After arriving from Munich or Vienna, you’ll find yourself in Passau, Bavaria, near the Austrian border, where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers meet. The city showcases various influences and was rebuilt in Baroque style after a devastating fire in 1662. The standout example is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a religious site since 730 AD, completed in 1693. It houses Europe’s largest organ, which was the world’s largest until 1993. Overlooking Passau is the historic Veste Oberhaus fortress on St. Georgsberg hill, now home to a museum and restaurant.
Distance: 94 kms (58 miles) / Elevation Gain: 612 m (2060 feet) / Saddle Time: 4.5-6.5 hours
Start your journey by crossing the Schanzlbrücke bridge, the first of many crossings over the Danube River. Leaving Passau’s outskirts, peaceful cycle paths guide you alongside the tranquil Danube. Pass through Engelhartszell, home to a monastery famed for its tonic liqueurs, before reaching the iconic Schlögen Bend, where the river curves dramatically around resistant granite. Here, take your first ferry to the south bank for a stunning view of this natural wonder.
Continue along the Danube’s south bank, where steep hills and the Eferdinger Becken nature reserve provide a serene backdrop. Pass picturesque Austrian villages with colorful facades and blooming gardens before arriving in Linz, Upper Austria’s cultural capital. Explore the Main Square, the historic Thun Mansion, and Donaulände park. End your day marveling at modern illuminated architecture at the Lentos Museum and Ars Electronica Center, reflecting Linz’s creative spirit.
Distance: 85 kms (53 miles) / Elevation Gain: 428 m (1440 feet) / Saddle Time: 2-4 hours
Leaving Linz, cycle through Machland’s fertile plains, stopping in Mauthausen to visit its poignant WWII concentration camp memorial. Continue to Grein, home to the 500-year-old Greinburg Castle and the historic Stadttheater, Austria’s oldest theatre.
The route winds through the Strudengau Valley, a once-dangerous stretch of the Danube now known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and idyllic villages. Pass through Persenbeug, marked by its impressive castle, and reach Ybbs, where the Baroque Maria Taferl Basilica offers breathtaking valley views and intricate frescoes.
End your journey in Ybbs, exploring its historic old town and the Ybbs Bike Museum, which celebrates cycling history and innovation.
Distance: 63 kms (39 miles) / Elevation Gain: 393 m (1325 feet) / Saddle Time: 3-5 hours
Leaving Ybbs, cycle along the river through the picturesque Nibelungengau region, where rolling hills and dense forests frame the path ahead. Pass the historic town of Melk, home to the stunning Melk Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece perched high above the river.
Entering the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the route meanders through charming villages, terraced vineyards, and apricot orchards. Stop in Spitz or Dürnstein, famed for its castle ruins and the legend of Richard the Lionheart. Enjoy a relaxing winery visit, savoring local Wachau wines like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling while taking in the valley’s breathtaking views.
The journey concludes in Krems, a vibrant town with a medieval old quarter and bustling wine culture. This section offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and gastronomic delights.
Distance: 84 kms (52 miles) / Elevation Gain: 236 m (795 feet) / Saddle Time: 4-6 hours
The journey from Krems to Vienna offers a blend of challenge and charm. Starting in Krems, follow quiet paths along the Danube through sunflower fields and the scenic Donauauen region. Reaching Tulln, the “City of Flowers,” enjoy the serene Donaulände Park, the Nibelungendenkmal sculpture, and the unique Die Garten Tulln botanical displays.
From Tulln, the route winds past Greifenstein Castle and Klosterneuburg’s grand monastery, through the Vienna Woods. Enter Vienna along the Donau canal, where vibrant street art sets the tone for the city’s cultural richness. After dropping off your bike, explore Vienna’s stunning architecture, culinary delights, and cycling-friendly atmosphere.
End your day with a ride on the iconic Wiener Riesenrad ferris wheel, soaring 65 meters above the city for breathtaking views—a fitting finale to this scenic and culturally immersive adventure.
