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Two cyclists riding along Danube riverside path with wildflowers. River cruise ship and town of Engelhartszell visible across the water.

Waltzing along the Danube, MS Prinzessin Katharina

Engelhartszell - Vienna - Engelhartszell

8 Days / 7 Nights
Easy
Two cyclists riding along Danube riverside path with wildflowers. River cruise ship and town of Engelhartszell visible across the water.

The essentials at a glance

Bike and boat tour along the Danube through Austria and Germany. The well-developed cycle path runs through flat terrain suitable for everyone. Highlights include cycling through the UNESCO Wachau Valley with its vineyards and baroque architecture, visiting Vienna's historic center, exploring Melk Abbey, and discovering charming riverside towns like Dürnstein and Grein. Daily distances range from 30-50 km. Full board accommodation on MS Prinzessin Katharina with outside cabins.

Cycling along the Danube offers an exhilarating adventure in several ways. Between Engelhartszell and Vienna, you'll encounter urban treasures, diverse landscapes, architectural marvels, and gastronomic pleasures. Your accommodation, the stylish MS Prinzessin Katharina, accompanies you on the water. Yes, you heard that correctly - your accommodation for this journey is aboard a ship!

Setting off from Engelhartszell with its picturesque monastery, your first cycling stage guides you past the stunning Schlögener Schlinge to Aschach. From there, you'll continue your route by boat to Linz and Mauthausen before reaching the charming town of Grein in Strudengau by bicycle.

On day 4, you cycle to Melk and visit the magnificent abbey there. While you recover from the day's stage, the MS Princess Katharina takes you to Tulln. You reach the Danube metropolis via Klosterneuburg. Day 6 is all about the Austrian capital Vienna. The last stage takes you through the vineyards and winegrowing villages of the Wachau. After a farewell dinner, the MS Katharina will take you back to the city of Passau.

  • The majestic Schlögener Schlinge: Where the Danube literally bit into granite over time, two 180-degree bends were formed. Take a break for a ferry ride or hike up to the Schlögener Blick viewpoint.
  • The idyllic Wachau: The renowned wine-growing region captivates with its terraced vineyards and picturesque villages. The towns of Dürnstein and Spitz, the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, and the Danube itself create a cultural and natural oasis. It's not just wine lovers who will enjoy it here - be sure to try the apricot specialties, whether it's jam, schnapps, or dumplings.
  • History meets contemporary in Vienna: The splendid capital of Austria leaves a lasting impression with its imperial architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and Schönbrunn Palace. It's no wonder it has been voted the most livable city in the world numerous times. Visit the Kahlenberg for a breathtaking panoramic view and delve into the world of art, whether at the Hundertwasserhaus or the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

The Danube Cycle Path is a highly popoular destination for cycling enthusiasts, and for good reason. Its flat terrain, stunning natural scenery, and abundance of historically and culturally significant sites and towns make Europe's second-longest river a truly special vacation destination. On this eight-day tour from Passau to Vienna and back, you'll cover approximately 210 kilometers of its total length of 2,850 kilometers.

 

Traveling by bike and boat is unique in many ways. Your floating hotel accompanies you during the cycling stages and transports you to the next destination, allowing you to relax or enjoy breakfast in the meantime. It's the perfect balance between activity and relaxation!

itinerary at a glance

Individual journey to Engelhartszell, known for its Trappist monastery and scenic natural surroundings, approx. 30 km/18,64 miles from Passau. Embarkation will be around 4:00 pm. Overnight in Engelhartszell.

Need a boost? Try some of the special cordials and liqueurs in the Trappist monastery in Engelhartszell. Supposedly, they have "special healing power." Downstream, the way leads you to pretty villages amid natural landscape. For a change take the little ferry boat through the romantic Schlögener loop, where the river makes a very abrupt 180-degree turn (approx. € 7 per pers.). Shipping from Aschach to Linz and on to Tulln. Tip: discover Linz, the capital of upper Austria while riding on the bright yellow City-Express.

Right in front of Vienna's entrance, embedded in a breathtaking landscape, the monastery of Klosterneuburg is situated. You can already see the cupola of this 900-year-old baroque building from a distance. "Kahlenbergerdorf" with its wine taverns is definitely worth a visit. A short hike through the vineyards leads to the Kahlenberg viewing terrace, where you'll be rewarded with a stunning view of the vibrant metropolis below.

You should be sure to see the most famous places of interest like the St. Stephens Cathedral and the Hofburg, the gorgeous boulevard "Ringstraβe" with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House or the town hall that takes you back to the past. Take your time in the afternoon to stroll or visit one of the famous Viennese coffee bars. In the night shipping to Krems in the Wachau Valley.

Look forward to a bike ride through one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe. The gently rolling hills of the Wachau Valley, with its picturesque villages, well-kept terraced vineyards, historic castles, monasteries, and romantic ruins, are sure to enchant you. In Dürnstein, the blue baroque tower of the abbey church greets you from afar. In Melk, the magnificent Benedictine Abbey towers above the Danube – a place full of history, culture, and impressive architecture. Enjoy this day with all your senses – it is one of the highlights of the journey.

This stage leads you through charming river meadows with wide vistas and small, picturesque towns. The wild Strudengau region, once feared by shipmen, is now a scenic river gorge with forested slopes and rocky shores. In the idyllic town of Grein, you'll find Greinburg Castle towering above the Danube – the oldest residential castle in Austria, which you can explore on a guided tour.

The vast plains of the Machland region accompany you with lush fields and peaceful paths. In the Celtic Village of Mitterkirchen, you can immerse yourself in a long-forgotten era. Upon arrival in Mauthausen, a visit to the memorial site of the former concentration camp is recommended – a place of quiet remembrance and historical responsibility. In the evening, a festive farewell dinner awaits you on board. Overnight cruise to Engelhartszell.

Every journey draws to an end. Arrival in Engelhartszell is about 09:00 am, disembarkation half an hour later. We recommend to book train connections from noon onwards.

Difficulty level

Easy

The well-developed Danube Cycle Path runs through flat terrain without any significant inclines and is suitable for everyone. And if you need a break, simply stay on the boat for a day and enjoy the scenery from the sun deck.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Our rental bikes

The different types of rental bikes at a glance

Unisex Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Unisex bike

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Available gear options can be found in the price table

E-Bike rental bike - Symbol photo
Unisex Electro bike

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

services & information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Program according to itinerary from/to Passau
  • 7 nights in outside cabins in the booked cabin category
  • 1 welcome drink
  • Full meals (7x breakfast, 6x packed lunch for cyclists or lunch snack on board, 6x afternoon coffee break, 6x 3-course-dinner and 1x farewell-dinner with farewell-drink)
  • On board tour guide incl. daily tour briefing
  • Daily cabin cleaning, change of bed linen and towels as needed
  • Detailed travel documents (navigation app and GPS-data)
  • All harbour, lock and bridge fees

Optional

  • Bring your own bike/electric bike:  € 49,- (on request only, limited)
  • Bus transfer Passau main station - Engelhartszell and back €50,- /person
  • Helmets € 45,-/week, reservation necessary and to be paid for in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Passau main station
  • Parking available in Engelhartszell, directly at the harbour, within walking distance of the berth

THINGS TO NOTE

  • Minimum number of participants: 80 persons
  • Further important information according to the package travel law and additional information about your bike and boat trip can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Your ship

Melanie Spitzwieser

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Melanie Spitzwieser
Travel Specialist
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Friday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
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