Donaueschingen - Passau - Vienna - Bratislava - Budapest
Days
28
Ø km per day
50
This great cycling tour along the Danube starts at the source of the Danube and from there sets off across South Germany. On the way you will look down from the highest church tower in the world, in Ulm, wonder at the rocks and cliffs of the Danube Gap from a boat and taste beer made at the world‘s oldest monastery brewery in Kelheim. In Regensburg Germany‘s most intact historic city awaits you before you head off to Passau, the town of three rivers, for your first day of rest. By the time it gets to Austria, this lively, young river has long since turned into a powerful current. After passing Linz, you follow it through the Wachau region. The lively metropolis of Vienna now awaits you. There is so much to discover that you can take a break from cycling here for the day to get to know the town in a more relaxed manner. It‘s worth it! Two more European capitals are waiting for you: Bratislava and Budapest. The last section rewards you again with one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube cycle path: following the Danube bend, you cycle along the Danube, leaving the easterly direction to turn off towards the south. In Budapest, after four weeks packed with sights both large and small, you will have reached your destination. You can be proud of yourself: 1210 km of the Danube cycle path are now behind you!
Your cycling vacation on the Danube begins in Donaueschingen. The source of the second longest river in Europe is located near the Danube spring town. However, the symbolic source is located at the palace garden of the Fürstenberg Palace. The palace built in the Belle Epoque style is an impressive testimony to the former importance of the von Fürstenberg family. It houses an interesting natural history collection and important modern works of art.
The first stage takes of your bike tour takes you along the Danube Cycle Path. In Immendingen, you can observe a unique natural spectacle at the Danube sinkhole. Here, the river disappears into the limestone the majority of the year. Instead of flowing into the Black Sea, part of the Danube flows into the North Sea via the Aachtopf and the Rhine river. After Tuttlingen, the valley narrows and you cycle on through the Upper Danube Nature Park. You spend the night in Mühlheim or Fridingen
.
Today you accompany the Danube through the impressive Danube valley formed by the course of time. You'll pass limestone cliffs over 100 meters high, castles and ruins along your path. A piece of living history awaits you in Sigmaringen. The Hohenzollern Castle is still inhabited by its royal family.
Instead of the rugged rocks, a softer landscape awaits you today. A detour to the Heuneburg, a prehistoric settlement, is worthwhile. At the open-air museum, you can immerse yourself in the world of the Celts. Your destination for the day, Riedlingen, is known for its well-preserved old town with historic buildings such as the impressive town hall.
On the way take a detour to the former Benedictine abbey of Zwiefalten. It is one of the most beautiful baroque complexes in southern Germany. Following the course of the Danube, you reach Obermarchtal – another notable monastery complex. Stop for a coffee in the medieval town of Munderkingen. Your destination for today Ehingen is nearby.
Today you can choose to follow the Danube river or alternatively take a detour to Blaubeuren. Here a spring originates from a large cave system. The intense blue color of the water almost seems artifical. The originating river Blau takes you to the Swabian town of Ulm. The city features the highest church tower in the world. While the climb up the 768 steps is long it will be rewarded with a fantastic view reaching as far as the Alps.
Town after town is lined up between Ulm and Lauingen. All of them a little away from the Danube relatively safe from flooding. You can marvel at over 50 million little Lego blocks in every possible color and shape at the Legoland in Günzburg. Continue to Lauinginen the town of towers. Then you will reach Dillingen, easily recognizeable from afar due to its magnificent castle.
This stage takes you through Höchstädt, with its late Renaissance castle, and winds along the Danube floodplains to Donauwörth, where the Wörnitz meets the Danube. This location was once a crucial trade route between Nuremberg and Augsburg, and even today, the splendid historic houses stand as a testament to the town's rich heritage. The Käthe Kruse Doll Museum delights visitors of all ages, ensuring that children's hearts race with excitement.