Vienna, known as the City of Music due to Mozart and Beethoven, could also be called the European City of Palaces. Around every corner lies a grand palace waiting to be explored. Start your day with a coffee and pastry at the iconic Café Central, where the opulent interior transports you to the mid-1800s. Then, stroll along Kärntner Strasse, a historic shopping street dating back to the Roman Empire.
Our recommended itinerary covers Vienna’s top landmarks, including St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Vienna Opera House, and Schönbrunn Palace. End your day at Belvedere Palace, an art museum specializing in Austrian art. The palace’s stunning gardens offer a serene view of the city, providing the perfect spot to reflect on your day as the sun sets.
All our accommodation selections are in-house reviewed. We partner with family-owned, charming guesthouses and hotels where you can relax and recharge. Below are some sample accommodations on our Danube Cycle Path tours. Depending on availability, the accommodation you stay at may vary but will always be of a similar standard.
The Hotel & Restaurant Blauer Bock is located directly on the Danube bank in Passau. Bavarian-modern, elegant and with an exclusive design, the traditional hotel shines in a completely new splendor.
Just steps away from the Nestroyplatz Underground Station, Henriette Stadthotel Vienna is 2 stops from Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in the centre of Vienna. The Prater Amusement Park is a 10-minute walk away.
Henriette Stadthotel Vienna serves a rich breakfast buffet and the spacious rooms feature air conditioning.
This tour is in our Challenging difficulty grading. The route is 95% dedicated, smooth cycle path following the course of the river. Although there may be points of elevation gain, they are of a minor gradient and brief. The real challenge on this tour comes from the significant daily distance, so a high level of fitness is required.
If you are unsure of your ability, choose an e-bike during booking to glide along the route.
If you like smooth, flat terrain where you can eat up the mileage and enjoy a stunning backdrop, this tour is for you. There are endless amounts of stopping points to refresh and recharge, dotted all along the route.
History & Culture stops are plentiful to break up the cycle day.
You have a choice of bringing your own bike or renting your tour bike through us during booking. For the Danube Cycle Path Challenging, the bikes available are hybrid, gravel and electric touring bikes. If an electric bike is chosen, it will bring the daily saddle time down by approximately 1 hour.
We only partner with the best bike suppliers for all our destinations so you’ll be guaranteed well maintained, premium brand bikes such as Cube, Trek or KTM.
All bike rentals come with helmet, lock and repair kit. A network of mechanics are on call in case of any mechanical issues faced while on tour.
We offer tours on the Danube from April – October. At the start and end of the tour season, the average temperatures are approximately 11 °C (52 °F). These are also the driest times of the season. Temperatures peak average at 21 °C (71 °F) in July but the mid summer months are typically the wettest. Temperatures as high as 35 °C (95 °F) have been recorded, but these are quite rare. Please see image below for reference.
As the Danube Cycle Path is in a valley, it is susceptible to micro climates, so unexpected weather can occur. Although your tour will be mostly dry, we highly recommend being prepared with rain gear in case of emergency.
We include detailed navigation instructions and GPX files for your ride. Our navigation app is easy to use and we give a detailed instructional video on how to use it. If you are having any difficulty, we are on call at all times to assist you.
The Danube Cycle Path is very well sign posted, in case all other navigation means let you down.
Included in your tour, is 24/7 message and video support. If you have an issue with navigation, bike breakdown, accommodation, medical, etc, we are at the touch of a button away at all times.
We have an extensive network of suppliers along the route, who will resolve the problem as swiftly as possible.
If you haven’t found the answer you’re looking for above, visit our general FAQ page for more information or simply reach out to us with the “Ask A Question” button on the side.
I joined this tour as a beginner cyclist and wasn’t sure what to expect. To my surprise, it was easier than I imagined, and incredibly rewarding. Ciara’s patience when explaining the route options was so appreciated—I felt confident from day one. Highlights for me included ferry crossings and the incredible...
