Danube Cycle Path

The Danube Cycle Path is a 1,700km route from Germany to the Black Sea. Enjoy stunning views of the river, landmarks, and villages. It's an excellent way to combine exercise, nature, and culture for both experienced and casual riders.

Cycling the Danube from Passau to Budapest

Experience a journey like no other as you embark on a breathtaking 14-day bike tour along the Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Budapest, discovering rich cultural treasures along the way.

Starting in Passau, a charming German town nestled at the confluence of three rivers, you'll pedal through lush green landscapes and historic towns, encountering a plethora of cultural highlights.

Passau itself boasts a beautifully preserved Old Town, filled with stunning baroque architecture and a magnificent cathedral with the largest pipe organ in Europe. As you cycle further along the Danube, you'll discover quaint villages and towns like Linz and Krems, each with their own unique cultural offerings.

In Vienna, the City of Music, you'll be immersed in a wealth of classical music, art, and architecture. From the ornate Hofburg Palace to the grand Vienna State Opera, you'll be captivated by the city's rich cultural history.

As you continue on towards Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, you'll have the opportunity to explore its medieval old town, stunning castle, and vibrant art scene. The charming city of Esztergom, located on the Hungarian side of the Danube, is home to a magnificent basilica and a wealth of historic sites.

The final destination of your journey, Budapest, is a true gem of Central Europe. Known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant nightlife, Budapest offers a unique blend of both Eastern and Western cultures. From the imposing Buda Castle to the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament Building, there's no shortage of cultural treasures to explore in this stunning city.

As you cycle along the Danube Cycle Path, you'll be immersed in a rich tapestry of cultures and history, all while enjoying stunning scenery and delicious local cuisine. With 14 days to explore, you'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate all that this incredible region has to offer.

Day 1: Passau
Day 2: Passau to Schlögen (42 km)
Day 3: Schlögen to Linz (67 km)
Day 4: Linz to Grein (55 km)
Day 5: Grein to Melk (45 km)
Day 6: Melk to Krems (27 km)
Day 7: Krems to Tulln (32 km)
Day 8: Tulln to Vienna (38 km)
Day 9: Vienna to Bratislava (70 km)
Day 10: Bratislava to Mosonmagyaróvár (32 km)
Day 11: Mosonmagyaróvár to Komárom (56 km)
Day 12: Komárom to Esztergom (25 km)
Day 13: Esztergom to Budapest (60 km)
Day 14: Budapest

Day 1: Passau

Your bike tour along the Danube Cycle Path begins in the picturesque German town of Passau, located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. After checking into your accommodation, you can spend the day exploring Passau's charming Old Town, which features ornate baroque architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and a variety of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious local cuisine. Don't miss the chance to visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, which boasts one of the largest church organs in the world, with over 17,000 pipes.

Day 2: Passau to Schlögen (42 km)

On day two, it's time to hit the road and start cycling along the Danube. Today's route takes you through picturesque countryside, charming towns, and forests, as you make your way towards Schlögen. Along the way, you'll pass through the town of Engelhartszell, where you can visit the Trappist monastery and sample some of the delicious beer produced by the monks.

Day 3: Schlögen to Linz (67 km)

Today's ride takes you through the stunning Austrian countryside as you cycle towards Linz, the third-largest city in Austria. Along the way, you'll pass through charming towns like Ottensheim and Wilhering, where you can take a break and enjoy a refreshing drink or snack. Once you arrive in Linz, be sure to explore the city's vibrant cultural scene, which includes museums, galleries, and theaters.

Day 4: Linz to Grein (55 km)

On day four, you'll continue your journey along the Danube, cycling through beautiful forests and farmland as you make your way towards the charming town of Grein. Along the way, you'll pass through the town of Mauthausen, which is home to a former concentration camp that is now a memorial and museum. In Grein, be sure to visit Greinburg Castle, a stunning example of baroque architecture that dates back to the 15th century.

Day 5: Grein to Melk (45 km)

Today's ride takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery along the Danube Cycle Path, including the famous Wachau Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to stunning vineyards, ancient castles, and charming villages, making it the perfect place to stop and take some photos. Your final destination for the day is Melk, where you can visit the stunning Melk Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that dates back to the 11th century.

Day 6: Melk to Krems (27 km)

Today's ride is a short one, allowing you to take your time and explore the charming town of Krems. Along the way, you'll pass through the town of Dürnstein, which is known for its stunning blue and white church tower and its connection to the legend of Richard the Lionheart. In Krems, be sure to explore the town's many galleries, museums, and wine taverns, where you can sample some of the region

Day 7: Krems to Tulln (32 km)

The first leg of the journey takes you from Krems to Tulln, a distance of about 32 km. The route passes through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning vineyards, quaint villages, and medieval castles. Highlights along the way include the town of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was famously held captive, and the Melk Abbey, an impressive Benedictine monastery perched on a hill overlooking the Danube. Tulln is a charming small town with a historic city center, a beautiful park along the river, and plenty of cafes and restaurants to relax and unwind after the day's ride.

Day 8: Tulln to Vienna (38 km)

The second day takes you from Tulln to Vienna, covering a distance of about 38 km. The route follows the Danube Canal into the city, offering a unique perspective on the skyline of Austria's capital. Once you arrive in Vienna, there is plenty to explore, from the historic architecture and landmarks such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace, to the famous Viennese coffee houses and restaurants. The city is also home to many museums and art galleries, making it a great place to take a break from cycling and soak up some culture.

Day 9: Vienna to Bratislava (70 km)

On the third day, you'll cross the border into Slovakia and cycle from Vienna to Bratislava, a distance of about 70 km. The route takes you through picturesque countryside and along the Danube River, passing through charming towns and villages along the way. Bratislava itself is a small and charming city with a rich history and a stunning old town that is perfect for exploring on foot. Don't miss the chance to climb up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views of the city and the Danube River.

Day 10: Bratislava to Mosonmagyaróvár (32 km)

The fourth day takes you from Bratislava to Mosonmagyaróvár, a distance of about 32 km. The route follows the Danube River, passing through the picturesque village of Rajka and the town of Mosonmagyaróvár, which is famous for its thermal baths and spas. Take some time to relax and unwind in the hot springs before continuing on to the next stop.

Day 11: Mosonmagyaróvár to Komárom (56 km)

On the fifth day, you'll cycle from Mosonmagyaróvár to Komárom, a distance of about 56 km. The route takes you through picturesque countryside and along the Danube River, passing through charming towns and villages along the way. Komárom is a small town with a rich history and a beautiful fortress that dates back to the 19th century. It's a great place to explore on foot and take in some of the local culture and history.

Day 12: Komárom to Esztergom (25 km)

The first leg of the journey starts in Komárom, a small town located on the border between Hungary and Slovakia. From here, the route takes you through the countryside, passing by small villages and lush green fields. After about 25 kilometers of cycling, you will arrive in Esztergom, a city known for its rich history and stunning Basilica. Take some time to explore the city of Esztergom, which was once the capital of Hungary. The Basilica of Esztergom is a must-see attraction, as it is the largest church in Hungary and overlooks the Danube River. Other highlights include the Esztergom Castle Museum and the Christian Museum, which houses an impressive collection of religious artifacts.

Day 13: Esztergom to Budapest (60 km)

The final leg of the journey takes you from Esztergom to Budapest, a distance of approximately 60 kilometers. The route follows the Danube River, passing through scenic countryside and small towns. As you approach Budapest, you'll be treated to stunning views of the city's famous landmarks, including the Parliament Building and the Chain Bridge. The bike path will take you all the way to the city center, where you can explore the city on foot.