Danube by bike with the family, from Linz to Vienna

Austria and the Danube by bike with the family, between Linz and Vienna

The Danube by bike is a playground for young and old. This bike tour is an exciting journey of discovery and a practical holiday for the whole family. Although the programme is designed for youngsters, older children will enjoy the freedom of pedalling together as a family in complete peace and quiet through the landscapes. A wide variety of activities is guaranteed: a donkey adventure and even a ride on the oldest Ferris wheel in the world are just a few of the many highlights.

Highlights of the holiday:

• The picture-postcard landscapes between Linz and Pöstlingberg
• Grei City Theatre
• The Celtic Open-Air Museum in Mitterkirchen
• The Prater amusement park with a Ferris wheel ride included
• Vienna 
• Wachau Valley

Day 1: Arrival in Linz

Welcome and collection of travel documents. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Our suggestion for marvelling with your children: embark on a journey into a unique world on the dragon train through the land of the dwarves. The backdrop for this walk is of course the historic and beautiful city of Linz.

Day 2: From Linz to Mitterkirchen (40 km)

Today, visit a Celtic open-air museum. In a village representing the Iron Age, you will be shown and introduced to the ways of life of the past. You will be accommodated for the night in a comfortable farmhouse in the Machland region. Dinner will be served with exceptional hospitality and delicious homemade Austrian specialties.

Day 3: From Mitterkirchen to Strudengau (40 km)

On your way to Strudengau, you will discover castles and ancient cities in the middle of wooded hills. At the Grein Maritime Museum, admire models of ships that were built centuries ago, a lost naval know-how. In Ardagger, you will witness a paradise of leisure and pleasure: a water park or beach volleyball courts are just a sample of the countless possibilities for family fun. Enjoy!

Day 4: From Strudengau to Wachau (50 km)

Shortly after Pöchlarn, you enter the Wachau Valley, which offers one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe. The impressive and breathtaking Benedictine Abbey of Melk towers over the town and can be seen from afar. Cycling through vineyards that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see, you reach the wine village of Spitz, built around the "hill of 1000 buckets".

Day 5: Wachau (rest)

You can enjoy the magnificent landscape of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In terms of activities, discover Dürnstein or Aggstein Castle, visit the shipbuilding museum in Spitz or swim in the beautiful Danube.

Day 6: From Wachau to Stockerau (50 km) | Train from Krems to Tulln

The day begins with a bike ride through a spectacular landscape of steep rock faces, sun-drenched terraced vineyards, beautifully blooming orchards, picturesque villages, majestic monasteries and authentic castles. Stop occasionally to enjoy the splendid panoramic views until you reach Stockerau.

Day 7: Stockerau to Vienna (25 km)

Approach Vienna at your own pace, your final destination. Along the way, enjoy the fantastic overview of this vibrant and beautiful city. The capital of Austria is a city that loves its music and cuisine. Children will love the traditional sweets and Viennese chocolate, a local institution. On almost every street corner, there are waltzes, impromptu violin concerts or other performances by remarkable street artists. If the kids need a change of pace, head east of Vienna to take a ride on the world's oldest Ferris wheel and enjoy the "Prater" amusement park.

Day 8: Vienna

End your tour after breakfast. Before leaving Vienna, be sure to visit the famous Naschmarkt (international flea market) and stop at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. The return train ride is provided to Linz (personal bicycle at an additional cost). You can also extend your stay in the city of music by booking an extra night.

General information:

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: hostels, 3 and 4* hotels
• Discount for children (quote on request):
  • Bed in a double room (2 additional adults)
    • from 0-6 years old (- 100%)
    • from 7 to 11 years old (- 50%)
    • from 12 to 14 years old (- 25%)
  • Children from 0 to 15 years old in their own room (-10%)

Dates:

Departures every day from 04/26 to 10/04/2025

• Low season: from 09/27 to 10/04
• Mid-season: from 09/20 to 09/26
• High season: from 04/26 to 09/19

Included:

• Self-guided tour
• 7 nights
• 7 breakfasts
• Transfer of luggage
• "Surprises" for children
• Train between Krems and Tulln (bicycle included)
• A ride on the Vienna Ferris Wheel (at the Prater)
• Accommodations provided for children (playroom, outdoor playground)
• Return train between Vienna and Linz (personal bicycle not included)
• Travel diary
• GPS track on request

Not included:

• Transport to the departure point
• Parking
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program

Options:

• Rental of a VTC or Electrically Assisted Bicycle
• Theft guarantee (rented bicycle)
• Half board (6 dinners)
• Additional nights in Vienna or Linz
• Cancellation-multi-risk insurance

Levels:

1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain:

• Mainly dedicated cycle paths
• Some sections on secondary roads
• The outskirts of the city, particularly Vienna, are less pleasant

Climate:

Continental, mild sun, pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

• Bicycle: 25 to 50 km per day or 3 to 6 hours of cycling with children
• Easy itinerary to follow

Bibliography:

Bicycle guides and maps in Austria on: cartovelo.fr

Meals:

• Breakfasts: copious and varied
• Lunch: not included
• Dinner: not included

The bike:

• Rental bike (VAE or VTC): delivered to your hotel on day 2 at the latest. Equipped with a rear pannier, a front pannier, a repair kit and a lock.
• Personal bike: we do not recommend bikes with small tires. VTCs and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to service your bike before leaving. Transport and return are at your expense.

Assistance:

Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except for punctures).

Luggage:

They are transported by a courier or by our correspondent and limited to one piece of luggage per person. (maximum 23 kg)

Travel diary:

We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes when you arrive at the first hotel. We will also give you vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as luggage labels.

Transport:

• By train: Vienna train station, regular service. Connections between Linz and Vienna.
• By car: allow about 12 hours from Paris (1,100 km)
• By plane: Vienna airport

Your vehicle:
Possibility of parking your vehicle in town, near Linz train station (allow €11 per day, secure parking).

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.