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: 41 kms (25 miles) / Elevation Gain: 259 m (850 feet) / Saddle Time: 1.5-3.5 hours
After picking up your bike, you’ll cross the Schanzlbrücke bridge, making your first of many crossings over the Danube River from the south to the north bank. Leaving Passau’s outskirts, you’ll soon find yourself on the peaceful cycle paths that make this tour famous, with the calm Danube flowing beside you. You’ll pass the charming town of Engelhartszell, known for its monastery that produces tonic liqueurs.
Continuing on, the day’s ride concludes at Schlögen Bend, where the river loops 180 degrees due to the resistant granite. Here, embark your first ferry crossing of the tour, returning to the Danube’s South bank. Upon disembarking, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the bend, framed by a steep hill.
Distance: 53 kms (33 miles) / Elevation Gain: 353 m (1160 feet) / Saddle Time: 2-4 hours
Starting from the stunning Schlögen bend, follow the Danube south bank, passing steep hills and the Eferdinger Becken nature reserve, where birdsong fills the air. Along the way, passing charming Austrian villages with steep roofs, painted facades, and flower-filled gardens.
The peaceful journey leads you to Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, known for its arts and culture. Begin at the Trinity Column in the Main Square and visit the Thun Mansion, where Mozart composed for 12 years. Enjoy a stroll through Donaulände park, and admire the illuminated modern architecture at the Lentos Museum and Ars Electronica Center.
Distance: 61 kms (38 miles) / Elevation Gain: 298 m (978 feet) / Saddle Time: 2.5-4.5 hours
Leaving Linz behind, begin the cycle along the north bank, passing through remote stretches and the agricultural flatlands of Machland. Along the way, ride through classic Austrian villages before reaching the fairytale-like village of Grein.
As Grein emerges, you’ll see the stunning 500-year-old Greinburg Castle perched on the hill, casting its protective aura over the village. Wander the steep cobblestone streets and visit the Stadttheater, Austria’s oldest functioning theatre.
Distance: 51 kms (32 miles) / Elevation Gain: 261 m (857 feet) / Saddle Time: 2-4 hours
This section of the cycle takes you through charming storybook villages, offering a mix of wide-open landscapes, bustling forests, and small waterfalls. After passing Ybbs, catch a glimpse of the Maria Taferl church overlooking the valley from the north bank.
Near the end, cross the cycle bridge into Melk, where the iconic Melk Abbey awaits. Almost 1,000 years old and in its current form since 1736, the abbey still serves as a school today. Its grandeur is breathtaking, far surpassing any photograph. In the evening, explore Melk’s baroque cobbled streets and enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine.
Distance: 38 kms (24 miles) / Elevation Gain: 263 m (862 feet) / Saddle Time: 1.5-3.5 hours
Today, you journey into the heart of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its terraced vineyards and orchards. Pedal through charming Austrian villages like Spitz, Weißenkirchen, and Dürnstein, with cobbled alleys and flower-covered balconies. Pass medieval relics, including the 12th-century Dürnstein Castle ruin, and enjoy the local scenery of grapevines, apricot, and apple trees. Sample the region’s famous apricot brandy at the many wine and spirit shops.
A visit to the prestigious Weingut Lagler winery awaits you, a true Wachau experience. The day concludes in the 1,000-year-old city of Krems, twin city to Passau, where the journey began. In the evening, walk through the Steiner Tor gate to the old town, a step back into a medieval village.
Distance: 38 kms (24 miles) / Elevation Gain: 120 m (393 feet) / Saddle Time: 1.5-3.5 hours
You start the day with a short train ride to Tulln, known as “The City of Flowers.” Upon arrival, enjoy a stroll in the Donaulände park along the Danube and visit the Nibelungendenkmal, a sculpture depicting a historic meeting from 1200 AD. The town’s highlight is Die Garten Tulln, a unique botanical garden.
As you leave Tulln, follow the Danube, passing Greifenstein castle and Klosterneuburg’s impressive monastery. Riding through the Vienna Woods, we soon reach Vienna, following a bike lane along the Donau canal with street art along the way. After dropping off your bike, explore Vienna, renowned for its architecture, food, cycling, and culture.
End the day with a ride on the Wiener Riesenrad, a 65m ferris wheel offering stunning city views.
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.
Pension Schutz is a small family run guesthouse situated 100 metres from the Danube River Bank, Gasthof-Pension Schütz features a wellness area and an outdoor swimming pool. The Donausteig hiking and cycling trails run next to the house.
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 Gentle 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. It is very approachable for those of amateur biking experience. It is also very well suited to family touring.
If you are unsure of your ability, choose an e-bike during booking to glide along the route.
The Danube Cycle Path is for those who like to take things slow and savour their surroundings. There are endless amounts of stopping points to refresh and recharge, dotted all along the route.
If you are into your history and culture, you’ll cycle passed an abundance of landmarks on your journey.
You have a choice of bringing your own bike or renting your tour bike through us during booking. For the Danube Cycle Path, the bikes available are comfortable touring bikes 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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 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.
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.
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 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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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