Danube Cycle Path Passau-Budapest

4 Countries - 1 Experience

My Tour-Questions book now
Itinerary

Please note: You can only take part in this trip if you are vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19!
As of Oct 2022, subject to change.

Feel save, book flexible: FREE rebooking up to 6 weeks prior arrival to any alternative date in 2021 - applies to bookings between May 01 and June 15 2021 , the price of the newly selected date 2021 applies in the event of a rebooking.

Rebooking FREE OF CHARGE until 28 days prior tour start; valid for all new bookings between May 01 and ***September 15 2021***. Valid for all tour-dates 2021 – the price of the newly selected date 2021 applies in the event of a rebooking.

The Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Budapest is a superlative cycling trip. The river landscapes could not be more varied: steep, densely forested slopes alternate with flat alluvial landscapes and the endless expanse of the Hungarian Plain. Between vineyards and orchards, countless castles and palaces tell the story of the Romans, the Nibelungs and the Crusaders.

Enjoy the particularly warm Austrian/Hungarian hospitality, discover the picturesque old town of the Slovak capital Bratislava and cycle to the beat of a waltz through charming Vienna. The metropolis of Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, is the crowning glory of this bike tour.

Our Tip: If you book until 60 days prior to arrival you get a 5% discount!

Route

Tour profile Level 1-2

The tour is mostly flat and only sometimes slightly hilly. The Austrian section follows well-maintained and equipped cycle paths, in Hungary you will often cycle on country back and side roads. Upon entering and leaving cities there can of course be traffic that must be closely observed!

Day 1: Passau

Individual arrival. Use the remaining time on a city tour or get to know the "City of Three Rivers" on a boat cruise (not included) or simply go for a stroll through the picturesque old part of town. Between 4 pm and 7 pm bike hand over – for late arrivals on the next morning.

Day 2: Passau – Schlögener Loop, approx. 41 km

Start the first cycling route through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlögen. In Engelhartszell, you can visit the one and only "Trappist" monastery in Austria and you can even sample some delicious liqueurs straight from the convent. Continue the journey to the impressive "Schlögener Loop", where the river makes a complete 180-degree bend.

Day 3: Schlögener Loop – Linz, approx. 55 km

There are small ferries between the banks; enjoy this special experience. Enjoy the special experience of riding past the many ferries along the riverbanks as you continue to cycle through the Eferdinger basin to Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. Enjoy the summer evening with a stroll through the enchanting old part of town.

Day 4: Linz – Strudengau, approx. 60 km

An excursion to Enns, the oldest town in Austria is highly recommended and worth a visit. This leg guides you through beautiful meadows and tranquil hinterland while passing the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen, rolling by the majestic church in Baumgartenberg and on to the romantic castle of Clam. Toward the end of the day, you reach the gorgeous Baroque village of Grein. There, the oldest theatre in Austria is awaiting your royal visit.

Day 5: Strudengau – Nibelungengau, approx. 50 km

Today’s tour is enjoyed by cycling through the fascinating landscape of tall and densely wooded rock formations on both sides of the Danube. High above the Danube is the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Taferl. From the distance the marvellous Benedictine Monastery of Melk is greeting you.

Day 6: Nibelungengau – Krems/surroundings, approx. 50 km

Another highlight on this tour is the chance to cycle through the magnificent Wachau. A landscape, where you will find terraced vineyards, apricot groves interspersed with castles, palaces and monasteries. There is also the possibility to take a break off your bike and relax on a short boat excursion. On your way to Krems you cycle through the winery villages of Spitz, Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein. Through these charming villages you will see quaint alluring taverns, which are just waiting to present Austrian hospitality at its best.

Day 7: Krems/surroundings – Vienna, approx. 40 km + train

By train you will depart from this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Region. After arriving in Tulln, you ride your bike directly through the Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald) and pass through “The Gates of Vienna”. Along the way don’t forget to stop in and visit the impressive monastery in Klosterneuburg and then continue on to the “City of Music”, Vienna.

Important info: There will be a change of your rented E-Bikes in Vienna!

Day 8: Vienna – Bad Deutsch Altenburg/surroundings, approx. 42 km

Not far from Vienna an untouched alluvial landscape and a Nature Reserve with stunning and diverse Flora and Fauna begins. Get away from it all and enjoy the wonderful peace and quiet, only interrupted by the twittering chirps of birds. The ancient Romans have left their footprints here. They also relaxed in the nice warm water of Bad Deutsch-Altenburg. The Archaeological Park of Carnuntum is waiting to take you into an exiting journey through the past.

