How difficult is the Danube cycle path from Passau to Vienna?

This tour is easy and well suited to beginners and families. Stages are short, around 26 km per day and rarely more than three hours in the saddle, on a completely paved, almost flat path that runs directly along the riverbank. An e-bike option is available for extra comfort.

When is the best time to cycle from Passau to Vienna?

The best months are April to June and September to October, when temperatures are mild and the riverside paths are quieter. July and August are warm and busier. The tour operates from late March to mid-October.

How much does this Danube cycling tour cost?

This 10-day self-guided tour starts from €1,039 per person in a double room. The price includes nine nights with breakfast, daily luggage transfer, the return journey Vienna–Passau, GPS navigation and route materials, and a local telephone assistance line.

How long are the daily stages on this tour?

Daily distances are deliberately short, ranging from about 19 to 45 km, with most days around 26–30 km. The itinerary is designed so that cycling takes roughly three hours at most, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing.

Is the Danube cycle path suitable for children?

Yes. The route is flat, fully paved and follows the river away from heavy traffic, making it a good choice for families. Children's bikes, children's e-bikes and specialised equipment are available on request, and a reduction applies for children sharing their parents' room.

What kind of bike should I use on this tour?

A trekking or touring bike is ideal for the paved Danube path. Rental 21-speed touring bikes and e-bikes are available, and every rental bike comes with a pannier and an odometer. Helmets are compulsory for children under 12 in Austria.

How do I get to Passau and home from Vienna?

You arrange your own arrival in Passau. At the end, the tour includes a return journey from Vienna to Passau by train (seasons 1 and 2) or by bus with your own bike (season 3). Vienna is well connected by train and air for onward travel.

Danube Light Passau–Vienna Cycling Tour

Danube Cycle Path (Passau – Upper Austria – Strudengau – Wachau – Vienna)

See all the photos

from€1,039

Trekking bike10 days / 9 nights256 km1/5EasyLinear

Short Description

Cycle the Danube from Passau to Vienna on this relaxed 10-day self-guided tour built around short, gentle stages. Quiet riverbank paths unwind past baroque towns, terraced vineyards and the sweeping Schlögen loop, leaving long, unhurried afternoons to wander and explore.

Tour Program

Day 1: Passau
You will arrive in Passau, the "City of Three Rivers", where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet. Settle into your hotel and use the free time to wander the picturesque old town. Rental bikes can be collected in the late afternoon, or the following morning for late arrivals.

Day 2: Passau – Engelhartszell (approx. 26 km)
You will leave Passau and roll into the Upper Danube Valley, passing through Obernzell on your way to Engelhartszell. Pause at the former Trappist monastery and taste one of its well-known liqueurs.

Day 3: Engelhartszell – Eferding Valley (approx. 45 km)
Following the northern bank, you will reach the spectacular Schlögen loop, where the river carves a dramatic bend. A ferry carries you to the southern shore, and a short climb to the Schlögen viewpoint rewards you with an unforgettable panorama before you continue to the Danube market town of Aschach and on toward Eferding.

Day 4: Eferding Valley – Linz (approx. 30 km)
You will pass Wilhering and Ottensheim and cycle into Linz, capital of Upper Austria and European Capital of Culture 2009. The city pairs a handsome main square with a lively world of contemporary art and museums.

Day 5: Linz – Mauthausen (approx. 26 km)
Riding past the Abwinden-Asten power plant, you will reach St. Florian and its magnificent Baroque monastery, then continue to Enns, the oldest town in Austria, with its 60-metre city tower. A ferry across the Danube brings you to Mauthausen.

Day 6: Mauthausen – Grein (approx. 35–42 km)
You will cycle through Naarn, Perg and Mitterkirchen, home to an open-air Celtic village museum, then into the Strudengau and the small baroque town of Grein, where the oldest city theatre in Austria awaits.

Day 7: Grein – Nibelungengau (approx. 30 km)
Today you will ride through the Strudengau, passing St. Nikola and Sarmingstein on the southern bank. At Persenbeug you will enter the Nibelungengau, cycling on through seemingly endless terraced vineyards.

Day 8: Nibelungengau – Wachau (approx. 45 km)
After the Nibelungen monument, your route leads from the renowned Benedictine Abbey of Melk into the celebrated Wachau. Passing vineyard after vineyard, you will reach Spitz, a picturesque wine village at the foot of the "1000-Bucket Mountain".

