Passau - Budapest

It is recommended to arrive early because Passau has much to offer. In the evening: personal welcome briefing and handover of the bikes (if booked).

We recommend a short city tour or a visit to the cathedral, where you can listen to the largest church organ in the world (except Sundays and holidays). Then, you will start your journey along the Danube via Obernzell to Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria). You will cycle through the nature reserve Donauleiten and reach the Schlögen bend on its northern side. Here, the granite stone was too hard an opponent and the Danube had to make a 180° turn. You will have time to watch this natural phenomenon during a ferry ride to the other side of the river. Soon you will reach Aschach, where you will find your hotel.

Today, you will ride your bike through the green of the Eferdinger Becken (basin) via Ottensheim, and Wilhering to the Upper Austrian capital Linz. Following the motto, “In Linz beginnt’s” (“It starts in Linz”) you can begin your city tour in one of the many restaurants in the historic old town. Further highlights of the European culture capital of 2009 are the magnificent views from the Pöstlingberg or a stroll along the Danube. Later, you will continue your trip towards Strudengau and Nibelungengau to Grein and its surroundings.

From the Baroque town of Grein, with the oldest city theatre in Austria, you will ride your bike down the river. In Melk, you should stop briefly and look up - otherwise you may miss the beauty of the abbey Melk, which towers above the Danube. Then, you will cycle via the wine towns of Spitz and Weißenkirchen and past the ruins of the castle Dürnstein to your hotel in Krems. A wine tasting is highly recommended (not included in the package).

From the 1,000-year-old city Krems, you will cycle via Traismauer and visit the Roman town of Tulln. Here, you can once again enjoy the tranquility and culture (e.g. with a visit to the Egon Schiele museum) of the rural area before you will get to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. Enjoy a cup of “Verlängerter” coffee and a piece of the famous cake Sachertorte in one of the typical Viennese coffee houses or visit the main attractions of the city during a ride with one of the famous “Fiaker” (horse-drawn carriages).

Today the first distance of your bike trip guides you through the national park Donau-Auen. There you will get to know the diversity of the flora and fauna as well as the manifold types of landscape. You pass the castle Orth and the village Eckertsau and reach Bad Deutsch Altenburg. There you can make an excursion on the Roman bike trail (Römerweg) to Carnuntum. The archaeological park is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Austria. After Hainburg you reach the border to Slovakia and it´s capital city Bratislava that is your next overnight stay.

You cycle a short distance in Slovak territory before you pass the Hungarian border in Rajká. Within the first few kilometers of your cycle trip in Hungary you will discover charming villages. The complete section is influenced by agriculture. Your route guides you through the so-called Szigetköz (a small Rye Island). This is characterized by numberless side arms of the Danube. The beautiful town Mosonmagyaróvár is also called „City of 17 bridges“ and ideally suited for a short break. On your further way you will pass Hédervár. The castle there is situated in the middle of a protected park. However, you should schedule a plenty of time for visiting Györ. The district capital offers many sights and a breathtaking historic center.

Soon you reach the Hungarian Böny. From there a route version guides you to Bábolna, a well cultivated town with a beautiful inner city. The local National Stud is known far beyond its borders. Racehorses are bred in the splendid inner courtyard. Afterwards the route takes you back to the Danube where you soon reach the divided town Komárom/Komárno. The route runs near riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. In the course of this you pass different villages and while cycling you can view the vineyards in the background. The sporty bikers can choose a route over Tata but there are some increases. This requires a basic level of fitness. Those interested in history should plan time for the Roman castle Kelemantia which is on the way. However the absolute highlight is your destination today: Esztergom (also known as „Hungarian Rome“). It´s basilica is the largest church of the country.

You cycle along the „Donauknie“ which is probably one of the most attractive sections of the Danube bike trail. The Royal Palace and the castle of Visegrád will delight you and the open air museum as well as the baroque old town of Szentendre invites you to stay. The crowning highlight is Budapest. After arriving there you can review all impressions of this wonderful bike trip during a walk through the city.

In the Hungarian capital city there are many things to discover. If you are interested in we would be pleased to book some extra nights for you. Our transfer from Budapest to Vienna is very comfortable (this can be arranged at additional charge).