Moldau: Prague - Passau

Arrival in the 'golden city' of Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in the world with Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Hradčany and the city center, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Arrive in good time so that you have enough time to see the city's many sights.

Let's go on the first cycling stage! A route through picturesque Bohemian landscapes awaits you, passing many small, dreamy villages. You will follow the course of the blue Vltava River, pass the large Vltava reservoir, which was only dammed in 1959, admire small houses with wood-paneled gables, enjoy blooming flowers, and cozy pubs with refreshing Bohemian beer.

Today is all about castles. Following the ups and downs of the cycle path, you will ride through deep green forests and along the Vltava Reservoir to the magnificent Orlik Castle. Marvel at the splendid furnishings during a tour before continuing just a few kilometers further to Zvikov Castle. Located at the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers, Zvikov was one of the most important castles in Bohemia in the Middle Ages. It has retained its pride and beauty to this day! Continuing through the rustic Vltava landscape, you cycle towards your destination for the day, Pisek, on the banks of the Otava, a tributary of the Vltava. Gold was once panned here in the “písek,” the sand of the river, and this splendor still seems to shimmer in the streets of the town today.

Today you cycle through the fascinating Otava river landscape. After a short bike ride, the fairytale castle of Hluboká, the most visited castle in the Czech Republic and nicknamed the Neuschwanstein of Bohemia, towers 83 m above the Vltava bend. Finally, you reach České Budějovice, which will make beer lovers' eyes sparkle and impress not only with its breweries, but also with its royal old town and fascinating market square.

There is still enough time in the morning to explore Budweis, but the next highlight is already waiting for you. You cycle to the medieval town of Krumau (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992), the pearl of the Bohemian Forest. Krumau is romantically situated in a narrow loop of the Vltava and attracts visitors with an ensemble of 300 historic houses, castles, winding streets, street cafes and cozy beer gardens.

Wide views, clear mountain air, and deep green forests accompany you today - a landscape where tranquility is palpable and the gentle splashing of streams and the soft rustling of the forest become melodic companions. With the Vltava River at your side, the trail leads you to the charming town of Rosenberg, dominated by its impressive castle complex. The route continues along the river, which soon widens into the Lipno Reservoir - a paradise for fishermen and nature lovers. You cycle on through the beautiful Šumava landscape to the historic Schwarzenberg Canal, a masterpiece of engineering from a bygone era. Finally, you cross the border into Austria and reach the romantic Mühlviertel region, where you can end the day in idyllic tranquility.

The final stage takes you through the idyllic Mühlviertel region down to the Danube - a landscape full of peace and harmony. Dense forests alternate with gently rolling hills, and on a clear day, the panorama of the Alps seems almost close enough to touch. You will finally cycle through the wild and romantic Mühltal valley to the Danube Cycle Path, where you will reach the southern bank by a small ferry (approx. €4 per person, not included). Deeply carved between wooded ridges, the cycle path winds its way picturesquely through the Danube valley.
A special highlight is the impressive Schlögener Schlinge before you cycle towards your destination, the magnificent three-river city of Passau. The baroque old town, nestled between the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, is the crowning glory of your journey. Enjoy the sight of the pastel-colored facades, stroll through the narrow streets, and round off the tour with a coffee in one of the traditional coffee houses. Alternatively, you can cover the last few kilometers from Kasten to Passau comfortably by boat (approx. €21 per person, including bike).

Today, your nice bike tour ends in Passau. You have the possibility to extend your tour from Passau to Vienna on the Danube bike trail, or to book a transfer to Prague.