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

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

Embark on a 6-day bike tour along the Danube, where physical challenge meets cultural discoveries. Pedal through beautiful landscapes and historic cities, each with its own captivating history and charm. Explore the historic capitals of the Danube Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, marveling at their classical and imperial style. Start this journey in the Danube's magic and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights of the trip:

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

Day 1: Vienna
Arrival in the waltz capital. Enjoy Vienna by walking through the historic city center. If you want to take a drink, we recommend a typical Viennese "wine tavern". You can taste excellent local wines in an authentic atmosphere.

Overnight in Vienna

Day 2: 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 castle towers majestically above the Danube.

Overnight in Bratislava

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

Overnight in Györ

Day 4: From Györ to Esztergom (95 km)
The stage first takes you through gently rolling farmland to reach 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.

Overnight in Esztergom

Day 5: From 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 Museum, which is worth a visit. Upon arrival in Budapest, enjoy a fantastic view of the city's most famous sights.

Overnight in Budapest

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 - approximately 3 hours). Buses also stop at Vienna Airport.

General information:

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

Dates:

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

Included:

• 5 nights with breakfasts
• Luggage transfer
• Travel book
• GPS App
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except puncture)

Not included:

• Transport to the departure point
• Parking
• Return from Budapest
• Lunches
• Drinks
• Tourist taxes (to pay on site)
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program

Options:

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Half board (5 dinners)
• Theft guarantee (rented bike)
• Extra nights in Vienna and Budapest
• Cancellation-multi-risk insurance
• Return transportation of own bikes

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

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.
• Personal bike: we do not recommend bikes with small tires. Standard bike, mountain bike 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 must wear high-visibility vests in poor visibility and in the dark. 

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. 

Transport:

• By train: Vienna train station, regular service
• By car: approximately 15 hours from Paris (1,250 km)
• By plane: Vienna 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.