Danube Experience by BIKE + BOAT / Iron Gate

Fjord-like Landscapes, Puszta, Balkan and Paprika

map danube experience by bike and boat

Route

Tour profile / Level 1-2

The cycle paths are asphalted for the most part and run through flat to lightly hilly terrain – mainly following the routing of Eurovelo 6 – via cycle paths and country roads with little traffic. Don’t feel like cycling today? You can reach your destination easily by boat.

Tour profile Passau - Iron Gate

Day 1: Passau

Immediately after embarkation between 16:00 and 17:00, it’s time to "cast off". Enjoy a final view of the beautiful city of Passau as you glide serenely into the sunset, past dark green forests before entering the lock at the Jochenstein power plant on the border between Germany and Austria.

Day 2: Danube Loop | Engelhartszell – Aschach, approx. 42 km

Your first day’s cycling begins with a ride through the classic scenery of the ‘Danube Loop’ Donauschlinge - one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Along the way you will encounter tiny villages and cozy cider taverns. In Austria’s only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous ‘Schlogener View’ provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside. The boat welcomes all cyclists back on board in the charming market town of Aschach.

Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, approx. 15-45 km

A narrow cycle path runs along the Iron Curtain from the castle ruins in Devin to the splendid palace of Schloss Hof, which boasts one of the most magnificent baroque gardens in Europe. There follows a stretch of untouched countryside and a short time later, you arrive in the vibrant city of Bratislava. Our miniature train tour of the Slovakian capital in which Hungarian kings were once crowned (optional) begins with a glorious view from the fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city and ends with a walk through the beautifully restored historic city centre.

Day 4: Budapest | Excursion to Szentendre, approx. 48 km

Savour the entrance to Budapest and the stunning views of the city‘s most famous buildings. Discover the city that straddles the Danube on a guided tour (optional) or take a detour to the delightful little town of Szentendre with many artists and galleries.

Day 5: Baja – Mohacs, approx. 36 km

From the quiet Baroque town of Baja that is famous for its fish soup, you’ll cycle along the flood protection dykes in the Gemenc floodplain, through sleepy river landscapes. At the end of today’s stage, you take the ferry to the little town of Mohacs, Hungary’s southernmost town on the Danube and famously the site of two battles with the Turks.

Day 6: Belgrade (rest day)

By bike or by bus, you can explore the lively Serbian metropolis at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, take a journey through time from the past to the present and learn a lot about the rise and fall of Yugoslavia (optional). Discover the lively market life and historic buildings in Zemun, the oldest district of Belgrade, and taste some of the country’s specialities in one of the taverns located directly on the riverbank.

Day 7: Cataract Canyons | Iron Gates National Park (rest day)

Experience a breathtaking fjord landscape in the middle of the Danube, where the river cuts through the Romanian Carpathians and the mighty foothills of the Balkan Mountains. From the deck, enjoy steep gorges, dark forests, and historical landmarks. Highlights include the Decebalus Monument and a ship stop at Golubac Fortress with a visit opportunity. This natural wonder will give you goosebumps!

Day 8: Novi Sad – Ilok, approx. 47 km

The imposing Petrovaradin fortress perches high above the provincial capital of the Vojvodina. After cycling upstream along a flat cycle path, you take a ferry to reach the gentle foothills of the Fruska Gora, with its orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages. Ilok, the easternmost town in Croatia is famous for its wines, which are drunk even in the English royal family: You’ll visit the 400-year-old wine cellar of a local winemaker, taste famous wine varieties of the region, and learn a lot about Croatian wine-making traditions (optional).

Day 9: Batina – Mohacs, approx. 48 km

You are in the border triangle and cycling through the endless expanse of the Batschka (the territory of the Danube Swabians). Small, dreamy farming villages, bright yellow rape fields and endless agricultural areas line your way from Croatia via Serbia to Hungary.  Farmers cheerfully wave from their fields, and every now and then a horse-drawn wagon crosses the road. The alternative route leads through the untouched nature of the Dunav-Drava-Nemzeti Nations Park. On the roofs of the farmhouses nest numerous white storks, for which even a separate museum has been established. On your way to Mohacs, Hungary, you will pass the National Memorial commemorating the great battle of 1526.

