The Danube by bike, from Passau to Budapest - sporty version

Passau and the Danube capitals by bike in a sporty version, between Germany and Hungary

Ready for an unforgettable journey along the Danube? From the charming city of Passau to the majestic Budapest, let yourself be amazed by picturesque landscapes, historic villages and cultural treasures. Each stage has its own beautiful surprises: fortresses, abbeys, vineyards and even baroque cities. Pedalling on paths traced by history, tasting local specialties and contemplating enchanting panoramas will make this bike trip unique. Embark on the adventure and enjoy the magic that awaits you on the banks of the largest river in Europe.

Thanks to this circuit in a "sporty" version, travel the entire Danube route by bike between Passau and Budapest in 10 days! The stages are a little longer than our "classic" versions but do not present any other particular difficulty.

Highlights of the trip:

• Passau and the Danube
• Wachau Valley
• 3 capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest
• Donau-Auen National Park
• Žitný Ostrov Nature Reserve
• Esztergom Basilica - the largest church in Hungary
• Danube Bend
• The artists' city of Szentendre

Day 1: Passau

Settle in Passau, the "City of Three Rivers", which is located in Bavaria, not far from the Austrian border. Famous for the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau's baroque old town was designed by Italian architects. The sumptuous St. Stephen's Cathedral houses one of the largest organs in the world. Don't miss the Veste Oberhaus fortress, with a panoramic view over the entire region. The variety of museums, quaint cafés and peaceful riversides make Passau a must-see.

Overnight in Passau

Day 2: From Passau to Eferdinger Valley (70 km)

Start this bike ride along the banks of the Danube. The route takes you to the Schlögener Bend loop. The granite mountains of Mühlviertel have forced the Danube to make a 180° turn to follow its course. Upon arrival, take the ferry across the Danube (not included) to the south bank. Visit the charming village of Aschach before reaching your overnight stop, Brandstatt.

Overnight in Brandstatt

Day 3: From Eferdinger Valley to Strudengau (86 km)

Today's route takes you first to Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. The city spreads out on the banks of the Danube and offers a subtle blend of historical heritage and modernity. The city centre has charming baroque façades, particularly around the Hauptplatz (main square) and its Trinity Column. There is no shortage of activities and places to visit. Continue your route via Grein, where the impressive castle and the oldest theatre in Austria are worth a visit.

Overnight in Strudengau.

Day 4: From Strudengau to Krems or its surroundings (90 km)

Leave the picturesque baroque village of Strudengau to cycle towards Nibelungengau and then to Pöchlarn, the birthplace of the renowned artist Oskar Kokoschka. Hop on your bike to visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk. You are in the Wachau Valley, inscribed in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites, todiscover magnificent landscapes and villages, each more charming than the last. Spitz or Weissenkirchen and their vineyards or Dürnstein and its ruins provide with an unforgettable memory This beautiful day ends in Krems, a thousand-year-old wine-growing town.

Overnight in Krems or its surroundings

Day 5: From Krems (or its surroundings) to Vienna (80 km)
This stage btakes you through the vast fields of Tulln. You continue through the Vienna Woodsand then pass in front of the remarkable Greifenstein castle and Klosterneuburg Monastery. Vienna is just a few kilometres away. The capital of Austria has a fascinating imperial history and a unique cultural atmosphere. Stroll along the Ringstraße to admire majestic buildings such as the State Opera and the Parliament. Imperial palaces such as the Hofburg and Schönbrunn immerse visitors in the world of the Habsburgs. Vienna is also a city of music, with Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss all having left their mark here. Don’t miss the Belvedere Museum and its famous Klimt collection. Finally, stop off at a Viennese café to enjoy a Sachertorte or an Apfelstrudel.

Overnight in Vienna

Day 6: From Vienna to Bratislava (68 km)
Just outside Vienna, the Donau-Auen National Park begins, revealing an enchanting setting with varied flora and fauna. On your way, do not miss the castles of Orth and Eckartsau, and the spa town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg, marked by the Roman imprint. You then reach Bratislava, the attractive Slovak capital, with a picturesque historic center and many remarkable buildings. The imposing towers majestically above the Danube.

