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A cyclist takes a break next to the well-maintained cycle path in the vineyards of the Wachau and studies the further course of the tour on a map

Danube Cycle Path, Schärding/Passau – Vienna

From Passau or Schärding to Vienna

8 Days / 7 Nights
Easy
A cyclist takes a break next to the well-maintained cycle path in the vineyards of the Wachau and studies the further course of the tour on a map

If you fancy a cycle tour through beautiful Austria, you’re in luck. The Danube cycle path is perfect for particularly special leisurely trip! The tour is considered the most popular cycle route in Europe, with its versatility and beautiful landscape. 

But that’s not all: The Romans, the Nibelungs, emperors and kings have all trodden this path. What can you expect? Baroque towns, idyllic river landscapes and cultural highlights for sightseeing in between. Hop onto the bike saddle and off you go on an exploration through Austria!

Note: This tour is also available as a family tour from Schärding to Linz or from Linz to Vienna

 

The starting point of this cycle tour is the baroque town of Schärding or the three-river town of Passau. The decision from where you want to start is entirely up to you. Nature-lovers will be delighted. The Danube Cycle Path has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Austria. The city of Linz, the Marchland and the Wachau are just a few examples of the charming areas in which you make a well-deserved stopover. The special feature: permanent signposts and the beautiful blue Danube as a landmark. If you lose your way, there is nothing to worry about. Because the river is your faithful companion and brings you safe and well to the metropolis of Vienna.

Foodies take note! Culinary enjoyment is very important in the districts of Upper and Lower Austria. Regional delicacies, exquisite wines and specially produced cider make up the culinary delights.

  • Wine tasting: The Wachau stands out for its wine production. Between all the orchards and vineyards, a tasting can’t be missed!
  • Melk Abbey: This Wachau landmark is certainly worth a visit. Because the Benedictine monastery is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will be impressed!
  • Enjoying coffee in Vienna: When you arrive in the capital, you have really earned yourself a “Verlängerten” (Austrian coffee). Enjoy it as you take in the charm of the city!

Over eight stages you cycle from Passau to Vienna. Numerous breaks provide recovery in between. The easy route is consistently flat, making it ideal for a first family cycling trip.

  • Get all information and many more tour tips for our cycle tours along the Danube Cycle Path.
  • This tour is also available as charm tour.

Itineraryat a glance

Next to Passau and Linz, the Wachau region awaits you as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - ancient wine terraces, the imposing Melk Abbey and the town of Krems will enchant you. Enjoy a wine tasting as well as a pastry with melange coffee in Vienna.

"Baroque Town or Three Rivers Town"

Stroll through the pretty little baroque town of Schärding and marvel at the famous Silberzeile lane. Alternatively take a walk through the “New Centre” of Passau, the town of three rivers, which has been completely redesigned as a pedestrian, car-free area.

Hotel (example) Schärding / Passau:

Cat. A: Stadthotel Schärding / Hotel Passauer Wolf
Cat. B: Stiegenwirt / Hotel Spitzberg
Cat. C: Biedermeier Hof / Hotel Atrium

 

“Upper Danube Valley”

Along the river Inn you will come to Passau, the town of three rivers. We recommend that you take a guided tour of the town, and visit the cathedral where you can enjoy the sounds of the largest church organ in the world (except Sundays and public holidays). Then you will continue along the Danube, first passing Obernzell and finally arriving in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria). You will then cycle through the nature reserve Donauleiten, from where you will reach the Schlögen Bend to the north. This is where granite proved to be too much of an opponent and forced the Danube to change directions by 180 degrees. While a ferry takes you to the other side of the river to your hotel, you have plenty of time to look at this natural phenomenon.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A: Donauschlinge
Cat. B: Wesenufer Hotel & Seminarkultur
Cat. C: Gasthof Draxler

 

“Danube Bend”

Today you will cycle through the green Eferdinger basin via the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering and all the way to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. Linz's historical old town has many pubs and eateries for you 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.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A: Arcotel Nike
Cat. B: Courtyard by Marriott
Cat. C: Donauwelle

 

“Through the Marchland”

On the fourth day, you will take a little detour away from the course of the Danube to St. Florian (Augustinian monastery) and to Enns. In Enns you can go to the town square with its 60 metre town tower, the landmark of the oldest town in Austria, or you visit the archaeological collection in the municipal museum Lauriacum. Afterwards, you will return to the river, first reaching the beautiful little baroque town of Grein. Here you have the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria that is still being used. Or you can visit the maritime museum or Greinburg castle.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A: Aumühle
Cat. B: Goldenes Kreuz
Cat. C: Gasthof zur Donaubrücke

