By Boat and Bike on the Danube

Welcome to your journey by Boat and Bike on the Austrian Danube! We start in Passau. After a walk through the winding streets to get to know the old town, the embarkation takes place between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. The MS Swiss Crown is ready at the pier and the crew welcomes you. After that it's time to cast off and your journey begins with a comfortable boat trip to Engelhartszell.

Don't miss the visit to Engelszell Abbey before starting the first stage on the bike. Liqueurs and beers from the monastery are famous throughout Austria. A few kilometers later, you will cycle through the impressive natural spectacle of the Schlögener Schlinge. In the U-shaped river loop, the Danube turns 180 degrees - impressive. You will enjoy the most beautiful view of the loop from Schlögener Blick, which you can reach on foot from Schlögen. Afterwards you cycle on to Brandstatt. The MS Swiss Crown is already waiting for you.

Today you will start a short stage of your journey by Boat and Bike on the Austrian Danube. This gives you plenty of time to get to know Linz, Austria's third largest city. In the middle of the 20th century, Linz had a reputation as a dusty steel town. That changed in 2009 at the latest, when it was named European Capital of Culture along with Vilnius. In addition to the Ars Electronica Center and the Lentos Art Museum, the city offers a wealth of other cultural sites worth seeing and a colorful cultural program. From Linz, the tour continues by boat to Tulln.

Off to Vienna! On the way, a stop at Klosterneuburg Abbey is worthwhile. Even from a distance you will recognize the towers of the abbey, which was founded 900 years ago. The Verdun Altar in the Leopold Chapel represents a highlight of medieval goldsmith art. Now it is only a few kilometers to the Austrian capital. If you like, in the evening you will have the opportunity to experience a classical waltz and operetta concert (not included) at Schönbrunn Palace. The palace is one of the most beautiful baroque complexes in Europe.

Today is free for you to discover Vienna according to your wishes. Vienna is bursting with sights worth seeing. The Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Mozart's House are just as much a part of it as the Prater and Belvedere Palace. In between, take a break in one of the traditional Viennese coffee houses. Perhaps with a piece of Sachertorte and a Viennese melange? Or how about a flying visit to the Naschmarkt? In the evening, you will travel overnight by boat in the direction of the Wachau.

Today, the Wachau is the focus of your journey by Boat and Bike along the Austrian Danube. The region is one of the most picturesque in the country and is characterized by a hilly landscape and steep vineyards. Likewise, along the Danube you can get to know historic sites such as the Baroque town of Dürnstein and immerse yourself in the Middle Ages at the legendary ruins of Aggstein Castle. In your destination of the day, Melk, another highlight awaits you. Melk Abbey is one of the most beautiful baroque buildings in Austria. In the evening, the boat sets sail in the direction of Grein.

Before you get on your bike today, a walk through the charming town of Grein is worthwhile. Especially Greinburg Castle will attract your attention. It is considered the oldest inhabited castle in Austria and can be visited on a guided tour. Through the hinterland of the Strudengau you will pass Clam Castle and the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen to Mauthausen. There you have the opportunity to visit the Mauthausen concentration camp memorial.

Today your journey by Boat and Bike on the Austrian Danube already ends. Enjoy the first rays of sun on deck and the silence in the morning before you reach Passau. Around 11 a.m. the disembarkation takes place. You will start your individual journey home.