Day 9: Bad Deutsch-Altenburg/surroundings – Bratislava, approx. 26 km

Nestled between the hills of Hainburg and the Carpathian Mountains, you cycle on to Europe’s youngest capital, Bratislava. The Slovak capital has an enchanting sleepy old town as well as magnificent modern buildings.

Day 10: Bratislava – Schüttinsel – Györ, approx. 82 km

The Schüttinsel is a paradise for birds and fish. In the midst of this unspoilt landscape with small islands you will find dreamy farming villages and a labyrinth of Danube side arms. Your day’s destination is the city of Györ, situated at the mouth of 3 rivers. The city enchants with its baroque old town. Recommendation: Take the train between Mosonmagyarovar and Györ. Train tickets are available locally at the station from ticket machines and cost about € 1,- per journey. This shortens the cycling stage to a total of approx. 44 km.

Day 11: Györ – Komarno/surroundings, approx. 57 km

The National Stud of Babolna is world famous for its Arabian horse breeding and is definitely worth some time. While you are visiting the stallions and the Stud Museum you can catch a glimpse of some secret Hungarian horse breeding techniques and methods. After cycling through the lush rolling hills into the village of Komarom, you will find your accommodation in the favourite village of renowned King Matthias.

Day 12: Komarno/surroundings – Danube bend region, approx. 52 km

Today you cycle along the banks of the Slovakian Danube down small low-traffic roads through quaint and quintessential villages. On your way to the “Town of Bishops and Kings”, Esztergom, also known as the „Hungarian Rome“ or “Royal City”, you pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia. The Basilica of Esztergom, largest Catholic cathedral in Hungary and the rest of the town again and again prove to be a highlight and glamorous part of the overall tour.

Day 13: Danube bend region – Budapest, approx. 50-67 km + ship/train

In the midst of the hilly landscape, the river divides: on Szentendre Island you cycle through small idyllic villages. With its countless small handicraft shops and the Skanzen open-air museum, the little town of Szentendre on the mainland is world-famous. A very special highlight: during a boat trip or train ride (depending on the season) to Budapest you can enjoy a unique view of the most famous sights of this city.

Day 14: Budapest

The morning is at leisure. The train connections from Budapest are very good (to Vienna every hour, journey time approx. 3 h), the regular bus also stops at Vienna Airport.

Services

  • 13 nights in rooms with shower/WC

  • Breakfast or 13 x half board (extra charge)

  • Daily luggage transfer from hotel to hotel up until Budapest (1 piece of luggage p.p. / max. 20 kg)

  • 1 bottle of quality wine from the Wachau per room

  • 1 x train ride Krems - Tulln (incl. bike)

  • 1 x boat or train trip in the Danube Bend

  • Service hotline (also on weekends)

  • Handlebar bag with route book, maps and information material per room

  • Cycling app (also available as GPS file) - we recommend bringing a phone holder and power bank to ensure a smooth ride

Our tip: Get your eSIM for a low-priced holiday-data package here

Dates & Prices

Arrival in S1: every Sunday
Arrival in S2* and S3: every Sunday and Monday

*S2 only on Sundays between April 20 - 26 + September 28 - October 04

Dates

Merkmale

Season / Period
Type
S2   20.04. - 26.04.25
book now
Category A
book now
FULLY BOOKED
S3   27.04. - 20.09.25
book now
Category A
book now
FULLY BOOKED: April 27 / 28, 2025
S2   21.09. - 27.09.25
book now
Category A
book now
S2   28.09. - 04.10.25
book now
Category A
book now
S1   05.10. - 11.10.25
book now
Category A
book now
S2   20.04. - 26.04.25
book now
Category B
book now
FULLY BOOKED
S3   27.04. - 20.09.25
book now
Category B
book now
FULLY BOOKED: April 27 / 28, 2025
S2   21.09. - 27.09.25
book now
Category B
book now
S2   28.09. - 04.10.25
book now
Category B
book now
S1   05.10. - 11.10.25
book now
Category B
book now

Extras

Discounts for 3rd person (in double room with 2 full paying adults)
0-6,99 years -100%
7-11,99 years -50%
12-14,99 years -25%
15-99 years -10%
 
