CYCLING THE DANUBE - PASSAU TO VIENNA

8 days from GBP549 to GBP599 land only
Tripcode: LSV

Countries Visited: Austria, Germany

Cycle beside one of Europe's longest rivers through the lush green valleys of Northern Austria

Follow the curves and bends of the Danube as it flows through steep-sided valleys and wide riverside woods towards beautiful Vienna. 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 places 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.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Day 1

Start Vienna; make your own way to the railway station and on to Passau.

Day 2

Cycle to Schlogen. 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

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

Day 4

Cycle to Grein. Today's ride passes the former Nazi concentration camp at Mauthausen and enters the province of Lower Austria; follow the river to Grein, historically the beginning of the river's most treacherous stretch.

Day 5

Cycle to Melk. Ride between wooded mountains, though quiet riverside towns and past one of the most striking edifices on this whole route, the Benedictine Abbey at Melk - stunning both inside and out, you can't miss it!

Day 6

Cycle to Krems. Pedal through the vineyards of the Wachau past pretty villages including Weisenkirchen and Durnstein, site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.

Day 7

Cycle to Vienna. 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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$Europe\'s largest wooden bridge, Pyburg$

Cyclist at Schlogener Loop