Danube Bike Trail: with charming hotels, Passau – Vienna

The classic bike tour - De Luxe.

Passau-Vienna in Charming Hotels.

Look forward to exquisite hotels in fantastic position, to the beautiful blue Danube, to the most popular cycle path in Europe and to an unforgettable cycling holiday. The cycling classic from Passau to Vienna offers magical river valleys with steep, wooded slopes, vineyards and orchards and a legendary land of culture, with countless monuments from the Roman era, Nibelungen and Crusaders. Whether Schlogener Loop, Strudengau, Nibelungengau or Wachau - each region has its own special charm. And everywhere, wine taverns and inns invite you to relax and pamper you with the Austrian cuisine. You cycle mostly on the banks of the Danube on excellent bike paths. And every night you will be again surprised by your noble hosts. Enjoy modern, stylish accommodation, food from award-winning cuisine, fine wines and relaxation in the wellness and spa area.

1. day Passau Arrival

We recommend to arrive early in the three-river town of Passau, so you can visit the Old Town and the cathedral with the largest church organ in the world. Overnight in Passau in the 4-star Hotel Residenz, which was built on the foundations of a 400 year old house right on the banks of the Danube. Recently it has been renovated in a loving and historic style. It offers comfort and neat elegance in a timeless atmosphere. If you want to avoid the expensive parking fees in Passau, but still want to spend the night delightful, arrive at Schärding and stay at the 4-star Hotel Forstinger. For generations the family is know for its typical Austrian hospitality and warmth.

2. day Passau - Upper Danube Valley ca. 40 - 55 km

Look forward to your bike tail, as you cycle along the beautiful Danube, first directly to Engelhartszell. Here, you'll see the only Trappist monastery in Austria. Through the nature reserve Donauleiten you cycle comfortably to the famous Schlögen Danube River Bend. Here, granite stone was too hard an obstacle for the river to pass through and the water had to make a 180° bend. And this is where you sleep. At the beautiful balcony rooms at the 4-star Hotel Donauschlinge. Feel the positive effect, the force of the water and soak up the beauty of nature to the fullest.

3. day Upper Danube Valley - Linz ca. 55 km

With pleasure you cycle through the narrow Danube valley. Take a break at the old Baroque market of Aschach and visit the pretty town of Ottensheim before you reach Linz (European Capital of Culture 2009) with its wonderful Old Town. Here, the attraction is the Old Town with many restaurants. In a prime location in the center of Linz, right next to St. Mary's you are staying at 4-star Hotel Am Domplatz. A perfect location to explore the diverse artistic and cultural program.

4. day Linz - Grein / surrounding ca. 55 km

Through meadows and forests you cycle to St. Florian, visit the famous monastery and follow the beautiful bike path to Enns, the oldest city of Austria. See the main-square with the symbol of Enns – a 60 m high city tower from the 16th century. From Enns you cycle further directly along the Danube till you reach the beautiful Baroque town Grein. Today you stay in Ardagger in the 4-star Landhaus Stift Ardagger, a former collegiate tavern from the 13th century. Look forward to the evening, as the country house combines both architectural and culinary the best of both worlds. 

5. day Grein / surrounding - Wachau ca. 50 - 60 km

Today a beautiful section of the Danube awaits you. Enjoy your trip through the wild Strudengau, once a crucial and much dreaded part by Danube skippers. Take your time to visit Nibelungengau and Maria Taferl, a popular and beautifully located pilgrim’s church, attracting thousands of pilgrims every year. Also you should explore the historic Nibelungengau and take some time for the pilgrimage Maria Taferl. Look forward to your 4-star Hotel Zur Post in Melk, where you stay with a direct view of the diocese in the center of Melk. Since 1893 and now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the hotel offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving seasonal Austrian dishes made from local produce and an own wine shop.

6. day Wachau - Krems ca. 40 km

Look forward to the "pinnacle stage" of the tour through the Wachau. Enjoy the charming ambiance of the Wachau region (UNESCO World Heritage site) and its so typical orchards and look forward to a wine tasting. In the middle of this beautiful cultural landscape stands the 4-star Hotel & Spa Steigenrberger in Krems. In the evening let yourself be pampered by exquisite cuisine and fine local wines.