I joined this tour as a beginner cyclist and wasn’t sure what to expect. To my surprise, it was easier than I imagined, and incredibly rewarding. Ciara’s patience when explaining the route options was so appreciated—I felt confident from day one. Highlights for me included ferry crossings and the incredible views from Melk Abbey. Plus, I ate enough strudel to last me a lifetime! This trip made me fall in love with cycling, and I’ll be back for more.
Cycling through Austria was like living in a postcard. The castles, riverside villages, and lush green fields were breathtaking. I loved how well-maintained the paths were, and the small-town bakeries were a delightful bonus. A truly unforgettable adventure!
Cycling through Austria was like living in a postcard. The castles, riverside villages, and lush green fields were breathtaking. I loved how well-maintained the paths were, and the small-town bakeries were a delightful bonus. A truly unforgettable adventure!
This was a mostly great experience, but I wish the hotels had been more consistent. Most were charming and clean, but one felt quite dated, with an uncomfortable bed that left me sore for the next day’s ride. David from Rooster Bike Tours was understanding when I mentioned it and...
This was a mostly great experience, but I wish the hotels had been more consistent. Most were charming and clean, but one felt quite dated, with an uncomfortable bed that left me sore for the next day’s ride. David from Rooster Bike Tours was understanding when I mentioned it and said they’d look into replacing that accommodation for future tours. Despite that, the Danube Cycle Path was beautiful, and the cycling itself was a joy.
Rooster Bike Tours made it so easy for my family of four. My kids were thrilled by the ferry crossings, and I loved how many ice cream stops we made along the way! The Danube Cycle Path felt safe and gave us all a sense of adventure. We cycled at...
Rooster Bike Tours made it so easy for my family of four. My kids were thrilled by the ferry crossings, and I loved how many ice cream stops we made along the way! The Danube Cycle Path felt safe and gave us all a sense of adventure. We cycled at a relaxed pace, stopped for picnics, and stayed in delightful hotels. This was the perfect family bonding experience—our kids are already asking when we can do another!
Cycling alongside the Danube River felt like meditation. The route was easy enough for me, a casual cyclist, but never boring. I loved stopping at tiny villages and indulging in local food—strudel and schnitzel galore! Tom ensured my trip was stress-free.
Cycling alongside the Danube River felt like meditation. The route was easy enough for me, a casual cyclist, but never boring. I loved stopping at tiny villages and indulging in local food—strudel and schnitzel galore! Tom ensured my trip was stress-free.
The highlight for me was cycling through the quiet stretches by the river at sunrise—just me, the bike, and the sound of water. It was peaceful and magical. Rooster’s organization meant I could focus on enjoying the journey without a care.
As someone who doesn’t even cycle to the shops, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this trip! The Danube Cycle Path was flat, scenic, and dotted with bakeries where I overindulged. Thanks to the clear maps, I never got lost, even with my questionable sense of direction. Reaching...
As someone who doesn’t even cycle to the shops, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this trip! The Danube Cycle Path was flat, scenic, and dotted with bakeries where I overindulged. Thanks to the clear maps, I never got lost, even with my questionable sense of direction. Reaching Vienna felt like a real achievement—celebrating with a huge plate of schnitzel was the perfect end.
Cycling the Danube Cycle Path was a once in a lifetime experience, and Rooster Bike Tours made the logistics easy. The accommodations were great. However, one of the bikes provided had a faulty gear that started acting up halfway through the trip. While the support team was quick to deliver...
Cycling the Danube Cycle Path was a once in a lifetime experience, and Rooster Bike Tours made the logistics easy. The accommodations were great. However, one of the bikes provided had a faulty gear that started acting up halfway through the trip. While the support team was quick to deliver a replacement, it disrupted part of my afternoon ride. Despite this inconvenience, the rest of the trip was fantastic. I particularly loved cycling through the Wachau Valley and stopping for wine tastings and apricot treats. Rooster’s attention to detail was evident, even if a bit more thorough bike checks would’ve been appreciated. I’d still recommend this tour wholeheartedly!