 

“Strudengau and Nibelungengau”

This section of the Danube, the Strudengau, was once feared by sailors, now you can cycle along it. Where they used to fight against the Danube currents, you can now take a leisurely cycle ride. In Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, you will find the magnificent pilgrimage church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A: Post Melk
Cat. B: Donauhof Emmersdorf
Cat. C: Wachauerhof

 

“Wachau”

You should make a little stop in Melk and look up or you will miss the beautiful Stift Melk monastery that overlooks the Danube. As soon as you leave the town you will arrive into the picturesque Wachau region, where you can enjoy the charming atmosphere of the region’s typical orchards and vineyards. You will pass through the little wine towns of Spitz and Weißenkirchen, cycle past the Dürnstein Castle ruin, and finish your journey in the 1000-year old town of Krems or in Tulln. A stay in the Wachau region means that you simply have to take part in a wine tasting, which we have organised for you.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A/B: Gasthof zum Schwan Traismauer, Best Western Hotel Tulln
Cat. C: Nibelungenhof

 

“Vienna Woods”

The final kilometres of your bike tour will be a relaxed trip to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. According to the variant, part of the stage is covered by train. As soon as you arrive you can check-in to your room and then enjoy all the amenities of the city for the rest of the day. Treat yourself to a Viennese-style Americano coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte cake in one of Vienna’s typical coffee houses. Take a stroll along Vienna’s Parade shopping street, along Mariahilfer Strasse, visit the St Stephen’s Cathedral or see the main sights and take a trip in one of the famous Fiaker cabs.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A: Arcotel Kaiserwasser
Cat. B: Roomz Prater
Cat. C: Simm´s Hotel

 

Day
08
Departure or extension

Itineraryat a glance

Next to Passau and Linz, the Wachau region awaits you as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - ancient wine terraces, the imposing Melk Abbey and the town of Krems will enchant you. Enjoy a wine tasting as well as a pastry with melange coffee in Vienna.

"Baroque Town or Three Rivers Town"

Stroll through the pretty little baroque town of Schärding and marvel at the famous Silberzeile lane. Alternatively take a walk through the “New Centre” of Passau, the town of three rivers, which has been completely redesigned as a pedestrian, car-free area.

Hotel (example) Schärding / Passau:

Cat. A: Stadthotel Schärding / Hotel Passauer Wolf
Cat. B: Stiegenwirt / Hotel Innsento
Cat. C: Landhotel St. Florian / Hotel Atrium

 

“Upper Danube Valley”

Along the river Inn you will come to Passau, the town of three rivers. We recommend that you take a guided tour of the town, and visit the cathedral where you can enjoy the sounds of the largest church organ in the world (except Sundays and public holidays). Then you will continue along the Danube, first passing Obernzell and finally arriving in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria). You will then cycle through the nature reserve Donauleiten, from where you will reach the Schlögen Bend to the north. This is where granite proved to be too much of an opponent and forced the Danube to change directions by 180 degrees. While a ferry takes you to the other side of the river to your hotel, you have plenty of time to look at this natural phenomenon.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A: Donauschlinge
Cat. B: Wesenufer Hotel & Seminarkultur
Cat. C: Gasthof Draxler

 

“Danube Bend”

Today you will cycle through the green Eferdinger basin via the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering and all the way to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. Linz's historical old town has many pubs and eateries for you 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.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A: Arcotel Nike
Cat. B: Courtyard by Marriott
Cat. C: Donauwelle

 

“Through the Marchland”

On the fourth day, you will take a little detour away from the course of the Danube to St. Florian (Augustinian monastery) and to Enns. In Enns you can go to the town square with its 60 metre town tower, the landmark of the oldest town in Austria, or you visit the archaeological collection in the municipal museum Lauriacum. Afterwards, you will return to the river, first reaching the beautiful little baroque town of Grein. Here you have the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria that is still being used. Or you can visit the maritime museum or Greinburg castle.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A: Aumühle
Cat. B: Pension Martha
Cat. C: Gasthof zur Donaubrücke

 

“Strudengau and Nibelungengau”

