High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry.
Body size approx. 148cm - 190cm.
Explore the paths along the blue Danube River just like the Romans, the legendary Nibelungs, and even some of Europe’s powerful kings and emperors did before you. You will get to know the beauty and historical significance of this ancient military and trading route. Never far away from the cool, clear water of the Danube, you will enjoy one of Europe’s most beautiful and popular cycle routes.
You can either start your trip in the baroque town of Schärding or Passau, the town of three rivers. You will cycle through various districts of Upper and Lower Austria and finally to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. You will love the breathtaking natural beauty of the Danube valley and the Schlögen bend or perhaps you will fall in love with the landscapes along the Danube river such as the Machland, the Strudengau, or the famous Wachau. In the rural areas, to accompany these wonderful impressions, you can enjoy many traditional Austrian delicacies. Your physical wellbeing will be well catered for, from savoury dumpling specialities and moreish must all the way to the wines of the Buschenschenken taverns in the Wachau region. This cycle tour is a true classic and is ideally suited as a first cycling holiday with the whole family.
Flat or slightly downhill along the Danube; well-built cycling path almost all the way without motor vehicles. Minor roads make up only very short sections of this route – the Danube cycle path is a perfect example of a cycle route.
“Baroque Town or Three Rivers Town”
Stroll through the pretty little baroque town of Schärding and marvel at the famous Silberzeile lane, or 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.
Please note: When you book the tour you select which town you would prefer to start in.
Category A - Hotel (example): Stadthotel (Schärding) / Premier Inn Weißer Hase (Passau)
Category B - Hotel (example): Stiegenwirt (Schärding) / Hotel Spitzberg (Passau)
Category C - Hotel (example): Biedermeier Hof (Schärding) / Hotel Atrium (Passau)
Charm: Hotel Forstinger**** (Schärding) / Hotel Residenz**** (Passau)
“Upper Danube Valley”
Along the river Inn 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 where you can enjoy the sounds of the largest church organ in the world (except Sundays and public holidays). Then you will continue 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 where you will reach the Schlögen Bend to the north. This is where granite proved to be too much of an opponent and forced the Danube to change directions by 180 degrees. While a ferry takes you to the other side of the river to your hotel you have time to look at this natural phenomenon.
Cycling: approx. 40-55 km.
Category A - Hotel (example): Donauschlinge
Category B - Hotel (example): Wesenufer Hotel & Seminarkultur
Category C - Hotel (example): Freizeitanlage Schlögen
Charm: Hotel Donauschlinge**** (værelse med balkon)
“Danube Bend”
Today you will cycle through the green Eferdinger basin via the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering and all the way 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 the Donaulände park.
Cycling: approx. 50 km.
Category A - Hotel (example): Arcotel Nike
Category B - Hotel (example): Courtyard by Marriott
Category C - Hotel (example): Donauwelle
Charm: Hotel am Domplatz****
“Through the Marchland”
On the fourth day you will take a little detour away from the course of the Danube to St. Florian (Augustinian monastery) and to Enns. In Enns you can go to the town square with its 60 metre town tower, the landmark of the oldest town in Austria, or you 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 have the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria that is still being used. Or you can visit the maritime museum or Greinburg castle.
Cycling: approx. 55 km.
Category A - Hotel (example): Aumühle
Category B - Hotel (example): Goldenes Kreuz
Category C - Hotel (example): Gasthof zur Donaubrücke
Charm: Landhaus Stift Ardagger****
“Strudengau and Nibelungengau”
This section of the Danube, the Strudengau, was once feared by sailors, now you can cycle along it. Where they used to fight against the Danube currents you can now take a leisurely cycle ride. In Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, you will find the magnificent pilgrimage church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
Cycling: approx. 50-60 km.
Category A & Charm - Hotel (example): Post Melk
Category B - Hotel (example): Hotel Donauhof Emmersdorf
Category C - Hotel (example): Wachauerhof
“Wachau”
You should make a little stop in Melk and look up or you will miss the beautiful Stift Melk monastery that overlooks the Danube. As soon as you leave the town you will get into 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 Spitz and Weißenkirchen, cycle past the Dürnstein Castle ruin and finish your journey in the 1000-year old town of Krems or in Tulln. A stay in the Wachau region means that you simply have to take part in a wine tasting, which we have organised for you.
Cycling: approx. 40-75 km.
Category A & B - Hotel (example): Gasthof zum Schwan
Category C - Hotel (example): Nibelungenhof
Charm: Steigenberger, Hotel & Spa****
“Vienna Woods”
The final kilometres of your bike tour will be a relaxed trip to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. According to the variant part of the stage is covered by train. As soon as you arrive you can occupy your room and then 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 the St Stephen’s Cathedral or see the main sights and take a trip in one of the famous Fiaker cabs.
Cycling: approx. 45-65 km.
Category A - Hotel (example): Arcotel Kaiserwasser
Category B - Hotel (example): Roomz Prate
Category C - Hotel (example): Simm´s Hotel
Charm: Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof*****
This tour is now over. During the morning you check out from the hotel. It is possible to book extra nights after the tour if you prefer.
