Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)
8 nights from €1718
4.72Upscale accommodation along one of Europe's most beautiful bike routes
While most clients are more than pleased with our Classic tour, many have asked for a more upscale option. We're pleased to introduce Danube Bike 8 Nights Path: Upscale Lodging, which stays in the top hotels in each overnight stop along the way, primarily 4- and 5-star hotels in town centers.
Explore the picturesque paths along the winding Danube River just like the Romans, Nibelungs, and even Europe's powerful kings and emperors did! You'll get to know the beauty and historical significance of this ancient military and trading route whilst never being far away from cool, clear waters 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 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!
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.
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.
Many people wish to do research before the tour. We recommend 'The Danube Cycling Path from Donaueschingen to Budapest' and 'Frommer's Guide to the Danube Valley and Vienna'. You'll receive the 'Danube Bike Trail' by Esterbauer at your start hotel. You can purchase it in advance through www.gotrekkers.com. Enter 'BK002' in the search box for the book that covers the area from Passau to Vienna. Enter 'RK1' for a foldable map of the trail. The rates are in Canadian dollars.
Fantastic trip!
“This was our 3rd ride with Biketours. It was a fantastic and enjoyable as the previous 2. The local tour company did a great job with the app and book for navigation. The upscale…” Full Review
“This was our 3rd ride with Biketours. It was a fantastic and enjoyable as the previous 2. The local tour company did a great job with the app and book for navigation. The upscale lodging was just that. All fantastic and of course the European breakfast can't be beat. The Danube path was mostly flat, well-marked, and full of highlights—Passau’s charm, the Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey, and Vienna’s grandeur. Daily luggage transfers made travel easy, and we enjoyed the freedom to stop for coffee, pastries, or wine tastings whenever we wanted. Comfortable inns, great food, and stunning scenery made each day memorable. Arriving in Vienna by bike felt like a real accomplishment. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a scenic, flexible, and stress-free cycling vacation.” Less
—Greg & Dawn
Romantic Danube
“This was our fourth time riding this trip. One can never tire riding this beautiful cycle path, the beautiful countryside, small town’s and villages, farms, orchards, city…” Full Review
“This was our fourth time riding this trip. One can never tire riding this beautiful cycle path, the beautiful countryside, small town’s and villages, farms, orchards, city centers and buildings that are hundreds of years old, castles, etc. We prefer to go with the “Upscale Version “, perhaps a reflection of our age. The hotels and locations were excellent.
We select the upgraded bikes and they were in perfect condition. We combined the “Tauren Krimml to Passau “ cycle route on this trip and enjoyed the ride immensely.
I have worked with “Bike Tours.com” for many years now and really appreciate the excellent customer service and support!” Less
—Jim Grosd
Favorite bike tour!
“This is our 3rd this type tour and for sure our favorite. The Danube cycle path is perfect… gorgeous scenery, flat, paved. We loved the small towns and the accommodations. Would highly recommend. Oh… the bikes were great too.”
—Tonya
Daily Program
This itinerary follows a slightly different route than our 'Classic' itinerary. You will have different overnight locations due to the upscale lodging options.
Please note distances listed in the itinerary are approximate and may vary depending on specific hotel locations.
Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Arrive in Passau, the 'City of Three Rivers', and stroll through the stunning 'New Centre', completely redesigned to be a pedestrianized, car-free area. In the evening, you'll receive a welcome briefing and personalized bike fitting.
Day 2: Passau – Schlögen
Danube bend (25 miles/40 km
Before you cycle, pay a visit to St. Stephan's Cathedral, home to the largest church organ in the world. You may be lucky enough to hear this wonderful instrument with your very own ears (except on Sundays and public holidays)! You'll then start your cycling adventure along the Danube, riding first through Obernzell before arriving in Engelhartszell, which boasts the only Trappist monastery in Austria.
Cycling through the nature reserve at Donauleiten, make your way to the stunning Schlögen Bend to the north. This natural phenomenon marks the place where granite proved too much of an opponent for the Danube, forcing it to make a turn of 180 degrees. A ferry will take you to the other side of the river once you've admired this one-of-a-kind spectacle.
Day 3: Schlögen
Danube bend – Linz (34 miles/ 55 km
Today you'll glide through the glorious green of the Eferdinger Basin, passing through the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim, and Wilhering as you journey to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. The historical Old Town of Linz is replete with brilliant restaurants and pubs to discover. Other highlights of the European Capital of Culture 2009 include the magnificent views from Pöstlingberg Mountain and a stroll through the Donaulände Park.
