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8 days / 7 nights
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Starting point
Passau
Finish point
Vienna
Season
From April to October
Fitness level
3/5
Tour type
Road / Gravel / E-bike


Starting point
Passau
Finish point
Vienna
Season
From April to October
Fitness level
3/5
Tour type
Road / Gravel / E-bike
Highlights
- Explore the enchanting riverside towns of Passau, Linz, and Krems
- Cycle through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley with its terraced vineyards
- Admire the stunning architecture of Melk Abbey and other historical sites
- Discover Vienna's rich history, culture, and world-renowned attractions
- Enjoy a traffic-free, well-marked, and paved cycle path ideal for all skill levels
- Ride through Enns, Austria’s oldest town, with its medieval square and city tower
Itinerary of the trip
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
NOT INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Discover the beauty and history of the Danube Cycle Path as you follow the winding route of Europe’s second-longest river (not the whole way of course). Our carefully selected itinerary showcases the best of this captivating region, taking you on an unforgettable cycling adventure.
The bike tour starts in Passau, a city just over the German border, known for its stunning confluence of three rivers and rich cultural heritage. As you journey eastward, you’ll cycle through the picturesque landscapes of Upper Austria and the enchanting Wachau Valley, exploring medieval monasteries, ancestral vineyards, and charming villages. After one postcard-like location after another, you’ll arrive in Vienna, the capital of Austria, where the grand architecture and vibrant art scene await your exploration.
The Danube Cycle Path offers numerous route options, and we have chosen the best one for you to experience the perfect blend of nature, culture, and history.
The average daily stage covers a comfortable 40-60 kilometers (25-35 miles), making it suitable for cyclists of all skill levels, including families and beginners. The path is well-marked, paved, and traffic-free, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride through the idyllic landscapes.
To ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience, we arrange all of your accommodations and provide a comprehensive itinerary booklet, complete with a GPS track for effortless navigation. We also offer reliable customer support throughout your journey, so you can focus on enjoying the captivating landscapes and charming towns along the Danube Cycle Path.
Set out on this unforgettable Danube Bike Tour and let the magic of the river captivate you.
Top Places You'll See
From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.

Historic Centre of Vienna
The Austrian capital blends imperial grandeur with modern life. Cyclists riding into Vienna pass landmarks like the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Ringstrasse boulevard. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vienna is also a city of music, home to Mozart, Beethoven, and the world-renowned opera.

Vienna
Austria’s capital has been named the “World’s Most Livable City” multiple years running in 2023 by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). It blends grandeur and green spaces. You’ll cycle past imperial palaces, elegant coffeehouses, and along the wide banks of the Danube. With bike-friendly infrastructure and countless cultural stops, Vienna is both a highlight in itself and a comfortable starting point for many tours.

Wachau Valley
A UNESCO-listed stretch of the Danube, the Wachau is famous for terraced vineyards, medieval castles, and riverside abbeys. Gentle paths guide you through villages where wine taverns invite a pause, and autumn brings the golden glow of harvest. This is cycling Austria at its most relaxing—rich culture, natural beauty, and easy distances combined into one unforgettable ride.

Melk Abbey
This baroque masterpiece dominates the western entrance to the Wachau with its golden halls and riverside terraces. Inside, highlights include the vast library and frescoed church, while outside the gardens overlook the valley. Cyclists often pause here as a cultural starting point before following the Danube eastward.

Dürnstein Castle Ruins
The ruins of Dürnstein Castle are best known as the prison of Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. A short but steep climb leads to a panoramic view of the Danube, vineyards, and tiled rooftops below. The village itself, with its blue abbey tower, is one of the most photographed stops on the route.
Our Bikes
To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.
To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.

Road Bikes
Best for: Paved routes, longer distances, and climbs
Our road bikes are lightweight, fast, and built for endurance. They typically feature carbon or high-quality aluminium frames, smooth gearing, and reliable components—often Shimano 105 or similar. Well-suited for long days in the saddle, they’re perfect for climbs, steady cruising, and covering serious distance on tarmac.

