle paths runs directly along the riverbank at this section, which further increases the charm of the route. (1 night in Schlögen).

Today´s stage: ~42 km, altitude difference á 240 m / â 240 m

3. Tag: To the Danube metropolis Linz

In the morning you cycle through a breathtaking rocky landscape, past Kaiserau to Aschach. The pretty town impresses with its medieval town houses. The facades and courtyards show Gothic and Renaissance elements as well as Baroque ones. Behind Aschach, the hills become gentler, and the valley opens up to the fertile Eferding basin, the landscape presents itself like a large vegetable garden. Continue to Wilhering Abbey. The 850-year-old church building was converted into Austria's most important Rococo church in the mid-18th century. A look inside the church is extremely worthwhile; harmonious, and colorful it was decorated, well thought-out is the incidence of light. Finally, you reach the Nibelungen Bridge. The former border between the Roman Empire and the Germanic climes was bridged around 1500. In the post-war period, the bridge connected the American and Russian sectors. From the middle of the bridge you can enjoy an excellent view of Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. Take the opportunity to visit Europe's Capital of Culture 2009 with its ancient and modern art treasures. (1 night in Linz).

Today´s stage: ~52 km, altitude difference á 260 m / â 310 m

4. Tag: A jewel of Baroque architecture - St. Florian Abbey

Today you drive to St. Florian. The guided tour of the ideal-typical Austrian Baroque monastery of St. Florian is an art-historical highlight of the trip. The monastery’s musical tradition dates back to the 9th century. Anton Bruckner's musical career is closely linked to the art of music in St. Florian, his organ compositions are legendary. Then continue to Enns, the successor town of the Roman Lauriacum, which was elevated to the status of a town in 212. It lies on the Danube and the river Enns, which forms the border with Lower Austria here. From there you take the ferry to Mauthausen and then continue by bike to the lively city centre of the district capital Perg, where restaurants or cafés invite you to linger. (1 night in Perg).

Today´s stage: ~51 km, altitude difference á 160 m / â 180 m

5. Tag: Through the Strudengau region in Upper and Lower Austria

On the Danube Cycle Path you pass Dornach Castle and cycle through the pretty village of Grein, where you can take a tour of the historic town square to the town theater. Greinburg Castle is the oldest residential castle in Austria and landmark of the Danube town of Grein. We continue along the densely wooded slopes of the Strudengau, whose name derives from the shoals ("Struden") in the stream, which once caused difficulties for boatmen. Now one passes the "Black Wall" with its mysterious granite formations to Maria Taferl, the most important pilgrimage site in Lower Austria. From the magnificent Baroque basilica on the 230-meter-high hilltop, in good weather you can enjoy a magnificent view over the Danube valley and the hilly landscape of the Mostviertel to the Alpine chain, which spreads over 300 km wide. The treasury of the basilica is a wonderfully colorful, folksy Baroque room with frescoes (1 night in Maria Taferl/Marbach).

Today´s stage: ~56 km, altitude difference á 280 m / â 220 m

6. Tag: Melk Abbey and Wachau World Heritage

From Maria Taferl the Danube cycle path takes you leisurely without any inclines to Melk, and to the monastery of the same name. It is recommended to visit it, has it been the spiritual and cultural centre of the country for many centuries. This is also where the Wachau wine-growing region begins, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for fruit growing - especially grapes - the Wachau is home to internationally renowned white wines. Visit one of the traditional wine taverns today, where local winegrowers sell their own wines. Passing Spitz you reach Dürnstein. There we recommend a visit to the ruins of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. Through beautiful vineyards and orchards you finally reach the over 1000-year-old Krems, whose decorated oriels and portals are true architectural treasures. (1 night in Krems).

Today´s stage: ~58 km, altitude difference á 210 m / â 310 m

7. Tag: From medieval to art and garden city

Soon after Krems you reach the Wagram region. Nested vineyards, rolling fields and shady hollow paths are characteristic here. The deep loess soils offer the best conditions for finely spicy, powerful wines, such as Roter Veltliner. The route always leads a bit downhill. The garden city of Tulln will soon welcome you. Here is Europe's unique ecological garden adventure world with over 70 show gardens. From Tulln we continue by train to Vienna. (1 night in ***Hotel in Vienna and luggage transport Krems-Vienna).

