Danube Cycle Path. From Passau to Vienna

Welcome to Passau, the starting point of the famous Danube Cycle Route. Situated at the confluence of three rivers - the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz - Passau is a baroque gem that marks the start of one of Europe's most iconic cycle routes.

We will dedicate this first day to enjoy its charming old town, dominated by the imposing St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to one of the largest organs in the world. We will be able to stroll through its cobbled streets, discover historic buildings such as the Old Town Hall or the Veste Oberhaus Fortress, and enjoy the river atmosphere from a terrace by the Danube. This will be the perfect prologue to start our cycling adventure through the Danube Valley.

Accommodation: Hotel Spitzberg Garni or similar

Distance: 40.7 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
Accommodation: Schlögen

We will start our Danube cycle route by cycling from Passau, bidding farewell to its baroque domes as we follow the banks of the Danube. We pass through small Bavarian villages such as Engelhartszell, famous for its Trappist abbey and handcrafted liqueurs. As we progress, the landscape will become wilder and more mountainous, offering a unique visual experience on the river's edge. The day will culminate in one of the most beautiful stretches of the route: the Schlögen meander, where the Danube makes a great curve through lush forests. A spectacular natural environment that will be the perfect ending to this first day of cycling.

Accommodation: Hotel Donauschlinge or similar

Distance: 55.8 km
Difficulty: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Linz

We will set off from the famous Schlögen meander, with the promise of a peaceful and scenic ride. We will cycle along the Danube on well-maintained lanes, through lush forests and small riverside villages that seem to have been frozen in time. Along the way you will come across picturesque jetties, restored mills and terraces where you can take a break with a view of the river. On the last stretch we will approach the vibrant city of Linz, capital of Upper Austria. This modern city on the banks of the Danube combines historical heritage with avant-garde architecture. On arrival we can visit the Hauptplatz, Austria's largest baroque centre, or be amazed by the modern Ars Electronica Museum and its spectacular illuminated façade.

Accommodation: Hotel Prielmayerhof or similar

Distance: 67.7 km
Difficulty: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Grein

We will leave Linz following the Danube eastwards into the Machland region. On this stage, we will take a short detour from the river to visit the town of Enns, considered the oldest town in Austria, where we can admire its 60-metre clock tower and the municipal museum Lauriacum. Continue to Grein, a charming baroque town on the banks of the Danube. Here, we can visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria still in operation, the Greinburg castle and the maritime museum. The combination of history, culture and river scenery makes this stage an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation: Hotel Garni Goldenes Kreuz or similar

Distance: 46.4 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
Accommodation: Melk

From Grein, we will enter the Strudengau, a section of the Danube that was once feared by sailors because of its currents. Today, it is a scenic stretch ideal for cycling. We pass through the Nibelungengau region, rich in history and legends. At the top of a hill, we will find the pilgrimage church of Maria Taferl, which offers panoramic views of the valley. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage wine region of Wachau, known for its vineyards, apricot orchards and charming villages. This day combines nature, culture and gastronomy in an incomparable setting.

Accommodation: Wachauerhof or similar

Distance: 38.3 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
AccommodationKrems and der Donau

This stage will take us through the heart of the Wachau region, famous for its terraced vineyards and historic villages. We will pass through Dürnstein, where we can visit the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Continue to Krems an der Donau, a town with more than a thousand years of history, known for its well-preserved old town and vibrant cultural scene. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to taste local wines and enjoy Austrian hospitality at its best.

Accommodation: Parkhotel Krems or similar

Distance: 78 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
Accommodation: Vienna

On our last day, the longest day of this Danube cycling tour, we leave the rural landscapes behind and head towards the metropolis of Vienna. We cycle through the Tullnerfeld region, characterised by fields and small villages. As we get closer to the Austrian capital, the environment will become more urban. Upon arrival in Vienna, you can explore its many attractions, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace and its famous cafés. A city that combines imperial history with a vibrant cultural and artistic life.

Accommodation: Hotel Wilhelmshof or similar

After breakfast, we will finish our cycling tour along the Danube. However, Vienna is one of the European cities with the most to offer in terms of sights. The former imperial capital and today the capital of Austria, the interior of the Opernring and its great buildings