Day 10: Kalocsa – Solt, approx. 52 km

Kalocsa is the “Paprika Capital” of Hungary and the character of the town is strongly influenced by colourful houses with hand-painted, bright floral patterns and the cathedral with its towers that can be seen even from a distance as they rise into the sky from the flat Hungarian plain. Visiting the Paprika Museum, you’ll learn a lot about Hungary’s favourite spice. Continue your journey on the well-built cycle path along the flood protection dyke through the vast expanse of the Puszta. White sandbanks along the Danube bank invite you to jump into the cool water. In the afternoon experience a horse show with breathtaking demonstrations by the Csikosoks and a tasting of local specialties (optional)

Day 11: Danube Bend – Esztergom, approx. 50 km

The Danube is framed by steep wooded hills as it flows through the picturesque, hilly landscape of the "Hungarian Wachau". Set in the middle of the Danube, the delightful island of Szentendre radiates real puszta romance. As you continue your journey on idyllic cycle paths through picturesque villages, you’ll be able to experience the Hungarian zest for life at first hand. The dome of the imposing basilica in Esztergom that sits high over the Danube can be seen from far and wide. Hungary’s largest church, with its Tuscan style high altar and a side chapel with red marble walls is especially worth seeing.

Day 12: Vienna (Bike excursion to Klosterneuburg, Danube Island,...)

After so many action packed days of cycling, you deserve some relaxation. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the idyllic floodplain forest of the Donauauen National Park and the impressive skyline as you sail into Vienna. Go for a ride on the Danube Island – Vienna’s favourite recreational area, cycle out to the nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey or wander through the idyllic vineyards of the so called Kahlenberg (with magnificent views over the city and the Danube). End the evening on a magical note with a concert of waltz and classical operetta music in Schönbrunn castle (optional).

Day 13: Vienna (rest day)

Discover Vienna: from the saddle on a guided bike tour or on your own with the HOP ON HOP OFF Bus (optional). Ride through the historic city centre at a leisurely pace and see the sights from close up. The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries. Afterwards, there’s enough time to stroll through the quaint lanes or visit the Naschmarkt, a feast for the senses. End your day in Vienna in traditional fashion at a rustic wine tavern.

Day 14: Wachau | Krems – Melk, approx. 37 km

This final stage of your cycling tour can best be described as magical! The gentle hilly countryside of the Wachau with their picturesque villages, historic castles and palaces surrounded by apricot trees and terraced vineyards, is one of the loveliest stretches of the river. In Weißenkirchen the cycle path is lined with cosy vintner’s taverns and you should definitely treat yourself to a break here (optional wine tasting)! AT05_WeinverkostungSpitz  Along the way you will also spot one of the most beautiful baroque ensembles in Europe: The Abbey of Melk AT03_StiftMelk_EN.

Day 15: Passau

Enjoy the first rays of sunlight and the early-morning tranquillity of the Danube valley one last time. Catch a final view of the Danube Bend at Schlögen – before you reach Passau/surroundings, your heart bursting with memories and impressions. Disembarkation at approx. 11.00 am. Independent homeward journey. We recommend not to make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 12.00 pm.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

In the event of extremely high or low water, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge stages by bus or even to cancel the trip at short notice without any legal claim arising therefrom (water levels are force majeure). The same applies for officially decreed repairs to locks or bridges, not announced in advance, or in the event of motor or propulsion damage to the ship without attributed fault.
On one hand, a riverboat is a “holiday hotel”, while on the other, it is also a means of transport that moves with motor power and must always be operated, even at night (partially with lock and bridge passages and the retractions and extensions of the structures caused as a result). Mistakes can happen with lock passages. This is the case for all Danube journeys and cannot be avoided. Please bear in mind that riverboats are restricted (bridge passages, locks) in size (length, height, width) and therefore cannot be compared with cruise liners at sea. The cabins are limited in space but are nevertheless comfortable and furnished.

