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Self-Guided Danube Cycling: Passau to Vienna

Austria
2 reviews
Available Departures: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
E-Bike Available

8 days from

US$1,475

without flights
Cycle
Self-Guided
LEISURELY LEISURELY

Discover the beauty of the famous Danube cycle path from Passau to Vienna at your own pace on this self-guided biking holiday

Trip Code: SGPV
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Self-Guided Danube Cycling: Passau to Vienna

Highlights
  • Explore the historic towns of Passau, Linz and Vienna
  • Sample Riesling and Gruner Veltliner wines at a wine tasting in Wachau
  • Cycle through vineyards, farmland and picturesque valleys shaped by the river
  • End your trip with a slice of Vienna’s famous Sacher Torte, where it was invented in 1832

At a Glance
  • Self-Guided
  • 6 days cycling & sightseeing
  • BIKE HIRE INCLUDED
  • E-bike upgrade available
  • Daily departures available
  • Join In Passau, End in Vienna

Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 7 nights Hotel
Overview

Explore the Danube on two wheels on this fantastic self-guided cycling holiday from Passau to Vienna, one of the most famous cycle paths in the world, and for good reason. You will follow Europe’s second largest river from Passau to Vienna in just one week, as it winds its way through forests, vineyards, and pretty towns to the Danube metropolis, Vienna. Your route, which makes up part of the EuroVelo 6 from the Atlantic to the Black Sea, will take you to stunning monasteries and fortresses, unearth ancient legends and traditions, and you will enjoy some of the best wines in the world at a wine tasting in Wachau. With so much to discover coupled with its fantastic cycling infrastructure, it is easy to see why the Danube is so popular.

The great thing about experiencing the Danube self-guided is that you choose your own pace to explore, making it perfect for all the family. You will cover an average distance of 50km each day on mostly flat cycle paths, plus we have included bike hire in the cost of your holiday so you have no unexpected expenses. Along the way you will stay in fantastic 4* hotels on a bed and breakfast basis, specially selected for their warm hospitality and great locations, perfect for unwinding after a day on your bike. Your trip ends with a final night stay in Vienna allowing you the opportunity to explore the many sights and spectacular palaces Austria’s capital has to offer. We can even assist you in extending your time Vienna to really submerge yourself in the city’s culture.

 

Looking to extend your holiday?

Fancy the ultimate Danube cycling experience? Why not combine this trip with our Self-Guided Danube Cycling: Vienna to Budapest holiday for a two week, four country bike adventure.

Is this holiday for you?

This holiday is the perfect introduction to cycling in Europe and experiencing Austrian culture. Almost the entire route is on well marked and maintained cycle paths with very little ascent. Pedalling an average of 50km a day you will have plenty of time to discover the beautiful towns, vineyards and monasteries along the way while your luggage is transported to your hotel ready for your arriva …

This holiday is the perfect introduction to cycling in Europe and experiencing Austrian culture. Almost the entire route is on well marked and maintained cycle paths with very little ascent. Pedalling an average of 50km a day you will have plenty of time to discover the beautiful towns, vineyards and monasteries along the way while your luggage is transported to your hotel ready for your arrival. Plus we have the option of an e-bike upgrade should you would prefer an extra boost to your pedal power. Staying in 4* hotels, some with pools and wellness facilities along the way you can unwind at the end of the day in the comfort that everything has been taken care of for you.

Please note the daily itinerary provides an average distance for that section. We can use a number of accommodations along the route so the overnight locations each night can vary a little, therefore the actual distance ridden each day depends on the location of your hotel.

Why KE?

Vienna has been named the world’s best city to live in and we have ensured that you will have plenty of time to discover what makes this city so special.


Unlike most tour operators we have included your hire bike in the cost of your trip.

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Itinerary

Arrive at your hotel in Passau, the 'Town of Three Rivers'. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore this famously picturesque town, which lies on the border between Germany and Austria and at the meeting point of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz Rivers. The 'new centre' of the town has been completely redesigned as a pedestrian area and St Stephen's Church is home to the world's largest church organ which is certainly worth a visit. In the evening our representative will meet you for your bike fitting and will be able to answer any questions you have about the route.