Optional
High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry.
Body size approx. 148cm - 190cm.
High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel.
Body size approx. 155cm - 190cm.
High quality unisex e-bike with comfortable low entry.
Body size approx. 148cm - 195cm.
High quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame.
Body size approx. 165cm - 205cm.
Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame.
Body size approx. 155cm - 205cm.
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
On all our cycling holidays it is possible bring your own bike but it also possible to rent a bike for the tour. The bikes you can rent are all perfectly suited for the tour and the local terrain and all bikes are perfectly maintained. If you want to rent a bike on your holiday, then you select this on the booking form.
Equipment included in the bike rental:
Please note that helmets are not included and you need to bring your own.
Roadside assistance
All bikes are equipped with puncture resistant tyres which means that it is virtually impossible to puncture. No rule without exceptions, so should you experience a punctured tyre then you can quickly fix it by using the tools in the service-set. If the damage is greater than a simply puncture then you simply call us and we make sure that your bike is fixed or you will be supplied with a new bike as quickly as possible.
Insurance is included
Insurance against theft and damages are included in the bike rental. Should you have any problems of this nature then all you have to do is to let us know and we will supply a new bike as quickly as possible. Naturally, careless or mischievous behavior is exempt from this.
The flights to/from Vienna are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
On this tour you can select which category hotels you prefer:
Charm: See below
Category A: 4-star hotels or the best local hotels
Category B: 4-star and 3-star hotels
Category C: 3-star hotels and inns, at Linz and Vienna 4-star hotel
In the itinerary you can see some examples of the hotels we use on this tour. Notice that the hotels are examples and you may end up staying in different hotels. It depends on availability when you book the tour.
Charm hotel
Schärding: Hotel Forstinger 4****
For generations the family-run hotel/restaurant business Forstinger signifies traditional Austrian hospitality and warmth. The beautiful ambience is amongst other things based on this historic building in a very central location of this beautiful town, where history is palpable and style and sterling quality are at home. The hotel was carefully transformed, extended and modernised.
Passau: Hotel Residenz 4****
Built on the foundations of an over 400-year old house, located directly on the riverbanks of the Danube, this hotel was lovingly historically renovated. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere in this hotel full of appealing interior, high-level comfort, stylish elegance and timeless ambience.
Schlögen: Hotel Donauschlinge (room with balcony) 4****
The river Danube gathers all its power here at the Schlögener Schlinge, to force its waters in the opposite direction. And exactly at this meandering point you find this hotel, exuding this very force and radiating these positive vibes onto people. Feel the power of the water and inhale the natural beauty of this spot with every breath.
Linz: Hotel am Domplatz 4 ****
Top location in the centre of Linz, immediately next to the Cathedral of Mary, and perfectly located to explore the diverse artistic and cultural programme. In the 68 rooms, design meets comfort. The highest level of convenience guarantees a memorable stay.
Ardagger: Landhaus Stift Ardagger 4****
This accommodation combines the best of both worlds in terms of architecture and cuisine: the former monastery tavern, dating back to the 13th century was restored with lots of attention to detail and converted into a country house closely connected to tradition. Enjoy traditional cuisine at the highest level.
Melk: Hotel Zur Post 4****
With direct view onto the monastery and located in the centre of Melk. A 4th generation family-run business since 1893 with beautiful and comfortable rooms. The restaurant offers seasonal Austrian dishes made with local ingredients and houses an on-site vinothek.
Krems: Steigenberger, Hotel & Spa 4 ****
The location could hardly be any better: the 1,000 year old historic city centre of Krems is only a few minutes on foot from the hotel.The Steigenberger Hotel and Spa offers a magnificent view of the Danube and the surrounding vineyards. A visit to one of the many vintners or a boat trip on the Danube should be a must.
Vienna: Hotel Steigenberger, Herrenhof 5*****
Located in the heart of Vienna, in the historic old part of town and only a stone’s throw away from the Hofburg and offfering a great view onto Vienna’s landmark, St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In this hotel, tradition constantly toys with design and invites its guests to join in the game. Naturally ‚Imperial Service’ included.
On this tour breakfast is included every day. It is also possible to buy half board (7x dinner). The dinners consist multi-course menus and is sometimes served on restaurants close to the hotel. See the bookingform to buy half board.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags, specific local vouchers and if you have rented a bike, they will also be handed out at the first hotel. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
This tour has difficulty grade 2.
Grade 2
For cyclists who like hilly terrain and a bit longer distances. You cycle on good roads, which usually don’t have much traffic. The distance is between 35 – 60 km or 20 – 38 miles. If you are capable of riding a bike and you have a normal good health, you should not worry about going on these tours.
Read more about our Grading System
Here you can get an overview of the entire route and the elevation profile for each day. The data shows the data from the GPX-files related to the tour. Notice that the routes are sometimes updated, which means that there might be small variations.
Colors
Blue routes: The route as normal
Red routes: Variations/options (such as shortened or extended routes)
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
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"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"