Services

  • 14 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning

  • Port charges

  • Program according to itinerary from/to Passau 

  • Captains greeting and welcome cocktail

  • Full board: rich breakfast, lunch on board (non- cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2/3 dishes to choose from), late night snack 

  • Gala dinner with farewell cocktail

  • Board Musician

  • Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group

  • Daily information meeting 

  • Detailed travel documents per cabin, GPS tracks + cycling tour app with voice navigation


    Additionally included in guided tour

  • Cycling tour guide

  • Ferry rides

  • City tour Budapest by bus

  • City tour Belgrade by bus

  • City tour Vienna by bike

  • Rental helmet (adults only) 


Individual Cyclingtour

Ride free: cycle individually, at your own pace, and design your day around your desires. The only limit is the overall schedule.
Never miss a turn: Our bike tour app with voice navigation ensures gets you there safely and reliably. For extra peace of mind, a detailed route book packed with maps and insightful information is also included.
Daily insider tips: Learn about must-see sights, refreshing rest stops, and local delicacies during the daily briefing with your cruise director.
Flexibility on board: Want to take a day off? No problem! Simply stay on board and enjoy the passing scenery from the sun deck.

Guided tour

You cycle in a small group guided by a local tour guide. During a guided tour by bike or bus you will pass by numerous famous sights in Vienna and Budapest.

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type
      03.05. - 17.05.25
    Guided
      28.06. - 12.07.25
    Guided
      09.08. - 23.08.25
    Guided
      27.09. - 11.10.25
    Guided

    Extras

     % Child Discounts
    0-2,99 years in baby cot* -100%
    3-11,99 years in same cabin with min. 2 full paying adults**; Cat. Standard -30%
    3-11,99 years in same cabin with min. 1 full paying adult; Cat. Standard -10%
     
    * baby cot must be brought individually, just available in Cat. standard and comfort
    ** 3rd bed in cabin - body height max. 140 cm
     
    Bikes and equpiment
    24-speed bike 139
    E-bike 349
    Own bike 58
    Own e-bike (max. 23 kg excluding battery) 98
    Rental helmet (to be booked in advance) 15
    Rental bike disclaimer hybrid/e-bike 20/50
      
    Additional nights
    Passau 4* (dbl/sgl) 81/119
       
    Transfer ¹
    One way PRIVATE (total, 1-8 pers.) from/to Munich Airport 290
    One way PRIVATE (total, 1-8 pers.) from/to Munich city centre 340

    ¹ please update us to your exact requirements; flight details and i.a.hotelname required


    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

    Ship

    Welcome aboard the MS SWISS CROWN!

    Stylish, elegant and timelessly beautiful - this is how the premium ship MS Swiss Crown presents itself as it glides gently along the Danube river. You will immediately feel at home on board as soon as you enter the spectacular foyer. Designed in warm wood tones, the ship radiates a comfort and leaves nothing to be desired. The simple elegance of the timelessly beautiful staterooms, which are decorated with great attention to detail, will inspire you. Sit back, enjoy the serene, relaxed atmosphere, the fantastic views of breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes, sometimes from the bicycle seat, sometimes from the inviting, partially covered sun deck. Let yourself be pampered by the friendly, accommodating crew and create on board relationships alongside memories to last a lifetime.

    >> ships brochure for download


    Cabins

    The 68 outward-facing cabins are spacious 14 m² and convince with elegant, comfortable interior. The cabins have a double bed (can be separated to 2 single beds), shower/WC, hairdryer, SAT TV, safe, coffee maker, minibar and individually adjustable air conditioning.

     

    Kabine Standard / HauptdeckSTANDARD Cabin
    The approx. 14m² cabins are located on the main deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart) and smaller, raised windows (NOT openable). In some cabins a 3rd bed (bunk bed) can be used for children up to max. 140cm.


    COMFORT Cabin
    The approx. 14m² cabins are located on the middle deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart). The panoramic window can be opened.

     

    SUPERIOR Cabin
    The approx. 14m² cabins are located on the upper deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart) and private balcony.

     

    MINISUITE
    The approx. 16m² cabin is located on the middle deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart) and a panoramic window.

     

    We will gladly accept your non-binding cabin request when booking. However, information about cabin numbers is expressly not part of the contract.


