The Danube by bike, from Vienna to Budapest - sport version

The Danube by bike in a sporty version, from Austria to Hungary

This 6-day sporty bike tour along the Danube offers a perfect combination of physical activity and cultural discoveries. The route takes you through breathtaking landscapes and historic cities that surprise with their rich history and nostalgic charm. The historic capitals of the Danube Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest amaze visitors with their classical and imperial style. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the Danube and create unforgettable memories.

Highlights of the trip:

• 3 capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest
• Danube Wetland 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: Vienna
Arrival in the waltz capital. Enjoy Vienna by walking through the historic city center. For a drink, we recommend a typical Viennese "wine tavern". You can taste excellent local wines in an authentic atmosphere.

Day 2: Vienna to Bratislava (68 km)
The Danube National Park begins just outside Vienna and offers an idyllic landscape with a variety of flora and fauna. Passing the castles of Orth and Eckartsau, you will reach the spa town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg, where the Romans left their mark. The Slovak capital Bratislava is enchanting with its old town and many magnificent buildings. Its imposing castle dominates the Danube in a spectacular way.

Day 3: From Bratislava to Györ (82 km)
Today you will cross Žitný ostrov (Rye Island in English), which is a paradise for birds and fish. This group of river islands, surrounded by two branches of the Danube and by the Váh to the north, is home to authentic and beautiful farming villages. Your destination for today is the city of Györ, located at the junction of 3 rivers. The city captivates its visitors with its baroque old town.

Day 4: Györ to Esztergom (95 km)
The stage first takes you through gently rolling farmland to the town of Komarom, the favourite town of King Matthias. You cycle along the Slovak bank of the Danube on towpaths and quiet secondary roads, through small farming villages. Pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia on your way to the episcopal and royal town of Esztergom. Its basilica, the largest church in Hungary, is a highlight of this tour.

If you don't feel like it: you can take the train from Györ to Komarno. Train tickets are available from the ticket machines at the station and cost around €1 each way. This reduces the stage to a total of around 52 km.

Day 5: Esztergom to Budapest (91 km)
The hilly landscape of the Danube Bend is enchanting. You pass through idyllic little villages and discover the small artists' town of Szentendre with its open-air agricultural museum, which is worth a visit. Upon arrival in Budapest, enjoy a fantastic view of the city's most famous sights.

Day 6: Budapest
End of the tour after breakfast. If you need to return to Vienna, the train connections from Budapest are very good (departures every hour - allow about 3 hours). Buses also stop at Vienna Airport.

General information:

• 6 days and 5 nights
• Accommodations: hostels, comfortable hotels and charming guest houses. In Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, 4* hotels (local standard)

Dates:

• Departures on Sundays from 04/27 to 10/12/2025
  • Low season: from 04/27 to 05/03 and from 10/05 to 10/12
  • Mid-season: from 05/04 to 06/28 and from 09/14 to 10/04
  • High season: from 06/29 to 09/13

Included:

• Self-guided tour (unguided)
• 5 nights in a hotel
• 5 breakfasts
• Luggage transfer
• Travel diary, roadbook
• GPS tracks on request

Not included:

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

Options:

• Trekking Bike or Assisted Bike Rental Electric
• Half board (5 dinners)
• Theft guarantee (rented bike)
• Extra nights in Vienna and Budapest
• Cancellation-multi-risk insurance

Levels:
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 4 to 8 hours of cycling. Good physical condition required.
Easy itinerary to follow

Bibliography:

Guides and cycling maps in Austria on: cartovelo.fr

Meals:

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

The bike:

• Rental bike (VAE or Trekking): delivered to your hotel on day 2 at the latest. Equipped with a rear bag, a front bag, a repair kit and a lock.
• 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.

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 diary:

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: allow about 15 hours from Paris (1,250 km)
• By plane: Vienna airport

Your vehicle:
Possibility of parking your vehicle at the hotel of departure (€30 per day). In town, unguarded public parking next to the Leopoldau metro station (€25 per week).

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.