Passau-Vienna

Individual arrival in Passau. Handover of travel documents. The rental bikes (if booked) stand ready prepared in your arrival hotel. Individual sightseeing in Passau (historic center, cathedral St. Stephan, corner of 3 rivers, castle Veste Oberhaus). We recommend going on a 3-rivers-boat tour through Passau (runs daily, every 30 minutes, from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m.; approx. € 10,00 pp payable on the spot).

Cat. A: Overnight at the 4* hotel Passauer Wolf or same category
Cat. B: Overnight at the 3* hotel Innsento or same category

Your journey begins with a scenic ride along the Danube Cycle Path, passing through Obernzell, a charming Bavarian town with a history of shipbuilding and ceramics. Soon after, you’ll cross into Austria, reaching Engelhartszell, home to Austria’s only Trappist monastery. Here, you can sample locally brewed Trappist beer and taste monastic liqueurs made from secret herbal recipes. The route continues along the riverbank to Schlögen, where you’ll witness the famous Schlögener Schlinge, a unique natural phenomenon where the Danube makes an almost 360-degree loop. This breathtaking bend is best viewed from the nearby Schlögen lookout point, a short but rewarding uphill hike. Depending on your accommodation, you’ll stay in either Schlögen or Wesenufer, both peaceful riverside villages perfect for a relaxing evening.

Cat. A: Overnight stay in the 4* Hotel Donauschlinge or in an equivalent 4* Hotel in Wesenufer
Cat. B: Overnight stay in a 3* Hotel Freizeitanlage or equivalent

Today’s ride takes you through one of the most picturesque sections of the Danube, cycling past lush forests and charming riverbanks. The path winds through Aschach, a small but historically significant town known for its medieval townhouses and baroque architecture. As you approach Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, the scenery shifts from rural landscapes to urban elegance.

Linz is a vibrant cultural hub, offering plenty to explore:

• Pöstlingberg – A scenic hilltop with a historic mountain railway and panoramic views of the city.
• Lentos Art Museum – A striking modern museum with an impressive collection of contemporary art.
• Ars Electronica Center – A fascinating museum dedicated to the intersection of technology and art.
• Main Square & Old Town – The heart of Linz, lined with beautiful baroque buildings and charming cafés.
• Mariendom (New Cathedral) – Austria’s largest church, boasting stunning stained-glass windows.

Take the evening to explore Linz’s lively atmosphere, perhaps enjoying a slice of the city’s famous Linzer Torte, the world’s oldest known cake recipe

Cat. A: Overnight stay at the 4* Hotel Courtyard, Schillerpark or equivalent
Cat. B: Overnight stay in the 3*- or 4* Hotel Donauwelle or equivalent

Leaving Linz, you’ll follow the Danube Cycle Path into the Machland region, a fertile plain known for its agricultural history. The route passes the Abwinden power plant, a hydroelectric dam that plays a crucial role in Austria’s renewable energy production.

A highlight of the day is Mauthausen, where history takes center stage. The town is home to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial, one of the most significant World War II sites in Austria. Visiting the memorial is a sobering but educational experience.

Further along, you’ll cycle past Wallsee Castle, once owned by the Habsburg royal family and still privately occupied by their descendants. The town of Wallsee or Au will be your resting place for the night, offering a peaceful setting along the river.

Cat. A: Overnight at the 3* Hotel Wallseerhof or same category
Cat. B: Overnight stay at the 3* Hotel Gasthof Sengstbratlin Wallsee or equivalentin Au/Perg

Today, you’ll enter the scenic Strudengau, a historically treacherous section of the Danube where dangerous currents once made navigation difficult for ships. Cycling through the romantic Hößgang gorge, you’ll soon reach Ybbs, an important medieval trading town with a beautifully preserved old center.

Your day’s destination is either Maria Taferl or Pöchlarn:

• Maria Taferl – Austria’s second-largest pilgrimage site, famous for its baroque basilica with breathtaking views over the Danube valley.
• Pöchlarn – A charming town known as the birthplace of Austrian painter Oskar Kokoschka, with a museum dedicated to his work.

This stage is a mix of historical charm and natural beauty, setting the stage for the famous Wachau region ahead.

Cat. A: Overnight at the 4* Hotels Krone Kaiserhof or same category
Cat. B: Overnight at the 3* Hotel Rose in Pöchlarn or same categor

(Distance 61-66 km)

The highlight of today’s journey is Melk, home to the world-famous Melk Abbey. This UNESCO-listed Benedictine monastery is an architectural masterpiece, with a stunning baroque church, an impressive library, and breathtaking terrace views over the Danube.

Continuing into the Wachau Valley, you’ll enter one of Austria’s most scenic regions, known for its rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and apricot orchards. Along the way, you’ll pass:

• Spitz – A charming wine town famous for its vineyards climbing the hillsides.
• Weißenkirchen – A picturesque village with a striking fortified church.
• Dürnstein – Home to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where King Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned.

Upon reaching Krems or Traismauer, you can choose to cycle the entire route or take a boat shortcut through the Wachau:
Boat trip options:

• From Spitz: Departs 11:40 a.m., arrives in Krems around 12:50 p.m.
• From Dürnstein: Departs 12:30 p.m., arrives in Krems around 12:50 p.m. (Timetables may vary slightly in 2025.)

End the day with a well-deserved glass of Wachau white wine, enjoying the magical atmosphere of this UNESCO-protected cultural landscape.

Cat. A: Overnight at the 4* Hotel Arte in Krems or same category
Cat. B: Overnight at the 3* Hotel Klinglhuber in Krems or same category in Traismauer

(Distance 63-78 km)

The cycle route proceeds toward the charming town of Tulln, known for its vibrant floral displays, passing through the scenic foothills of the Vienna Woods and the historic Klosterneuburg Abbey. Upon reaching Vienna, you’ll discover a wealth of attractions, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Ringstrasse, Schönbrunn Palace and Zoo, the Prater amusement park, the Danube Tower, and Belvedere Palace.

For those wishing to shorten their ride, there are convenient train connections: from Krems to Tulln (approx. €12.30), Tulln to Vienna (approx. €10.60), or from Klosterneuburg to Vienna (approx. €4.50). These trains run every half hour and provide a practical alternative to complete the journey comfortably.

Cat. A: Overnight at the 4* Hotel NH Danube City or same category
Cat. B: Overnight at the 4* Hotel Simms or same category

Additional nights or journey home. Transfer back to Passau for additional charge.