Along the Danube - Engelhartszell to Budapest

Cycle along the Danube River on a memorable bike tour following Europe’s second-longest river. Starting in the charming riverside town of Engelhartszell in Upper Austria, the route leads you through some of Central Europe’s most historic landscapes and into the heart of the former Imperial and Royal Monarchy. Discover three iconic European capitals by bicycle: elegant Vienna, historic Bratislava at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, and impressive Budapest, famously known as the “Queen of the Danube.”

The journey features outstanding natural and cultural highlights, including the spectacular Schlögener Danube Loop, the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley with its vineyards and historic towns, and the pristine alluvial forests of the Danube National Park — offering the perfect combination of scenic cycling, cultural heritage, and unforgettable river landscapes.

Need help deciding which river to tour? Read our guide to European bike and boat river cruises.

Important Information:

In case of flood or low tide, the operators reserve the right to modify the itinerary and bridge parts of the passages with busses if necessary or to cancel the journey on short notice as the safety of the passengers and crew is paramount. 

No legal right shall be constituted in these situations. (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for locally mandated (but not previously announced) repair work on locks or bridges as well as unexpected and unfortunate mechanical issues of the ships' engines or power unit. 

Please be aware that these ships, like all ships, are not just floating hotels, but machines, with perceptible engine noises. The ships along the Danube do navigate at night to traverse the distances necessary. If you are sensitive to noise, please bring your earplugs.

Day 1: Arrival in Engelhartszell | Embarkation from 4:00 pm
Day 2: Engelhartszell – Great Loop – Aschach – Vienna-Nussdorf | Bike tour: 25 – 27 mi. (40–43 km)
Day 3: Vienna-Nussdorf | Day of rest (sightseeing in Vienna) | Cruise to Budapest
Day 4: Budapest | Day of rest or optional roundtrip to Szentendre | Bike tour: 29 mi. (47 km) | Cruise to Visegrád
Day 5: Visegrád – Vác – Visegrád | Bike tour: 22 mi. (36 km) | Cruise to Bratislava
Day 6: Bratislava | Day of rest (city exploration or optional guided cycling tour) | Cruise to Wachau
Day 7: Wachau – Melk – Pöchlarn | Bike tour: 25 – 31 mi. (40–50 km) | Farewell dinner & cruise to Engelhartszell
Day 8: Engelhartszell | Disembarkation at approx. 9:30 am

All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Arrival in Engelhartszell
Begin your journey in the charming riverside town of Engelhartszell, located approximately 30 km (19 miles) from Passau. Known for its scenic beauty and Austria’s only Trappist monastery, it’s the perfect introduction to your Danube adventure. Embarkation begins around 4:00 pm. Enjoy your first evening on board and overnight stay in Engelhartszell.

Day 2: Engelhartszell – Great Loop – Aschach – Vienna-Nussdorf, approx. 40 – 43 km
Start your day with a peaceful ride along one of the most scenic sections of the Danube—the famous Schlögener Schlinge, or “Great Loop.” Pedal through quaint villages and stop at cozy taverns along the way. You'll rejoin the ship in Aschach and sail through the evening toward Vienna-Nussdorf.

Day 3: Vienna-Nussdorf (Day of Rest)
Spend the day exploring Austria’s imperial capital. Highlights include St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, the elegant Ringstraße boulevard, the State Opera House, and the historic Town Hall. In the evening, the ship departs for Budapest.

Day 4: Budapest (Day of Rest or Optional Roundtrip to Szentendre, approx. 47 km)
Enjoy a stunning morning approach into Budapest from the sundeck, with many of the city’s landmarks lining the riverbanks. Spend the day exploring this vibrant city or opt for a scenic bike ride to the charming town of Szentendre—known for its Mediterranean flair, art galleries, and riverside cafés. In the evening, continue sailing to Visegrád.

Day 5: Danube Bend | Visegrád – Vác – Visegrád, approx. 36 km
This stretch of the river, often referred to as the “Hungarian Wachau,” offers breathtaking scenery. Begin your ride in Visegrád, home to a historic fortress and palace ruins. Cycle through the countryside and cross the Szentendre Peninsula to reach the baroque town of Vác, rich in Habsburg-era architecture. Ride back to Visegrád through charming Hungarian villages. In the afternoon, cruise on to Bratislava.

Day 6: Bratislava (Day of Rest)
Arrive in Bratislava, Slovakia’s lively capital. Explore the old town by foot or hop on a mini train for a panoramic tour including Bratislava Castle. Alternatively, join an optional guided bike tour along the Danube and into the city’s scenic surroundings. In the evening, the ship sets sail for Rossatz or Dürnstein in the Wachau Valley.

Day 7: Wachau – Melk – Pöchlarn, approx. 40 – 50 km | Cruise to Engelhartszell
Your final day of cycling leads through the romantic Wachau Valley, dotted with vineyards, apricot orchards, castles, and abbeys. Don’t miss the iconic blue tower of Dürnstein’s monastery church or the grand Benedictine Abbey in Melk. Reboard the ship in Pöchlarn. In the evening, enjoy a festive farewell gala dinner as you cruise back to Engelhartszell.

Day 8: Departure from Engelhartszell
Relax on deck as the sun rises over the Danube Valley. Take in final views of the Schlögener Schlinge before arriving back in Engelhartszell around 9:00 am. Disembarkation follows at approximately 9:30 am. We recommend booking onward train connections from Passau from noon onward.

Be sure to check out our full list of bike & barge tours or view all our featured tours, trips, cruises specials, and news.

• Prinzessin Katharina

  Deluxe

  ?

  4.8 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

  View Boat

  Deluxe Class Boat

  City Touring Bicycle

  Velo de Ville bikes (unisex frames) or similar … • Aluminum frame … • Upright handlebar … • Selle Royal saddle … • Shimano gearing … • 7 speeds … • Flat pedal … • Shimano coaster brakes (backpedal… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  Velo de Ville bikes (unisex frames) or similar … • Upright handlebar … • Selle Royal saddle … • Flat pedal … • 8 speeds … • Bosch mid-drive motors … • 500 Wh Bosch detachable rechargeable batteries … Read More

  On board the deluxe vessel, the Prinzessin Katharina, you will enjoy a classic elegance. With a spacious well-designed light-filled interior, a partially covered sun deck, comfortable cabins, great cuisine, and accommodating crew, your time onboard will be relaxing, refreshing, and memorable! Read More