Self Guided Cycling Along The Danube - Passau To Vienna, Austria

Discover the rich culture of Vienna
Cycle from Bavarian Germany to the valleys of Upper Austria
Discover the many ruins, castles and monuments that adorn the Danube trail
Cycle along dedicated cycle paths next to the river for much of the ride

Follow the curves and bends of the Danube as it flows through steep-sided valleys and wide riverside woods towards beautiful Vienna. The densely wooded slopes and ravine forests help to create the setting for one of the most significant river landscapes of Central Europe.

From Passau onwards the slopes of the valley become steeper and rockier until we reach the Schlogener Loop. Here, blocked by a granite mountain, the Danube does a U-turn round a sharp curve before changing the direction of its flow twice, providing spectacular views from the surrounding hills.

Cycling along the riverbank, you will pass many delightful castles, ruins and abbeys whilst visiting historic towns such as Linz, Melk and Krems.

The final destination of Vienna is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, the perfect place to explore, enjoy some great food and perhaps take in a concert.

What makes this trip responsible?

As a self-guided trip you will be pedalling under your own steam and at your own pace. You will not be part of a group so the impact of your visit on the landscape and communities you pass will be absolutely minimal. Our local operator works with local suppliers and hoteliers to ensure that we support the communities we visit, maximising the benefit to them and also our enjoyment of the region. We will stay in characterful, locally run hotels and the route notes will often give you hints and tips of local restaurants you can try, giving you a taste of the local cuisine while helping to support these establishments. Moreover, we encourage you to journey by train to minimise your carbon footprint.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: Austria, Germany

Day 1

Start Vienna.

Day 2

Free time to explore Passau, the city of three rivers. Ride to the famous Schlogener loop in Austria through forested hills via the only trappist monastery in Austria.

Day 3

A day of river crossing and cycling along country lanes passing the castle at Ottensheim and Cistercian abbey in Wilhering en route to Linz.

Day 4

Today's ride passes the former Nazi concentration camp at Mauthausen and enters the province of Lower Austria; follow the river to Grein.

Day 5

Ride between wooded mountains, through quiet riverside towns and past the Benedictine abbey at Melk - stunning both inside and out.

Day 6

Pedal through the vineyards of the Wachau to Krems, past pretty villages including Weisenkirchen and Durnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was supposedly imprisoned after the Third Crusade.

Day 7

Ride into Vienna past Greifenstein castle and Klosterneuburg. Return bikes. An evening stroll around the central Stephansplatz is recommended.

Day 8

End Vienna.

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