BICYCLE TOURS & MOUNTAIN BIKING

Austria: Passau to Vienna The Danube River

Following one of the Europe’s oldest cycling trails downstream and downwind (usually!), this route follows quiet roads and paved cycling trails along the banks of the Danube River. As well as through gorgeous riparian scenery, the route takes you through time to experience Europe through the eyes of early travelers.

Visit the country’s most beautiful monastery in Melk, and the acclaimed wine region of Wachau, on your way to Linz, a city that has maintained its musical and artistic vibrancy since Mozart completed the Linz Symphony in 1783. UNESCO has recognized the Wachau region as a landscape of high visual quality that vividly illustrates the organic and harmonious evolution of humans interacting with the environment since pre-historic times.

Your final destination is Vienna, filled with cultural, artistic, and architectural treasures, and one of Europe’s most stimulating cities. This is a very easy, pleasant ride, suited to families and leisurely cyclists with a rich appreciation for European culture and heritage.

Note: A one week extension is available, to make this a two-week trip ending in Budapest. Please ask if you are interested.

Tour Details

Day 1: Passau
Meet in Passau, city of three rivers. The impressive cathedral contains the largest church organ in the world. Dinner (guided trip only), after bike introductions.

Lodging: Hotel Schloss Ort or Hotel Rezidenz, Passau

Day 2: Passau - Schlogen (44 km / 27 miles)
Today’s ride begins with the beauty of Sauwald - a densely-wooded, granite river valley, to a phenomenal and beautiful oxbow meander at Schlogener Schlinge, formed where the impermeable granite forces the Danube to flow back on itself. You will rest tonight nestled in this hairpin turn of the river. BLD

Lodging: Hotel Donauschlinge, Schlogen

Day 3: Schlogen – Linz (53 km / 33 miles)
After visiting the remote Wilhering monastery, with its breathtaking sanctuary, follow the bike paths of the quieter left bank as you approach Linz, a steelmaking town with cultural offerings that belie its industrial reputation. The plethora of museums and churches include the Church of St. Martin - the oldest church in Austria, still in it’s original, untouched form. BL

Lodging: Hotel Wolfinger, Linz

Day 4: Linz - Grein (65 km / 41miles)
First to a Roman settlement called Lauriocum, and one of the oldest towns in Austria at Enns, whose tower was built in 1565-68, a masterpiece of Renaissance design. If you would like a climb, and can tolerate the sadness, there is an opportunity to visit the lesser-known concentration camp of Mauthausen. From there, follow meadow landscapes of the Machland river plain to the Strudengau river valley. The ride concludes in Grein at the foot of a remarkable 15th century castle on the riverbank. BLD

Lodging: Hotel Goldenes Kreuz, Grein

Day 5: Grein - Melk (51km / 32 miles)
Today, you will quickly notice how the valley walls make the river strikingly narrow at Strudengau. The gentle landscape of the Nibelungengau region marks the beginning of the final stage to Vienna. Many regard these last three days as the highlight of the tour. You will pass though romantic and picturesque Austrian villages to the ancient pilgrimage site of Maria Taferl, then will carry on to Melk, where you can acquire a sample of the healing herbal concoctions made at its famous Benedictine Monastery. BD

Lodging: Hotel Wachauerhor or Hotel Stadt Malk, Melk

Day 6: Melk - Tulln (76 km / 45 miles)
Ride through the UNESCO designated Wachau wine region. This is perhaps the prettiest landscape of the entire Danube valley. With its many vineyards and orchards, the steep, south-facing slopes are known as a terraced “Stairway to Heaven”. Following country lanes and bike paths, you will stop beneath the castle ruins at Aggstein, and/or in the pretty town of Durnstein, for strong coffee and pastries. Continue to Krems, boasting a 17th century town hall and many beautiful churches. The monastery at Göttweig leads to your resting place for the night in the town of Tulln. BD

Lodging: Hotel Rossmühle, Tulln

Day 7: Tulln – Vienna (38 km / 24 miles)
Begin with a delightful morning ride through the Wienerwald Forest to Klosterneuburg. Stop at a 12th Century Augustine Church before the final ride into Vienna where the majestic Danube becomes dwarfed by one of Europe’s most important cultural centers. Museums, galleries, cathedrals, and palaces abound in Vienna. The Stephansdom Cathedral, the Uhrenmuseum (clock museum), the Sigmund Freud Muesum and the Salvador Dalí show are all highly recommended. Your guides will depart this evening after helping to arrange your transport for tomorrow morning. BL

Lodging: Pension Pertschy or Pension Baronesse, Vienna

Day 8: Departure
Your Freewheeling Adventure concludes this morning following breakfast. Those continuing to on the Vienna to Prague trip or the Vienna to Budapest trip will be met this afternoon. B

Custom groups and self-guided trips are available anytime. Contact Freewheeling Adventures for further information.

Route Notes: This is an easy ride, downstream, predominately downhill on level riverside pathways and quiet roads.