7. day Krems - Vienna ca. 65 km

Today you cycle on the Danube cycle path past Castle Greifenstein and Klosterneuburg and finally you reach the city of Vienna with its own special flair. Take your time to explore Vienna and treat yourself to a piece of cake in one of the so-typical coffee houses. In the heart of Vienna, in the historic center, in the near to the Hofburg, you will stay stylish at the 4-star Hotel Steigenberger Herrenhof. Here it is difficult to make decisions. Prefer to relax in the exquisite spa and wellness area of the hotel or go in the city to experience new adventures. The Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral, the State Opera, the Burgtheater, the City Hall, the Kohlmarkt and the Viennese luxury brands district are only a short walk away from the hotel.

8. day Vienna Departure

Today, your bike tour ends after breakfast in the hotel.

Worth knowing about Passau - Wien

Below you will find specific information about the bike tour Passau - Wien in Charme Hotels. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us by phone: 0049 - (0)6421-886890.

Arrival by train

Passau is easily accessible from all major cities in Germany by train. We recommend to take a taxi from the station to get to our partner hotels in Passau. Current schedule information and price information can be found at: www.bahn.de.

Train schedule information

Parking facilities

The Hotel Residenz in Passau offers parking facilities in cooperation with the Donauschiffsreisecenter Eckerl, no reservation possible, organization and payable on site. There are parking facilities in Passau in public garages ca. 55.00 EUR per week. Alternative you find parking facilities in Schärding at the Eurobike-ground. Detailed information on parking you will receive together with the detailed travel documents two weeks prior to departure.

Your accomodation

Hotel Residenz Passau: The family-run Hotel Residenz, located directly on the banks of the Danube. The products for breakfast are from local partners and suppliers and have a seasonal and regional offer with homemade jam and hazelnut cream. A sanarium, an adventure shower, a whirlpool and a floating lounger await you for relaxation.

Hotel Residenz

Hotel Donauschlinge Schlögen: The family-run 4 star hotel is located directly on the Danube loop and offers a wonderful view over the Danube. All kinds of delicacies are served in the six different restaurants. In the wellness & beauty area are a sauna area and indoor pool as well as numerous application possibilities.

Hotel Donauschlinge (rooms with balcony)

Hotel Am Domplatz Linz: The Hotel Am Domplatz is located right next to the cathedral in Linz. Enjoy the view of the Mariendom during breakfast, which is also possible outdoors. The rooms are bright and friendly with box spring beds. Enjoy dinner in paul's küche.bar.greisslerei, right next to the hotel.

Hotel am Domplatz

Landgasthof Winter Grein: This hotel combines the best of two worlds, both architecturally and culinary: the former monastery tavern from the 13th century was converted into a traditional country house and restored with great attention to detail. Down-to-earth cuisine of the highest standard is offered.

Landgasthof Winter

Please take care: The Landgasthof Winter is currently still closed, alternatively the Wellness Hotel Aumühle can be booked at a discount of EUR 19.00 per person (as of 01/2023).

Hotel Zur Post Melk: The hotel is centrally located on the main square. The 28 rooms are individually and comfortably furnished and are characterized by living tradition with the most modern comfort. The restaurant impresses with Austrian classics with a modern touch made from regional and seasonal products.

Hotel Zur Post

Hotel Steigenberger Hotel & Spa Krems: Nestled in the surrounding vineyards, the hotel awaits you with a view of the Danube. The modern and brightly furnished rooms have a flat screen TV, minibar, safe and desk. The restaurant offers  mainly high-quality ingredients with regional and seasonal food. 

Steigenberger Hotel & Spa

Hotel Steigenberger Herrenhof Wien: The hotel is located directly in the old town of Vienna. The elegantly furnished rooms have first-class equipment. Fine Austrian ingredients and the best of Mediterranean countries await you in the restaurant. Relax in the elegant spa with a treatment or with a workout in the gym.

Hotel Steigenberger Herrenhof 5*****

Condition of cycle paths

You cycle mostly on bike paths or quiet roads. The mostly flat route and the well-developed infrastructure makes the Danube Cycle Route one of the most family-friendly long-distance routes. It often runs in the immediate vicinity of rivers sometimes also on an Danube embankment from where you have a great view of the river. On your way to Vienna, the Danube is lined by wooded slopes, vineyards, orchards and romantic pasture landscape.

