Danube Self-guided Cycle Path with Charm

Arrival in Schärding/Passau

'Baroque Town or Three Rivers Town'

Stroll through the pretty little baroque town of Schärding and marvel at the famous Silberzeile lane, or take a walk through the “New Centre” of Passau, the town of three rivers which has been completely redesigned as a pedestrian car-free area.

Schärding/Passau – bend of the Danube/surroundings approx. 40 - 55km

By cycling along the river you will come to Passau, the town of the three rivers. We recommend that you take a guided tour of the town and visit the cathedral where you can enjoy the sounds of the largest church organ in the world (except Sundays and public holidays). Then continue along the Danube, first passing Obernzell and finally arriving in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria). You will then cycle through the nature reserve Donauleiten from where you will reach the Schlögen Bend to the north. This is where granite proved to be too much of an opponent and forced the Danube to change directions by 180 degrees. Whilst on a ferry that takes you to the other side of the river to your hotel you have time to look at and enjoy this natural phenomenon.

Danube bend/surroundings– Linz approx. 50km

Today cycle through the green Eferdinger basin via the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering and all the way to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. The historical Old Town of Linz has many pubs and eateries for you to discover. Other highlights of the European Capital of Culture 2009 include the magnificent views from Pöstlingberg mountain and a stroll through the Donaulände park.

Linz – Grein/surroundings approx. 55km

On the fourth day take a little detour away from the course of the Danube to St. Florian (Augustinian monastery) and to Enns. In Enns you can go to the town square with its 60m town tower, the landmark of the oldest town in Austria. Alternatively you could visit the archaeological collection in the municipal museum Lauriacum. Afterwards, return to the river reaching the beautiful little baroque town of Grein. Here you have the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria that is still being used. Or you can visit the maritime museum or Greinburg castle.

Grein/surroundings – Wachau approx. 50 – 60km

This section of the Danube, the Strudengau was once feared by sailors! Nowadays you can cycle along it. Where they used to fight against the Danube currents you can now take a leisurely bike ride. In Maria Taferl high above the Danube you will find the magnificent pilgrimage church which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.

Wachau – Krems approx. 40 - 60km

You should make a little stop in Melk and look up or you will miss the beautiful Stift Melk monastery that overlooks the Danube. As soon as you leave the town you are in the picturesque Wachau region where you can enjoy the charming atmosphere of the region’s typical orchards and vineyards. Passing through the little wine towns of Spitz and Weißenkirchen cycle past the Dürnstein Castle ruins and finish your journey in the 1000-year old town of Krems.

Krems – Vienna approx. 45 - 65km

The final kilometres of your bike tour will be a relaxed trip to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. According to the selected variant part of this stage is covered by train. As soon as you arrive you can check-in and then enjoy all the amenities of the city for the rest of the day. Treat yourself to a Viennese-style Americano coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte cake in one of Vienna’s typical coffee houses. Take a stroll along Vienna’s Parade shopping street along Mariahilfer Strasse, visit the St Stephen’s Cathedral or see the main sights and take a trip in one of the famous Fiaker cabs.

Departure or extension