Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Vienna

Europe's most popular cycling holiday route

The Danube Cycle Path offers an ideal opportunity for a truly relaxing cycling holiday with a unique twist. This route stands as one of Europe's most renowned cycling holiday segments, captivating cyclists primarily with its picturesque scenery that aligns with the EuroVelo 6 cycle route.

In ages past, this path was traversed by Romans, Nibelungs, and a plethora of emperors and kings as they journeyed through Upper Austria. Enchanting baroque towns, serene waterscapes, and captivating cultural highlights present ample opportunities for sightseeing along the way.

Embark on a two-wheeled adventure across Austria, all along the iconic and incredibly popular Danube Cycle Path to Vienna!

Book this holiday: Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Vienna

Details about the Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Vienna cycling tour

The starting point of this cycle tour is the baroque town of Schärding or the three-river city of Passau. The decision of where to start is entirely up to you. Those who love nature will be intensely happy. Because the Donauradweg (Danube Cycle Path) has the most beautiful landscapes in Austria in store for you. 

The city of Linz, Marchland and Wachau are just a few examples of charming places where you can make a well-deserved stopover. The special thing about the Danube Cycle Path is the beautiful blue Danube, this constant signpost and landmark travel is with you to Vienna. If you get lost for a while, don't worry. As a faithful companion, the river flows right into the heart of Vienna and signals the end of the cycle tour.

The highlights of the Danube cycling holiday at a glance

  • Wine tasting in Wachau:  A tasting should not be missed to enjoy the fine wines of the Wachau region.

  • Melk Abbey: The symbol of the Wachau is well worth a visit. The Benedictine Monastery is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Vienna: Austria's cultural capital, history-rich, Danube-framed, music haven, imperial palaces, coffeehouse culture, artistic museums, and architectural elegance unite.

Things worth knowing about the Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Vienna bike tour

You will cycle from Passau to Vienna in eight stages. Numerous breaks provide opportunities for relaxation in between. The one-way route is flat throughout, making it ideal for a first bike ride with friends or the whole family.

This tour has been graded as Easy. Find out more about our cycling holiday difficulty levels.

You can read more about the Danube Cycle Path in our detailed guide.

Book this holiday: Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Vienna

Tour information
Easy
  • 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Self-Guided
  • Luggage transfers included
  • Total cycling distance: approx. 345 km
Steven Rittey
Steven Rittey
+44 1706 618 155 Contact
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Itinerary

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming baroque town of Schärding, where you can take in the sights and marvel at the renowned Silberzeile Lane. Alternatively, you have the option to explore the "New Centre" of Passau, often referred to as the town of three rivers, which has been thoughtfully redesigned as a pedestrian-friendly, car-free area.

Following the course of the river Inn, your journey will lead you to Passau, famously known as the town of three rivers. We highly recommend partaking in a guided tour of the town and paying a visit to the cathedral, where you can experience the melodic tones of the world's largest church organ (except on Sundays and public holidays).

Continuing along the Danube, your route will take you through Obernzell before reaching Engelhartszell, home to the only Trappist monastery in Austria. From here, you'll cycle through the nature reserve Donauleiten, ultimately arriving at the Schlögen Bend to the north. This notable bend was formed when the unyielding granite forced the Danube to make a 180-degree change in direction. As a ferry transports you to your hotel on the opposite side of the river, take the opportunity to marvel at this remarkable natural phenomenon.

ca. 40-55 km

Today's journey will take you through the verdant Eferdinger basin, passing through charming market towns like Aschach, Ottensheim, and Wilhering, until you reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. In Linz, the historical Old Town beckons with its abundance of pubs and eateries waiting to be explored.

As a former European Capital of Culture in 2009, Linz boasts numerous highlights, including breathtaking vistas from Pöstlingberg mountain and leisurely strolls through the picturesque Donaulände Park.

ca. 50 km

 

On the fourth day, your journey will take a brief detour from the Danube's path to visit St. Florian, home to the Augustinian monastery, and then onward to Enns. In Enns, you can explore the town square featuring the prominent 60-metre town tower, a landmark of Austria's oldest town. Alternatively, you may opt to visit the archaeological collection at the Lauriacum municipal museum.

Following this, you'll return to the river's course, first arriving at the charming baroque town of Grein. While here, you'll have the opportunity to visit Austria's oldest municipal theatre still in operation, explore the maritime museum, or tour Greinburg Castle.

ca. 55 km

The Strudengau section of the Danube, which sailors once feared, is now a tranquil route for cycling. Where mariners once battled against the Danube's currents, you can now enjoy a leisurely bike ride. High above the Danube in Maria Taferl, you'll discover the splendid pilgrimage church that draws thousands of pilgrims each year.

ca. 50-60 km

Be sure to make a brief stop in Melk and look up, or you might miss the splendid Stift Melk monastery that graces the Danube's view. Upon leaving the town, you'll enter the picturesque Wachau region, where you can immerse yourself in the charming ambience of the area's signature orchards and vineyards.