Bicycles & equipment
21-speed-bike 219
E-bike 389
Childrens equipment on request
Helmet to buy (payable locally) 44
Rental bike disclaimer 21-/E-Bike 22/49
   
Additional night*
Passau (dbl/sgl) 89/129
Vienna (dbl/sgl) 89/129
Budapest (dbl/sgl) 89/129
   
Transfers
Transfer of own bikes with RAD+REISEN bus, S1 Friday, S2+S3 Saturday 69
Private Transfer Munich (airport or city) to Passau from 270

 

*Except Formula 1 Grand Prix in Budapest | Arrival 20.07. + 21.07.25 | Surcharge € 60,- per room per night in Budapest. Additional 2 nights minimum stay in Budapest for category B booking.

Best - Price - Guarantee

If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!
All prices per person in EUR

Accommodation

Hotel samples

Category A
selected 4*hotels; exceptional best 3*hotels possible

Passau: 4*Hotel Passauer Wolf
Schlögener Loop: 4*Hotel Donauschlinge
Linz: 4*Courtyard by Marriott
Region Strudengau: 4*Hotel Aumühle
Region Nibelungengau: 4*Hotel zum Schwarzen Bären
Krems: 4*Hotel Steigenberger Krems
Vienna: 4*Hotel Kaiserwasser
Region Bad Deutsch-Altenburg: 4*Hotel Altes Kloster
Bratislava: 4*Hotel Park Inn Bratislava
Györ: 4*Hotel Famulus
Komarno: 4* Hotel Peklo
Donauknie: 4*Hotel Portobello
Budapest: 4*Novotel Budapest Danube

Category B
quaint inns, 3* hotels and pensions. In Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest 4-star hotels

Passau: 3*IBB Hotel Passau Süd
Schlögener Loop: 3*Gasthof Draxler
Linz: Hotel Prilmayerhof
Region Strudengau: 3*Landgasthof Zur Zugbrücke
Region Nibelungengau: 3*Hotel Moser
Krems: 3*Hotel zum Goldenen Engel
Vienna: 4*Hotel Arcotel Donauzentrum
Region Bad Deutsch-Altenburg: 3*Gasthof Stöckl
Bratislava: 4*Hotel Park Inn Bratislava
Györ: 3*Hotel Ibis Györ
Komarno: 3*Hotel Bow Garden
Donauknie: 3*Hotel Szent Adalbert
Budapest: 4*Hotel Mercure Castle Hill

Note: Please be informed that these are hotel samples and therefore subject to alteration! Find Your final hotel bookings at Your hotel list after/at booking.

Bicycle

Bicycles inclusive panniers

Trekking bikes

  • Ladies/Mens trekking bike 21-speed, freewheel, 28 inch tyres
  • E-Bikes: KTM Macina Fun, unisex or mens frame, 8 or 9 speed
  • Child E-Bike (from 130cm)
  • Trailer, Child seats, Child bikes

E-bikes | electrical bikes | pedelecs

E-Bikes are a great opportunity for people with different fitness level to take on a bike holiday together. With e-bikes every tour is a delight!

Please note: E-Bikes are very popular. As tghere is limited availybility please reserve your bikes early!

Bicycle breakdowns

It can happen even with new wheels and by best servicing. With the rental bikes you will receive repair vouchers which you can present in our authorised workshops along the way. Should a repair not be possible, please contact our service number! In a few hotels/guest houses we have some bikes on stock if you need to change them during the trip.

Private bicycles

You are welcome to bring your own bicycle. It is adapted especially to your needs. Do not forget to bring a repair kit with all necessary tools such as: keys, reserve tube and lock. Please check your own bicycle for operability upon arrival.

Valid for danube cycle path: For the return journey to Passau we recommend the reservation of the bus transfer or the train ride - some trains offer bicycle-parking possibilities, however those are limited and a reservation is necessary.

Rental bike disclaimer

If a traveller rents a  bike, he is basically liable for damages and theft. When booking our rental bike disclaimer, we assume liability so that in case of loss or damage to the rental bike (when properly used and secured) no financial responsibility must be paid. Excluded from this are only lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as damage due to intent or gross negligence.

Useful

Arrival - Parking - Departure

Arrival by plane

Airport: Munich (MUC), Linz (LNZ), Vienna (VIE)
Flights can be booked individually. For details see your final travel documents.

