Bike and Barge: Engelhartszell-Vienna-Engelhartszell (MS Prinzessin Katharina)

Individual journey to Engelhartszell, known for its Trappist monastery and scenic natural surroundings, approx. 30 km/18,64 miles from Passau. Embarkation will be around 4:00 pm. Overnight in Engelhartszell.

In Engelhartszell, visit the Trappist monastery, where you can delight your tastebuds with some special local cordials and liqueurs, which are supposed to have a special healing power. Carry on down the river where you will pass by sleepy villages and natural scenery. You’ll change to a smaller ferry boat through the Schlöngener loop. This huge meander is a true beauty spot and famous photo location. Next, you will head on to Linz, which is the capital of Upper Austria.

Right in front of Vienna’s entrance, embedded in a breathtaking landscape, the monastery of Klosterneuburg is situated. You can already see the cupola of this 900-year-old baroque building from a distance. “Kahlenbergerdorf” with its wine taverns is worth a visit. A short hike through the vineyards leads to the Kahlenberg viewing terrace, where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the vibrant metropolis below.

You should be sure to see the most famous places of interest like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg, the gorgeous boulevard “Ringstraβe” with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House or the town hall that takes you back to the past. Take your time in the afternoon to stroll or visit one of the famous Viennese coffee bars. In the night shipping to Krems in the Wachau Valley.

Look forward to a bike ride through one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe. The gently rolling hills of the Wachau Valley, with its picturesque villages, well-kept terraced vineyards, historic castles, monasteries, and romantic ruins, are sure to enchant you. In Dürnstein, the blue baroque tower of the abbey church greets you from afar. In Melk, the magnificent Benedictine Abbey towers above the Danube – a place full of history, culture, and impressive architecture. Enjoy this day with all your senses – it is one of the highlights of the journey.

This stage leads you through charming river meadows with wide vistas and small, picturesque towns. The wild Strudengau region, once feared by shipmen, is now a scenic river gorge with forested slopes and rocky shores. In the idyllic town of Grein, you’ll find Greinburg Castle towering above the Danube – the oldest residential castle in Austria, which you can explore on a guided tour.

The vast plains of the Machland region accompany you with lush fields and peaceful paths. In the Celtic Village of Mitterkirchen, you can immerse yourself in a long-forgotten era. Upon arrival in Mauthausen, a visit to the memorial site of the former concentration camp is recommended – a place of quiet remembrance and historical responsibility. In the evening, a festive farewell dinner awaits you on board. Overnight cruise to Engelhartszell.

Every journey must come to an end. You will arrive in Engelhartszell at about 9 am, and disembarkation will be half an hour later. We recommend you arrange connecting trips from noon onwards.

Embarkation is from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with disembarkation around 11:30 a.m. The minimum number of participants required is 80 guests, which must be confirmed within 21 days before departure.

Bringing your bike is available only upon request due to limited space on the sun deck. E-bikes must have a removable battery pack. We accept no liability for loss, theft, or damage, including damage incurred during transportation from shore to ship or vice versa.

We offer a small selection of excursions that can be booked directly on board with the cruise director. A brief description of the excursions will be provided with your travel documents. Depending on the number of participants, some excursions may be conducted in both German and English.

For your luggage, we recommend bringing rainwear, a bicycle helmet, a sunhat, and sneakers.

Please note that we reserve the right to make changes to the route and programme. In the event of flooding or low water levels, the shipping company may use buses to cover parts of the route. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey at short notice, with no legal claim arising from such changes. This also applies to previously unannounced repair work on locks or bridges.

Be aware that the cruise ship on the Danube serves as both your hotel and a functioning vessel, operating with engine power during the night. Noise may occur, particularly when crossing locks and bridges, or during preparation work. If you are sensitive to noise, please bring your own earplugs.

In the interest of sustainability and climate protection, we encourage you to use our digital route book instead of printed travel documents. The GUIBO app will be your constant companion throughout your SE-Tours trip. A glance at your smartphone will provide all essential information, including travel details, ship and contact information, and bike tours, all available offline for your convenience. The app is free and compatible with all standard smartphones. You will receive access data to download your trip via email before your journey begins.

For travel documents, EU citizens (excluding special cases such as dual citizenship, main residence abroad, or a passport with limited validity) must have a valid passport or ID card that does not expire within six months of the return date of your cruise. Non-EU citizens, EU nationals with multiple citizenships, or those with specific legal entry requirements should check visa and entry documents with the relevant embassy.

This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility. We recommend taking out travel health insurance with repatriation coverage, as well as baggage, accident, and travel cancellation insurance.

All times are subject to change. Please book your travel according to the scheduled arrival and departure times.

Ship name: MS Prinzessin Katharina
Year of Construction: 1990
Refurbishment: 2015
Registry: Slovakia
Length: 110 m
Width: 11.20 m
Draft: 1 m
Number of Crew: Approximately 30
Passenger Capacity: Maximum 140

The MS Prinzessin Katharina offers a luxurious and welcoming environment, ensuring you feel right at home. This premium ship combines classic elegance with a refined interior and a friendly crew. Enjoy the special ambience and indulge in the excellent cuisine. The two passenger decks feature a panoramic restaurant, a comfortable salon, a bar, and an inviting foyer. Additional amenities include a book corner, a small shop, and a massage parlour. On the spacious, partially covered sun deck, there are plenty of chairs available for relaxation.

All 71 cabins are outside cabins, thoughtfully and tastefully furnished. Each cabin includes en-suite facilities with a shower and WC, a hairdryer, air conditioning, TV, on-board radio, telephone, and a small refrigerator.

Upper Deck:

• 29 two-bed cabins (approx. 11 m²)
• 1 triple cabin (approx. 11 m²)
• 2 single cabins (approx. 9 m²)

All cabins on the upper deck feature French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open. The two-bed cabins are equipped with a sofa bed and a Pullman bed (available upon request and stowed during the day for added comfort). The triple cabin includes a third bed that folds down from the wall (maximum weight 80 kg).

Main Deck:

• 38 two-bed cabins (approx. 11 m²)
• 1 single cabin

The main deck cabins feature two sofa beds arranged at right angles and a picture window (not opening). In some cabins located at the front and rear of the ship (Eco category), engine and generator noise may be noticeable.

Arrival: Passau

Departure: Passau

Nearest arrival airport(s): Munich or Nuremberg

Nearest departure airport(s): Munich or Nuremberg

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Passau by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request.

Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.