Your route will guide you through the quaint wine towns of Spitz and Weißenkirchen, past the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, and conclude your journey in the ancient town of Krems or Tulln. While in the Wachau region, don't miss the chance to partake in a wine tasting, which we have thoughtfully arranged for you.

ca. 40-60 km

The final leg of your bike tour will be a leisurely journey to the bustling Danube metropolis of Vienna. Depending on the chosen route, part of this stage can also be covered by train. Upon your arrival, you can promptly check into your room and then fully indulge in the city's offerings for the remainder of the day.

Treat yourself to a Viennese-style Americano coffee and savour a slice of the renowned Sachertorte cake at one of Vienna's quintessential coffee houses. Explore Vienna's vibrant shopping street, Parade, or stroll along Mariahilfer Strasse. Pay a visit to the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral and take in the city's main landmarks, perhaps even opting for a carriage ride in one of Vienna's famous Fiaker cabs.

ca. 45-65 km

This cycling holiday along the Danube ends after breakfast, or book an extension in this beautiful city where there is still a lot to discover.

Route information

Flat or slightly downhill and without significant inclines. The route is almost continuously on well-developed cycle paths without traffic. Only very short stretches are on secondary roads.

Prices and dates

Prices are per person in GBP and exclude flights. All bookings are ABTA-protected.

Price calculation and check availability: Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Vienna

Place of arrival: Passau
  Season 1
23.03.2024 - 12.04.2024
28.09.2024 - 12.10.2024

Daily
Season 2
13.04.2024 - 03.05.2024
07.09.2024 - 27.09.2024

Daily
Season 3
04.05.2024 - 06.09.2024

Daily
Danube Cycle Path, Passau to Vienna Cat. C, AT-DORPW-08C
Base price
729.00
789.00
849.00
Single room surcharge 259.00 259.00 259.00
Danube Cycle Path, Passau to Vienna Cat. B, AT-DORPW-08B
Base price
819.00
899.00
959.00
Single room surcharge 269.00 269.00 269.00
Danube Cycle Path, Passau to Vienna Cat. A, AT-DORPW-08A
Base price
909.00
989.00
1,049.00
Single room surcharge 279.00 279.00 279.00
Danube Cycle Path, Passau to Vienna Cat. Charme, AT-DORPW-08D
Base price
1,139.00
1,269.00
1,379.00
Single room surcharge 419.00 419.00 419.00

Hotel information:

Category Charm:
You stay in Charm hotels, beautiful 3*** and 4**** hotels. Special locations or hotels with special and/or exclusive extras such as a spa or wine cellar. In Linz and Vienna in 4**** charming hotels

Category A: You will stay in carefully selected 4**** hotels or the best hotels on site

Category B: You will stay in carefully selected 3*** and 4**** hotels

Category C: 3*** hotels and Gasthofen, in Linz and Vienna 4**** hotels

Season 1
Mar 23, 2024 - Apr 12, 2024
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024
Daily
Season 2
Apr 13, 2024 - May 3, 2024
Sep 7, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
Daily
Season 3
May 4, 2024 - Sep 6, 2024
Daily
Danube Cycle Path, Passau to Vienna Cat. C, AT-DORPW-08C
Base price
Single room surcharge
Danube Cycle Path, Passau to Vienna Cat. B, AT-DORPW-08B
Base price
Single room surcharge
Danube Cycle Path, Passau to Vienna Cat. A, AT-DORPW-08A
Base price
Single room surcharge
Danube Cycle Path, Passau to Vienna Cat. Charme, AT-DORPW-08D
Base price
Single room surcharge
729.00
259.00
819.00
269.00
909.00
279.00
1,139.00
419.00
789.00
259.00
899.00
269.00
989.00
279.00
1,269.00
419.00
849.00
259.00
959.00
269.00
1,049.00
279.00
1,379.00
419.00

Hotel information:

Category Charm:
You stay in Charm hotels, beautiful 3*** and 4**** hotels. Special locations or hotels with special and/or exclusive extras such as a spa or wine cellar. In Linz and Vienna in 4**** charming hotels

Category A: You will stay in carefully selected 4**** hotels or the best hotels on site

Category B: You will stay in carefully selected 3*** and 4**** hotels

Category C: 3*** hotels and Gasthofen, in Linz and Vienna 4**** hotels

Season 1
Mar 23, 2024 - Apr 12, 2024
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024
Season 2
Apr 13, 2024 - May 3, 2024
Sep 7, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
Season 3
May 4, 2024 - Sep 6, 2024
Passau
Double room p.p. Cat. C
Single room surcharge
Vienna
Double room p.p. Cat. C
Single room surcharge
Passau
Double room p.p. Cat. B
Single room surcharge
Vienna
Double room p.p. Cat. B
Single room surcharge
Passau
Double room p.p. Cat. A
Single room surcharge
Vienna
Double room p.p. Cat. A
Single room surcharge
Passau
Double room p.p. Cat. Charme
Single room surcharge
Vienna
Double room p.p. Cat. Charme
Single room surcharge
65.00
29.00
69.00
29.00
65.00
29.00
65.00
29.00
79.00
29.00
69.00
49.00
85.00
39.00
165.00
129.00
65.00
29.00
69.00
29.00
65.00
29.00
65.00
29.00
79.00
29.00
69.00
49.00
85.00
39.00
165.00
129.00
65.00
29.00
69.00
29.00
65.00
29.00
65.00
29.00
79.00
29.00
69.00
49.00
85.00
39.00
165.00
129.00
Additional nights
Place of arrival: Passau
  Season 1
Mar 23, 2024 - Apr 12, 2024
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024