Overnight in Bratislava

Day 7: From Bratislava to Györ (82 km)
Today, you cross Žitný ostrov (Rye Island), a true haven for birds and fish. This string of river islands, surrounded by two branches of the Danube and the Váh River, is dotted with charming agricultural villages. You end the stage in the city of Györ, located at the confluence of three rivers and renowned for its old baroque town.

Overnight in Györ

Day 8: from Györ to Esztergom (95 km)
You start with gently rolling agricultural landscapes to reach the city of Komarom, favouredby King Matthias. Then, you follow the Slovak bank of the Danube: towpaths and quiet secondary roads take you through small rural villages. On the way, stop at the Roman fort of Kelemantia. You then arrive at Esztergom, an episcopal and royal city, overlooked by the largest church in Hungary, its sumptuous basilica.
Tip: If the distance seems too long, you can take the train from Györ to Komarno. Tickets, sold at ticket machines at the station, cost around €1 per journey way and reduce the stage to around 52 km.

Overnight in Esztergom

Day 9: from Esztergom to Budapest (91 km)
The Danube bendreveals an enchanting, hilly landscape. You pass through small picturesque villages and the artists’ city of Szentendre, which is worth a visit for its Ppen-air museum. When you arrive in Budapest, you will be blown away by the breathtaking view of the Hungarian capital’s must-see monuments.

Overnight in Budapest

Day 10: Budapest
The trip ends after breakfast. For those wishing to return to Vienna, trains leave every hour from Budapest (approximately three hours). There are also buses serving Vienna airport.

General information:

• 10 days and 9 nights
• Standard version : 3 or 4* hotels and charming guest houses

Dates:

Departures on Wednesdays from 23/04 to 08/10 inclusive

• Low season: 08/10
• Mid-season: 23/04, 24/09, 01/10
• High season: from 30/04 to 17/09 (inclusive)

Included:

• 9 nights with breakfasts
• 1 bottle of wine per room in the Wachau Valley
• Train between Krems and Tulln (with bike)
• Train or boat crossing in the Danube Bend
• Luggage transfer between each accommodation
• Travel book
• GPS tracks on request
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except puncture)

Not included:

• Transport to the departure point
• Return from Budapest
• Lunches and dinners
• Drinks
• Tourist taxes
• Parking
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program

Options:

• Standard bike or ebike
• Theft guarantee (rented bike)
• Additional nights in Paussau and Budapest
• Helmet purchase
• Return transfer of own bikes to Vienna
• Transfer Munich city center or airport – hotel Passau
• Cancellation-multi-risk insurance

Level:
1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain:

• Cycle paths, secondary roads and paths
• Very little difference in altitude
• On the outskirts of cities, a little car traffic

Climate:

Continental, mild sun, pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

Bicycle: 68 to 95 km per day or 7 to 9 hours of cycling. Good physical condition required.
Easy itinerary to follow

Bibliography:

Guides and cycling maps in Austria on: cartovelo.fr

Meals:

• Breakfasts: buffet
• Lunch: not included
• Dinner: not included

The bike:

• Rental bike (Standard bike or ebike): delivered to your hotel on day 2 at the latest. Equipped with a rear bag, a front bag, a repair kit and a lock. Ebikes will be changed at the hotel in Vienna.
• Personal bike: we do not recommend bikes with small tires. VTC, VTT and Gravel are excellent. Remember to check your bike before leaving. The transport and return are at your expense.
• In Slovakia, you have to wear a helmet. In Hungary, you have to wear a safety vest at night and by poor vision.

Assistance:

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

Luggage:

They are transported by a courier or by our correspondent and limited to one piece of luggage per person. (max. 20 kg)

Travel book :

A travel book will be send by post before departure. We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes when you arrive at the first hotel. We will also provide you with vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as luggage labels.

Transport:

• By train: Vienna train station, regular service
• By car: about 11 hours from Paris (960 km)
• By plane: Vienna, Linz or Munich airport

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.