Danube Cycle Path – Passau to Vienna

Your tour will either start in the baroque town of Schärding, where you can marvel at the famous Silberzeile lane, or in Paasau where you should take a walk through the “New Centre” of the town, which has been completely redesigned as a pedestrian, car-free area.

As you ride along the river Inn from Scharding you will come to Passau, the town of three rivers. We recommend that you take a guided tour of the town, and visit the cathedral, while you are here. You can enjoy the sounds of the largest church organ in the world (except Sundays and public holidays). When you continue along the Danube, you will first pass Obernzell, before finally arriving in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria).

Later, you will ride through the nature reserve Donauleiten, which will lead you to the Schlögen Bend to the north. This is where granite changed the course of the Danube by a full 180 degrees. A ferry will take you across the river to your hotel, and the crossing will give you the perfect opportunity to look at this natural phenomenon.

Today you will cycle through the green Eferdinger basin, passing through, on your journey, the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering. You will ride all the way to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. The historical Old Town of Linz is home to plenty of pubs and eateries that you can discover. Other highlights of the city, named European Capital of Culture 2009, include the magnificent views from Pöstlingberg mountain and taking a stroll through the Donaulände park.

The ride today will take you on a little detour, away from the course of the Danube, to St. Florian (Augustinian monastery) and to Enns. The town square in Inns features a 60 metre town tower, a landmark of the oldest town in Austria. Alternatively, you can visit the archaeological collection in the municipal museum Lauriacum.

Later, you will return to the river, arriving first at the beautiful, baroque town of Grein. Here, you have the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria that is still operational. Other options include, the maritime museum or Greinburg castle.

The Strudengau section of the Danube was once feared by sailors, but now you can cycle along it. Where they used to fight against strong river currents, you can now enjoy a leisurely ride. In Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, you will find a magnificent church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.

Make time today for a short stop in Melk. Remember to look up or you will risk missing sight of the beautiful Stift Melk monastery that overlooks the Danube. Once you leave the town you will reach the picturesque Wachau region. Here, you are sure to enjoy the charming atmosphere in the region’s typical orchards and vineyards.

You will pass through the wine towns of Spitz and Weißenkirchen, before cycling past the impressive ruin of Dürnstein Castle. Your journey, for the day, will finish either in the 1000-year old town of Krems or in Tulln. During a stay in the Wachau region, we strongly recommend that you take part in a wine tasting session, which we have organised for you.

The ride of your tour will be a relaxed trip to the Austrian capital, Vienna. As soon as you arrive, get checked into your room, and then you can spend the rest of the day enjoying this bright and varied city. Treat yourself to a Viennese-style Americano coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte cake in one of Vienna’s typical coffee houses.

Vienna’s Parade shopping street is a must see destination, after which you could stroll along Mariahilfer Strasse, visit the St Stephen’s Cathedral or take a trip in one of the famous Fiaker cabs.