A Danube River Cruise... and Cycling!

With La Bicyclette Verte, discover the Danube at its finest with our Danube bike and boat cruises. These unique experiences combine sailing with active exploration by bike. The Danube bike and boat tour invites you to explore one of Europe's most beautiful cycling routes, along the banks of this legendary river.

Our Danube bike and boat tours take you through the most beautiful regions of Central Europe, crossing five iconic countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Serbia. Each stage is designed to offer the perfect balance between cycling and onboard comfort, with accessible routes suitable for all levels.

Certainly the best way to discover the river: a Danube bike and boat cruise.

The Danube bike and boat cruise concept allows you to travel without constraints: while you cycle at your own pace during the day, your boat follows you and welcomes you each evening in a comfortable and friendly setting. The Danube bike-boat tour is ideal for fully enjoying your trip, without worrying about the logistics.

With La Bicyclette Verte, each Danube bike-boat itinerary is designed to promote a gentle and immersive exploration of the region. You'll have time to discover the landscapes, stop in villages, and experience authentic local life along the river.

Choosing a Danube bike cruise means opting for an active, accessible, and refreshing journey in the heart of Europe. With our Danube bike-boat cruises, let yourself be carried away by the river's rhythm and discover the Danube in a new way, amidst nature, culture, and freedom.

Discover Central Europe on a cycling cruise

Cycle and boat tour through the most beautiful capitals of Central Europe: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, or Belgrade

Danube River cruise: cycle along safe bike paths and discover diverse landscapes: verdant valleys, renowned vineyards, charming villages, and grand capitals steeped in history. A Danube cycling and boat tour offers the opportunity to discover one or more capitals nestled along the banks of this majestic river:

• Vienna: All our tours include Vienna. The Austrian capital is the country's main cultural and economic center. The city boasts an impressive heritage and is brimming with museums, cafes, and activities.
• Bratislava: The Slovakian capital is visible from afar, whether you're cycling or boating. Its imposing castle is perched on a rock overlooking the Danube. Exploring the historic city on foot is a delight.
• Budapest: The Hungarian capital also boasts a magnificent heritage. It offers a different perspective at night, when the historic buildings and bridges are beautifully illuminated. Climbing to higher ground reveals breathtaking viewpoints.
• Belgrade: The Serbian capital lies at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. It presents a striking blend of tradition and modernity. Throughout its history, it has been shaped by various civilizations (Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, Austrians, and Serbs).

Our Danube adventures by bike and boat extend as far downstream as the Iron Gates. This splendid canyon offers the opportunity to cycle and navigate a wilder, less populated stretch of the Danube.

The best time for a Danube cruise?

From April to mid-October, you can take a Danube cruise with La Bicyclette Verte. There isn't really an ideal time, as each season has its own advantages and disadvantages. From April to May, spring arrives, painting the fields, towns, and villages with vibrant colors. In June, the still-mild temperatures allow visitors to avoid the crowds and heat of July and August. July and August are the sunniest months and the most festive time to explore the Danube by bike and boat. In September, the vineyards reach maturity, displaying splendid colors. In October, the Indian summer promises more beautiful days and a unique atmosphere.

Danube Cruise: The Must-Sees

• Passau (Germany): Located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau captivates visitors with the unique spectacle of its three distinctly colored waters. Its Baroque old town, with its elegant alleyways and remarkable heritage, makes it an essential stop on the Danube.
• Wachau Valley (Austria): Its landscapes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring terraced vineyards, Baroque abbeys, and picturesque villages.
• Melk Abbey (Austria): A Baroque masterpiece overlooking the Danube, famous for its library and frescoes.
• Danube Bend at Schlögen (Austria): A spectacular meander of the Danube forming a perfect loop in the heart of a natural setting.
• Donau-Auen National Park (Austria): Preserved alluvial forests, a haven of exceptional biodiversity along the river. Szentendre (Hungary): an artists' village with colorful facades, renowned for its galleries and Mediterranean atmosphere.
• Visegrád (Hungary): a medieval citadel overlooking the Danube, offering a spectacular panorama of the valley.
• Iron Gates (Serbia): impressive gorges between steep cliffs, one of the wildest and narrowest sections of the Danube.

Cycling the Danube and EuroVelo 6: the ultimate cycling route

Did you know? The Danube by bike is part of the EuroVelo 6 European route, which stretches from Saint-Brévin-les-Pins to the Black Sea. The cycle route is nicknamed the "River Route" because it runs alongside the Loire, the Rhine, and the Danube. Its cycling infrastructure is among the best in Europe.

Want to cycle along the Danube and stay in hotels? All our routes on the topic: Cycling the Danube.

Plan your own cycling trip along the Danube with Cartovelo's guides and maps!

👉 EuroVelo 6 guides and maps