Today, you’ll cycle energetically, soon arriving at the foothills of the Franconian Alb, where gentle hills add a charming rhythm to your ride. Be sure to explore the old town of Neuburg, particularly the beautiful Hofkirche and the vibrant municipal theater. Ingolstadt, with its captivating medieval ambiance, is renowned globally as the birthplace of the Audi car brand. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Museum Mobile and wander through the enchanting streets of the old town nestled within the historic fortifications.
Today, you’ll follow the picturesque Danube cycle path to Neustadt. You'll pass lush hop fields cycling to the charming spa town of Bad Gögging. Its thermal springs date back to Roman times. In Abensberg ascend the Kuchlbauer Tower, a whimsical creation by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. It is located next to a brewery site and accessible only through guided tours. You’ll spend the night in either Abensberg or Bad Gögging.
Follow the Danube River to Weltenburg, where you’ll find the world’s oldest monastery brewery housed within its historic monastery. Here, you’ll board a boat bound for Kelheim, navigating the stunning Danube Gorge along the way. From Kelheim, continue your journey to Regensburg, the northernmost point of the Danube. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to explore the winding alleys of the old town and walk across the iconic Stone Bridge, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history.
Take a moment to pause at the Walhalla monument near Donaustauf, constructed by King Ludwig I of Bavaria. Your journey then continues along the Danube to Wörth Castle, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Gäuboden, known as the Bavarian granary. Your day's stage concludes in the historic ducal town of Straubing, a city with rich Celtic and Roman heritage. The prominent town tower serves as a striking landmark, inviting exploration of its storied past.
Today, you will begin your ride in Bogen, renowned for the pilgrimage church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary atop the Bogenberg. Your cycling tour will take you through Pfelling and Mariaposching, eventually leading to the richly adorned Benedictine abbey in Metten. Your destination for the day is Deggendorf, the gateway to the Bavarian Forest. The city holds a unique connection to the dumpling. A local legend claims that in the 13th century a dumpling throw thwarted an attack by enemy soldiers.
Today's stage takes you along the winding meanders of the Danube to the historic town of Vilshofen, where the rivers Vils, Pfudrach, and Wolfach converge. Often referred to as the "small city of three rivers," Vilshofen pays homage to its larger neighbor, Passau, which is just a few kilometers away. This charming municipality offers a delightful glimpse into the region’s rich history and scenic beauty.
In Passau, you find yourself nearly halfway through your cycling journey along the Danube. Today is the perfect for a day of relaxation. The baroque old town, crafted by Italian masters in the 17th century, enchants visitors with its Mediterranean charm. Discover the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz by boat, and take time to visit St. Stephen's Cathedral. Don’t miss the Veste Oberhaus and the Mariahilf pilgrimage church, both of which are well worth exploring.
Your cycling tour continues along the northern bank of the Danube, heading towards Austria. You’ll pass through Obernzell, known for its charming castle and the impressive ceramics museum. Continue to Engelhartszell, home to Austria’s only Trappist monastery. As you approach the Schlögener Schlinge, marvel at the Danube as it winds in a dramatic loop around a massive granite hill. Here the romantic ruins of Haichenbach command a stunning view.
As you journey through the bird paradise of the Eferding Basin and charming small market towns, your route leads you to Linz. The capital of Upper Austria, Linz was designated the European Capital of Culture in 2009. Home to the Lentos Art Museum, one of Austria’s most significant contemporary art institutions, the city offers a vibrant cultural scene. The Linz City Express provides convenient access to all major attractions, and for a stunning panoramic view of the city, be sure to visit the Pöstlingberg.
As you cycle through the culturally and historically rich Marchland region, you’ll pass by Enns, the oldest settlement in Austria. A short detour will take you to the magnificent baroque monastery of St. Florian. Continuing into the legendary Strudengau region, you’ll encounter a narrow stretch of the Danube once dreaded by boatmen due to its treacherous whirlpools. The charming town of Grein, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Strudengau," awaits, offering picturesque views and a delightful atmosphere.