This section of the Danube, the Strudengau, was once feared by sailors, now you can cycle along it. Where they used to fight against the Danube currents, you can now take a leisurely cycle ride. In Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, you will find the magnificent pilgrimage church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A: Post Melk
Cat. B: Donauhof Emmersdorf
Cat. C: Wachauerhof

 

“Wachau”

You should make a little stop in Melk and look up or you will miss the beautiful Stift Melk monastery that overlooks the Danube. As soon as you leave the town you will arrive into the picturesque Wachau region, where you can enjoy the charming atmosphere of the region’s typical orchards and vineyards. You will pass through the little wine towns of Spitz and Weißenkirchen, cycle past the Dürnstein Castle ruin, and finish your journey in the 1000-year old town of Krems or in Tulln. A stay in the Wachau region means that you simply have to take part in a wine tasting, which we have organised for you.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A: Best Western Hotel Tulln
Cat. B/C: Gasthof zum Schwan Traismauer

 

“Vienna Woods”

The final kilometres of your bike tour will be a relaxed trip to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. According to the variant, part of the stage is covered by train. As soon as you arrive you can check-in to your room and then enjoy all the amenities of the city for the rest of the day. Treat yourself to a Viennese-style Americano coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte cake in one of Vienna’s typical coffee houses. Take a stroll along Vienna’s Parade shopping street, along Mariahilfer Strasse, visit the St Stephen’s Cathedral or see the main sights and take a trip in one of the famous Fiaker cabs.

Hotel (example):

Cat. A: Arcotel Kaiserwasser
Cat. B/C: Roomz Prater

 

Day
08
Departure or extension

Route information

Easy

Flat or slightly downhill along the Danube. The cycle path is very well-built and there are no motor vehicles for almost all of the tour. Minor roads make up only very short sections of this tour – the Danube cycle path is a perfect cycle route.

Prices & Dates

Category A: 4**** hotels or the best houses in town

Category B: 4** and 3*** hotels

Category C: 3*** hotels and inns, 4**** hotels in Linz and Vienna

Prices per person in EUR

Our rental bikes

Men's bike 21-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Body size approx. 165 cm - 205 cm

56-51 "sloping" cm |
60 cm |
64 cm
Unisex bike 21/24-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 190 cm

43 cm |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Unisex bike 7-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Body size approx. 155 cm - 190 cm

46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Unisex Electro bike 8-speed
Hub gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 195 cm

46 cm "xs" |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Rental Bike PLUS 20/27-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame

Body size approx. 155 cm - 205 cm

46 cm |
51 cm |
60 cm |
63 cm

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in your selected category
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • EUROBIKE developed route
  • Detailed travel information 1 x per room (German, English)
  • 1 ferry ride (Au-Schlögen) incl. bike
  • 1 wine tasting in the Wachau region
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data available
  • Service hotline

Optional

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
  • Return transfer with van from Vienna, daily in the afternoon. Costs EUR 75 per person, EUR 29 extra for your own bike, reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Schärding and Passau train station
  • Munich airport
  • Schärding: Free public car park on the Eurobike premises directly on the cycle path.
  • Passau: Public car park approx. € 45 per week, no reservation possible/necessary
  • Good train connections between Vienna and Schärding/Passau

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Detailed information

  • When booking, please inform us about where you wish to arrive
  • Weather warranty/Spring and autumn special: Tour bookings with arrival within season 1 can be rebooked free of charge up to 5 working days prior to arrival in case of bad weather

 

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in your selected category
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • EUROBIKE developed route
  • Detailed travel information 1 x per room (German, English, French)
  • 1 ferry ride (Au-Schlögen) incl. bike
  • 1 wine tasting in the Wachau region
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
  • Return transfer with van from Vienna, daily in the afternoon. Costs EUR 79 per person, EUR 39 extra for your own bike, reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Schärding and Passau train station
  • Munich airport
  • Schärding: Free public car park on the Eurobike premises directly on the cycle path.
  • Passau: Public car park approx. € 45 per week, no reservation possible/necessary
  • Good train connections between Vienna and Schärding/Passau

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Detailed information

  • When booking, please inform us about where you wish to arrive
  • Weather warranty/Spring and autumn special: Tour bookings with arrival within season 1 can be rebooked free of charge up to 5 working days prior to arrival in case of bad weather

 

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

From our Cycling Blog

Carina Glück

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Travel specialist
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