Join us on a bicycle tour that follows the Danube River, from Germany to Vienna. Enjoy long, leisurely rides along the longest river in Europe. We'll bike through farm villages, picture-perfect Medieval German towns and the vineyards of the Danube in Austria. Along our bicycle route we'll have time to visit historic Abbeys and cathedrals in towns such as Regensburg, Passau, Linz, and Melk.
Day 1: Arrive in Medieval Regensburg
Meet us today in Regensburg, easily reached by train from the nearby airports of Frankfurt and Munich. Our starting point was a Roman outpost under Marcus Aurelius in 179 AD and marks both the northernmost point of the Roman Empire in Germany and the northernmost extent of the Danube. Its Medieval center is wonderfully preserved. We'll enjoy a welcome dinner together tonight. Daily Mileage: Test ride in town only.
Day 2: Regensburg to Deggendorf
Our first ride today takes us through more Roman settlements today along with Benedictine monasteries, including one near Metten. Bibliophiles will want to stop for a tour of the library in the Abbey of St. Michael of Metten as among the 160,000 volumes in this historic collection is one of the earliest bibles printed in Germany and a 1493 "Nuremberg Chronicle," one of the earliest printed world history books printed in German and Latin). Dinner on your own tonight. Daily Mileage: 96 km (59 miles)
| Lodging |
Hotel-Gasthof Höttl |
| Description |
This family-run, 4-star hotel offers bike rental, free Wi-Fi and a traditional Bavarian restaurant with beer garden. It lies in Deggendorf, in the Bavarian Forest Nature Park.
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Day 3: Cycling into Austria
We pass Niederaltaich Benedictine Abbey as we leave Deggendorf this morning on our way to Passau, gateway to Austria. In Passau we see the Danube nearly double in size as it is joined by the Inn River, flowing out of Austria and Germany. Passau is the popular start for Europeans pedaling the Danube river; the section Passau to Vienna is the most pedaled route in Europe! Saint Stephan's Cathedral here also houses the largest organ outside of the United States so it might be worth taking a peek at the impressive instrument. We'll have dinner together tonight. Daily Mileage: 59 km (36 miles)
| Lodging |
Hotel Weisser Hase |
| Description |
Hotel Weisser Hase dates back to 1512 and is situated in the historic walls. Find out more about the extraordinary history of Hotel Weisser Hase which has been family owned since 1957 ! |
Day 4: Passau to Linz, Austria
The Danube River and the valley it has formed shape the central transportation artery of Austria. Today and tomorrow we ride through the heartland of Austria. Castles perch above the river as we ride one of the most famous bicycle routes in Europe. For those who have had too much history, the Ars Electronica Museum in Linz will be a welcome change - stop by this afternoon and visit this museum that tries to bridge the gap between art, science and technology. Dinner on your own this evening. Daily Mileage: 99 km (61 miles)
| Lodging |
Hotel Wolfinger |
| Description |
Welcome to the accommodation Austria Classic Hotel Wolfinger, Hotel, Three Star, Linz, Danube, Upper Austria.
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Day 5: Linz to Grein der Donau
Our route after Linz will include more agriculture on alluvial farmland washed out of the Alps far to the south. Our destination today is a small town, Grein an der Donau. Those who wish can take time to visit the Mauthausen Concentration Camp a powerful and sobering experience as you walk up and down the 186 "death stairs". Over 130,000 people were killed here including Jews, Italians, Russian POWs, criminals and political prisoners. Dinner is together at the hotel. Daily mileage: 63 km (39 miles).
| Lodging |
Hotel Goldenes Kreuz |
| Description |
"Our hotel is a classic home with an intimate, family-style ambience.
It is located on the Main Square in the center of Grein. Its proximity to the bicycle lane that runs along the Danube
makes it ideally located for cyclists touring the Danube area."
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Day 6: Ybbs to Krems
On our way to Krems we enter the heartland of Austrian wine country. You'll want to stop and photograph and visit if you like the spectacular baroque Abbey of Melk. We'll have a wine tasting this evening before dinner together and taste some of the white wines typical to this area and some of the lesser known red wines. Daily mileage: 76.5 km (47 miles)
Day 7: Duernstein to Vienna
We'll have an easy day along the Danube today though not without bicycle traffic since this stretch of the Danube Bicycle Path is one of the busiest in the world. We'll arrive tonight in Vienna, the largest city in Austria and one of Europe's leading musical centers. The city was first a Roman and Celtic settlement, but as the Austro-Hungarian Empire rose to prominence, magnificent Medieval and Baroque architecture became especially prevalent. We'll have dinner together tonight. Daily mileage: 102 km (63 miles)
| Lodging |
Hotel Post Wien |
| Description |
Our hotel symbolises a lifestyle that combines tradition and modern way of life. Characterised by centuries of magical history, we enable you to experience Vienna lifestyle the easy way. Whether you are planning an extended stay or are looking for accommodation for just one night – we look forward to be at your service. |
Day 8: Bicycle tour ends in Vienna
Our tour ends today, we hope you consider staying a few days to explore Vienna and find the perfect Viennese pastry!