Danube Bike Path - Passau to Budapest

Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Day 2: Passau - Schlögen/Danube Bend, 21 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
Day 3: Schlögen/Danube Bend - Linz, 34 - 37 mi. (55 - 60 km)
Day 4: Linz - Ardagger/Grein, 37 - 40 mi. (60 - 65 km)
Day 5: Ardagger/Grein - Wachau Valley, 43 mi. (70 km)
Day 6: Wachau Valley - Tulln, 37 - 40 mi. (60 - 65 km)
Day 7: Tulln - Vienna, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: Vienna - Bad Deutsch-Altenburg/Hainburg, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 9: Bad Deutsch-Altenburg/Hainburg - Bratislava, 21 mi. (35 km)
Day 10: Bratislava - Mosonmagyaróvár, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 11: Mosonmagyaróvár - Györ, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 12: Györ - Komárom, by train - Esztergom, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 13: Esztergom - Szentendre - Budapest, 40 mi. (65 km) + boat or train
Day 14: Individual departure from Budapest

Daily distances and exact overnight destinations depend on the category of hotels and the length of the tour booked. All distances are approximate. You may encounter deviations in the route due to road work or other unforeseen circumstances.

Day 1: Arrival in Passau
You will arrive at the Three-River City of Passau, one of the oldest cities in Bavaria. If you arrive early, be sure to take a stroll on the delightful old-world cobblestoned streets and visit the jewel of the city: Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. This Italian Baroque-style building is home to the largest organ outside of the United States. In the evening, our personal representative will hand over your bikes and provide a welcome meeting. 

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - Hotel Residenz
Cat. B - Hotel Passauer Wolf

Day 2: Passau - Schlögen/Danube Bend, 21 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
Today you will start your trip along the Danube River. From Obernzell, you pedal through the Sauwald region, past lush forests and abundant farmland, to Engelhartszell. Stift Engelszell, or Engelszell Abbey, founded in 1293, is the only Trappist monastery in Austria and is also home to the only Trappist brewery in the country (and only one of eight total outside of Belgium). The ride continues through the Donauleiten nature reserve, from where you reach the Schlögen Bend. This is where you'll see the mighty Danube River change directions by 180 degrees, an incredible natural spectacle that you will admire during a ferry ride to the other side of the river.

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - River Resort Donauschlinge Schlögen
Cat. B - Gasthof Draxler Niederranna

Day 3: Schlögen/Danube Bend - Linz, 34 - 37 mi. (55 - 60 km)
The route leads through the green Eferdinger Basin via the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim, and Wilhering. You'll eventually reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. Linz is unique as it features an awesome combination of historical buildings, stunning architecture, vast areas of green space, and modern innovations. The Castle of Linz, the New Cathedral, and Pöstlingberg Mountain are all notable highlights. Don't forget the many eateries where you'll have to sample the famous Linz Pie. 

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - Hotel Schwarzer Bär 
Cat. B - COURTYARD by Marriott Hotel 

Day 4: Linz - Ardagger/Grein, 37 - 40 mi. (60 - 65 km)
You will pedal away from the course of the Danube for a change, via St. Florian (Augustinian monastery) to Enns, the oldest town in Austria. In Enns, you can view the town square with its 60-meter-high tower, or visit the archaeological collection in the municipal museum Lauriacum. You'll eventually pedal back to the Danube until reaching the beautiful baroque town of Grein. Here you have the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theater in Austria that is still being used today. Additionally, you can visit the maritime museum or the Greinburg Castle, possibly Grein's most popular attraction and one of the first castles in this region.

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - Hotel Goldenes Kreuz Grein
Cat. B - Hotel Schiffsmeisterhaus Ardagger

Day 5: Ardagger/Grein - Wachau Valley, 43 mi. (70 km)
This section of the Danube, the Strudengau, was once feared by sailors due to the strong currents, but now you can cycle along it peacefully. In Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, you will find the magnificent pilgrimage church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Be sure to make a stop in Melk and admire the beautiful monastery that overlooks the Danube. As soon as you leave Melk, you will cycle into the picturesque Wachau region, where you can enjoy the charming atmosphere of the region’s typical orchards and vineyards. 

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - Landhotel Kirchenwirt Weißenkirchen
Cat. B - Gasthof Goldenes Schiff Spitz

Day 6: Wachau Valley - Tulln, 37 - 40 mi. (60 - 65 km)
Starting today's ride, you will pass through the little wine village of Dürnstein, famous for its ancient castle that once imprisoned English King Richard the Lionheart. You will continue pedaling along until reaching the 1000-year-old town of Krems, before finishing your day in Tulln. The city is also known as the "city of flowers". The local Egon-Schiele-Museum is worth a visit. Enjoy your last night in this more rural area of Austria before heading to the capital of Vienna.

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - Best Western Tulln
Cat. B - Hotel Nibelungenhof Tulln

Day 7: Tulln - Vienna, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today's cycling route is relaxed as you make your way to the Austrian metropolis of Vienna. There is so much to do and see here! Treat yourself to a Viennese-style Americano coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte cake in one of Vienna’s typical coffee houses. Explore the imperial Schönbrunn Palace and gardens, visit the Hofburg, or spend some time shopping on the Mariahilfer Strasse.

