Danube cycle tour: from Passau to Budapest

Your cycling trip from Passau to Budapest:

Day 1 : Arrival in Passau

Arrival in Passau.

Enjoy a stroll through the “new center” of Passau, the city of three rivers, which has been completely redeveloped as a pedestrian and car-free zone. In the evening, welcome briefing and bike fitting.

Day 2 : Passau – Schlögen (or surrondings), 35-40 km

You’ll start your tour along the Danube, first passing through Obernzell and finally arriving in Engelhartszell (with Austria’s only Trappist monastery). You then cross the Donauleiten nature reserve, from where you reach Schlögen Bend in the north. Here, granite has proved a formidable opponent, forcing the Danube to change direction 180 degrees. While a ferry takes you across the river to your hotel, you have time to observe this natural phenomenon.

Day 3 : Schlögen (or surroundings) – Linz, 55-60 km

Today, you’ll cross the green Eferdinger basin, passing through the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering, on your way to Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. Linz’s historic old town has many pubs and restaurants to discover. Other highlights of the 2009 European Capital of Culture include the magnificent views from the Pöstlingberg mountain and a stroll through the Donaulände park.

Day 4 : Linz – Ardagger/Grein, 55-60 km

On the fourth day, you’ll head a little further along the Danube to St. Florian (an Augustinian monastery) and Enns. Here, you can visit the town square with its 60-metre tower, emblem of Austria’s oldest town, or the archaeological collection of the Lauriacum municipal museum. You’ll then return to the river, first reaching the beautiful Baroque town of Grein. Here you can visit Austria’s oldest municipal theater, still in operation. You can also visit the Maritime Museum or Greinburg Castle

Day 5 : Ardagger/Grein – Wachau, 65 km

This stretch of the Danube, the Strudengau, was once feared by sailors; now you can cycle it. Where they once struggled against the currents of the Danube, you can now enjoy a leisurely bike ride. At Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, you’ll find the magnificent pilgrimage church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. In Melk, you should make a short stop to look up, otherwise you’ll miss the magnificent Melk Monastery overlooking the Danube. Your accommodation today is in the heart of the Wachau Valley.

Day 6 : Wachau – Traismauer/Tulln, 40-55 km

Today you’ll cycle through the picturesque Wachau region, where you can enjoy the charming atmosphere of the region’s typical orchards and vineyards. You’ll pass through the small wine-growing towns of Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein with its castle ruins, skirt the thousand-year-old town of Krems and finish in Traismauer or Tulln. A trip to the Wachau region wouldn’t be complete without a wine tasting, which we’d be delighted to organize for you!

Day 7 : Traismauer/Tulln – Vienna, 40-65 km

The last few kilometers of your today’s stage take you gently to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. Depending on your preferences, part of this stage can be completed by train (not included). As soon as you arrive, settle into your hotel and enjoy the city: enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte chocolate cake, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, take a ride in one of the famous Fiaker cabs… The choice is wide!

Day 8 : Vienna - Bratislava | 70 km

Today you ride through the national park Donau-Auen. You pass the castle Orth and the village Eckertsau and reach Bad Deutsch-Altenburg. There you can make an excursion on the Roman bike trail (Römerweg) to Carnuntum. The archaeological park is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Austria. After Hainburg you reach the border to Slovakia and its capital city Bratislava for your next overnight stay.

Day 9 : Bratislava - Mosonmagyaróvár | 45 km

You cycle a short distance in Slovak territory before you pass the Hungarian border in Rajká. Within the first few kilometers of your cycle trip in Hungary you will discover charming villages.  Your route guides you through the so-called Szigetköz (a small Rye Island). This is characterized by numberless side arms of the Danube. Today´s destination is Mosonmagyaróvár which is also called „City of 17 bridges“.

Day 10 : Mosonmagyaróvár - Györ | 40 km

Today you also cycle through the nature paradise of the small Rye Island. On your way you pass Hédervár, which is perfectly suitable for lunch break. The castle is situated in the middle of a protected park. You should schedule a plenty of time for visiting Györ. The district capital offers many sights and a breathtaking historic center.

Day 11 : Györ - Komárom | 55 km

Soon you reach the Hungarian Böny. From there a route version guides you to Bábolna, a well cultivated town with a beautiful inner city. The local National Stud is known far beyond its borders. Racehorses are bred in the splendid inner courtyard. The last part of the route takes you back to the Danube. Then you reach the divided town Komárom/Komárno. At night you can relax in the local spa.

Day 12 : Komárom - Esztergom / Visegrád | 55 km + boat/train

Today´s route runs near riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. The sporty bikers can choose a route over Tata but there are some increases. This requires a basic level of fitness. Those interested in history should plan time for the Roman castle Kelemantia which is on the way. However, an absolute highlight today is Esztergom (also known as „Hungarian Rome“): It´s basilica is the largest church of the country. Take time for a comprehensive visit, before you will board a riverboat, which takes you to your destination Visegrád. Amazing views into the beautiful landscape of the so-called “Donauknie” will impress you.

Note: The overnight stay takes place either in Esztergom or in Visegrád (depending on availability at time of reservation). In the case of Esztergom, shipping takes place on the conscious day from Szentendre to Budapest. The different distances remain the same in both. You will receive detailed information together with your booking confirmation. Additionally, the timetable for the boat has not yet been set. If  no boat transfer is possible,  you will receive a train ticket as replacement.

Day 13 : Esztergom / Visegrád - Budapest | 55 km

The Royal Palace and the castle of Visegrád will delight you and the open-air museum as well as the baroque old town of Szentendre invites you to stay. The first part of today will guide you again through the “Donauknie”, probably the most attractive section of the Danube bike trail at all. Soon you will arrive in Budapest, where you can review all impressions of this wonderful bike trip during a walk through the city.

Day 14 : Departure during the day