Today, you arrive in the Wachau cultural landscape, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. This region is celebrated for its thriving wine and fruit cultivation, with numerous wine taverns offering delightful tastings along the way. A highlight of your journey is the magnificent Benedictine monastery of Melk Abbey, which stands proudly on the horizon and serves as a stunning focal point of the stage.
Your cycling adventure along the Danube continues through the enchanting Wachau region, passing through quaint wine villages such as Spitz and Dürnstein. You’ll arrive in Krems, a city first documented in 995. Following Krems, you’ll encounter a dramatically different landscape as the expansive Tullner Feld unfolds before you. Along the way, consider a visit to Göttweig Abbey, renowned for its impressive emperor's staircase. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in either Traismauer or Tulln.
As you cycle through the foothills of the Vienna Woods, you will arrive at the enchanting Danube metropolis of Vienna. If you prefer a quicker journey, you can take the Tulln-Vienna local train, which operates every half hour (not included). Once in the Austrian capital, explore iconic sights such as Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Prater. Be sure to indulge in a slice of Sachertorte at one of the city's charming Viennese coffee houses for a true taste of local culture.
Your cycling journey along the Danube leads you out of the city and onto the Danube Cycle Path. Today you’ll traverse pristine riparian forests. One of Austria’s largest Renaissance castles awaits you in Orth. Continuing on, you’ll reach Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, renowned for its soothing thermal springs. Just a short distance away, Hainburg features the impressive ruins of a hilltop castle. You’ll spend the night in either Bad Deutsch-Altenburg or Hainburg, soaking in the region's natural beauty and historical charm.
Your day begins with a visit to the Carnuntum Archaeological Park, where significant structures from a Roman city quarter have been uniquely reconstructed. After exploring this fascinating site, you'll return to Hainburg before crossing the border into Slovakia. The skyline of Bratislava, the capital, is notably dominated by its namesake castle, offering a striking backdrop as you arrive.
At Rajká, you’ll cross the border into Hungary and cycle across the picturesque small Schüttinsel. This route takes you through a vast floodplain area, featuring numerous side channels of the Danube. In the charming town of Mosonmagyaróvár, known as the "town of 17 bridges," you can board a train for a comfortable ride to Győr, completing the final section of your journey with ease.
Today, you’ll depart from the Little Hungarian Plain and ascend into the rolling hills of Transdanubia. This region is primarily agricultural, and you’ll frequently encounter the renowned Arabian horses that thrive here, with the national stud farm located nearby. Your destination for the day is Komárom, where the Danube separates the Hungarian and Slovak towns, which once formed a unified community.
Following the river closely, you’ll cycle through the flat Danube valley, where small villages and lush vineyards dot the landscape along the cycle path. For those seeking a challenge, an alternative route through the town of Tata offers some climbs. History enthusiasts can take a leisurely detour to explore the Roman fort of Kelamantia. The day’s highlight awaits in Esztergom, home to its magnificent classical basilica. Afterwards, you can continue your journey by boat or train to Visegrád, situated along the picturesque Danube Bend.
The Danube Bend guides you southward, revealing one of the most scenic sections of your journey. Perched on a mountain cone, the impressive castle of Visegrád and the royal palace command the landscape. A stop in the charming artists' town of Szentendre is also worthwhile. As you approach Budapest, your itinerary includes must-see attractions such as the stunning Parliament Building, the Fishermen's Bastion, and the historic Buda Castle.
Additional fee single room |
999 € |
Room
|
Breakfast
|
Price
|
|
---|---|---|---|
Bratislava
|
DBL |
|
69 € |
SGL |
|
119 € |
|
Budapest
|
DBL |
|
95 € |
SGL |
|
179 € |
|
Donaueschingen
|
DBL |
|
55 € |
SGL |
|
85 € |
|
Passau
|
DBL |
|
69 € |
SGL |
|
109 € |
|
Wien
|
DBL |
|
95 € |
SGL |
|
169 € |
Pannier, handlebar bag, milometer, bike lock, pump, repair kit
Here you find further information and pictures of our rental bikes.
Days
28
Ø km per day
50