The Danube Cycling Path is the best known cycle route in Europe, and a great destination for anyone planning a cycling holiday. Suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities, here's all you need to know about the Danube bike trail.
River Danube Cycling Path
The Donnau Radweg follows the River Danube from its source in Donaueschingen, Germany, and ends in the Black Sea 2860 kms later. The most popular section though, is the 300 kilometres leading from Passau to Vienna.
Each year, thousands of people of all ages and abilities cycle this interesting part of the route that mirrors some of the EuroVelo 6.
Looking for travel inspiration for your next holiday? Read on to find out more about biking the Danube Cycle Path.
Cycling The Danube River Path
I first cycled the Danube Cycle Path, as part of England to South Africa cycling route back in 2006. Even then, it was a well-established long distance cycle path, and the facilities and amenities have improved over time.
I went cycling along the Danube again in 2016, during my bicycle touring trip across Europe from Greece to England.
The Danube Trail is suitable for people of all abilities. It combines plenty of scenic beauty and places to see, easy terrain, and little to no traffic, making the Danube Cycle Path the most popular in Europe.
It also has numerous spurs, such as the River Danube to Lake Constance cycle route.
Map for Cycling along the Danube
Suitable for people of all ages, abilities, and budgets, you can cover the entire route in less than a month, or break it down into small sections.
Passau-Vienna 6 Day Bike Tour
Here, I will describe the most popular section which is 300 kms long from Passau to Vienna. This can easily be covered in a week, and is popular among active people seeking active getaway breaks.
Take two weeks, and it will allow plenty of time to enjoy the sights along the way.
What To Bring on a Danube bike tour
Bicycle touring means different things to different people. Some travel lightweight, and some a lot heavier. Therefore, I am not going to produce a massive list of items to bring here. You might want to check this out though – Bicycle touring gear for a one week cycle tour.
My one main tip, is to bring adequate waterproof cycling clothes. Don't overlook a waterproof beanie! The chances are, it will rain on at least one day cycling the River Danube cycling path!
Passau Bike Hire
What if you don't have your own bike or gear? No problem – There's plenty of Passau bike hire companies who can provide rental bikes and panniers. There is no excuse now as to why you can't cycle this great route!
Remember, the most important thing you should take with you when bicycle touring, is your enthusiasm!
Cycling from Passau to Vienna along the Danube Cycle Path
Firstly, it is probably best to mention that most people choose to cycle ‘downstream'. I would suggest you also do the same. This way, you don't need to keep such a sharp eye out for cyclists riding from the other direction.
Here then, is a rough cycling itinerary for the route from Passau to Vienna. It highlights what you might see along the way, the main points of interest in each place to stop, and accommodation options.
The route is largely car-free and it's a great choice for a first self-guided bike tour in Europe.
Passau – A popular place to begin the Danube Cycleway
“Passau Panorama 080420 2” by Aconcagua – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons.
The German city of Passau is an ideal place to begin cycling the River Danube Cycle Path. It is also an interesting city to explore before you start those wheels rolling.
St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Old City section are certainly worth visiting, and there are many examples of Gothic and Baroque architecture. You can rent bicycles here at the Passau bike hire shops if you need, have bicycles repaired, and stock up on supplies before the cycling route ahead.
Day 1 – Cycling from Passau to Schlögen
A gentle 45km cycle ride to get into the swing of things along the Danube bicycle path. It is so gentle in fact, you probably won't even notice that you have left Germany, and are now in Austria!
Along the way, you might want to visit the Engelszell monastery. It is the only Trappist Monastery in Austria. Finish off the day's cycling in Schlögen, which has a full range of accommodation.
Day 2 – Cycling from Schlögen to Linz
This is another short day's cycling of 44 kms along the Danube Cycle Path. The beautiful River Danube will be a constant companion, and you will see swans, woods, and the occasional castle!
The day finishes in Linz, which is Austria's third largest city. If time allows, take a full day off from cycling in order to explore the city.
“Linz, Hauptplatz” by darkweasel94 – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 at via Commons.
Day 3 – Cycling from Linz to Grein
A slightly longer day of 60 kms today. This may be a day of emotional extremes. On the one hand, there is the absolute joy of cycling the Danube Cycle Path and enjoying the surrounding beauty of wheat and sunflower fields. On the other, there are monuments and a concentration camp in and around Mauthausen.
Spare some time in reflection. Make your way on to Grein, where there is accommodation including camping, guest-houses, and hotels.