Daily
Season 2
Apr 13, 2024 - May 3, 2024
Sep 7, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024

Daily
Season 3
May 4, 2024 - Sep 6, 2024

Daily
Passau
Double room p.p. Cat. C 65.00 65.00 65.00
Single room surcharge 29.00 29.00 29.00
Vienna
Double room p.p. Cat. C 69.00 69.00 69.00
Single room surcharge 29.00 29.00 29.00
Passau
Double room p.p. Cat. B 65.00 65.00 65.00
Single room surcharge 29.00 29.00 29.00
Vienna
Double room p.p. Cat. B 65.00 65.00 65.00
Single room surcharge 29.00 29.00 29.00
Passau
Double room p.p. Cat. A 79.00 79.00 79.00
Single room surcharge 29.00 29.00 29.00
Vienna
Double room p.p. Cat. A 69.00 69.00 69.00
Single room surcharge 49.00 49.00 49.00
Passau
Double room p.p. Cat. Charme 85.00 85.00 85.00
Single room surcharge 39.00 39.00 39.00
Vienna
Double room p.p. Cat. Charme 165.00 165.00 165.00
Single room surcharge 129.00 129.00 129.00
Price
21-Speed Unisex Bike
Unisex E-Bike
27-Speed Bike PLUS
21-Speed Men's Bike
7-Speed Unisex Bike
99.00
259.00
169.00
99.00
99.00
Prices per person in GBP

Our rental bikes

Included services and travel information

Services

Included

  • 7 nights in the chosen category, including breakfast
  • Crossing Au-Schlögen including bike
  • Wine tasting in the Wachau
  • Danube Card in Upper Austria
  • Personal welcome meeting and info discussion (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer(s)
  • Travel folder 1 x per room (German, English with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, luggage labels
  • Own signage on the route
  • GPS data available on request
  • Service Hotline

Not included

  • Tourist tax, if applicable, to be paid locally
  • (Optional) Return transfer by minibus from Vienna, daily in the afternoon, costs €75 per person (excl. your own bicycle, surcharge €29), reservation required

 

Arrival information
  • Train: Schärding or Passau station
  • Plane: Munich or Vienna Airport
  • Parking: Schärding free parking at the Eurobike parking directly on the bike path. Passau public garage approx. €35 per week, no reservation possible/necessary
  • Departure: Good train connection between Vienna-Passau or Schärding
Sample hotel list

This is a sample hotel list. Hotels will be booked depending on availability.

Passau 

Stadthotel **** 

www.stadthotel-schaerding.at  

Hotel Passauer Wolf **** 

www.hotel-passauer-wolf.de 

Stiegenwirt *** 

www.stiegenwirt-schaerding.at 

Hotel Spitzberg **** 

www.hotel-spitzberg.de

Biedermeier Hof *** 

www.biedermeierhof.at

Hotel Atrium  

www.atrium-passau.de 

Schlögen/surroudings 

Hotel Donauschlinge ****

www.donauschlinge.at  

Wesenufer Hotel und Seminarkultur an der Donau  

www.hotel-wesenufer.at 

Gasthof Draxler *** 

http://www.donau-urlaub.at

Linz 

Arcotel Nike **** 

www.arcotelhotels.com  

Hotel Courtyard **** 

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lnzcy-courtyard-linz/

Hotel Donauwelle **** 

www.linz.twhotels.at/ 

Grein/surroundings 

Hotel Aumühle *** 

www.aumuehle.at 

Hotel Goldenes Kreuz   

www.hotel-in-grein.at

Gasthof Zur Donaubrücke 

www.gasthof-froschauer.at  

Wachau 

Hotel zur Post Melk **** 

www.post-melk.at 

Donauhof Emmersdorf **** 
https://www.pichler-wachau.com/donauhof/hotel-ueberblick-wachau.html 

Hotel Wachauerhof Melk *** 

www.wauchauerhof.eu  

Krems/Traismauer/Tulln 

Hotel Zum Schwan *** 

www.hotel-schwan.at  

Hotel Zum Schwan*** 

www.hotel-schwan.at  

Landgasthof Schmid Sitzenberg ***  

https://www.gh-schmid.at

Vienna 

Arcotel Kaiserwasser **** 

www.arcotelhotels.com

Roomz Prater **** 

www.roomz-hotels.com/en/roomz-vienna-prater 

Simm´s Hotel **** 

www.simmshotel.at 

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