    Ship information

    Built: 2000 / renovation 2018/2019
    Capacity: 135 passangers
    Lenght: 110m 
    Width: 11,40m
    Draught: 1,50m
    Speed: 22 km/h
    Crew: ca. 36
    Electricity: 220 Volt
    Language on board: German and English


    Deck information

    • Main deck (lower deck) - cabins STANDARD (small windows - can not be opened)
    • Middle deck - cabins COMFORT (panorama window - can be opened), 1x MINISUITE (panorama window - can be opened)
    • Upper deck - cabins SUPERIOR (balcony) 

    >> Virtual 3D-Tour


    Board facilities

    • Restaurant
    • Stylish Lounge with Panoramabar
    • Library
    • Wellness area with sauna + steam bath
    • Whirlpool
    • Sundeck with long-chairs & tables
    • Onboard-Boutique
    • WIFI (available in the lounge, connection may vary)

    The stylish lounge with its comfortable club chairs and a cozy Panoramabar offers a very special atmosphere. In the first-class restaurant you undertake a culinary foray through the Danube countries and their variety of flavors. Rest and relaxation await you in the wellness area after an eventful day of cycling, and on the spacious, partially covered sun deck you can enjoy a glass of wine together with like-minded people and a very special spectacle of nature.
    In a small onboard boutique you can buy souvenirs and souvenirs for those who stayed at home, but also useful equipment for your bike tours (clothing, helmets, bags, etc.). And if you feel like reading a good book, just help yourself to the onboard library. On board you will be greeted by a warm ship’s crew, who will make your stay as pleasant as possible and read your every wish from your eyes. WIFI available in the lounge (connection may vary).

    More about the life on board!

    Bicycle

    Bicycles and Equipment

    Our bicycles are the most modern quality bikes of the brand KTM, which were specially designed for the requirements and the wishes of our guests. This resulted in easy-running, robust touring bikes with low comfort entry and puncture-proof tires. The elevated handlebars allow for comfortable and back-friendly riding. The bikes in our fleet are usually not older than 3 years. During the duration of the trip you are liable for damage, loss or theft. Bike insurance can be purchased on board.

    The following bikes are available for rent:

    • 24-Speed UNISEX* with comfort entry, hand brakes and freewheel
    • E-Bikes (Pedelecs) UNISEX with freewheel and 28" tires in frame sizes 43 / 45 / 50 cm. max. permissible total weight 130kg

    *Men’s frames are provided for men over 188 cm tall.

    Our rental bikes are equipped with: Pannier, handlebar bag, air pump. Per cabin you will receive a service kit with tools and a bike lock. In the on-board store you will receive quality bicycle helmets as well as cycling clothing (e.g. jerseys, pants, sweaters, rain jackets, rain ponchos).

    On request, 7-speed UNISEX* touring bikes with hand and coaster brakes can be provided, as well as child seats and child trailers.


    Electric Bikes | E-Bikes | Pedelecs

    We provide modern quality e-bikes (pedelecs) with 5/8-speed hub gears and low UNISEX comfort entry. The bikes have a powerful Bosch mid-motor and strong 500wh battery. IMPORTANT: please reserve ebikes early, as they are only available in very limited numbers.


    Breakdowns

    Punctures can occur even with new wheels and the best maintenance. Fix punctures yourself, for major damage please contact our on-site staff. Please do not have any repairs done to the bikes without consulting the cruise director.


    Bringing of own bikes

    You are welcome to bring your own bike. Please bring spare tube and tool bag as well as a lock and check the bike for functionality before your departure. The bikes will be parked on the sun deck (not covered), unfortunately parking inside the ship is not possible for safety reasons.

    You bring your own bicycles at your own risk. We exclude any liability for loss, theft or damage. Your bike has to be brought ashore and back by our crew almost every day. We try to treat your bike as gently as possible, but in rare cases scratches or damage cannot be avoided. Due to the very limited space available, the bicycles on board are close together and have to be laid flat when crossing bridges. For organizational reasons, bicycles (including customers’ own) are sometimes not brought on board overnight, but are locked up on the gangway in front of the ship.

    IMPORTANT: Please be sure to remove any bike boxes/baskets permanently mounted on the luggage rack and any side mirrors attached to the handlebars. Our crew requires unobstructed access. Batteries must also be removed for loading and unloading. The weight of the e-bikes must not exceed 23kg without the battery.

    For the transport of your daily luggage, we provide you free of charge with a waterproof Ortlieb pannier bag (20 l), which you can easily attach to your luggage rack.


    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.

