Passau to Budapest Cycling Tour

Day 1: Passau
You will arrive in Passau, the "City of Three Rivers", where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet. Use the remaining time to explore the picturesque old town before your journey begins.

Day 2: Passau – Schlögen Loop (approx. 41 km)
Your first ride leads through the Upper Danube Valley towards Schlögen. In Engelhartszell you can visit Austria's only Trappist monastery and sample its liqueurs, before reaching the striking Schlögen Loop, where the river bends a full 180 degrees.

Day 3: Schlögen Loop – Linz (approx. 55 km)
Small ferries shuttle between the banks as you ride through the Eferding Basin to Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. In the evening, stroll through its enchanting old town.

Day 4: Linz – Strudengau (approx. 60 km)
An excursion to Enns, Austria's oldest town, is well worth your time. The route continues through meadows, past the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen and the church of Baumgartenberg, to the romantic castle of Clam and the baroque town of Grein, home to Austria's oldest theatre.

Day 5: Strudengau – Nibelungengau (approx. 50 km)
Today you will cycle through a landscape of tall, densely wooded rock formations on both banks of the Danube. High above the river stands the pilgrimage church of Maria Taferl, while the great Benedictine Abbey of Melk greets you from afar.

Day 6: Nibelungengau – Krems (approx. 50 km)
The magnificent Wachau Valley unfolds with vineyards, apricot groves, castles and monasteries. Riding through the wine villages of Spitz, Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein, you will pass inviting taverns that showcase Austrian hospitality at its best.

Day 7: Krems – Vienna (approx. 40 km, incl. train Krems–Tulln)
A short train ride carries you out of the UNESCO-listed Wachau. Shortly before Vienna the valley narrows, the Danube slips through the Vienna Gate at the edge of the Vienna Woods, and guides you via Klosterneuburg into the "City of Music".

Day 8: Vienna – Bad Deutsch-Altenburg (approx. 42 km)
Not far from Vienna begins an untouched floodplain and nature reserve, rich in flora and fauna. Enjoy the deep quiet before discovering the archaeological park of Carnuntum, where the ancient Romans once relaxed in the warm waters of Bad Deutsch-Altenburg.

Day 9: Bad Deutsch-Altenburg – Bratislava (approx. 26 km)
Set between the Hainburg hills and the Carpathians, a short ride brings you to Bratislava, Europe's youngest capital, with its sleepy old town beside striking modern architecture.

Day 10: Bratislava – Győr (approx. 44 km)
The marshy Szigetköz, a paradise for birds and fish, is a labyrinth of Danube channels dotted with quiet farming villages. The day ends in Győr, at the meeting of three rivers, enchanting with its baroque old town. A train between Mosonmagyaróvár and Győr can comfortably shorten the stage.

Day 11: Győr – Komárno area (approx. 57 km)
Visit the National Stud of Bábolna, the world-famous Arabian horse breeding farm, before cycling through gentle rolling hills into the village of Komárom, long associated with the renowned King Matthias.

Day 12: Komárno area – Danube Bend (approx. 52 km)
Ride along the Slovakian bank on quiet, low-traffic roads through characterful villages. On the way to Esztergom, the "Town of Bishops and Kings", you will pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia; the day's highlight is the vast Basilica of Esztergom, Hungary's largest cathedral, with its sweeping views.

Day 13: Danube Bend – Budapest (approx. 50 km, incl. ship or train)
The hilly Danube Bend will enchant you. You will ride through small idyllic villages, discover the artists' town of Szentendre, and take in wonderful views of Budapest's famous landmarks as you approach the Hungarian capital. A boat, or a train outside the boat season, completes the stage.

Day 14: Budapest
Enjoy your final day in the magnificent metropolis of Budapest before your departure. Direct trains to Vienna run roughly every hour and take about three hours.