Self-guided 10-day Light Cycling Tour Passau to Vienna

Passau

Individual arrival. Once in Passau, enjoy a day of leisure by strolling through the narrow and winding streets of this quaint city or simply relax in a typical Bavarian beer garden. Between 4pm and 7pm bike hand over for late arrivals on the next morning.

Passau – Engelhartszell, approx. 26km

You depart from Passau and cycle into the Upper Danube Valley, passing through the villages of Obernzell to Engelhartszell. Make sure to stop and visit the "Trappist" monastery in Engelhartszell and sample some of the well-known liqueurs.

Engelhartszell – Eferdinger Valley, approx. 45km

After traveling along the northern Danube riverbank to the unique and impressive Schlögener Loop, take a ferry across the river to the southern bank. Tip: make sure to head up to the highly recommended Schlögener Lookout Point. You will certainly not forget the influential scenery! Ride your bike to the quaint picturesque Danube market in Aschach or even further on to Eferding.

Eferdinger Valley – Linz, approx. 30km

Pass the villages of Wihering and Ottensheim cycling into the state capital of Upper Austria and European Culture Capital of 2009, Linz. On the one hand there are the classic and ideal cycling/walking paths intertwining a traditional main square and on the other hand there is a world of Contemporary Art and many extraordinary museums in Linz.

Linz – Mauthausen, approx. 26km

Passing the hydroelectric power plant Abwinden/Asten to St. Florian, it is time to visit a gorgeous Baroque monastery. After soaking in the Baroque architecture you will continue cycling to the oldest city in Austria, Enns. Visit the old town square with its treasured 60-meter City Tower from the 16th Century, the City Museum nearby as well as the Lauriacum with its significant archaeological collection. Then crossing the mighty Danube to Mauthausen via ferry.

Mauthausen – Strudengau, approx. 35-42km

Continue cycling along the Danube through the quaint villages of Naarn and Perg and on to Mitterkirchen. In Mitterkirchen, you find a Celtic village with an attractive openair museum. Then a bike tour guides you through the Strudengau and into the small Baroque village of Grein, today’s destination. Subsequently you will visit the oldest City Theatre in Austria.

Strudengau – Nibelungengau, approx. 30km

Today your cycling tour takes you through the Strudengau. On the southern bank you pass St.Nikola and Sarmingstein. In Persenbeug, you enter the Nibelungengau. Tip: If you still have time, you should cycle up to Maria Taferl, a famous place of pilgrimage (approx. 10km bike tour). Then continuing on through seemingly endless terraced vineyards.

Nibelungengau – Wachau, approx. 45km

After visiting the Nibelungen monument your bike tour will lead you to the renowned Benedictine Abbey of Melk and shortly thereafter enter into the beautiful and wellknown area of Wachau. After cycling through the extensive vineyards, you will reach Spitz, which is situated at the foot of the “1000-bucket Mountain”. Your bike tour leads you into superb surroundings of an extremely picturesque winery village.

Wachau – Vienna, approx. 19km + train ride Krems - Vienna

Today you cycle through the small winery villages of Weissenkirchen and Dürnstein, which are well known for their unusual churches and their authentic castles. Eventually you approach the 1000-year-old winery and Gothic city of Krems. From Krems a train will take you comfortably to Vienna. Experience the Danube Metropolis, capital of Austria and the “City of Waltz”, it’s a city full of flair with charm and attractions.

Vienna

Before leaving Vienna, don’t forget to visit the famous Naschmarkt (international foods/goods) and stop by the beautiful imperial castle Schönbrunn. Extension at Vienna or train ride back to Passau (Season 1+2) or comfortable by bus (season 3).