Accommodation

Hotel

There will be time to explore Passau and soak up the culture before hopping on your bike and setting off along the Danube, first on the German side of the river passing through Obernzell before crossing the border into Austria to Engelhartszell home to Austria's only Trappist Monastery built in 1293. The monastery still produces excellent liquors, beers and cheese. From Engelhartszell your route continues along the river through the Donauleiten Nature Reserve to reach the Schlogen Bend. This significant bend of 180 degrees in the river is thanks to the strength of the granite in the area which posed too much of a challenge for the Danube to pass through. As a result the river was forced to take a change of direction through softer more easily eroded ground leaving behind this fascinating geographical feature. There will be time to take photos and gawp at this natural phenomenon before taking a ferry across the river to your hotel for this evening.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Distance

45 KM

Today you will cycle through the beautifully green Eferdinger Basin with its mix of oxbow lakes and meandering loops of the river which have carved into the landscape. You will make your way along the Danube between the pretty market town of Aschach and Ottensheim. The two towns make for a great morning coffee stop. As you continue the valley opens up into rich farmland growing corn, asparagus and vegetables, and before long you will arrive into Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and the Capital of Culture in 2009. The city's rich culture also won it the award of becoming a UNESCO City of Media Arts in 2014. It's forward thinking approach to technology is a fascinating contrast to the beauty and tradition of its old town and you will have plenty of time to explore from your hotel this evening or maybe relax in one of the old towns many cafes, pubs or restaurants with a well-earned glass of wine.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Distance

50 KM

Saying goodbye to Linz, today your route will take a little detour away from the Danube to St. Florian Augustinian Monastery. The stunning monastery dates back to the early ninth century with its impressive Baroque Architecture dominating the town of Sankt Florian. From here you will pedal on to Enns, the oldest town in Austria. Its medieval architecture, distinct 60m town tower and the pitched roofed buildings are incredibly photogenic and the town's main square 'Hauptplatz' is the perfect spot to admire the town over a coffee. If you're feeling energetic you may wish to climb the steps to the top of the town tower for a fantastic panoramic view of Enns. Cycling back towards the river you follow it to your final goal of the day; your hotel and the baroque town of Grein nestled between rolling green hills and the glistening Danube.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Distance

55 KM

Feeling refreshed todays ride will take you through the Strudengau, a magnificent 25km stretch where the Danube is once again narrower and quite deeply cut, with densely forested slopes up to 400m high. The current flows more strongly here and this section of the Danube was once feared by sailors as its dangerous whirlpools and shallows threatened their ship. It's no problem for cyclists, however, as your route continues to gradually descend on perfect cycle paths towards Ybbs an der Donau. The small town of Ybbs an der Donau, with its compact central square and pretty church provides a perfect coffee stop. The town is home to a bicycle museum and a visit is quite fitting before continuing onwards, passing the twin towers of the basilica of Maria Taferl, which attracts many thousands of pilgrims each year. Pedalling a little further you will soon arrive at your hotel for the evening in the wine producing region of Wachau.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Distance

55 KM

Your ride today will take you through the town of Melk, home to yet another dominating piece of religious architecture - the magnificent yellow-painted Benedictine abbey overlooking the Danube. Leaving Melk you will soon be pedalling through the picturesque Wachau orchids and vineyards, with its charming atmosphere, rolling hills and fortresses. Before long you will reach the little wine producing towns of Spitz and Weissenkirchen where you will have opportunity to enjoy the produce at a wine tasting. Hopping back on your bike your route continues taking you past the ruins of a 12th century castle in Durnstein where King Richard I of England was imprisoned at the time of the Third Crusade before arriving in the beautiful, 1000 year old, towns of Krems and Traismauer. It is in Traismauer where you will stay this evening allowing you time to discover the quaint old streets and enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants. We recommend ordering a glass of the house wine with dinner; it will most likely be from the vineyards you have cycled through.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Distance

55 KM

Your final day of cycling is a relaxed one as the Danube becomes ever wider and the cycle path ever easier leading you to Vienna. This easy and picturesque ride will take you through a mix of forest and farmland before arriving in the town of Tulln. Here you will have time to explore, enjoy a coffee stop or visit the museum dedicated to the work of the Austrian painter, Egon Schiele. Refuelled for the final leg of your journey you will soon pass the impressive hilltop abbey at Klosterneuburg before arriving at your final goal, the 'Danube metropolis' of Vienna. 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. After a great week of cycling we recommend treating yourself to a Viennese-style Americano coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte cake in one of Vienna's typical coffee houses. Let's be honest- you have earnt it!

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Distance

50 KM

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take a final exploration of Vienna before making your onward journey. Or even better add an additional nights accommodation to your trip and really soak up Vienna's culture. Ask our sales team for more details.