Available rental bikes

You can choose between 7-speed ladies´and men's bicycles with gear shift and coaster brake or 21-speed gear shift and freewheel or electric bikes. For guests with a body height of 1.85 m, men's bikes can be provided on inquiry.

Transfer back to the starting point

Daily in the afternoon there is the possibility to transfer back to Passau (start between 2 - 3 pm, ca. 4hrs) with a small bus. A reservation in advance is necessary. The driver comes to pick you up at your hotel and has enough space for you, your luggage and your own bicycle (when required). The bus takes you back to your first hotel, thus ensuring a perfect return service without transfer and the hassle of hauling luggage.

Additional nights during the cycling trip

The booking of additional nights is possible in every regular accommodation place. Please contact us for more information.

Costs which are not included in the travel price

A possibly resulting tourist tax is not part of the travel price and therefore it has to be paid locally in the Hotel.

7 day hotline service

Just in case the bike chain breaks, flooding makes it impossible to continue your tour or any other nasty surprise: You can reach us seven days a week and we will do anything to help you as fast as possible.

Passport and visa requirements, health regulations

For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Corona travel information:
Before booking your trip, please inform yourself about the measures in place to contain the Corona pandemic.

An up-to-date overview of applicable measures and travel and safety advice regarding Covid-19 for all countries in the EU and Switzerland can be found here:
https://reopen.europa.eu/en/

You can also find more information on our website at:
Corona virus and holiday planning

Travel insurance

The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

Dreiflüsse- Eck

Passau in the southeast of Germany is located at the Austrian border. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau is worldwide known as "The Three Rivers City".

The earliest evidence of human settlement dates back to the Neolithic. Passau was part of the Roman Empire for more than 400 years. It became an Episcopal seat in the year 739 AD. Passau was an independent prince bishopric for over 600 years. Finally in 1803 Passau was annexed into Bavaria. The setting of the Old Town, created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century, shows soaring towers, picturesque places, enchanting promenades and romantic lanes.

In the heart of Passau on the Old Town’s highest point rises St. Stephen’s Cathedral, in which the world’s largest cathedral organ sounds. Sitting high above the rivers, the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus on the Danube’s side and the Pilgrimage Church "Mariahilf" on the Inn’s side frame the city outstandingly beauty.

Passau with its unique charm and its atmosphere is one of the most beautiful and spectacular German cities on the Danube.

Passau

Schlögener Loop

The Danube Valley has a very aesthetic appearance that hits its peak with the Schlögener Schlinge.
Here the power and beauty of nature is being reflected. Waters have always been of great significance to mankind. Through shipping, the Danube played and plays an important role up to this day. A less well-known utilisation of the Danube valley is winegrowing. Between 1000 and 1300 AD, in the medival warm period, wine was being grown in the cross valleys and the lower layers of Upper Austria. There used to be a small-sized vineyard with walls and staircase connections on the same level as Inzell, but on the left slope of the Danube Valley. Today it is completely overgrown by shrubbery. But in Hilkering, near Aschach, wine is currently being cultivated. The „Schlögener Schlinge“ has been appointed a „Natural Wonder of Austria“ in 2008. This rarity, called epigenetic cross valley, was being generated when the Danube carved its way through the soft layers of the Tertiary and created its meander-formed river bed, which it had to retain on the hard granitic rock. Because of the elevation of the landmass later on, the Danube carved itself nearly 300m into the ground and thereby created the dell, which almost forms a full circle in the Schlögener Schlinge.

Danube Loop

Engelhartszell

Rich in history, Engelszell Convent is Austria´s only Trappist Monastery and was founded in the year 1293.
The Collegiate Church has a steeple that rises 76 meters tall and is the most superb example of rococo architecture in Austria. The Church was built between 1754 and 1764 and is decorated with valuable art items by Johann Georg Üblher, Joseph Deutschmann and Bartolomeo Altomonte. The modern mural painting on the nave ceiling was created by Prof. Fritz Fröhlich in 1957.
The Convent is especially popular for its excellent Engelszell Monastery Liquors, the Trappist beers and its latest and highly acclaimed feat: The new Engelszell Trappist Cheese!