The Danube Cycle Path was breathtaking, and most of the logistics were handled well by Rooster Bike Tours. However, one of our hotels didn’t seem prepared for our arrival, which delayed check-in after a long day of cycling. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it threw off our evening plans a...
The Danube Cycle Path was breathtaking, and most of the logistics were handled well by Rooster Bike Tours. However, one of our hotels didn’t seem prepared for our arrival, which delayed check-in after a long day of cycling. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it threw off our evening plans a bit. That said, the rest of the trip went smoothly, and the bikes provided were fantastic.
I loved the mix of history and nature. One day I was exploring ancient abbeys, the next I was cruising through quiet forests. Tom’s advice to spend extra time in Krems was spot on—great wine and even better vibes.
The Danube has always been on my bucket list, and this tour delivered in spades. From the baroque grandeur of Melk Abbey to quirky local festivals we stumbled upon, every day brought something new. Ciara even helped arrange a surprise upgrade for my partner’s birthday night—a riverside room with champagne....
The Danube has always been on my bucket list, and this tour delivered in spades. From the baroque grandeur of Melk Abbey to quirky local festivals we stumbled upon, every day brought something new. Ciara even helped arrange a surprise upgrade for my partner’s birthday night—a riverside room with champagne. Now that’s service!
I never thought I’d enjoy cycling so much. My partner and I took this trip for a change of pace, and it delivered. We laughed at how many pastries we ate “for energy” but still managed to reach Vienna on schedule.
I was nervous about going solo, but the Danube Cycle Path made me feel safe the entire way. Cycling through the Wachau Valley was pure bliss, with rows of sunlit vineyards and the smell of apricots in the air. The best moment? A surprise wine-tasting detour in Dürnstein—I couldn’t resist!...
I was nervous about going solo, but the Danube Cycle Path made me feel safe the entire way. Cycling through the Wachau Valley was pure bliss, with rows of sunlit vineyards and the smell of apricots in the air. The best moment? A surprise wine-tasting detour in Dürnstein—I couldn’t resist! Tom from Rooster Bike Tours gave me excellent tips on what to see. If you’re even slightly adventurous, this trip is a must.
We booked this on a whim, and it turned out to be the best decision ever. My partner loved the castles; I loved the bakeries. The Danube Cycle Path had something for everyone, and we’re already recommending it to friends!
What a week! As a semi-experienced cyclist, I found the Danube Cycle Path just the right balance of leisurely and challenging. The Wachau Valley was my favorite—cycling through vineyards with the scent of fresh apricots in the air was unreal. Tom was amazing, offering insider tips that made the journey...
What a week! As a semi-experienced cyclist, I found the Danube Cycle Path just the right balance of leisurely and challenging. The Wachau Valley was my favorite—cycling through vineyards with the scent of fresh apricots in the air was unreal. Tom was amazing, offering insider tips that made the journey extra special. The accommodations were quaint yet comfortable, and the luggage transfer system was flawless. I’ll definitely be returning for another adventure with Rooster Bike Tours!
This was a great trip overall, but there were a couple of hiccups. On one stretch, the route instructions weren’t entirely clear, and I ended up taking a wrong turn that added an extra 5 km to my day. It wasn’t a huge issue, but after a long day, it...
This was a great trip overall, but there were a couple of hiccups. On one stretch, the route instructions weren’t entirely clear, and I ended up taking a wrong turn that added an extra 5 km to my day. It wasn’t a huge issue, but after a long day, it was a bit frustrating. The scenery along the Danube more than made up for it, and Tom at Rooster Bike Tours was quick to respond when I contacted him for clarification.
