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1,469.00 €The Danube is a magnificent river that inspires both cyclists and cruise enthusiasts (it's possible to combine these two passions : cycling cruise along the Danube). The river rises in Donaueschingen and flows into the Black Sea in Romania. A cycling route along the riverbanks was established in 1989 and has been attracting tourists from all over the world ever since. While it's called the Donauradweg in German, the Danube by bike is now directly integrated into the EuroVelo 6 European route. This route connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea, following two of Europe's most beautiful rivers: the Loire and the Danube.

The answer to this question is obviously very personal, and everyone has their own opinion on the matter. The best way to form your own opinion is to cycle along the Danube yourself 😉. We present the main sections of the Danube by bike below:
The Danube rises in Donaueschingen before meandering through the Bavarian plains. This is one of the most peaceful stretches between Donaueschingen and Donauwörth. You can cycle from monastery to castle and from town to charming village. The cycle network is excellent. We particularly love Ulm and the castles of Fürstenberg and Sigmaringen.
This entirely Bavarian section follows the Danube and its meanders through dense forests, limestone cliffs, and other landscapes offering beautiful panoramas.
The Passau-Vienna by bike itinerary is undoubtedly the most famous and most popular section of the Danube Cycle Route. After a few kilometers, the route leaves Germany and enters Austria. The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a magnificent setting for the journey: hillside vineyards, splendid villages, and remarkable heritage. Vienna, the majestic capital, brilliantly punctuates the trip.
The Danube Cycle Route from Vienna to Budapest offers three magnificent capital cities. The Slovakian capital, Bratislava, completes the trio. It's also an opportunity to cycle through three different countries: Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. This section offers a cultural cycling trip through Central Europe.
This final section is the least traveled but also the least well-equipped in terms of cycling infrastructure. It's a bit of an off-the-beaten-path adventure that awaits cyclists. At La Bicyclette Verte, we don't work on this section of the route except for our Bike and Boat tour, which goes all the way to the Iron Gates and Belgrade. Cartovelo provides numerous maps and guides if you prefer to plan your own trip.
👉 Maps and guides on EuroVelo 6
The most complicated aspect of cycling the Danube is undoubtedly the logistics. How do I get to the starting point and back? Where can I rent a bike along the Danube? How do I transport my luggage? How do I transport my own bike? At La Bicyclette Verte, with our all-inclusive cycling holidays on the Danube, we take care of almost everything. And we are available to answer all your questions, whether during the planning stages or once you're on the road.
It all depends on your average daily mileage. It takes 6 to 7 days to cycle from Passau to Vienna, averaging 50 km per day. For Vienna to Budapest, it's 5 to 6 days, averaging 65 km per day. Cycling the entire Danube takes 40 to 60 days!
The cycle paths along the Danube are excellent between Donaueschingen and Budapest. The surface is mostly smooth with some sections of gravel. Hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, and gravel bikes are perfectly suitable. Road bikes are not recommended. From Budapest to the Black Sea, cycle paths are less frequent, and the route alternates between secondary roads and country lanes.
We recommend cycling the Danube from April to October. May, June, and September are ideal months to avoid the crowds and intense heat of July and August.
No, the Danube by bike is a cycling route with no particular difficulties. The route is fully signposted and largely follows a high-quality cycle network. There is virtually no elevation gain along the entire route.
The Wachau Valley in Austria is certainly the most famous and most popular section of the Danube by bike.
Yes, it is perfectly possible to cycle the Danube with children. Simply adjust the itinerary and book family-friendly accommodations.
👉 Our family cycling tour along the Danube
No, it's not mandatory to use an agency to cycle along the Danube. While it greatly simplifies logistics, it's perfectly possible to organize your cycling trip independently. Numerous dedicated cycling guides are available to help you prepare and navigate on the road.
👉 Guides and maps for cycling along the Danube
The Danube Cycle path, or Donauradweg, stretches for 2,850 km, from Donaueschigen to the Black Sea.
The route crosses no fewer than eight countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria.