Danube Cycle Path Passau-Budapest

4 Countries - 1 Experience

Tourmap

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

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type
    S2   20.04. - 26.04.25
    Category B
    S3   27.04. - 20.09.25
    Category B
    S2   21.09. - 27.09.25
    Category B
    S2   28.09. - 04.10.25
    Category B
    S1   05.10. - 11.10.25
    Category B

    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


    NotePlease 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 here (just german)


    Arrival by train

    Train station: Passau, Linz, Vienna
    The actual timeable and prices you will find via www.oebb.atwww.sbb.ch or www.bahn.com.
    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 | 21
    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 ...
    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
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