Today´s stage: ~42 km, altitude difference á 10 m / â 20 m

8. Tag: Vxtension possibility in Vienna or train journey back to Passau

The former residence and capital of the Habsburg Monarchy offers a wide range of leisure activities. Whether visiting the Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace with park or Vienna Prater, ... you should definitely visit a coffee house and enjoy apple strudel or Sachertorte for example. If your time does not allow you to spend more days here, it is time to say goodbye and start the return journey including luggage by train to Passau.

General information

The bike tours do not present any technical difficulties; there are few inclines. However, some physical fitness and the will to persevere are prerequisites, as well as cycling equipment such as closed sneakers, backpack, sun and rain protection, functional clothing, jacket and sweater, etc. The routes are easily accessible with trekking bikes. Mostly they lead on paved bike paths, a few sections also on gravel roads and forest paths. If you want to spend a day more quietly, you can of course cover part of the route by public transport such as trains or boats.

Rental bikes on request - please reserve in advance!

Arrangement

7x
overnight stay in 3* and 4* hotels/inns with breakfast
1x
welcome video with explanations and information you need for this tour
1x
information material with detailed route description
1x
Danube cycle path book with map
1x
admission and guided tour of St. Florian Abbey (01.05. – 30.09.)
1x
ferry Enns to Mauthausen incl. bike
1x
train ride from Tulln to Vienna, including bike
1x
Bahntransfer von Wien bis Passau
+
train transfer from Vienna to Passau
+
Daily service hotline from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm (also on weekends)

Information for arrivals by car:

The parking place does not always situate next to the accommodation but on a public parking place. (Possibly costs have to be paid on spot)

Rates per person for the arrangement in €:

  01.05. – 01.07.24
01.09. – 09.10.24
01.07. – 01.09.24
***/**** hotels in double room with breakfast 959,-- 975,--
Supplement 6x half board (min 2 course dinner) – no half board in Vienna 245,-- 245,--
Supplement single room per week 365,-- 365,--
Day of arrival Daily Daily

The local tax, also known as visitor's tax, is payable locally to the landlord; the amount depends on the resort and is between €1,00 and €4,00 per person per night. Children up to the age of 15 are usually exempt.

Discounts for children sharing parents' room (2 full-paying adults, maximum 2 children):
0 - 5,9 years: 100%
6 - 14,9 years: 30%

The standard terms and conditions of the Salzkammergut Touristik GmbH apply in the current version.

Rates and operating hours / timetables are subject to change

Our recommendations:
Get a travel cancellation insurance.

The standard terms and conditions of the Salzkammergut Touristik GmbH apply in the current version.

Rates and operating hours / timetables are subject to change

Bike rental

Tariff for the whole trip price in €
Trekking bike 21-gear 157,--
E-Bike (from 158 cm) 325,--
Children's bike (up to 145 cm) on request
  • We strongly recommend the use of helmets! For children up to 11,9 years, helmets are mandatory to wear in Austria (also in child bike seats or trailers)
  • E-Bike suitable for 12 yrs or older
  • Loss of the bicycle key: charge of € 20,--.
  • The tenant is liable for damage or theft.

The standard terms and conditions of the Salzkammergut Touristik GmbH apply in the current version.

Informationen

For environmental reasons, we recommend arriving and departing by public transport (train/bus). We are happy to help you organise your train journey within Austria. Talk to us!

The UNESCO World Heritage List currently lists 1,154 natural and cultural sites from 167 countries worldwide. The excellent cultural and natural monuments have an extraordinary universal value that must be preserved in the long term. Austria is represented with 10 World Heritage Sites.

For questions we are available.

Salzkammergut Touristik GmbH

Götzstraße 12

4820 Bad Ischl


Tel.: 0043 (0)6132 24000-51

office@salzkammergut.co.at