    Prices see under "dates and prices"

    Useful

    Shipping station and embarkation

    Shipping station Passau/Racklau
    Address: Racklau 3a (Passau - Winterhafen)
    GPS: 48°34’29.55"N 13°25’49.42"E

    Embarkation
    from 4pm to 5pm (earlier boarding of the ship is not possible due to the change of passengers). Checking in of luggage or private bikes is possible from 3pm at the earliest. Please do not arrive too early - the berth does not have a covered waiting area, seating or other infrastructure.

    Please do not leave the ship after boarding - when all guests are boarded, an earlier departure might be possible!

    The berth can be changed at short notice by the port authorities.
    If you cannot find your berth, please contact the cruise director on board (tel. no. in your travel documents).

     


    Arrival - Parking - Departure

    Arrival by car
    If you arrive in Passau with your own car, we offer you a place in the Globus parking hall. We will bring you with your luggage from the parking hall to the ship and back. Vehicle acceptance until 3.30 pm the latest!

    >>More information on the parking service

    Arrival by train
    train station: Passau Hbf.
    The berth is about 3 km from the station. Cabs are available at the station.

    Bus from Passau HBF
    From Passau HBF: with bus line 8,10 and 11 to the station Stelzhamerstraße - approx. 650m from the shipping station Passau/Racklau.
    Details and schedules can be found >>here

    Please allow sufficient time for your train journey, as delays are also possible here. You should choose your connection so that you reach the port in time, at the latest 2 hours before departure. Please note that you are responsible for your own timely arrival at the port. Timetables and information you find at Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB.

    Arrival by plane
    Airport: Munich (MUC) 
    From Munich airport it is best to take the bus to Freising train station (travel time approx. 30 min.) and then continue by train to Passau (approx. 2 h)Timetables and information you find at Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB.

    We are also happy to organize a private transfer directly from the airport to Passau. For details please refer to the price section of the trip.

     


    Disembarkation

    Disembarkation will take place after the arrival of the ship (approx. 11am) and will take about 1 h. Please take this into account when planning your onward journey and do not book trains before 12pm.
    Note for privately departing guests: Taxis are in high demand in Passau on embarkation and disembarkation days - therefore longer waiting times must be expected.

    Further information is available on board from the cruise director or at the reception.

     


    Participants

    Minimum number of participants Bike Cruise: 90 persons (must be reached at least 4 weeks before departure)
    Minimum number of participants guided tour (guided tour) : 10 persons (max. number of participants 18)

    Videos






    Travel stories

    5,2 of 6 Stars | 60
    All in all, we had a marvelous trip, and would highly recommend Rad Reisen and the Danube bike and barge trip.....J.H. 12/22
    5,6 14.10.2024 | Sue M. Danube Experience by BIKE + BOAT / Iron Gate

    Danube 2024

    Tour concept, destinations, and ships staff were excellent, food provided was amazing. Areas for possible improvement - COMMUNICATION - very confusing at times inconsistencies between tour directors information and daily schedule sheet a cause for frustration, ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 5
    • Route-character 4
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 6
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    5,1 23.08.2024 | Joseph W. Danube Experience by BIKE + BOAT / Iron Gate

    Delightful River Cruise and Bicycle riding

    Well organized, the tour was great fun and well balanced . We rode through super scenic and serene bike paths long side hills of grape vines parallel to the Danube. Then through cities, including Budapest and Vienna with wonderful museums and historical ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 5
    • Per-Tour information 5
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Route description 3
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 3
    • Price-performance ratio 5
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    5,3 21.08.2024 | Jeff A. Danube Experience by BIKE + BOAT / Iron Gate

    Ship and Meals exceeded expectations.

    The Danube / Iron Gate tour checked all the boxes. We very much enjoyed the ship, meals and crew. The route provided nice ride days and a couple "rest" days that you could choose a variety of ride or no ride options. The App worked well, navigation was ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 5
    • Travel documents 5
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 5
    • Route-character 4
    • Bicycle + equipment 5
    • Price-performance ratio 5
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    5,2 19.08.2024 | Devon B. Danube Experience by BIKE + BOAT / Iron Gate

    Great Balance of Culture and Exercise

    We wanted a trip that would allow us to touch the cultures of several countries, get some exercise and yet have freedom to do our own thing. This bike & barge trip offered all those things and at a reasonable price. The quality of the food and the onboard ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 5
    • Travel documents 5
    • Per-Tour information 5
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Route description 4
    • On-site assistance 5
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 4
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
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