Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along the Danube River, traversing through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. This self-guided tour offers a unique blend of active exploration and cultural discovery, as you pedal along the scenic Danube bike path. Experience the timeless beauty of the river landscape, visit the majestic cities of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, and explore historical sites like the Basilica in Esztergom and the abbey at Melk. Cycle through the picturesque Wachau Valley, renowned for its vineyards and charming villages, and enjoy the tranquility of the Danube floodplain National Park. With comfortable accommodations in 3-4 star hotels and luggage transfer services, this tour ensures a seamless journey. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this adventure promises a captivating blend of nature, history, and culture. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Passau
Location: Passau, Veste Oberhaus, St. Stephen's Cathedral
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Make your way to your hotel, where you will receive your travel documents. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town. Located at the junction of three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has a number of interesting sites including the Fortress “Veste Oberhaus”, built in 1219 and with an observation tower that offers a good view of the town and the river, and St Stephens Cathedral which has the world’s largest church organ. Collect your bike this afternoon (4-7 pm) or tomorrow morning. Generally we provide bikes with 21 gears – if you would like a 7 speed bike please specify this on booking. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cycle to Engelhartszell and Schlögen (41km/25.5mi)
Location: Engelhartszell, Schlögen
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The cycle begins directly at the bike garage where your bikes were collected, following the Danube through the Austrian border town of Engelhartszell which is home to a former Cistercian abbey (1293-1786) and since 1925 the only Trappist monastery in Austria. From here you continue to Schlögen. The famous Schlögener Blick provides a wonderful view of the surrounding Austrian countryside.
Day 3 : Cycle to Linz (55km/34mi)
Location: Aschach, Wilhering Monastery, Linz, Lentos Art Gallery
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On the southern bank of the Danube you pass Aschach and the monastery Wilhering until you reach the capital of Upper Austria, Linz. The city has a lively arts and music culture. In 1783 Mozart wrote his Symphony No. 36 here, now known as the Linz Symphony. The modern art gallery “Lentos” is worth a look. It is situated on the Danube and illuminated at night.
Day 4 : Cycle to Grein via Burg Clam Castle (60km/37mi)
Location: Mauthausen, Enns, Strudengau, Burg Clam, Grein
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The cycle continues along the Danube cycle path passing the Mauthausen concentration camp. It is possible to visit the camp which has an interesting museum, although the detour requires a steep uphill climb. Another interesting side trip is the town of Enns, the oldest city in Austria. Meandering away from the river the route takes you through fields of wheat, corn and sunflowers. This is the Strudengau region, a valley in Lower Austria. In the afternoon you arrive at Clam Castle and the town of Grein, dominated by the castle of “Greinburg”. In Grein you will find the oldest Austrian theatre which is open to visitors. Overnight in the surrounding area near Grein.
Day 5 : To Melk and Nibelungengau (50km/31mi)
Location: Ybbs, Maria Taferl, Melk
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continuing through Strudengau, you arrive in Ybbs, a former trading centre on the Danube. The route continues past the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Taferl to Melk, with its imposing Benedictine Monastery. Well before you reach the town you can see the huge monastery and there will be ample time in the afternoon to explore the museum, abbey and absorb the sweeping view from its balcony. Overnight in a surrounding town, close to Melk.
Day 6 : Cycle through Wachau and on to Krems (50km/31mi)
Location: Wachau, Krems
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you pedal through the renowned Wachau, with its truly romantic scenery of vineyards and quaint villages, enroute to Krems. You will pass several fantastic sights (abbeys, castles, ruins). Alongside the cycle path you will find the so called “Heurigen” (typical Austrian wine taverns) where you can taste wine or regional foods.
Day 7 : Train to Tulln then cycle to Vienna (40km/25mi)
Location: Tulln, Greifenstein Castle, Vienna
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you take the train to Tulln then cycle past the castle of "Greifenstein". You then continue to metropolitan Vienna, capital of Austria. The route into Vienna is mostly on a cycle path with no vehicles allowed, allowing easy access to the main centre and your hotel. Own arrangements for dinner tonight.
