Danube – The Classic Cycle Tour Passau to Vienna

You leave Passau cycling along the north bank of the Danube, and, you cross into Austria near Engelhartszell, the location of Austria’s only Trappist monastery. It is difficult to miss your overnight stop at Schlogen as the Danube makes a 180° turn when it meets the hard granite rocks ahead. You take the hotel’s own bike ferry across to south bank (included in the tour price) and can enjoy an early evening drink on the riverside terrace watching the activity on the river.

Miles: 27 Kms: 43

The day starts with some fascinating views as you travel around the tight river bends between Schlogen and Aschach, catching glimpses of the old fortified ruins in this area. You leave the immediate riverside for a short time at Feldkirchen before reaching Ottensheim where, if you wish, it is possible to cross to the monastery at Wilhering. Then it’s on to Linz, capital of Upper Austria and your overnight accommodation.

Miles: 35 Kms: 56

Your cycling today is through the area known as ’Austria’s vegetable garden’. If you wish you may take an interesting detour to St. Florian with its baroque style Augustine monastery and into Enns, the oldest city of Austria sitting beneath a 60m city tower dating back to the 16th century. If you prefer, there are always the boats and trains to help you on your way. Onward then through Lehen home to a reconstructed Celtic village, before spending the night in Grein, a picturesque town with an imposing castle.

Miles: 39-49 Kms: 63-79

Don’t miss the museum showing the history of shipping on the Danube and the oldest theatre of Austria in Grein before heading out this morning. The river at Strudengau is a navigational nightmare for boat captains – thankfully it is easy to cycle. You pass Persenbeug, once an important shipbuilding town, and on to Marbach at the entrance of the famed Nibelungengau, where you are transferred (included in tour price) with your bicycles up out of the river valley to the ancient pilgrimage centre of Maria Taferl. You stay overnight in a lovely hotel close to the wonderfully sited church and can enjoy the beautiful views of the river stretching east to west and of the high mountains way to the south.

Miles: 19-22 Kms: 31-36

Returning to the bank of the Danube there is an option to visit Melk with its imposing Benedictine monastery. Melk forms the gateway to the vineyards and apricot orchards of the Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage site and highlight of the tour. You cycle past the ‘wine’ towns of Spitz, Weissenkirchen and Durnstein. The ruined castle perched high above the blue church of Durnstein is where King Richard the Lionheart was held hostage whilst returning from the Crusades. From Durnstein, it’s on to your overnight stop in Traismauer and the opportunity to taste the Muller Thurgau or Green Veltliner wines for which the region is justly famous!

Miles: 32-38 Kms: 50-60

Your final day’s cycling takes you to the ‘flower city’ of Tulln. Here you can chose to transfer by train to Vienna (train fare not included in tour price), or alternatively, continue by bike and follow the river into the heart of Vienna (additional 24 miles / 38 kms).

Miles: 29-53 Kms: 47-85

Depart after breakfast, although we would be happy to extend your stay to allow you more time to enjoy Vienna, capital city of the Habsburg Empire. Visit St Stephen’s Cathedral and the imperial palace of Schonbrunn, see the art treasures at Klosterneuburg Abbey or enjoy a night at the State Opera.