Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
7 nights from €1248
4.58A sensational 7-night cycling adventure along the iconic Danube
This is the 'Classic' version of the Danube Bike Path tour. For 4 and 5-star hotels in different towns along the way, please also see the Upscale Lodging version of this tour. For a sportier break featuring longer cycling distances on a more compact itinerary, see the Danube Bike Path 5-nights (Active) tour.
Explore the picturesque paths along the winding Danube River, like the Romans did, the legendary Nibelungs, as well as Europe's powerful kings and emperors. You'll get to know the beauty and historical significance of this ancient military and trading route, whilst never being far away from the cool, clear waters of the river on one of Europe's most popular and beautiful cycling routes.
Pedaling off from the baroque town of Passau - the 'City of Three Rivers' - you'll cycle through the various breathtaking districts of Upper and Lower Austria, finally arriving in the Danube metropolis of iconic Vienna. You'll fall in love with the natural beauty of the verdant Danube Valley, the stunning Schlögen Bend, and the wonderful landscapes of the Machland, Strudengau, and Wachau.
In rural areas, to accompany the excellent impressions garnered from your ride, you'll enjoy many traditional Austrian delicacies, from savory dumpling specialities to the moreish wines of the Wachau region's Buschenschenken taverns. Your physical wellbeing will be well catered for!
This cycle tour is a true classic, ideally suited as a first cycling holiday with the whole family. You may even find a special family-friendly version of this itinerary, which offers shorter daily rides. Children's bikes, seats and trailers are available. A support vehicle may be available for an additional charge - please inquire.
The Danube Bicycle Path offers nearly carefree cycling and is an ideal way to view the region. It's flat or slightly downhill all the way, passing through picturesque towns and villages and across lush farmland. It's paved and almost traffic-free, following an old horse path where teams of horses once struggled to tow barges upstream. Along the majestic river, you'll pass romantic castles, cozy villages, and sprawling vineyards.
Fantastic trip through beautiful scenery
“Bike tours was great to accommodate us when our flight was delayed and make it all still work out. The hotels were great, and our luggage always arrived on time and seamlessly. I loved the breakfasts…” More
“Bike tours was great to accommodate us when our flight was delayed and make it all still work out. The hotels were great, and our luggage always arrived on time and seamlessly. I loved the breakfasts ! The scenery was beautiful along the river, through forest, and countryside. Directions were clear. Biked worked great!” Less
—Elise P.
Biking the Danube: just the right amount of challenge.
“The self-guided bike tour prepared by BikeTours.com was the perfect amount of challenge and adventure. We got to see and experience nature, history and the local culture of Austria. Each night we…” More
“The self-guided bike tour prepared by BikeTours.com was the perfect amount of challenge and adventure. We got to see and experience nature, history and the local culture of Austria.
Each night we laid our weary heads down in comfortable and unique accommodations. The hearty breakfasts provided each morning helped to keep us going.
This was just the right amount of challenge for our average level of fitness. The e-bikes, app and maps and luggage transfer certainly made the whole experience easier.
We are already dreaming about our next bike tour.” Less
—Scott and Susie Blackshaw
Terrific easy ride downriver
“We really enjoyed the self-guided ride. We were glad to have the e-bikes for windy days although even we could’ve done this on regular bikes. The hotels were great, luggage on time every day…” More
“We really enjoyed the self-guided ride. We were glad to have the e-bikes for windy days although even we could’ve done this on regular bikes. The hotels were great, luggage on time every day, great breakfast buffets. Bikes were in great condition and hotels had an easy setup to allow for charging in a secured area so we never had to move batteries around to charge them.
I got the gpx files from the local provider and uploaded them to Komoot, which worked great. The provider’s app had more local info but we were used to the Komoot interface so preferred it. Definitely pay attention to where you will be on Sundays/holidays as grocery stores are closed and the hotel restaurant might be closed some days too.
We will for sure be back for another tour. This just whet our appetites for the more intimate interaction with your surroundings that cycling provides.” Less
—Laurie S.
Daily Program
Day 1: Individual arrival in Passau
Arrive in Passau, the 'City of Three Rivers' so-named for its situation at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. We recommend a sightseeing stroll around the city, and especially St. Stephan's Cathedral, famous for housing the world's largest church organ. If you're lucky, you'll hear the grand sounds of this incredible instrument yourself (not on Sundays or holidays).
Overnight in Passau.