Meals

B
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The Route
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Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • All accommodation as described

  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan

  • Self-guided information pack containing your route notes

  • Luggage transfers

  • 21 gear bike hire

  • A ferry ride (Au-Schlogen) including your bike

  • A wine tasting in Wachau

  • Navigation App and GPX tracks available

  • Travel insurance
  • Bike Helmet
  • Travel to Passau
  • Travel from Vienna
  • Visas (if applicable)
  • Tourist Taxes may apply and are usually under 5 Euros per person per night
  • Some meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • Personal equipment
  • Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional

Each self-guided holiday comes with comprehensive route notes and a map or pocket guidebook of the area you are exploring. The route notes contain information about the places you will visit and the local transport you might need, along with the detailed route notes for your daily walks or cycle rides. We even include some tips for the best places to stop for lunch.

You can expect to receive your Self-Guided Pack containing your route notes, a map or guidebook, and all your relevant documents, no later than 3 weeks before your holiday start-date. We will send your documents using a signed-for courier so that you can track your package and know that it is safely on its way to you. For bookings of more than 4 people we will send an additional Self-Guided Pack. If you do not need this additional pack please inform our Sales Team. Your pack will be sent to the lead booker, so please remind them to pack it before setting off.

Should your self-guided trip be part of a longer adventure requiring you to leave home more than three weeks before your holiday start-date, please inform our Sales Team so that we can make alternative delivery arrangements.

Our Self-Guided Holidays are perfect for your next family holiday and are suitable for children of all ages.

Our partner hotels and accommodations are able to provide cots for young children, and some offer family rooms. We can also arrange hire of children’s bikes and tag along bikes for most of our self-guided cycling trips and with trips such as Lake Constance and the Danube offering routes on designated cycle paths you can rest assured in keeping your family safe.

As a parent we trust that you know your own child’s capabilities, so please read the itinerary details to ensure the distances covered each day are suitable for your family. If this is a first time walking holiday for your family, a centre based trip is a fantastic option as it allows you to easily opt out of a days walking if a day of building sand castles, swimming in the pool or visiting museums is calling instead.

Please discuss this further with our sales team who will be happy to assist in picking the best trip for your family.

The trip starts at your hotel in Passau. All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. The nearest airport for this trip is Vienna Airport with many departures from regional UK airports.

If you are flying into Vienna Airport you can take the train direct to Passau from the airport. The trains run every hour and the travel time is approx. 3 hours.

This trip is on a bed and breakfast basis to allow you the most flexibility during your holiday.

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single use plastic bottles.

Food in Austria is a hearty affair with many stews, schnitzel and delicious desserts on offer to fuel you along your ride. When you think of Austrian cuisine it is hard not to think of goulash, strudel and yummy chocolate Sachertorte for which the country is famed and there is a world of history behind these national favourites along with many more.

Austrian cuisine is symbolic of the former crownlands of the monarchy with its multi-cultural history with Hungarians, Bohemians, Slovaks, Poles, Croatians and immigrants from the Dalmatia, Subcarpathia, Bukovina and Carnola all bringing their favourite recipes with them as they came to Vienna. The best of the best have become fully integrated into the Austrian menu. Take the Apfelstrudel for example which originally came from Turkey after being adopted by Hungary. Who would have thought this national dish was actually Turkish.

Part of the joy of being on this self-guided cycling holiday is we have designed it on a bed and breakfast basis allowing you to dine out wherever you fancy and stop off to sample the many cafes to discover the many delicious dishes Austrian’s have adopted and created. We are sure you won’t be disappointed.

On this trip you will stay in carefully selected 4* hotels each picked for their warm hospitality, excellent facilities and convenient locations. All of the hotels have Wifi and offer a fantastic continental breakfast. Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis in a twin or double room, some with Austrian style twin beds as is traditional in this area (two beds within one bed frame and separate bedding).

Standard hybrid bikes come with 21 gears and all bikes come equipped with a pannier and handlebar bag for your daily essentials plus a milometer, a bike lock, pump and repair kit.

The bikes provided for this trip come in two different frame types- unisex or male bike frame. Unisex bikes being provided for passengers up to a height of 185cm and male bike frames are provided for those above 185cm. If you would prefer a specific frame bike i.e. a male bike frame, please request this with our sales team.

You also have the option of upgrading to "Bike Plus" hire on this trip for an additional supplement of £ 70. The Bike Plus option provides a slightly sportier sitting posture and comes with upgraded items such as 27 gears, hydraulic brakes and a front suspension fork. This is a great option for those looking for a slightly comfier ride without upgrading to an e-bike.