Day 8 : Explore a nearby nature reserve & the archaeological park of Carnuntum (42km/26mi)
Location: Vienna, Donauauen National Park, Orth Castle, Eckartsau Castle, Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, Petronell-Carnuntum
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Vienna cycle along the Danube-Cycle-Path through the national park “Donauauen", which was established to protect the Danube floodplain areas and the large diversity of plants and animals found within this ecosystem. The route continues past the castles of “Orth” and “Eckartsau” before reaching the health resort town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg. Nearby you can view the Roman excavations of Petronell-Carnuntum, an important archaeological site. Overnight Bad Deutsch Altenburg or surrounds.
Day 9 : Follow the Danube to Bratislava (32km/20mi)
Location: Bratislava
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Danube is bordered by the hills of Hainburg and the small Carpathian mountains at this point. Today you will cycle on to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Don’t miss the lovely pedestrian zone, old quarter, numerous sites and shopping opportunities. Bratislava is Europe’s youngest capital city, ideally located between the Danube plain, hills and vineyards. Overnight Bratislava.
Day 10 : Continue by bike and train through delightful villages to Györ (45km/28mi)
Location: Szigetköz, Mosonmagyaróvár, Győr
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continuing along the banks of the Danube you soon reach the Hungarian border and continue through small farming villages to the enchanting landscape of the Szigetköz, an idyllic paradise for birds and fish. In the midst of this region with more than 500 tiny islands you will find farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube creeks. From Mosonmagyarovar you take a short train ride to Györ, one of the important cities of the Hungarian lowlands. Take the time to explore on foot the laneways, churches and palaces of the beautiful Baroque-style old town.
Day 11 : Visit the stud of Babolna and cycle to Komarno and surrounds (57km/35.5mi)
Location: Gyor, Babolna, Komarom, Komárno
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following your departure from Gyor where you need to concentrate on the directions, you cycle today through the landscape of western trans Danubia, passing the national stud in Babolna. Continue cycling along rolling hills to the divided town of Komarom (border town between Hungary and Slovakia, also Komárno), a favourite of King Matthias.
Day 12 : To Esztergom (52km/32mi)
Location: Danube, Kelemantia, Esztergom
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycle along the banks of the Slovakian Danube on low-traffic roads through quaint and quintessential villages in the Danube bend region. On your way to the “Town of Bishops and Kings”, Esztergom, you pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia. A highlight of the day is the Basilica of Esztergom, the largest Catholic cathedral in Hungary with its beautiful view.
Day 13 : Ferry round trip to Szentendre Island and cycle to Budapest (62km/38.5mi)
Location: Szentendre, Open-air Museum of Skanzen, Budapest
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Amidst the hilly landscape, the Danube river divides itself into parts creating the Szentendre Island. Here you will cycle through typical Hungarian villages. Szentendre is famous for its numerous handicraft boutiques and the Open-air Museum of Skanzen. Continue by bike and boat to the Hungarian capital, Budapest (dependent on the boat service, a train may be substituted). On the boat, the views from the sun deck is overwhelming. The cycling concludes on arrival in Budapest - we recommend exploring Budapest on foot and by tram.
Day 14 : Trip concludes
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes in Budapest after breakfast. We can arrange extra nights for you in Budapest if you wish to extend your stay in this fabulous city.
What's Included
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Accommodation
13 nights in 3-4 star hotels -
Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer services are provided, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 20kg.
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Bike Rental
21-speed bike rental equipped with pannier and odometer is included. A limited number of 8-speed electric bikes are available for hire with a supplement.
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Maps and Route Information
Maps, route information, and tourist information per room are provided, along with GPS tracks for the Passau-Vienna stage and a navigational app for the Vienna-Budapest stage.
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Wine Collection
1 bottle of wine per room is included, to be collected from the winery in Wachau.
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Train Rides
Train rides from Krems to Tulln and Mosonmagyarovar to Gyor, including bike transport, are included.
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Ferry Trip
1 ferry trip (or train outside ferry operating season) from Szentendre to Budapest in the Danube Bend area is included.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Passau / Budapest
Travel to Passau and from Budapest is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included, drinks, and dinner in Vienna are not included.
