5 nights | 50 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 559
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Danube Bike Path
5 night self guided bike tour in Austria and Germany
This 5-night tour along the Danube River is a "sporty" experience for travelers interested in covering longer cycling distances each day. The active option described here treats you an average of 50 miles each day. If you're looking for a more leisurely cycling option, check out the Danube Bike Path (Classic) tour.
Explore the paths along the blue Danube River just like the Romans, the legendary Nibelungs, and even Europe's powerful kings and emperors did before you. You will get to know the beauty and historical significance of this ancient military and trading route. Never far away from the cool, clear water of the Danube, you will enjoy one of Europe’s most beautiful and popular cycle routes.
You start your trip in the baroque town of Passau, the town of three rivers. You will cycle through various districts of Upper and Lower Austria and finally to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. You will love the breathtaking natural beauty of the Danube valley and the Schlögen bend or perhaps you will fall in love with the landscapes along the Danube river such as the Machland, the Strudengau, or the famous Wachau.
In the rural areas, to accompany these wonderful impressions, you can enjoy many traditional Austrian delicacies. Your physical wellbeing will be well catered for, from savory dumpling specialties and moreish must all the way to the wines of the Buschenschenken taverns in the Wachau region.
Highlights
- The Danube, one of Europe's most beautiful and popular cycle routes
- Passau, the town of three rivers
- Vienna, the capital of Austria
- Breathtaking natural beauty of the Danube valley and the Schlögen bend
- Landscapes along the Danube river - Machland, the Strudengau, and the famous Wachau
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours.
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![Austria Biketour]()
![Passau Altstadt Germany Danube (photo:aconcagua) CC-BY-SA-3.0]()
![Vienna Budapest]()
![Vienna Austria Stephansplatz (photo:victormalyushev)]()
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![Vienna Austria Stephansdoms (photo:bwag) CC-BY-SA-4.0]()
![Wachau Durnstein Austria (photo:lonezor) CC-BY-SA-3.0]()
![Vienna Austria Hundertwasserhaus (photo:bwag) CC-BY-SA-4.0]()
![Cathedral Austria Biketour]()
![Passau Germany Alley (photo:nayanbadolla)]()
![Passau Germany Danube (photo:aconcagua) CC-BY-SA-3.0]()
![Passau Germany Flowers (photo:ramitayyem)]()
![Passau Germany Ststephanchurch (photo:cedricschulze)]()
![Vienna Austria (photo:leyre)]()
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![Vineyards Germany Bike Tour (photo:svenwilhelm)]()
![Wachau Valley Austria Vineyards (photo:lonezor) CC-BY-SA-3.0]()
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Daily program
Day 1: Individual arrival to Passau
It is recommended to arrive early because Passau has much to offer. The well-known cathedral houses the world's biggest church organ. In the evening: personal welcome briefing and handover of the bikes (if booked).Day 2: Passau – Aschach (43 miles/70 km)
We recommend a short city tour or a visit to the cathedral, where you can listen to the largest church organ in the world (except Sundays and holidays). Then, you will start your journey along the Danube via Obernzell to Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria). You will cycle through the nature reserve Donauleiten and reach the Schlögen bend on its northern side. Here, the granite stone was too hard an opponent and the Danube had to make a 180° turn. You will have time to watch this natural phenomenon during a ferry ride to the other side of the river. Soon you will reach Aschach, where you will find your hotel.Day 3: Aschach – Ardagger/Grein (50 miles/80 km)
Today, you will ride your bike through the green of the Eferdinger Becken (basin) via Ottensheim, and Wilhering to the Upper Austrian capital Linz. Following the motto, "In Linz beginnt’s" ("It starts in Linz") you can begin your city tour in one of the many restaurants in the historic old town. Further highlights of the European cultural capital of 2009 are the magnificent views from the Pöstlingberg or a stroll along the Danube. Later, you will continue your trip towards Strudengau and Nibelungengau to Grein and its surroundings.Day 4: Ardagger/Grein – Krems (52 miles/85 km)
From the Baroque town of Grein, with the oldest city theatre in Austria, you will ride your bike down the river. In Melk, you should stop briefly and look up - otherwise, you may miss the beauty of the abbey Melk, which towers above the Danube. Then, you will cycle via the wine towns of Spitz and Weißenkirchen and past the ruins of the castle Dürnstein to your hotel in Krems. A wine tasting is highly recommended (not included in the package).Day 5: Krems – Vienna (50 miles/80 km)
From the 1,000-year-old city Krems, you will cycle via Traismauer and visit the Roman town of Tulln. Here, you can once again enjoy the tranquility and culture (perhaps a visit to the Egon Schiele museum) of the rural area before you will get to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. Enjoy a cup of "Verlängerter" coffee and a piece of the famous cake Sachertorte in one of the typical Viennese coffee houses or visit the main attractions of the city during a ride with one of the famous "Fiaker" (horse-drawn carriages).Day 6: Departure or Extension of Trip
If you are interested in extending your stay, we would be pleased to book some extra nights for you.Surface and terrain
The route follows dedicated bike paths most of the route (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 as well.