Trekking Bikes
Best for: Multi-day touring, relaxed pace, and varied surfaces
These high-quality trekking bikes are built for comfort over multiple days. They feature a relaxed riding position, smooth-rolling wheels, and often come with practical additions like an adjustable stem, rear rack, or mudguards. They're not necessarily built for speed, but more for enjoying the ride.

Touring E-Bikes
Best for: Comfortable trekking, touring, longer distances, and hilly routes
These pedal-assist electric bikes are designed to make riding easier and more enjoyable—especially on longer or hillier routes. They come with powerful mid-drive motors, long-lasting batteries, and comfortable riding geometry for smooth support across varied terrain. With intuitive controls and quality components, they’re a great choice for riders who want extra assistance without giving up the feel of a real ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating






Just back from enjoying a long weekend cycling in Slovenia, the company arranged transfers to and from the airport, hotels, bikes, bike routes, including what to see and where, and even transportation of bags between hotels. The only thing we needed to worry about was where to eat; the whole trip was painless, and I would highly recommend them.


Wow! What an awesome tour! We did a self-guided cycling tour on gravel bikes and it could not have been more enjoyable! Such a beautiful country and such an intimate travel experience. We biked through mountain valleys, over mountain passes, along rivers, through small villages, through wooded hills, through vineyards, and along the Adriatic coast. Kudos to everyone that put this trip together! The hotel accommodations were perfect and the bikes we rented were high quality! Thank you!


The trip was seamlessly organised.The accomodation was outstanding. The cycles were challenging and very satisfying to complete. The support was very good. The only criticism would be that on a few sections you are required to ride thru tunnels which are pitch black and very disorienting. Better bike lighting would have been helpful.


From the very beginning, the Cycling Holidays Austria team have been amazing. They provided a flexible service that met our specific needs and journey itinerary, which a good number of other providers would not entertain. The speed of reply was excellent and the use of the Trip Plans and Cycle with GPS apps just made our journey so easy. The quality of the rental bikes was excellent and they easily met the demands of the cycle track. Overall, excellent friendly service that we will definitely use again next year as we plan our continued trip along the stunning Danube River. Huge thanks to the team.


Wow! What an awesome tour! We did a self-guided cycling tour on gravel bikes and it could not have been more enjoyable! Such a beautiful country and such an intimate travel experience. We biked through mountain valleys, over mountain passes, along rivers, through small villages, through wooded hills, through vineyards, and along the Adriatic coast. Kudos to everyone that put this trip together! The hotel accommodations were perfect and the bikes we rented were high quality! Thank you!


Just back from enjoying a long weekend cycling in Slovenia, the company arranged transfers to and from the airport, hotels, bikes, bike routes, including what to see and where, and even transportation of bags between hotels. The only thing we needed to worry about was where to eat; the whole trip was painless, and I would highly recommend them.


The trip was seamlessly organised.The accomodation was outstanding. The cycles were challenging and very satisfying to complete. The support was very good. The only criticism would be that on a few sections you are required to ride thru tunnels which are pitch black and very disorienting. Better bike lighting would have been helpful.


From the very beginning, the Cycling Holidays Austria team have been amazing. They provided a flexible service that met our specific needs and journey itinerary, which a good number of other providers would not entertain. The speed of reply was excellent and the use of the Trip Plans and Cycle with GPS apps just made our journey so easy. The quality of the rental bikes was excellent and they easily met the demands of the cycle track. Overall, excellent friendly service that we will definitely use again next year as we plan our continued trip along the stunning Danube River. Huge thanks to the team.


All available guidance options
Self-guided
Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.
Hassle-Free
We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy carefree walking holidays.
Trusted by many
We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.
Handpicked Adventures
Only the best hut to hut hikes in Europe, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.
Unbeatable support
Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.