Danube Cycle Path

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.