My parents and I decided to try something new, and this bike tour was a hit! Rooster Bike Tours took care of all the logistics, making it stress-free for us. The Danube Cycle Path’s gentle terrain was ideal for my dad, who hadn’t cycled in years. We bonded over coffee...
My parents and I decided to try something new, and this bike tour was a hit! Rooster Bike Tours took care of all the logistics, making it stress-free for us. The Danube Cycle Path’s gentle terrain was ideal for my dad, who hadn’t cycled in years. We bonded over coffee breaks in riverside towns and took hundreds of photos of the stunning scenery. It was the perfect blend of activity and relaxation—just what we needed.
The Danube Cycle Path was a revelation. I didn’t expect to be so blown away by the mix of landscapes, from lush valleys to medieval towns. The ferry ride across the river was a fun break in the ride!
I wasn’t sure I could handle a week of cycling, but the Danube Cycle Path proved me wrong. Flat, scenic, and dotted with cafés serving cakes bigger than my head—it was heaven! Already planning my next bike tour.
I can’t believe how much I packed into a week! Cycling along the Danube felt like stepping into a storybook, with castles perched on cliffs and vineyards stretching endlessly. David at Rooster Bike Tours helped tweak my itinerary so I could visit extra wineries—great shout, by the way! Ending the...
I can’t believe how much I packed into a week! Cycling along the Danube felt like stepping into a storybook, with castles perched on cliffs and vineyards stretching endlessly. David at Rooster Bike Tours helped tweak my itinerary so I could visit extra wineries—great shout, by the way! Ending the day in cozy guesthouses with a hearty Austrian meal was the icing on the cake. I’ll be back for another route soon.
This tour completely changed how I see travel. Instead of rushing from city to city, cycling allowed me to soak in the countryside, wave to locals, and discover hidden gems. David suggested a detour to a tiny village pub, where I ended up chatting with the locals and sampling some...
This tour completely changed how I see travel. Instead of rushing from city to city, cycling allowed me to soak in the countryside, wave to locals, and discover hidden gems. David suggested a detour to a tiny village pub, where I ended up chatting with the locals and sampling some homemade schnapps. That moment alone made the trip unforgettable. The Danube Cycle Path is well-marked, safe, and absolutely beautiful. Don’t hesitate—just book it!
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Austria, but this trip did it for me. Each day felt like an adventure—cycling past castles, stopping for wine in Wachau, and discovering hidden riverside cafés. Ciara at Rooster Bike Tours made the whole process so simple, from bike fittings to luggage...
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Austria, but this trip did it for me. Each day felt like an adventure—cycling past castles, stopping for wine in Wachau, and discovering hidden riverside cafés. Ciara at Rooster Bike Tours made the whole process so simple, from bike fittings to luggage transfers. Vienna was a spectacular ending point, but honestly, I wish the trip had lasted longer. Already planning next year’s route with Rooster!
This wasn’t just a bike ride—it was a journey through history, culture, and some of the best pastries I’ve ever eaten. Cycling into Vienna with its majestic skyline was unforgettable. David from Rooster Bike Tours deserves a medal for answering my endless questions with patience and humor. Each day felt...
This wasn’t just a bike ride—it was a journey through history, culture, and some of the best pastries I’ve ever eaten. Cycling into Vienna with its majestic skyline was unforgettable. David from Rooster Bike Tours deserves a medal for answering my endless questions with patience and humor. Each day felt rewarding, and there was enough variety to keep it interesting, from castles to quiet forest trails. A fantastic way to see Austria!
What a ride! From the buzzing streets of Vienna to sleepy villages along the way, this tour was full of surprises. David’s route notes were detailed and easy to follow, and the bikes were top-quality. 10/10 experience!
3* or 4* Accommodation Throughout
Breakfast Each Morning
Winery Tour & Tasting
Train Transfers While On Tour
Luggage Transfer
Itinerary & Navigation Documentation
Tips & Local Insights
24-Hour Support