Durnstein within the vineyards of the Wachau wine region, Austria. Photo via Flickr:jay8085

Cathedral in Budapest, Hungary. Photo via Flickr:Moyan Brenn

Danube Bike Path - Passau to Budapest

Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Bike Tours

Cycle through four beautiful and culturally rich countries

The Danube Bike Path from Passau to Budapest leads along the beautiful Blue Danube river providing views of wonderful landscape, picturesque villages, and impressive sights from the Roman and Nibelungen times.

Passing through Nibelungengal and Wachau (UNESCO Region), cyclists pedal through unique and alluring attractions. Framing this beautiful river are landscapes of rolling hills, forests, and meadows. The art and culture encountered are testimony to an ancient history. Inns such as, Weinschenken, offer a chance to experience culinary specialties of the region, while Vienna provides a taste of "The City of Music".

Continuing on to Hungary, the route passe through the picturesque and diverse city of Bratslava, the capital of Slovakia. Budapest is the crowning conclusion to the journey. Known as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Budapest is a Hungarian metropolis. With stops along the way at the famous Arabian National Stud Farm in Balbona and the basilica in Esztergom, this journey overflows with culturally rich experiences. The friendly people and Hungarian hospitality make this an unforgettable journey of lifetime.

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Tour Dates

Arrivals every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday between the following dates. In season 1, arrival only possible on Sundays.
Season 1: April 24 - April 29 + September 24 - October 9, 2016
Season 2: April 30 - June 27 + August 23 - September 23, 2016
Season 3: June 28 - August 22, 2016

Where You’ll Stay

Category A: 3 and 4 hotels
Category B: quaint inns, 3 hotels and pensions, 4 hotels in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest

What’s Included

  • Hybrid bike rental
  • 13 nights in rooms with private facilities
  • Breakfast
  • Daily luggage transfer up to hotel in Budapest (1 suitcase/person, 20 kg max)
  • Welcome drinks at hotels in Passau and Vienna
  • 1 bottle of wine per room from the Wachau
  • 1 x tasting of regional products
  • 1 x train Krems - Tulln (incl. bike)
  • 1 x train Mosonmagyarovar - Györ (incl. bike)
  • 1 x transfer Szentendre - Budapest (Cat. B)
  • 1 x ship Esztergom - Visegrad (Cat. A)
  • Handlebar bag with travel book, maps and informational material per room

What’s Not Included

  • Trip insurance
  • Bike protection
  • Helmet
  • Travel to and from Passau
  • Meals other than those mentioned in included
  • Dinner option offered (Cat. A: 13 x dinner, Cat B: 12 x dinner, Vienna breakfast only). See pricing.

Danube Bike Path - Passau to Budapest Map

TourBike
TypeSelf Guided
SkillEasy–Moderate
Length14 days
From€1003 Rates
Client Reviews

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Skill Level

The tour is mostly flat with some slight hills along the way. The Austrian section of the trip follows well maintained cycle paths, while the Hungarian section follows country roads. Average distance of 30 miles per day (48 km).

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Danube Bike Path - Passau to Budapest Map

Day 1: Passau
Day 2: Passau - Schlögener Loop, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Schlögener Loop - Linz, 33 mi. (53 km)
Day 4: Linz - Strudengau, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 5: Strudengau - Nibelungengau, 32 mi (51 km)
Day 6: Nibelungengau - Krems, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Krems - Vienna, 24 mi. (39 km) + train from Krems - Tulin
Day 8: Vienna - Bad Deutsch Altenburg, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 9: Bad Deutsch Altenburg - Bratislava, 20 mi. (32 km) 
Day 10: Bratislava - Schuettinsel - Györ, 28 mi. (45 km) + train from Mosonmagyarovar - Györ
Day 11: Györ - Komarno, 28-45 mi. (45-73 km)
Day 12: Komarno - Danube Bend Region, 22-31 mi. (35-50 km) + ship cat. A
Day 13: Danube Bend Region - Budapest, 36 mi. (58 km) + ship cat. B
Day 14: Budapest 

Day 1: Passau
Use today to become acquainted with the "City of Three Rivers". Nothing is on the agenda aside from arriving. Take time to stroll through the majestic old part of town or even enjoy a river boat cruise. 

Day 2: Passau - Schlögener Loop, 28 mi. (45 km)
The first leg of the tour travels through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlögen. Enjoy a visit to Austria's only Trappist monastery in Engelhartszell. Here you can sample delicious liqueurs made right in the convent. Afterwards, continue the impressive journey towards Schlögener Loop where the river makes a complete 180-degree bend. 

Day 3: Schlögener Loop - Linz, 33 mi. (53 km)
Enjoy the special experience of riding through the Eferdinger basin towards Linz, as you cycle past small ferries lining the riverbanks. Afterwards, enjoy a summer evening stroll through the enchanting old part of town in the capital of Upper Austria. 

