Danube Cycle Path Passau – Budapest

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.

Overnight in Passau.

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.

Overnight in Schlögen.

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.

Overnight in Linz.

Day 4: Linz – Grein/Ardagger
40 miles/65 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 town 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.

Overnight in Grein/Ardagger.

Day 5: Grein/Ardagger – Wachau
40 miles/65 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. Your accommodation is located in the heart of the Wachau valley.

Overnight in Wachau valley.

Day 6: Wachau – Traismauer/Tulln
25-37 miles/40-60 km*

Today you'll cycle through the gorgeous Wachau region, replete with charming orchards and verdant vineyards. Pass through the quaint wine towns of Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein (home to a ruined castle), through the 1000-year-old town of Krems, and onwards into Traismauer or Tulln. Whilst in the Wachau region, we highly recommend a memorable wine tasting - we'll be pleased to organize this for you!

Overnight in Traismauer/Tulln.

*distance depends on hotel location

Day 7: Traismauer/Tulln – Vienna
37-25 miles/60-40 km*

Today your bike tour involves a leisurely trip to the Danube metropolis of Vienna, the 'City of Dreams'. 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.

Overnight in Vienna.

*distance depends on hotel location on Day 6.

Day 8: Vienna – Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg
31 miles/50 km

Your bike trip guides you through the National Park at Donau-Auen. Here, you'll get the chance to discover the diversity of the flora and fauna populating the manifold types of landscape within this area. Pedal onwards past the Orth Castle, through the village of Eckertsau, and finally reach Bad Deutsch Altenburg.

Overnight in Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg.

Day 9: Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg – Bratislava
22 miles/35 km

From Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg you can ride along the Römerweg (Roman bike trail) on an excursion to Carnuntum. This archeological site is regarded as one of the most significant in Austria! Afterwards, cycle to the border with Slovakia to discover the brilliant beauty of its capital, Bratislava. Today's shorter distance allows for plenty of time to visit the Old Town and soak up its grand architectural splendor.

Overnight in Bratislava.

Day 10: Bratislava – Mosonmagyaróvár – Györ
25 miles/40 km + train ride

Today you'll cycle a short distance in Slovak territory before passing over the Hungarian border into Rajká. Within the first few kilometers, you'll be greeted by the charm of traditional Hungarian villages and agricultural landscapes.

Your route will guide you through the so-called 'Szigetköz', a small Rye island, created by 'side arms' of the Danube. Moving onwards into Mosonmagyaróvár, make the most of the 'Town of 17 Bridges' with a walking tour through its charming streets before boarding the train to Györ, home to a breathtaking historic center.

Overnight in Györ.

Day 11: Györ – Komárom
25 miles/40 km

Bike towards Bábolna, a well-cultivated town with a beautiful inner center and the local 'National Stud', known well beyond the borders - racehorses are bred within this splendid inner courtyard. The final part of today's route leads you back to the Danube, where you'll reach the divided town of Komárom/Komárno. Tonight, enjoying a rejuvenating session in the spa.

Overnight in Komárom.

Day 12: Komárom – Esztergom/Visegrád
35 miles/55 km + trip by boat or train

Today's route runs near the riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. During the course of the ride, you'll pedal past charming villages set against a verdant backdrop of beautiful vineyards. Sporty bikers can choose the route over Tata, which features inclines that require a basic level of fitness.

Those interested in history should plan to take in the Roman castle at Kelemantia. However, the absolute highlight of the day is your overnight location: Esztergom, also known as 'Hungarian Rome'. Esztergom's basilica is the largest church in the country! Take time out for a comprehensive visit before boarding the riverboat that takes you to Visegrád. Along the way, amazing views will win you over as the beautiful landscape of the so-called 'Donauknie' pass by.

Overnight in Esztergom/Visegrád.
Note: The overnight stay takes place either in Esztergom or in Visegrád (depending on availability at time of reservation). In the case of Esztergom, shipping takes place on the next day from Szentendre to Budapest. The distances remain the same for both instances. You will receive detailed information with your booking confirmation. Additionally, the boat ride isn't possible in Apr, Sep, or Oct, or on Mondays; during these periods/days you will receive a train ticket instead.

Day 13: Esztergom/Visegrád – Budapest
40 miles/65 km

Behold breathtaking Budapest, city of riverside resplendence, where you can feast your eyes on the phenomenal Royal Palace. On the way, peer up at the commanding visage of Visegrád Castle and take a look at the Open Air Museum. Bike into the baroque Old Town of Szentendre from the 'Donauknie', arguably the most attractive section of the Danube bike trail. Upon arriving in breathtaking Budapest, make the most of this unmissable destination on a walk or cycling day tour through the city.

Overnight in Budapest.

Day 14: Individual departure or extension

The capital of Hungary boasts countless sightseeing opportunities. If you'd like to stay longer, we'd be pleased to book extra nights for you, and would recommend our selection of cycling day tours around the city.