From time to time you cross the river, over dams, locks and bridges and sometimes in small ferries that hold about a dozen cyclists. There will be short sections you'll cycle on minor roads.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.
The accommodations on this tour are 3- and 4-star hotels.
Hotel Weißer Hase, Passau
www.weisser-hase.deHotel Faustschlössl, Aschach
hotelwebseite.atHotel Goldenes Kreuz, Grein
www.hotel-in-grein.atArte Hotel, Krems
www.arte-hotel.atCourtyard by Marriott, Vienna Prater
www.marriott.comPlease note if visitors tax is due, it is not included in the tour cost.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Munich (MUC), Germany
Nearest train station: Passau, GermanyFlights 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 and 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 and 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), AustriaVienna City Center to Vienna Airport
There are a number of convenient and inexpensive ways to get from Vienna City Center to the Vienna Airport (about 15 miles away). Depending on which hotel you stay in and at 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
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Dates
Daily: Apr 2-Oct 8, 2022
Prices
Tour package
Per person, double occupancy € 559 Single room surcharge (1 person/1 room) € 159 Optional dinner package € 125 Bike Rentals
Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed unisex frame € 89 Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed men's frame € 89 Hybrid touring bike, 27-speed, upgrade € 139 Road bike € 199 Electrically assisted bike € 199 Extra Nights, Passau
Single room (1 person/1 room) € 99 Per person, double occupancy € 69 Extra Nights, Vienna
Single room (1 person/1 room) € 115 Per person, double occupancy € 69 Discounts
Child, ages 0-5 sharing a room with two full-paying adults (on base package price) 100% Child, ages 6-11 sharing a room with two full-paying adults (on base package price) 50% Child, ages 12-14 sharing a room with two full-paying adults (on base package price) 25% Child, 15 -17 sharing a room with two full-paying adults (on base package price) 10% Included services
- 5 nights in rooms with private facilities in 3- and 4-star hotels
- Daily breakfast from buffet
- Daily luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (no limit in pieces of luggage)
- Route description and card material
- 7 day service hotline in case of emergencies
- Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting
- Rental bike insurance
- If half board is booked: 4 dinners (not possible in Vienna)
- GPS tracks available upon request
Please note if visitors tax is due, it is not included in the tour cost. You will pay these small fees at hotel reception.
Bike rentals
Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:
- Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed, unisex
- Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed, men's frames, crossbar
- Hybrid touring bike, 27-speed, upgrade
- Electrically assisted bike, Pedelec, unisex*
- Tandem bikes are available (upon request only)
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
All above 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 a helmet (not rent) from the tour company for €40. It will be a high quality, brand new helmet. You must let us know your helmet preference upon booking. If you do not buy a helmet through the tour company, we recommend you bring your own.Specifications on hybrid touring 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 hybrid bikes will be upright for comfort
Upgraded components on 27-speed hybrid bikes
- Hydraulic Magura HS 11 brakes
- Shimano Deore XT derailleur on 27-speed
- High-quality Suntour suspension fork
*Posture for 27-speed upgraded hybrid bikes will be upright and forward
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Route Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
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Reviews
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★★★★★ Cathy 2 hours ago
I've wanted to do this for years!
Way back in 2005 I took a river boat cruise down the Danube and saw people cycling along the bank. Finally, after retiring and after covid, my dream ride happened. We weren't sure about the distance from Passau to Vienna, so we chose to take the ferry from Passau to Linz and start from there. We rode ebikes. This was a difficult choice for us because we ride quite a bit weekly in the States, but we were glad to have the ebikes. The bikes are a little heavy so riding on the econo mode gave us the feel of a regular weight bike. That detail aside, the ride, the hotels, the meals, and of course the people, were all fantastic. We planned to dress in layers and that served us well; mornings would start cool and afternoons could warm to the low 70's in early September. The scenery was amazing. Each hotel was lovely and if not directly on the trail, quite easy to find in the town/city. Because we rode through small towns, we saw a part of Austria that you cannot see from a boat or bus tour. The route was mostly well marked and when we did get off the beaten path, there was always someone who could point us in the right direction even if we don't speak the native language. We ate in our hotels, in small pubs, and a grocery store on Marback where we had a freshly made sandwich eaten on the deck at the edge of the river. It was all delicious. The beautifully refurbished family home in Mitterkirchen was lovely as was Stephanie, the owner, who greeted us. We sampled local wines as we traveled through the towns and Wachau Valley and had a fabulous dinner at the Hotel Schloss in Durnstein, while overlooking the Danube. We met people young and older from vairous parts of Germany, the UK, Canada, and local Austrians. I was a little worried about getting to the hotel in Vienna as we had to go down a main road and around a rotary, but Austria is such a bike friendly country that designated bike routes took us from the bridge to our hotel. An added bonus, when we did have to leave, the hotel was about 300 yards from the train station that took us directly to the airport. We won't wait years for the next bike trip, we're already looking at Vienna to Budapest!