Day 4: Linz - Strudengau, 37 mi. (60 km)
An excursion to Enns, the oldest town in Austria is highly recommended and worth the visit. Today's journey will take you through beautiful meadows and tranquil hinterland. Passing by, enjoy views of the Celtic village, Mitterkirchen, the majestic church of Baumgartenberg, and the romantic castle of Clam. At the end of today, in the gorgeous Baroque city of Grein, Austria's oldest theatre awaits. 

Day 5: Strudengau - Nibelungengau, 32 mi (51 km)
Cycle through the fascinating landscapes of tall and densely wooded rock formations lining both sides of the Danube. High above lies the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Taferl, while the marvelous Benedictine monastery of Melk greets you from a distance. 

Day 6: Nibelungengau - Krems, 28 mi. (45 km)
A highlight of this tour is the chance to cycle through the magnificent Wachau. This landscape is filled with terraced vineyards, apricot groves, castles, palaces and monasteries. Should you choose, there is the opportunity to take a break and relax on a short boat excursion. Cycle through the winery villages of Spitz, Weißenkirchen, and Dürnstein on the way to Krems. Awaiting in these charming villages are quaint, alluring taverns ready to present Austrian hospitality at its best. 

Day 7: Krems - Vienna, 24 mi. (39 km) + train from Krems - Tulln
Departing by train from the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Region you will be transferred to Tulln. From Tulln the cycling begins through the Vienna Woods and passes through "The Gates of Vienna". On your way to "The City of Music" don't forget to stop in and visit the impressive monastery in Klosterneuburg. 

Day 8: Vienna - Bad Deutsch Altenburg, 26 mi. (42 km)
Not far from Vienna lies an untouched alluvial landscape and Nature Reserve with stunning and diverse Fauna and Flora. Get away from the city and enjoy the wonderful peace and quiet, interrupted only by the twittering chirps of birds. Here lie the footprints of ancient Romans, left from their days of relaxing in the warm water of Bad Deutsch Altenburg. The Archaeological Park of Carnuntum awaits to take you on a journey through the past. 

Day 9: Bad Deutsch Altenburg - Bratislava, 20 mi. (32 km) 
Cycle on towards Europe's youngest capital, Bratislava. Nestled between the hills of Hainburg and the Carpathian mountains, the Slovak capital is sure to enchant with its mixture of a sleepy old town and modern buildings. 

Day 10: Bratislava - Schüttinsel - Györ, 28 mi. (45 km) + train from Mosonmagyarovar - Gyoer
On your way to the Baroque-styled old town of Györ, cycle through the landscape of the Szigetköz. Here you will find an idyllic paradise for birds and fish alike. Amidst this wild and untouched paradise lie more than 500 islands, which house quaint farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube creeks. A short train ride to the beautiful town of Györ is the capstone of the day. 

Day 11: Györ - Komarno, 28-45 mi. (45-73 km)​
World famous for its Arabian horse breeding, the National Stud of Babolna will not disappoint. During your visit to the Stud Museum you can catch a glimpse of some secret Hungarian horse breeding techniques and methods. After visiting the stallions, cycle through the lush rolling hills into the village of Komarom. Here you will find your accommodations for the evening in the favorite village of renowned King Matthias. 

Day 12: Komarno - Danube Bend Region, 22-31 mi. (35-50 km) + ship cat. A
Today you cycle down small low-traffic roads next to the banks of the Slovakian Danube. Traveling through quaint and quintessential towns and past the Roman fort of Kelemantia your ride will bring you to the "Town of Kings and Bishops", Esztergom. Esztergom is also known as the "Hungarian Rome" or "Royal City". The Basilica of Esztergom, the largest cathedral in Hungary, and the rest of the town will prove to be a highlight and glamorous part of the tour. 

Day 13: Danube Bend Region - Budapest, 36 mi. (58 km) + ship cat. B
Amidst the hilly landscape, the Danube river divides to create the Szentendre-Island. On the island, you will get to cycle through traditional Hungarian villages. Szentendre is famous for its numerous handicraft boutiques and the Open-Air Museum of Skanzen. Cat. B will take a boat ride into the city of Budapest, where you will discover some of the city's most famous attractions. 

Day 14: Budapest 
Enjoy today in the metropolis Budapest. Bus departure to Vienna is daily at 11:30 AM. Arrival in Vienna is at 2:30 PM where you will then transfer to a train for Passau. A return trip via speed boat is also available for an extra charge. We recommend taking an extra night in Vienna to enjoy the wonderful city and to prevent stress during transfers. 

Finally, be sure to check out all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.

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