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 holds beautiful surprises: fortresses, abbeys, vineyards and even baroque cities. Pedaling 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 at different
- Wachau Valley
- 3 capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest
- Danube Wetlands National Park
- Carnuntum Archaeological Park
- Žitný Ostrov Nature Reserve
- Esztergom Basilica - the largest church in Hungary
- Danube Bend
- The artists' city of Szentendre
Day 1: Passau
Settle in at 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, it seduces with its baroque old town 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, from where the panoramic view takes in the entire region. A variety of museums, quaint cafés and peaceful riversides make Passau a must-see.
Day 2: Passau to Eferdinger Valley (70 km)
Start this bike ride along the banks of the Danube. The route takes you to the Schlögener Bend. The granite mountain of Mühlviertel has forced the Danube to make a 180° turn to follow its course. Upon arrival, take the ferry across to the south bank. Visit the charming village of Aschach before reaching your overnight stop, Brandstatt.
Day 3: 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. Its city centre has charming baroque façades, particularly around the Hauptplatz (main square) and its Trinity Column. There is no shortage of activities and opportunities for visits. Continue your route via Grein, where the impressive castle and the oldest town theatre in Austria are worth a detour. End of the route 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 Pöchlarn, the birthplace of the renowned artist Oskar Kokoschka. Hop on your bike to visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk. You enter the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover magnificent landscapes and villages, each more charming than the last. Spitz and its vineyards, Weissenkirchen or Dürnstein and its ruins leave lovely memories. This beautiful day ends in Krems, a thousand-year-old wine-growing town.
Day 5: From Krems (or its surroundings) to Vienna (80 km)
This stage begins by showing you Tulln, nicknamed the "garden city" because of its many nurseries and flower arrangements. You continue through the Vienna Forest and then pass in front of the remarkable Greifenstein castle and Klosterneuburg Monastery. Vienna is just a few kilometres away. The capital of Austria captivates with its imperial history and 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 and its famous Klimt collection. Finally, stop off at a Viennese café to enjoy a Sachertorte or an Apfelstrudel.
Day 6: From Vienna to Bratislava (68 km)
Just after Vienna, the Danube National Park begins, revealing an enchanting setting rich in varied flora and fauna. On your way, do not miss the castles of Orth and Eckartsau, then 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. Its imposing castle dominates the Danube with majesty.
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 to the north, 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.
Day 8: from Györ to Esztergom (95 km)
You start with gently rolling agricultural landscapes to reach the city of Komarom, appreciated by 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, dominated 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 each way and reduce the leg to around 52 km.
Day 9: Esztergom to Budapest (91 km)
The winding Danube loop reveals an enchanting, hilly landscape. You pass through small picturesque villages and the artists’ city of Szentendre, which is worth a visit for its open-air agricultural museum. When you arrive in Budapest, be surprised by the breathtaking view of the Hungarian capital’s must-see monuments.
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.