Danube bike path Deluxe

Stroll through the ‘new centre’ of the three-river city of Passau, which has been completely redesigned as a car-free pedestrian zone. Information talk and bike hire in the evening (if booked).

Before you start your cycle tour, we recommend a short city tour and a visit to the cathedral with a concert on the largest church organ in the world (except Sundays and public holidays). Cycle along the Danube via Obernzell to Engelhartszell (Austria's only Trappist monastery). Through the Donauleiten nature reserve you reach the Schlögener Schlinge on the northern side. Here, the granite has proved to be an insurmountable opponent, forcing the Danube to change direction by 180 degrees. While a ferry takes you to the other bank to your hotel, you have time to admire this natural phenomenon.

Today you cycle through the greenery of the Eferding basin via Donaumarkt Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. According to the motto: ‘It all starts in Linz’, the numerous restaurants in the historic old town are the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat. Other highlights of the European Capital of Culture 2009 include the marvellous view from the Pöstlingberg or a walk along the banks of the Danube.

For a change of pace, head away from the course of the Danube to St. Florian (Augustinian monastery) and Enns. In Enns, visit the town square with the 60-metre-high town tower, the landmark of Austria's oldest town, or visit the archaeological collection in the Lauriacum town museum. Now you cycle along the Danube again and reach the wonderful baroque town of Grein. Here you have the opportunity to get an impression of Austria's oldest municipal theatre, which is still in use. You can also visit the shipping museum or Greinburg Castle. You will find your next accommodation in Ardagger.

The section of the Danube once feared by boatmen now awaits cyclists - the Strudengau. Where people used to fight against the Danube's currents, you can now enjoy a leisurely cycle. In Maria Taferl, a magnificent pilgrimage church towers high above the Danube, attracting thousands of pilgrims every year. In Melk, today's stage destination, you should look upwards - otherwise you will miss the beauty of Melk Abbey, which towers above the Danube.

Today you cycle through the Wachau countryside, where you can enjoy the enchanting ambience of the typical orchards and vineyards. Via the wine towns of Spitz and Weißenkirchen you reach Dürnstein with its castle ruins. You will spend the night in a very exclusive 5* castle hotel.

You will soon reach the 1000-year-old town of Krems. Take enough time for an extensive sightseeing tour. From Krems you cycle via Traismauer to the Roman town of Tulln. Here you can
enjoy the tranquillity and culture (e.g. with a visit to the Egon Schiele Museum) of the rural region.

The last few kilometres of the cycle tour will take you to the Danube metropolis of Vienna in a relaxed manner. After your arrival, you check into your room and can enjoy all the advantages of the city for the rest of the day. Treat yourself to an ‘Verlängerter’ and a slice of the famous Sachertorte in one of Vienna's typical coffee houses. Stroll along Vienna's parade shopping street, Mariahilfer Straße, visit St Stephen's Cathedral or take a ride in one of the famous ‘Fiaker’ horse-drawn carriages to see the most important sights.

After breakfast, individual return journey or start of your extension.