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - Austria Classic Hotel Vienna
Cat. B - ROOMZ Hotel Prater Vienna

Day 8: Vienna - Bad Deutsch-Altenburg/Hainburg, 31 mi. (50 km)
The Donau-Auen National Park preserves the last great floodplain landscape in Central Europe, and today you'll cycle through it. Here, you will discover the diversity of the flora and fauna as well as the manifold types of landscape. You pass the Orth Castle and the village of Eckertsau before reaching Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, your destination. 

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - Hotel Altes Kloster Hainburg
Cat. B - Hotel Stöckl Bad Deutsch-Altenburg

Day 9: Bad Deutsch-Altenburg/Hainburg - Bratislava, 21 mi. (35 km)
From Bad Deutsch-Altenburg/Hainburg, you will cycle 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 of Slovakia, and it's capital city Bratislava which is your next overnight stay. The shorter distance today allows plenty of time to visit the old part of this charming city.

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - Hotel Devín Bratislava
Cat. B - Hotel Saffron Bratislava

Day 10: Bratislava - Mosonmagyaróvár, 25 mi. (40 km)
You'll spend only a short time in Slovak territory before passing the Hungarian border in Rajká. Within the first few miles of your cycle trip in Hungary, you will discover charming villages in a region heavily influenced by agriculture. The route guides you through the so-called Szigetköz or Little Rye Island. This is characterized by the numerous side arms of the Danube. Today´s destination is Mosonmagyaróvár which is also called the "City of 17 bridges".

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - Park Hotel 
Cat. B - Hotel Simbad 

Day 11: Mosonmagyaróvár - Győr, 25 mi. (40 km)
Little Rye Island is a natural paradise, and you'll discover more of it this morning. Continuing on, you will pass Hédervár, which is the perfect place to stop and eat lunch. The castle here is situated in the middle of a protected park. The day's destination is Györ and we highly recommend arriving with plenty of time to explore. The oldest, most tangled, and most compact quarter of Győr is the Káptalan Hill, the cobblestone episcopal district full of interesting buildings.

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - Barokk Hotel Promenád 
Cat. B - Hotel Klastrom 

Day 12: Györ - Komárom, by train - Esztergom, 37 mi. (60 km)
After breakfast, you will start with a short train ride to Komárom. Today's route runs near riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. Over the course of this day, you pass quaint villages with vineyards always visible in the background. The sportier bikers can choose a route over Tata, but there are some ascents; keep this in mind! Those interested in history should plan time for the Roman castle Kelemantia, which is along the way. Your destination, however, is the highlight! Esztergom (also known as "Hungarian Rome") is home to a basilica which is the largest church in the country. Take your time to explore this amazing city!

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - Portobello Wellness & Yacht Hotel Esztergom
Cat. B - Hotel Szent Adalbert Esztergom, Szent Tamás House

Day 13: Esztergom - Szentendre - Budapest, 40 mi. (65 km) + boat or train
You cycle along the "Donauknie", which is probably one of the most attractive sections of the entire Danube bike path. The Royal Palace and the castle of Visegrád are a delight, and the open-air museum as well as the baroque old town of Szentendre invites you to linger. From Szentendre, you will board a river boat* that brings you the last few miles into Budapest. Budapest, a city that dates back to the Old Stone Age, has enough antiquity to satisfy any history buff, as well as the gastronomy and culture to impress travelers of all ages. Be sure to visit the Széchenyi Baths, the Hungarian Parliament, or the National Gallery. 

*The timetable for the boat has not yet been established. The boat is expected to run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from early May until the end of September. Outside of this period, you will receive a train ticket as a replacement.

Sample accommodation:
Cat. A - NH Hotel Budapest City Center
Cat. B - Impulso Fashion Hotel Budapest

Day 14: Individual departure
Your time in Budapest comes to an end, unless you wish to stay longer! Please inquire about extra nights!

Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Day 2: Passau - Aschach/Brandstatt, 43 miles (70 km)
Day 3: Aschach/Brandstatt - Ardagger/Grein, 53 miles (85 km)
Day 4: Ardagger/Grein - Krems, 53 miles (85 km)
Day 5: Krems - Vienna, 53 miles (85 km)
Day 6: Vienna - Bratislava, 40 miles (65 km)
Day 7: Bratislava - Györ, 49 miles (80 km)
Day 8: Györ - Esztergom, 59 miles (95 km)
Day 9: Esztergom - Budapest, 53 miles (85 km)
Day 10: Departure from Budapest

Daily distances and exact overnight destinations depend on the category of hotels and the length of the tour booked. All distances are approximate. You may encounter deviations in the route due to road work or other unforeseen circumstances.

Day 1: Arrival in Passau
You will arrive at the Three-River City of Passau, one of the oldest cities in Bavaria. If you arrive early, be sure to take a stroll on the delightful old-world cobblestoned streets and visit the jewel of the city: Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. This Italian Baroque-style building is home to the largest organ outside of the United States. In the evening, our personal representative will hand over your bikes and provide a welcome meeting. 

