Cycling holidays along the Danube, from Passau to Budapest
Set off along the beautiful blue Danube by bike on one of Europe's most famous cycling routes. Starting in Passau, a charming city at the confluence of three rivers, you'll quickly cross the border into Austria. It's a journey you won't soon forget. Picturesque villages will follow one after another, offering an authentic cycling experience. Discover the Schlögener Loop, where the Danube makes a 180° turn. Cycle past vineyards on the hillsides of the romantic Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its landscapes. Then, marshes, forests, nature parks, and rolling hills will unfold, offering a variety of breathtaking panoramas.
Between these landscapes, you'll have the opportunity to visit three magnificent capital cities: Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. The heritage along this stretch of the Danube by bike is truly remarkable. Melk Abbey, overlooking the Danube, the historic Grein Theatre, and Esztergom Basilica are just a few examples of the remarkable monuments you'll encounter along the way.
Highlights of cycling the Danube between Passau and Budapest:
- Passau, the city of three rivers
- The Wachau Valley
- The capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest
- Heritage sites including Melk Abbey, Grein Theatre, and Esztergom Basilica
- Panoramic views of the Danube
Day 1: Passau
Arrival in Passau at your leisure. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to stroll through the old town or enjoy a boat trip and discover the three rivers and their three distinct colors.
Day 2: From Passau to the Schlögener Loop (41 km)
If you have booked bicycles, they will be delivered to the hotel by 9:00 AM. This first leg of your journey takes you through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlögen. Along the way, stop in Engelhartszell, where you can visit Austria's only Trappist monastery. It's also a chance to sample some excellent beer at the source. The route then continues, taking you through the Schlögener Loop, where the Danube makes a complete U-turn!
Day 3: From the Schlögener Loop to Linz (55 km)
You begin the day in the Eferdinger Valley. Along the way, you'll pass numerous ferries that connect the two banks of the Danube. Watching them come and go as you cycle along is a unique experience. Today's destination is Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. In the evening, we recommend strolling through the streets of the old town to enjoy its unique and enchanting atmosphere.
Day 4: From Linz to Strudengau (60 km)
This cycling stage takes you past historical sites. Begin with a visit to Enns, Austria's oldest town. Continue through meadows to reach the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen before proceeding to Baumgartenberg and its majestic church. A few kilometers further on, you'll pass the romantic Clam Castle and then the Baroque village of Grein, home to Austria's oldest theater. Strudengau, today's destination, is just a short distance away.
Day 5: From Strudengau to Nibelungengau (50 km)
High, wooded rock formations rise on both banks of the Danube, providing a stunning backdrop for the cycling route. In Maria Taferl, visit the pilgrimage church perched on its hill overlooking the Danube. You can usually see the Benedictine Abbey of Melk in the distance, which is on the itinerary for the next leg of your journey.
Day 6: From Nibelungengau to Krems or the surrounding area (50 km)
In the magnificent Wachau Valley, you'll cycle through vineyards, apricot orchards, past castles, palaces, and monasteries. Before arriving in Krems, you'll discover the remarkable wine villages of Spitz, Weißenkirchen, and Dürnstein. This is an opportunity to visit one of the many authentic wineries that showcase Austrian hospitality.
Day 7: From Krems or the surrounding area to Vienna (40 km)
You'll leave the Wachau Valley by train for Tulln. Shortly before Vienna, the valley narrows again. You'll cycle through the Vienna Woods, then past Klosterneuburg and its imposing monastery before reaching the resplendent Austrian capital.
If you've rented e-bikes, they will be exchanged directly at the hotel for the rest of the route.
Day 8: From Vienna to Bad Deutsch-Altenburg or the surrounding area (42 km)
Leaving Vienna, you'll quickly find yourself in a nature reserve with pristine alluvial landscapes. Cycle through this calm and peaceful environment, interrupted only by birdsong. In Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, the Romans left their mark on this spa town. If you'd like to take a step back in time, head to the Carnuntum Archaeological Park.
Day 9: From Bad Deutsch-Altenburg or the surrounding area to Bratislava (26 km)
Today, head towards the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. Nestled between the Hainburg Hills and the Carpathian Mountains, the city presents a striking contrast between its historic old town and the modern buildings that have sprung up alongside it.
Day 10: From Bratislava to Győr via Szigetköz (82 km or 44 km)
The Szigetköz wetlands are a haven for fish and birds. Nestled within this protected area are over 500 islets, picturesque farming villages, and a labyrinth of Danube tributaries. The cycling route ends in the beautiful Baroque city of Győr. If you wish to shorten the stage to 44 km, take the train from Mosonmagyarovar to Győr. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines in the station.
Day 11: From Győr to Komarno or surrounding area (57 km)
Today, we recommend visiting the Babolna National Stud Farm. This magnificent Arabian horse breeding farm is well worth a visit. It is among the most famous and prestigious in the world. You have the opportunity to learn more about Hungarian animal husbandry techniques and breeding methods. The day's cycling takes you through rolling green landscapes to Komarno, a famous town and a favorite of King Matthias.
Day 12: From Komarno or its surroundings to the Esztergom region (52 km)
The day begins on the banks of the Slovak Danube, along quiet roads. You'll visit picturesque villages along the way before reaching the Roman fortress of Kelementia. Then comes the highlight of the day: Esztergom, "the City of Bishops and Kings." Its basilica, perched on a rocky outcrop, is the largest Catholic cathedral in Hungary and offers a magnificent view of the Danube Valley.
Day 13: From the Esztergom region to Budapest (50-67 km)
For this final leg, you'll cycle through the beautiful rolling landscapes of the Danube Bend. Along the way, you'll discover idyllic villages like Szentendre, a haven for artists. Nearby, you can visit an open-air museum that immerses you in the rural and agricultural life of mid-20th-century Hungary. You'll arrive in Budapest, enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Note: A boat trip is included at the end of this leg. Depending on the season, this may be replaced by a train journey.
Day 14: Budapest
The tour concludes after breakfast. Book an extra night to explore the Hungarian capital. If you need to return to Vienna, there are regular train connections (approximately 3 hours).