Day 4 – Cycling from Grein to Melk
Another short day of cycling along the Danube at 44 kms. If you arrive early enough, you can probably see most of this small city in a half day. The most important building, is the massive Melk Abbey, which is a Benedictine Monastery. Melk has accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
Day 5 – Cycling from Melk to St Pölten
This is the shortest day of the Danube cycling itinerary. It is just a 25 kms cycle ride from Melk to St. Pölten. This does allow plenty of time to see both places though.
St. Pölten is a large city, and whilst not perhaps as inspiring as some of the other stops, does have a lot to see and do. There are a handful of small museums, and The Kremsergasse is an old commercial street with many baroque buildings. Part of the reason why I would suggest to stop here, is to get a nice early start the next day in order to reach Vienna.
Day 6 – Cycling from St Pölten to Vienna
It's an 87 km cycle ride from St. Pölten to Vienna. Once more, the Danube cycle path keeps you well shielded from traffic, and it is a joy to ride.
You will pass sunflower and wheat fields, cross streams, and enjoy the countryside up until the point you enter Vienna itself. Once there, you should spend a day or two enjoying all that this fabulous city has to offer.
“Wien Rathaus hochauflösend” by Thomas Ledl – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Commons.
Other Ways of Exploring The Danube
If cycling isn't your thing, then there are plenty of other ways to explore the River Danube.
One option, would be to take a river cruise. Another would be to rent a car, and visit the main points of interest along the way. It is a fascinating area to visit, no matter how you decide to travel!
[mailmunch-form id=”728831″]Cycling The River Danube – Further Resources
There are tonnes of online resources you can check out about the Danube cycleway. You might like to start with my two travel blog entries which document part of the route.
The first covers the cycling route from Blaustein to Schonau. The second covers from Schonau to Budapest.
Another resource which I strongly recommend, is this cycling guide – The Danube Cycle Way: Donaueschingen to Budapest (Cicerone International Cycling)
. It is one of the best cycling guides I have ever used.
FAQ About Cycling the Danube Bike Path
If you're planning a self-guided bike tour along the Danube, these commonly asked questions and answers may be useful to you.
How long does it take to cycle the Danube?
It is possible to cycle the entire length of the Danube Bike Path in 30 days if averaging 100kms a day. 40 – 50 days would be more comfortable for most riders, and would allow days off the bike for sightseeing.
How long is the Danube cycle path?
The Danube Cycleway is approximately 1800 miles or 2896 kilometres in length depending on the exact route taken along the bike path.
Where does the Danube start and stop?
The River Danube is the longest river in the EU, and passes through four capital cities (Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade). It begins in Donaueschingen in Germany and finishes at the Black Sea in Romania.
Danube Bicycle Path
I hope I have inspired you enough to at least consider cycling the Danube Cycle Path. Bicycle touring is a great way to discover a country or region, and this is as gentle and traffic-free as it gets!
Have you cycled the Danube bicycle path, or are you planning to? I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
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Luke says
Dave did you camp when you did the route? Also are you allowed to pitch your tent in the fields or along the river on the route?
Dave Briggs says
Hi Luke,
On this route I camped at the official camping grounds.
There are wild camping opportunities, but depending on the time of year you are cycling, officials might turn a blind eye or be out in force dishing out fines.
I’m sure plenty of people cycle and wild camp, but the norm (and easiest) is to use the official campgrounds.
Hope this helps!
Adeline says
Do you know of anywhere in Passau to rent a tent?
Dave Briggs says
I don’t personally. You can contact one of the bike hire companies though and see if they also rent equipment. Either that, or buy a cheap 30 euro tent from Aldi when you arrive!
Mary Arneson says
Sankt Pölten is far off the Danube. The usual path would take you through Krems and Stockerau, through beautiful wine country and the Vienna Woods to enter Vienna by the Kahlenberg (a hill that is the last extension of the Alps before the eastern plains).
Dave Briggs says
Yes I also passed through Krems (which was wonderful). I included Sankt Polten in order to provide a slightly different route than normal. Cheers.
Stephen Jones says
Already on my this, this one! Though, I’m not sure which direction I’ll go in. But, at the moment, it seems like I’ll be going upstream.
Tim says
On this German website you can download the entire GPS Tracks: https://radreise-wiki.de/Donau#GPS-Tracks
Dave Briggs says
Thanks for that additional information!!