Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Budapest

Take a walk through the “New Centre” of Passau, the town of three rivers, which has been completely redesigned as a pedestrian, car-free area. The evening will consist of a welcome briefing and a bike fitting.

You will start your tour along the Danube, first passing Obernzell and finally arriving in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria). You will then cycle through the nature reserve Donauleiten, from here you will reach the Schlögen Bend to the north. It is here where granite proved to be too much of an opponent and forced the Danube to change directions by 180 degrees. You have time to look at this natural phenomenon while a ferry takes you to the other side of the river to your hotel.

Today you will cycle through the green Eferdinger basin via the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering and to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. The historical Old Town of Linz has many pubs and eateries for you to discover. Other highlights of the European Capital of Culture 2009 include the magnificent views from Pöstlingberg Mountain and a stroll through Donaulände Park.

On the fourth day, you will take a little detour away from the course of the Danube to St. Florian (Augustinian monastery) and Enns. In Enns, you can go to the town square to discover its 60-meter town tower, the landmark of the oldest town in Austria, or you can visit the archaeological collection in the municipal museum Lauriacum. Afterwards, you will return to the river, first reaching the beautiful little baroque town of Grein. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria that is still in use. Equally, you can visit the maritime museum or Greinburg Castle.

The Strudengau, once feared by sailors, can now be cycled on and is the start of your journey. You can now take a leisurely cycle ride where they used to fight against the Danube. In Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, you will find the magnificent pilgrimage church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. You should make a little stop in Melk and look up to ensure you don’t miss the beautiful Melk monastery that overlooks the Danube. Your accommodation is located in the heart of the Wachau Valley.

Today you will cycle through the picturesque Wachau region, where you can enjoy the charming atmosphere of the region’s typical orchards and vineyards. You will pass through the little wine towns of Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein with its Castle ruin. Cycle past the 1000-year-old town of Krems and finish in Traismauer or Tulln. A stay in the Wachau region means that you simply have to take part in a wine tasting, which we would be pleased to organise for you!

Your bike tour will be a relaxed trip to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. As soon as you arrive, you can enjoy all the amenities of the city for the rest of the day. Treat yourself to a Viennese-style Americano coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte cake in one of Vienna’s typical coffee houses. Take a stroll along Vienna’s Parade shopping street, along Mariahilfer Strasse, visit St Stephen’s Cathedral or see the main sights and take a trip in one of the famous Fiaker cabs.

Your bike trip will guide you through the national park Donau-Auen. Here you will get to know the diversity of the flora and fauna as well as the manifold types of landscape. You pass the castle Orth and the village Eckertsau and reach Bad Deutsch-Altenburg.

From Bad Deutsch-Altenburg/Hainburg, you can make an excursion on the Roman bike trail (Römerweg) to Carnuntum. The archaeological park is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Austria! After Hainburg, you will reach the border to Slovakia and its capital city, Bratislava: your next overnight stay. The shorter distance travelled allows plenty of time to visit the old part of this charming city.

You will cycle a short distance in Slovak territory before you pass the Hungarian border in Rajká. Within the first few kilometres of your trip to Hungary, you will discover charming villages. The complete section is influenced by agriculture. Your route will guide you through the so-called Szigetköz (a small Rye Island). This is characterised by the numerous side arms of the Danube.

After arrival in Mosonmagyaróvár, which is also called “City of 17 bridges“, your journey will end. We recommend a short walking tour in this charming city before you take the train to Györ. The district capital offers many sights and a breathtaking historic centre.

You will cycle to reach the Hungarian Böny. From there, a route guides you to Bábolna, a well-cultivated town with a beautiful inner city. The local National Stud is known far beyond its borders as racehorses are bred in the splendid inner courtyard. The last part of the route will take you back to the Danube. Then you will reach the divided town of Komárom/Komárno. You can relax in the local spa to fill your evening.

This route will run near riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. During this, you will pass different villages, and while cycling, you can observe the vineyards in the background. The sporty bikers can choose a route over Tat, but there are some hills, which require a basic level of fitness! Those interested in history should make time for the Roman castle Kelemantia, which is on the way. The absolute highlight of the day is Esztergom (also known as “Hungarian Rome“): Its basilica is the largest church in the country. Take time for a comprehensive visit before you board a riverboat to take you to your destination, Visegrád.  The Amazing views of the beautiful landscape of the so-called “Donauknie” will impress you.

Note: The overnight stay takes place either in Esztergom or in Visegrád (depending on availability at the time of reservation). In the case of Esztergom, shipping takes place on the conscious day from Szentendre to Budapest. The different distances remain the same in both. You will receive detailed information together with your booking confirmation. Additionally, the timetable for the boat has not yet been set. It might not be possible in April, September, October, and every Monday; during these periods/days, you will receive a train ticket as a replacement.

The Royal Palace and the castle of Visegrád and the open-air museum, as well as the baroque old town of Szentendre, will delight you and invite you to stay! The first part of the day will guide you again through the “Donauknie”, probably the most attractive section of the Danube bike trail. Soon you will arrive in Budapest, where you can reminisce about all the adventures of this wonderful bike trip during a walk through the city.

Departure from Budapest or spend extra nights in the Hungarian capital.

Arrival: Passau

Departure: Budapest

Nearest arrival airport(s): Munich, Nuremberg or Salzburg

Nearest departure airport(s): Budapest

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.