Cycling along Danube - from Passau to Vienna

Explore the paths along the blue Danube River just like the Romans and Europe’s kings and emperors did before you. This cycling tour is a real classic and is ideally tailored for family holidays. You will get to know the beauty and historical significance of this ancient military and trading route. Cycling close to the cool, clear water of the Danube, you will enjoy one of Europe’s most beautiful and popular routes. Starting from Passau, you pass through various districts of Upper and Lower Austria and finally to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. In the rural areas, you can enjoy various traditional Austrian specialties like tasty dumplings and moreish plus the must-try wines of the Buschenschenken taverns in the Wachau region.

Highlights:
♦ Passau – known as the “Baroque Town or Town of Three Rivers”
♦ The Schlögener Schlinge - a natural spectacle
♦ The Grüne Veltliner in Wachau - a World Cultural Heritage site

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Itinerary:   

Day 1. Passau
Arrival in Passau (Germany). Don’t miss to take a walk through the “New Centre” of Passau which has been completely redesigned as a pedestrian, car-free area. Another must-see place is the the cathedral where you can enjoy the sounds of the largest church organ in the world (except Sundays and public holidays).

Day 2. Passau - Danube bend
Start cycling along the Danube, first passing Obernzell and finally arriving in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria). Continue through the nature reserve Donauleiten, from where you reach the Schlogen Bend to the north. Here granite has forced the Danube to change its direction by 180 degrees. Take the ferry to the other side of the river while admiring this natural phenomenon.
Cycling: approx. 40 - 55 km

Day 3. Danube bend - Linz
Today you will cycle through the green Eferdinger basin via the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering reaching the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. The historical Old Town of Linz has many pubs and restaurants for you to discover. Enjoy the magnificent views from Postlingberg mountain and a stroll through the Donaulande park.
Cycling: approx. 50 km

Day 4. Linz - Grein
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 with its 60 metre town tower, the landmark of the oldest town in Austria. Or you can visit the archaeological collection in the municipal museum Lauriacum. Afterwards, return to the river, first reaching the beautiful little baroque town of Grein. Here you have the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria that is still being used. Or you can visit the maritime museum or Greinburg castle.
Cycling: approx. 55 km

Day 5. Grein - Wachau
This section of the Danube, once feared by sailors, is now a nice cycling route. Where they used to fight against the Danube currents you can now take a leisurely cycle ride. The magnificent pilgrimage church in Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
Cycling: approx. 50 - 60 km

Day 6. Wachau - Krems / Traismauer / Tulln
Starting from Wachau, make a little stop in Melk and look up to admire the beautiful Stift Melk monastery that overlooks the Danube. Continue into the picturesque Wachau region, where you can enjoy the charming atmosphere of the region’s typical orchards and vineyards. Pass through the little wine towns of Spitz and Weissenkirchen, cycle past the Dürnstein Castle ruin and finish your journey in the 1000-year old town of Krems or in Tulln. Enjoy a nice end of the day with wine tasting, which is a must in Wachau region.
Cycling: approx. 40 - 75 km

Day 7. Krems / Traismauer / Tulln - Vienna
The final kilometres of your bike tour will be a relaxed trip to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. Part of the stage is covered by train. As soon as you arrive, check-in at the hotel and explore the city for the rest of the day. Take a tour of the Vienna’s typical coffee houses, stroll along Vienna’s Parade shopping street and Mariahilfer Strasse, visit the St Stephen’s Cathedral and take a trip in one of the famous Fiaker cabs.
Cycling: approx. 45 - 65 km

Day 8. Vienna - departure
Individual departure back home.

♦ Practical information: Flat or slightly downhill along the Danube; well-built cycling path almost all the way without motor vehicles. Minor roads make up only very short sections of this route – the Danube cycle path is a perfect example of a cycle route.
♦ How to get there: You can fly to Munich or Vienna. Passau is easily reached by train. You can also arrive in Scharding and cycle to Passau for the start of the tour. When booking, please inform us about where you wish to arrive. Parking in Scharding: on-site parking for free directly next to the cycle path. Parking in Passau: car park approx. € 35,- per week, no reservation possible and necessay 

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Price Includes:
Accommodation at standard hotels and inns 3*** and 4**** at Linz and Vienna - rooms with private facilities
breakfast
welcome briefing
deyailed travel information (route maps or overview maps; detailed route description; tourist attractions; important telephone numbers)
luggage transport
1 ferry ride (Au-Schlogen) incl. bike
1 wine tasting in the Wachau region
service hotline
Danube Card in upper Austria
GPS-data is available

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Not Included:
Flight tickets
transfer from/to the airport and other transport
drinks and meals not mentioned
insurance
bike rental
entrance fees
personal expenses
tourist taxes if due

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Additional Services:
bike rental: 110 EUR
bike rental PLUS: 170 EUR
rental of electric bike: 260 EUR
extra nights in Passau/Schärding/Vienna: on request
accommodation at hotels in higher category: on request

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Gallery

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