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Passauer Wolf

Day 2: Passau - Aschach/Brandstatt, 43 miles (70 km)
Today you will start your trip along the Danube River. From Obernzell, you pedal through the Sauwald region, past lush forests and abundant farmland, to Engelhartszell. Stift Engelszell, or Engelszell Abbey, founded in 1293, is the only Trappist monastery in Austria and is also home to the only Trappist brewery in the country (and only one of eight total outside of Belgium). The ride continues through the Donauleiten nature reserve, from where you reach the Schlögen Bend. This is where you'll see the mighty Danube River change directions by 180 degrees, an incredible natural spectacle that you will admire during a ferry ride to the other side of the river. Soon you will reach Aschach, where you will find your hotel.

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Faustschlössl Aschach

Day 3: Aschach/Brandstatt - Ardagger/Grein, 53 miles (85 km)
The route leads through the green Eferdinger Basin via the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim, and Wilhering. You'll eventually reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. Linz is unique as it features an awesome combination of historical buildings, stunning architecture, vast areas of green space, and modern innovations. Further highlights of the European cultural capital of 2009 are the magnificent views from the Pöstlingberg. Later, you will continue your trip towards Strudengau and Nibelungengau to Grein and its surroundings. Here you have the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theater in Austria that is still being used today.

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Goldenes Kreuz 

Day 4: Ardagger/Grein - Krems, 53 miles (85 km)
Leaving Grein, you'll pedal down the river passing through Melk. Entering town, you'll immediately notice the magnificent Melk Abbey standing high atop a rocky hill; the focal point of the area. You'll continue through the wine towns of Spitz and Weißenkirchen, cycling by the Dürnstein castle ruin, and finishing your journey in the 1000-year-old town of Krems. Krems city’s center is a virtually untouched 18th-century Old Town, whose architecture includes one of Austria's oldest churches. A stay in the Wachau region means that you simply must take part in a wine tasting (not included in the tour package).

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Klinglhuber 

Day 5: Krems - Vienna, 53 miles (85 km)
Today you will pedal via Traismauer and visit the Roman town of Tulln. The city is also known as the "city of flowers" thanks to its multitude of parks, gardens, and horticultural exhibitions. The final miles of your bike tour will be a relaxed trip to the Austrian metropolis of Vienna. There is so much to do and see here! Treat yourself to a Viennese-style Americano coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte cake in one of Vienna’s typical coffee houses. Explore the imperial Schönbrunn Palace and gardens, visit the Hofburg, or spend some time shopping on the Mariahilfer Strasse.

Sample accommodation:
ROOMZ Hotel Prater

Day 6: Vienna - Bratislava, 40 miles (65 km)
The national park Donau-Auen will be the scenery to start your cycling day. Here you will get to know the diversity of the flora and fauna as well as the manifold types of landscape. You pass the castle Orth and the village Eckertsau before reaching Bad Deutsch-Altenburg. Here the Roman bike trail (Römerweg) will bring you to Carnuntum. The archaeological park is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Austria. After Hainburg, you reach the border of Slovakia, and it's capital city Bratislava which is your next overnight stay. 

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Devín 

Day 7: Bratislava - Györ, 49 miles (80 km)
You'll spend only a short time in Slovak territory before passing the Hungarian border in Rajká. Within the first few miles of your cycle trip in Hungary, you will discover charming villages in a region heavily influenced by agriculture. The route guides you through the so-called Szigetköz, or Little Rye Island. This is characterized by the numerous side arms of the Danube. Mosonmagyaróvár, also called the "City of 17 bridges", is a great place to take a short break. Continuing, you will pass Hédervár, where you'll find a castle situated in the middle of a protected park. The day's destination is Györ. The oldest, most tangled, and most compact quarter of Győr is the Káptalan Hill, the cobblestone episcopal district full of interesting buildings.

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Klastrom (superior rooms)

Day 8: Györ - Esztergom, 59 miles (95 km)
A long day awaits you! Soon you reach Böny in Hungary. From there, you will pedal on to Bábolna, a delightful little town that is famous for its racehorses. You'll head back to the Danube, where you'll soon reach the divided town of Komárom/Komárno. The route runs near riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. Over the course of the afternoon, you pass quaint villages with vineyards always visible in the background. Those interested in history should plan a visit to the Roman castle of Kelemantia, which is on the way. Your destination, however, is the highlight! Esztergom (also known as "Hungarian Rome") is home to a basilica which is the largest church in the country. Take your time to explore this amazing city!

Sample accommodation:
Hotel Szent Adalbert Esztergom, Szent Tamás House

Day 9: Esztergom - Budapest, 53 miles (85 km)
You cycle along the "Donauknie", which is probably one of the most attractive sections of the entire Danube bike path. The Royal Palace and the castle of Visegrád are a delight, and the open-air museum as well as the baroque old town of Szentendre invites you to linger. The crowning highlight is Budapest! Upon arrival, take a stroll through the city and reflect on the wonderful memories of your cycling adventure.

Sample accommodation:
NH Hotel Budapest City Center

Day 10: Departure from Budapest
Your time in Budapest comes to an end, unless you wish to stay longer! Please inquire about extra nights!