Day 4: Linz – Ardagger/Grein
34 miles/55 km
On the fourth day, you'll take a little detour away from the Danube's course towards the Augustinian monastery at St. Florian and to Enns. In Enns - the oldest town in Austria - enjoy sightseeing in the town square, home to a 60-meter tower, or visit the archeological collection in the municipal museum of Lauriacum. Afterwards, return to the river via the beautiful baroque town of Grein. Here, take the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theater in Austria (still in use), the maritime museum, or the grand Greinburg Castle.
Day 5: Ardagger/Grein – Melk
34 miles/55 km
This section of the Danube - the Strudengau - was once feared by sailors for its strong currents but now provides a tranquil setting for your cycle ride. In Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, you will find the magnificent pilgrimage church which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. In Melk, make sure to look up or you'll miss the beautiful monastery that overlooks the Danube.
Day 6: Melk – Dürnstein
19 miles/30 km
Immediately after leaving Melk, you'll ride into the picturesque Wachau region, where you'll be surrounded by verdant orchards and vibrant vineyards. Pass through the charming little towns of Spitz and Weißenkirchen, then cycle further on to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle.
Day 7: Dürnstein – Tulln
34 miles/55 km
It's only a short distance before you'll ride into Krems today, a 1000-year-old town. You'll have time for a scenic stroll through the stunning old part of the city, perhaps visiting the celebrated Egon Schiele Museum.
Day 8: Tulln – Vienna
25 miles/40 km
The final kilometers of your bike tour involve a leisurely trip to the Danube metropolis of Vienna, the 'City of Dreams'. As soon as you arrive, you can occupy your room and enjoy the amenities of the city for the rest of the day. Sip on a sublime cup of coffee and enjoy a slice of traditional 'Sachertorte' in one of the numerous coffee houses, or take a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage ('Fiaker'). Stroll along Vienna's famous shopping street (Mariahilfer Straße), visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, and consider a cycling day tour of the city.
Day 9: Departure or extension of trip
If you want to extend your stay in Vienna, we are happy to organize some extra nights. Transfer back by van is possible (additional charge, upon request only). You may even like to consider extending your itinerary with a cycling day tour in Vienna or Munich.
Hotels
The following hotels are provided only as samples and may vary based on availability.
Danube Upscale Lodging hotels: 4- and 5-star hotels
Passau: Hotel Residenz
Schlögen: Hotel Donauschlinge (rooms with balcony)
Linz: Hotel Am Domplatz
Ardagger: Landgasthof Winter
Melk: Hotel Zur Post (comfort plus category)
Dürnstein: Hotel Schloß
Tulln: Best Western Hotel
Vienna: Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof
Please note if visitors tax is due, it is not included in the tour cost. You can pay this small fee directly to hotel reception when you check out.
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
Gravel bike
The gravel bike is manufactured especially for us by the bike manufacturer MAXX from Rosenheim. The lightweight yet durable frame construction ensures an agile ride, while the tyres provide optimum grip and comfort on a variety of surfaces.
Frame & Geometry
Men’s frame
Comfortable gravel geometry for a fast ride
6061-T6 aluminium diamond frame
High-quality carbon fork
Gravel handlebars (wider and more flared than racing handlebars)
Available Frame Sizes (Men’s)
S: 155–166 cm → 44 cm
M: 166–173 cm → 48 cm
L: 173–181 cm → 52 cm
XL: 181–188 cm → 56 cm
XXL: 188–196 cm → 60 cm
Drivetrain & Components
SRAM Apex gear system, 1 x 12 gears
(front chainring: 40 teeth, rear sprockets: 11–50 teeth)Hydraulic disc brakes from SRAM
Internally routed wires/cables
Wheels & Tyres
Wheels from Miche
Schwalbe G-One gravel tyres (suitable for asphalt, unpaved roads, or off-road)
Saddle & Accessories
Selle Italia gel saddle
Weight approx. 11.5 kg
Bottle cage
Vaude Trailsaddle for day luggage*
Puncture kit with air pump, spare inner tube, and small repair kit
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
Bikes 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 (not for gravel bike)
- 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.
Bike Protection:
Included with the rental
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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