Arrival by car

Several public parking garages available. Please note that parking fees have to be paid on site. An overview of this can be found at Parkopedia (just german)

Arrival by train

Train station: Passau, Linz, Vienna
The actual timeable and prices you will find via ÖBB, SBB or Deutsche Bahn.
We recommend a taxi from the rtain station to your hotel.

Transfer (reservation within booking) / the tickets you need to pay extra (not included)

Back from Budapest to Vienna
RAD&REISEN-back transfer of own bikes in Season 1 on Friday and in Season 2+3 on Saturdays, arrival in Vienna the following day at approx. 10 am - booking of an extra night recommended. For prices see under "Dates and Prices"

Additional information

Formula I Grand Prix Budapest
Arrival 20.07. + 21.07.25 with surcharge of € 60,- per room per night in Budapest. In addition, a minimum stay of 2 nights at this time applies for category B.

The included cruise is possible in the following times:
Szentendre - Budapest
April 28 - October 01, every FRI, SAT and SUN
(train ride will be organized in times not meeting the boat schedule)

Safety equipment
In Austria it is mandatory for children under the age of 12 to wear a bike helmet when on a bike. Please protect your little ones and bring their own helmet. Reflective vests are not obligatory, but surely useful.

In Slovakia you are obliged to wear a bike helmet outside of villages, for children under 15 years it is mandatory to wear a helmet in general. Reflective vests are mandatory at bad sight, at night and dawn.

In Hungary it is mandatory to wear safety vests at bad light and sight outside of villages, but there is no obligation to wear a helmet.

Tourist taxes payable on spot (approx. € 1-2,50)

Participants

minimum participants: 6 persons

Videos

Travel stories

4,9 of 6 Stars | 22
An overall very good Experience...V.V. 05/24
5,1 18.07.2024 | Kathryn A. Danube Cycle Path Passau-Budapest

Passau to Budpest

Fantastic first half. Too much road riding in Hungary. R& R App was incorrect and out of date in a few places. no app or web page for updated info to be added ie. road closures for flooding, ferries cancelled etc Klaus was amazing to work with
  • Booking handling 6
  • Travel documents 6
  • Per-Tour information 5
  • Accomodation 5
  • Luggage transport 6
  • Route description 2
  • On-site assistance 4
  • Route-character 5
  • Bicycle + equipment 6
  • Price-performance ratio 6
more
0,0 09.07.2024 | David G. Danube Cycle Path Passau-Budapest

Passau to Budapest on an acoustic bike at 72

This is a great ride for a reasonably fit 72 year old on an acoustic bike If in doubt you have the option of an electric bike Good instructions and app and the whole trip went without a hitch Make sure you take their advice on taking some spare clothes ...
fae_foto_53_2024_07_09_16_01_52_1976372482.jpg
more
5,4 13.05.2024 | Valerie V. Danube Cycle Path Passau-Budapest

An overall very good Experience

Our Danube Cycle Path Passau-Budapest is considered the most popular long distance bike tour in Europe & I can now understand why. It was our 1st long distance cycle tour & altho fit 70 yr olds we were apprehensive about this challenge. But it was great. ...
  • Booking handling 6
  • Travel documents 5
  • Per-Tour information 5
  • Accomodation 6
  • Board 5
  • Luggage transport 6
  • Route description 5
  • On-site assistance 6
  • Route-character 4
  • Bicycle + equipment 6
  • Price-performance ratio 5
more
5,2 10.10.2023 | Bernie R. Danube Cycle Path Passau-Budapest

R. report Passau to Budapest cycle trip

1. Female bike did not have lights and we could not get them fixed even after three visits to bike shops on the way. Also we did not realise the bus timetable was restricted on a Sunday and nearly missed picking up the bike before 10 am. This could be ...
  • Overall satisfaction 5
  • Booking handling 6
  • Travel documents 4
  • Per-Tour information 6
  • Accomodation 6
  • Board 5
  • Luggage transport 6
  • Route description 4
  • On-site assistance 6
  • Route-character 5
  • Bicycle + equipment 3
  • Price-performance ratio 6
more
load more travel stories
Miklos Krisch

Happy to advise you:

 Miklos Krisch

Any questions left?

+43 1 4053873 - 34
Contact form

Share or bookmark this tour!

You might also be interested in these tours

Share tour

    Navigation

    My wishlist

    Agency-Login

    Forgot password
    Forgot password

    You will receive your new password via email.
    Agency menu
    Agency-No.
    Agency
    Encashment
    logout