Day 2: Passau – Aschach
40 miles/65 km
You leave the city of three rivers and cycle to Engelhartszell, where the only trappist monastery of Austria invites you to a liqueur tasting. The route guides you through the natural spectacle of the ´Schlögener Schlinge´ (there the Danube makes a huge bend) to Aschach, where you reach the wide plain of the Eferdinger Basin.
Overnight in Aschach.
Day 3: Aschach – Enns/surrounding
34 miles/55 km
The bike trail runs through the region of 'Linzer Pforte', with its abbey, through Wilhering, and onwards to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. Visit the magnificent historic center, including the majestic 15th-century Linz Citadel, standing watch over the dreamy Danube.
Continuing onwards, pedal past two medieval castles as you ride towards the Enns River, heading a few miles upstream to Enns itself. Enns, considered to be the oldest city in Austria, is postcard-perfect city boasting a medieval tower, grand fortifications, and Renaissance and Baroque façades.
Overnight in Enns.
Day 4: Enns/surrounding – Maria Taferl
44 miles/70 km
Today you cycle through the rich planes of the Machland area and enter the wild Strudengau-valley with its dreamy little towns and villages. On the way to your destination ́Nibelungengau area ́, you
cycle through lush forests in untouched nature. In Maria Taferl you can see glorious churches located high above the Danube, which attract many visitors each year.
Overnight in Maria Taferl.
Day 5: Maria Taferl – Krems
34 miles/55 km
This stage first takes you to Melk with its world´s biggest Baroque abbey. Subsequently, you pass winegrowing villages, old fortified churches, and ancient castles of the Wachau region. Soon you reach the 1000-year-old town of Krems.
Overnight in Krems.
Day 6: Krems – Tulln
28 miles/45 km
This distance of your bike trip leads you through the gorgeous region of 'Donauauen' until you finally reach Tulln, known as the 'City of Flowers'. It is worth considering a visit to the Egon Schiele Museum whilst you're here.
Overnight in Tulln.
Day 7: Tulln – Vienna
25 miles/40 km
Today you'll pass through Greifenstein and Klosterneuburg as your tour finally brings you into iconic Vienna, 'City of Dreams'. Don't miss out on a visit to the 'Würstelprater', a vibrant entertainment area within Vienna known for its uplifting atmosphere. Enjoy a cup of 'Verlängerter' coffee and a slice of the famous Sachertorte in one of the typical Viennese coffee houses. Alternatively, take a ride in one of the famous 'Fiaker' (horse-drawn carriages), or even a superb cycling day tour.
Overnight in Vienna.
Day 8: Departure from Vienna and transfer to Passau or extension
Your tour ends after breakfast. Depart, or extend your stay, perhaps considering a cycling day tour in Vienna or Munich.
Optionally, there's a transfer to Passau, daily, with a departure time of 2:00 pm. Pick up service directly at the hotel.
Hotels
The following hotels are provided only as samples and may vary based on availability.
For 4 and 5-star hotels in different towns along the way, please see the Upscale Lodging version of this tour.
Category A: 4-star or 3-star hotels
Passau: Hotel Residenz
Aschach: Hotel Schloss Aschach (Room category: Suite)
Mauthausen: Hotel Donauhof
Maria Taferl: Hotel Schachner
Krems: Steigenberger Hotel and Spa
Tulln: Best Western Hotel Tulln
Vienna: Hotel Stefanie
Category B: 3-star and some 4-star guest houses and hotels
Passau: Hotel Passauer Wolf
Aschach: Hotel Faustschlössl
Enns: Hotel Zum Goldenen Schiff
Maria Taferl: Hotel Rose
Krems: Hotel Klinglhuber
Tulln: Hotel Nibelungenhof
Vienna: Austria Classic Hotel
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Standard Bike
A solid, easy wheeling and sturdy trekking bike which can be recommended to every guest with good conscience. Modern V-breaks, aluminium-rims, and almost indestructible tires ensure high duration. The heart of each bicycle is a modern, high-resistant aluminium frame. Traffic safety is guaranteed by lighting system, carrier, mudguard and comfortable saddle.
Unisex frame 21-gears with free wheel:
Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm
Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar
Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "slopping" cm
Specifications on standard bikes
- Modern, high-resistant aluminum frame
- V-brakes
- Aluminium-rims
- Reliable tires, which ensure high duration
- Shimano Alivio derailleur on 21-speed
- Selle Royal Saddles
*Posture for 21-speed standard bikes will be upright for comfort
Premium bike
The premium bike is equipped with upgraded components, and with a dark varnish a true eye-catcher. The sportive attitude with 27 speed Shimano Deore XT guarantees highest comfort on the tour. Hydraulic Magura brakes HS 11 and a high-quality suspension fork from Suntour are only some of numerous advantages. Truly the proper choice for those who are looking for high quality with a sportive design.