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 10, 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- First bike tour
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Goherd September 2, 2019
Flawless......
Everything was excellent. Hotels exceeded our expectations. Bikes were great. Liz was very patient with our changes and special requests. We did the 4 day Danube. Very easy ride.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 8/13/19
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ vacationsmakemehappy May 16, 2019
Nice LONG ride
Disclaimer - I loved the vacation pedaling along in pretty much isolation, just my husband and I, and peaceful time in beautiful scenery. We loved the hotels we stayed at along the trail. For the average Joe though, the sport version isn't for you. That's why I wouldn't recommend this sporty trip to most people.
See below for more detailsThe sporty ride was just that. Long days in the saddle, which we expected since my husband wanted to do the short (meaning less days not miles) due to work obligations. The 45-50 mile days seemed fine, but the 57 mile day was long.
The sporty version left little time for sight seeing along the way. We had to strategically plan out where we were going to spend our 2-2.5 hours of sightseeing time each day, because there was no possible way to see everything. We were on the bikes riding each day by 7:45-8:15, typically had a picnic lunch somewhere along the way with food we either carried with us or picked up along the way at a grocery store. (One of our picnics was standing by a rock waiting for the taxi to pick us up at the Mauthausen Concentration Camp to take us back to the taxi station downtown - would highly recommend the taxi unless you are VERY sporty or have an e-bike-info said there was a longer more gentle route, but we were having difficulty following some of the directions included.)
If going early in the season or on days with poor weather, I highly recommend taking some food and WATER with you. Only on the first ride day and the last ride day were any of the 'trail magic' stops open for an unexpected cup of coffee, beer, or food. Most things were shut down tight. It was in the low 40s when we started out 3 mornings and also raining 2 of those. Make sure you have GOOD rain gear -not water resistant - and waterproof gloves. Wringing out your cycling gloves and then having to put them back on isn't really very comfortable. Luckily our rain gear (except gloves was superb) Make sure your rain coat has a hood to put up under your helmet or take a waterproof helmet cover.
There were many places where we had detours (even on the bike path) due to various construction projects which made parts of the trip seem a bit harder navigating than they would otherwise have been. This seemed to happen both long ride days which made those days even longer.
Take toilet paper with you and be prepared to take a squat ladies - and men. There were long stretches with nothing in sight at times, and when you have to go...! I kind of expected this, so we were prepared.
The bikes we had didn't have cages to hold water bottles, so we had to carry the water in the pouches included on the bike. But to get a drink you had to stop unhook snaps, drink, rehook or roll down waterproof bags, and start again. I can't imagine we would have been able to or wanted to carry that much water (heavy) for warmer weather. Without easy access to water, the trip was extended about 5 minutes for every drink stop. Not that long but over 50+ miles, it adds up and takes away from time you could be doing more interesting touring.
The bikes in general were heavy. We didn't get the road bikes though, because we knew we would have to be carrying supplies and the road bikes didn't offer that.
We LOVED our hotel room in Feldkirchen an der Donau -- Faustschlössl Hotel-Restaurant. The food was FABULOUS! Salmon with pesto and asparagus
We also LOVED our hotel room in Gasthof „Zur Donaubrücke“ and eating in the dining room - NOT lounge. The only thing we didn't like about this hotel was that reception/lobby was in the bar which is smoking permitted. On the day we checked in, it was so smoking I waited in the hallway. I wasn't willing to duck under the smoke cloud to get checked in. I'm not a smoker and have asthma. It was NOT happening.
We'd been to Melk Abbey before so didn't do that. But we did go into town. There is a great little bakery coffee shop on the left side of the left fork (probably main shopping street) kind of across from the butcher store which would be in the center of that fork mentioned when you go into town from the bike path. Great espresso and desserts. And they had GLUTEN FREE CAKES which made this GF necessary girl extremely happy!!!
Make sure you take an extra day in the Wachau/Krems/Durnstein area. It is FABULOUS!!!!!
The luggage transfers went off without a hitch - thank goodness!!!
Be prepared to carry your luggage up to the top floor of every hotel.- What was the date of your tour?
- April 28 (1st ride day), 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
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