We strongly recommend for you to bring your own helmet with you for the best comfort. Alternatively you can order a helmet to collect in Passau for an additional €40, payable on arrival, please contact our sales team to reserve this in advance of travel.

We also recommend packing a gel seat for extra comfort or a pair of padded cycling shorts, whilst the cycling is leisurely and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore it is always nice to have some padding for a comfortable ride.

We can arrange tandem bikes, children’s bikes, trailers and child seats upon request. Please ask our sales team for details.

If you are looking for a bit of extra support whilst in the saddle, you can upgrade to an e-bike to make your ride even more leisurely.

Equipped with a battery and motor, these electric bikes give you a helping hand whilst you are pedalling, making it easier to climb hills, and travel further with less effort and more comfort.

E-bikes are available on this holiday at an additional supplement of £255. Just request this upgrade option with our sales team at the time of booking.

Your main luggage will be transferred between each of your hotels while you are out on your bike. We ask that you please ensure your luggage is under 20KG and that your luggage is ready for collection each morning.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

Severe Allergies

Please inform our KE Sales and support team of any severe allergies you may have before travel. We will always do our best to help but we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on our KE trips. We advise that you always carry your own treatment for the allergy with you such as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' if required.  We also recommend that you discuss this with your accommodation on arrival so that they can better assist you.

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

The advantage of a self-guided cycling holiday is that you decide the pace. This trip is designed for leisure cyclists and does not require you to be in peak fitness. Having said this it is always sensible to get some additional exercise before going on an active holiday. After all, the fitter you are the more enjoyable your cycling will be. You should be comfortable with cycling 40-60 km a day on easy cycle paths and it is advisable to dust off your bike and head out on a few rides before your holiday.

This part of Austria has a continental climate. Average temperatures vary through the summer season, from daytime highs of around 20 degrees Centigrade in May to 25 degrees in August and 15 degrees in early October. You can expect some occasional showers at any time of the year so it is always worth remembering to pack your waterproof just in case.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

EuroVelo 6. Donauradweg. A cycle path map at 100,000 scale.

The Danube from Passau to Linz and Wachau.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

  • Cycling shorts

  • Cycle helmet

  • Functional base layer

  • T-shirts

  • Scarf

  • Hat

  • Windproof jacket

  • Fleece / extra layer

  • Rain protection

  • Rucksack (approx. 20 l)

  • Small first aid kit for your rucksack

  • Sunscreen

  • Water bottle or hydration pack

  • Camera (batteries/memory card)

  • Mobile Phone (ensure your data package covers your destination)

  • Handlebar mount that is compatible with your smartphone

  • Power bank

  • Waterproof phone cover

  • Sun glasses

  • Personal wash kit

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping to avoid the use of plastic bags

  • Tupperware for picnics

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 from 2 reviews

Danube cycling ★★★★★

Everything about the trip went smoothly. My highlight was the fun cycling along beautiful countryside knowing KE was doing its part with luggage and any problem solving.

By Jeffery from Colorado Springs | 29 June 2023

a relaxing cycling holiday ★★★★

Cycling along the danube is an easy, relatively flat route with nice places to stop along the way. some parts of the route are more picturesque than others, but we all enjoyed ourselves.

By Cindi from Portland | 19 October 2021

Traveller Reviews
4.5 out of 5 from 2 reviews

Danube cycling
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Everything about the trip went smoothly. My highlight was the fun cycling along beautiful countryside knowing KE was doing its part with luggage and any problem solving.

By Jeffery from Colorado Springs | 29 June 2023

a relaxing cycling holiday
★ ★ ★ ★

Cycling along the danube is an easy, relatively flat route with nice places to stop along the way. some parts of the route are more picturesque than others, but we all enjoyed ourselves.

By Cindi from Portland | 19 October 2021

DATES & PRICES

2024

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2025

Dates

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Land Only Information

Please note our 'from price' listed is based on 4 persons on twin or double occupancy, however we can quote for any number of travellers, including solo travellers, contact our sales team for a quote.

All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. You may even wish to make this holiday part of a bigger adventure or pair it with one of our other holidays. We can arrange additional nights accommodation before or after your self-guided trip, ask our sales team to find out more about this.

Our sales team will be happy to provide you a quote for scheduled flights or alternatively you may wish to book your own flights with a low cost carrier from your nearest regional airport.

Please DO NOT book your flights before you have received your booking confirmation and your deposit has been taken.

We offer some transfers to your hotel from the nearest airports, please refer to the 'joining arrangements and transfers' for further details for this trip.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

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