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Helmet
Helmet (compulsory in Slovakia) can be hired or purchased and provided locally (must be pre-booked and pre-paid).
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Tour Guide
A tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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Solo Traveler Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are not included.
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Transfers Not Listed
Transfers not listed as included are excluded.
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Ferries and Trains Not Noted
Ferries and trains not noted as included are excluded.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
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E-bike Rental Insurance
E-bike rental insurance covers you in case of loss or damage when the bike is properly used and secured. Excluded from this are lost keys, batteries, and chargers of e-bikes, as well as purposeful damage or gross negligence. (Not available for standard bikes).
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Hotel Taxes
Hotel taxes payable locally (approx. €1 - 2.5 per person
ight) are not included. -
Handlebar Phone Holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 13 nights in 3-4 star hotels, with comfort rooms in typical inns ranging from 2 to 4 stars in Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Upgrades to mainly 4-star hotels are available for an additional supplement. Additional nights can be booked pre-tour in Passau or post-tour in Budapest.
Grading
GRADE 3 - This trip involves 12 days cycling between 32 and 62km / 20 to 38.5mi per day usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. The Austrian section is almost exclusively on the Danube cycle path. In Hungary there will be some diversions from the River and you will also bike on country roads and side roads. There is one day of hills in the Hungary section, otherwise the route is generally flat to gently undulating. Route finding in Hungary is less straightforward and will require more map reading. Entering and exiting the cities (particularly Gyor, Eztergom and Budapest), there is some traffic to be aware of! You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is graded moderate and is considered suitable for beginners and children who have a good level of fitness. A limited number of children’s bikes are available (minimum height 120cm), as are bike seats (max 18kg) and trailers (2 children, maximum 40kg). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
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What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes cycling along the Danube bike path, with luggage transfer services provided. Train rides from Krems to Tulln and Mosonmagyarovar to Gyor, as well as a ferry trip from Szentendre to Budapest, are included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Danube Cycle tour?
The tour includes 13 nights in 3-4 star hotels, with accommodations in comfort rooms in typical inns ranging from 2 to 4 stars in Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. There is an option to upgrade to mainly 4-star hotels for an additional supplement.
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Are there any additional costs for luggage during the tour?
Luggage transfer is included for one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Is it possible to rent an electric bike for the tour?
Yes, a limited number of 8-speed electric bikes are available for hire, but they must be pre-booked and a supplement applies.
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What meals are included in the Danube Cycle tour?
The tour includes 13 breakfasts, which are typically continental and consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea, and juices.
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Is a guide provided during the Danube Cycle tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday, so a tour guide is not included.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the Danube Cycle tour?
The tour is graded as moderate, suitable for beginners and children with a good level of fitness. It involves 12 days of cycling between 32 and 62 km per day, mostly on paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain, with some hills in the Hungary section.
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Are helmets required for the cycling tour?
Yes, helmets are compulsory in Slovakia and are recommended for the entire tour. They can be hired or purchased locally, but must be pre-booked and pre-paid.
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What transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes cycling along the Danube bike path, train rides from Krems to Tulln and Mosonmagyarovar to Gyor, and a ferry trip from Szentendre to Budapest. Luggage transfer services are also provided.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Danube Cycle
14 Days Starting in Passau, Germany and ending in Budapest, Hungary
Visiting: Passau, Veste Oberhaus, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Engelhartszell, Schlögen, Aschach, Wilhering Monastery, Linz, Lentos Art Gallery, Mauthausen, Enns, Strudengau, Burg Clam, Grein, Ybbs, Maria Taferl, Melk, Wachau, Krems, Tulln, Greifenstein Castle, Vienna, Donauauen National Park, Orth Castle, Eckartsau Castle, Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, Petronell-Carnuntum, Bratislava, Szigetköz, Mosonmagyaróvár, Győr, Gyor, Babolna, Komarom, Komárno, Danube, Kelemantia, Esztergom, Szentendre, Open-air Museum of Skanzen, Budapest ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DAN
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