Upgraded components on 27-speed standard bikes
- Hydraulic Magura HS 11 brakes
- Shimano Deore XT derailleur on 27-speed
- High-quality Suntour suspension fork
*Posture for 27-speed upgraded standard bikes will be upright and forward
Electrically-assisted bike
Pedelec, unisex frame
A Pedelec is an electric bike which assists with electric support only when pedalling. Composed on the basis of KTM-bikes, this bike is more than adequate for the routes. The bike is easy to handle as you have a good weight distribution and a low balance point. Overall weight amounts to approx. 23 kg. An illuminated LCD display, a computer and a wattage display add to the comfort. You cycle with 28 inch-bikes, three different modes guarantee a maximum fun of cycling.
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Accessories
All of the bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:
- Saddlebag (water-repellent), rear
- Handlebar bag (water-repellent), with clear cover on top for easy map viewing
- Tools
- Repair kit (with extra bicycle tube)
- Pump
- Combination lock
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals. Toe cages are not available to rent.
Seats:
If you plan to bring your own seat, please make sure it will be compatible with a 27.2 to 31.4 mm seat post. If necessary, you may also need to bring your own adapter. The tour company will assist in switching the seat post for you.
Helmets:
Helmets are not included with the bike rentals. You can buy or rent a helmet from the tour company (check the extra options in the pricing chart). You must let us know your helmet preference upon booking. If you do not rent or buy a helmet through the tour company, we recommend you bring your own.
Surface and terrain
The route mostly follows dedicated bike paths (only a few sections follow minor roads), and the terrain is flat, or slightly downhill. It's paved and almost traffic-free, following an old horse path where teams of horses once struggled to tow barges upstream.
To shorten a day's riding, you can often board a train or barge along the way. Many trains have cars specifically for bicycles, and barges carry them with no problem either.
From time to time you'll cross the river, ride over dams, locks and bridges, and sometimes board small ferries that hold about a dozen cyclists.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Munich (MUC), Germany
Nearest train station: Passau, Germany
Flights into Munich
If you fly into Munich, your best bet for transportation from Munich Airport to Passau is by train from nearby Freising station. They run at least once an hour, and you can purchase tickets after you arrive in Munich (about €22-28 per person). You'll need to take a 20 minute bus ride from the airport to the Freising station (they leave at 21 after each hour), connecting with a train from Freising to Passau (about 1 hour, 45 minutes). Airport signage is excellent, leading you to the bus and station. Visit RailEurope.com for train schedules and fares or if you'd prefer to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Flights into Vienna
If you fly into Vienna, we recommend taking the Vienna Airport Lines bus to Vienna's West Railway Station. Trains leave every 30 minutes, and the ride takes 45 minutes. You can purchase tickets in the terminal or from the driver. The cost is about €10. From the West Station, trains leave frequently for Passau, with the journey lasting 2.45-3.25 hours. Cost: €25-50. Visit RailEurope.com for train schedules and fares or if you'd prefer to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Trains also leave the Vienna Airport station less frequently and connect via West Station for Passau. See Austrian Rail at www.oebb.at for information and tickets, which range from €25-65 depending on train and connections.
Tour end
Nearest airport and train station: Vienna (VIE), Austria
Vienna City Center to Vienna Airport
There are a number of convenient and inexpensive ways to get from Vienna City Center to Vienna Airport (about 15 miles away). Depending on which hotel you stay in and what time your flight is, one option may be better than another. All hotels used in Vienna are happy to provide detailed information. Taxis are also available.
Vienna City Center to Munich Airport
If you are returning to Munich to fly out, trains leave often from Vienna's West Station and Main Station to Munich Main Station or East Station, from which you take local rail (SBahn) number 8 to the airport. Figure on about 5-5.25 hours.
Tips on getting to and from your tour.
Daily Transfer from Vienna to Passau
A daily pick-up service is available directly from your hotel in Vienna to Passau. The transfer takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours and must be reserved in advance.
Alternatively, you can return by train. Train tickets can also be arranged in advance.
Please note: Transport of your own bike incurs an additional charge.
For pricing and availability, please refer to the "Dates and Prices" tab on the tour page.
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