Day 9: Wachau – Vienna (approx. 19 km + train Krems–Vienna)
You will cycle through the wine villages of Weissenkirchen and Dürnstein, with their unusual churches and storybook castles, to the thousand-year-old city of Krems. From there a train carries you comfortably to Vienna, the "City of Waltz".

Day 10: Vienna
Before you leave, take time for the famous Naschmarkt or the imperial splendour of Schönbrunn Palace. Your tour ends after breakfast.

Tour details

LinearSelfguidedCouplesFamiliesFriendsMinimum 2 people

✅ What is included in the trip?

🏨 Overnight stay and breakfast
💼 Luggage transfer
🍷 1 welcome bottle of local wine
🚇 Return journey Vienna–Passau by bus or train
📞 Local telephone assistance 7/7
🗺️ Maps
📲 GPS or navigation APP
🚇 1 x train Krems – Vienna incl. bikes

❌ What is not included?

🚎 Transfers not listed as Included
✈️ Journey to/from the starting point
🍽️ Meals and drinks not listed as Included
🖼️ Entrance fees and extras not listed
🛡️ Travel insurance
🌎 Tourist taxes

🙋 Common questions

How difficult is the Danube cycle path from Passau to Vienna?
This tour is easy and well suited to beginners and families. Stages are short, around 26 km per day and rarely more than three hours in the saddle, on a completely paved, almost flat path that runs directly along the riverbank. An e-bike option is available for extra comfort.
When is the best time to cycle from Passau to Vienna?
The best months are April to June and September to October, when temperatures are mild and the riverside paths are quieter. July and August are warm and busier. The tour operates from late March to mid-October.
How much does this Danube cycling tour cost?
This 10-day self-guided tour starts from €1,039 per person in a double room. The price includes nine nights with breakfast, daily luggage transfer, the return journey Vienna–Passau, GPS navigation and route materials, and a local telephone assistance line.
How long are the daily stages on this tour?
Daily distances are deliberately short, ranging from about 19 to 45 km, with most days around 26–30 km. The itinerary is designed so that cycling takes roughly three hours at most, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing.
Is the Danube cycle path suitable for children?
Yes. The route is flat, fully paved and follows the river away from heavy traffic, making it a good choice for families. Children's bikes, children's e-bikes and specialised equipment are available on request, and a reduction applies for children sharing their parents' room.
What kind of bike should I use on this tour?
A trekking or touring bike is ideal for the paved Danube path. Rental 21-speed touring bikes and e-bikes are available, and every rental bike comes with a pannier and an odometer. Helmets are compulsory for children under 12 in Austria.
How do I get to Passau and home from Vienna?
You arrange your own arrival in Passau. At the end, the tour includes a return journey from Vienna to Passau by train (seasons 1 and 2) or by bus with your own bike (season 3). Vienna is well connected by train and air for onward travel.

📋💸 Cancellation fees

The Customer may withdraw from the contract (cancel) at any time prior to commencement of the tour. Cancellation must be effected in writing. In the event of cancellation or no-show the following cancellation fees shall become due in relation to the tour price:

Up to the 28th day prior to departure 20%, however at least 50.- euros per person.

From the 27th day until the 14th day prior to departure 30%.

From the 13th day until the 8th day prior to departure 50%.

From the 7th until the 4th day prior to departure 70%.

From the 3rd day or with no-show for the tour 90%.

Insurance is not included in our tour prices. Separate terms and conditions apply to ALL COMBINED CYCLE AND BOAT TOURS:

Up to the 84th day prior to departure 20%, however at least 50.- euros per person.

From the 83rd day until the 42nd day prior to departure 30%

From the 41st day until the 28th day prior to departure 60%

From the 27th until the 4th day prior to departure 80%

From the 3rd day or with no-show for the tour 90%

Starting from

€1,039/ person

or €1,102

Available

20 Mar 2027 – 16 Oct 2027

Departures

Every day of the week

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Organized by

RAD + REISEN Eurocycle

This tour is provided by RAD + REISEN Eurocycle. Life on a Bike acts as an intermediary platform connecting you with independent tour operators. Learn more