Engelhartszell

Linz

Linz is located in eastern Upper Austria and stretches on both sides of the Danube. The city is located in the low-lying Linzer basin and bordered in the west by the Kürnberger Wald as well as the fertile Eferdinger Becken.

Linz

Grein

The visitor is already aware of the idyllic location of Grein at the time of arrival. Here the mighty, historical Donaustrom combines with the ancient, gentle Mühlviertler hillside landscape. The pearl of the Strudengau with its nostalgic charm has much to offer - Greinburg Castle, Hist. Stadttheater Grein.

Grein

Krems

At the exit of the Wachau, one of the most beautiful parts of the Danube Valley, lies the charming twin town of Krems-Stein. Krems on the Danube is worth a visit in every season! Immerse yourself in the country at the Nibelungenstrom: The Wachau - World Cultural Heritage and Natural Heritage of UNESCO! There are not many cities in Austria that offer such a variety of cultural, historical and culinary offerings, as the twin town of Krems-Stein.

Krems

Vienna

Baroque streetscapes and imperial palaces set the stage for Vienna's artistic and musical masterpieces alongside its coffee-house culture and vibrant epicurean and design scenes.

Vienna

Burgtheater Vienna

The Mount Olympus of Vienna’s theater landscape is the Burgtheater (known locally as the Burg).

As an institution, the Burg transcends its role as a mere stage. It’s part of the Viennese consciousness; a place to be seen and to see, a one-time plaything of political intrigue and a symbol of Vienna’s rise, fall and rise again from the ashes of war.

The theater traces its roots back to 1741 when an enterprising entrepreneur sought permission to convert a disused building on the Michaelerplatz into a stage. Despite the initial blessing of the Empress Maria Theresia, the new theater struggled to establish itself.

Burgtheater

Burgtheater

Albertina

Located in Vienna, the Albertina is the largest Habsburg residential palace. It blends an imperial flair with unrivalled masterpieces of art. The historical setting of this internationally acclaimed modern museum makes a visit to the Albertina an unforgettable experience. The city’s largest residential Habsburg palace boasts 21 beautifully furnished staterooms, making it one of the most exquisite classical palaces in the whole of Europe.

Since it reopened in 2003, the Albertina has presented an impressive number of exhibitions, showing foremost works of art dating from the 15th century to the present day. With its special “Albrecht Dürer”, “Picasso” and “Van Gogh” exhibitions, the Albertina has drawn a record number of visitors during the past few years. The Albertina is one of Austria’s most popular museums, making it a major attraction for city visitors and cultural travelers from all over the world.

Albertina

Schönbrunn Palace

The former summer residence of the Habsburgs impresses with imperial ceremonial rooms and magnificent gardens. Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph, Empress Elisabeth and others once resided here.

Schönbrunn Palace is one of Europe's most beautiful Baroque complexes and has been in the possession of the Habsburgs since 1569. The wife of Emperor Ferdinand II, Eleonore von Gonzaga, had a pleasure palace built on the site in 1642 and called the property "Schönbrunn" for the first time. The palace and garden complex created from 1696 onwards following the siege of Vienna was complete redesigned under Maria Theresa after 1743. Today, due to its historical significance, its unique layout and magnificent furnishings, the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Schloss Palace

Natural History Museum Vienna

The museum is home to world-famous and unique objects, such as the 29,500-year-old Venus of Willendorf, the Steller’s sea cow that became extinct over 200 years ago, and enormous dinosaur skeletons. Further highlights in the 39 exhibit halls include the world’s largest and oldest public collection of meteorites, including the spectacular “Tissint” meteorite from Mars, as well as the permanent anthropological exhibition on the origins and development of humans, and the new prehistoric exhibition with the Venus Cabinet and the Gold Cabinet. However, time does not stand still.

Natural History Museum Vienna

Volksgarten Vienna

The free accessible Volksgarten Vienna is a beautiful park and it is located directly beside the Heldenplatz and the Hofburg buildings. It's a perfect place for pedestrians who need a rest. The tired legs can be relaxed by sitting at one of the benches, while the eyes can enjoy the blossoming rose garden and the ears can listen to the rippling fountains away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The romantic scenery is well liked by the tourists and is also often used from wedding photographers. So you have a good chance to meet a wedding couple at your walk through the Volksgarten.

Volksgarten