Days
15
Ø km per day
75
Energetic cyclists can follow the Danube across Germany and Austria on this tour. From its source near Donaueschingen to the Austrian capital. The alternation of tranquil areas, impressive natural monuments and important cities adds to the special charm of this trip. Discover the beauty of the Danube valley as well as the cultural and historical wealth along the old towpaths on one of the most popular cycle routes in Europe. Despite the longer stages, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the regional delicacies. This sporty cycle tour from Donaueschingen to Vienna along the Danube is suitable for all cyclists who enjoy tackling longer stages every day.
It is said that "Brigach and Breg bring the Danube to us". However, the Romans considered the spring in the park of the Fürstenberg castle to be the source of the Danube. The castle in the Belle Epoque style is an impressive testimony to the former importance of the von Fürstenberg family. It houses an interesting natural history collection and important modern works of painting. Booked rental bikes are available at the hotel on your arrival.
This stage takes you through the Baar region. In Immendingen, you can observe a unique natural spectacle with the sinking of the Danube. Here, the river disappears into the limestone for a large part of the year. Instead of flowing into the Black Sea, part of the Danube then flows via the Aachtopf into Lake Constance and the Rhine. After Tuttlingen, the valley narrows and you reach Beuron with its famous Benedictine monastery.
Today you will accompany the Danube through the impressive valley that it has created over the course of time. Over 100 m high limestone cliffs, on which a castle or ruin can be seen every now and then, line your route. Cycle via Sigmaringen with the majestic Hohenzollern Castle to Obermarchtal on the Upper Swabian Baroque Route.
You cycle along the Danube to Ehingen, then follow the valley of the ancient Danube. In Blaubeuren, near the monastery, you will find the mysterious Blautopf, a powerful karst spring. The tower of Ulm Minster can be seen from afar. The climb up the 768 steps is long, but is rewarded with a fantastic view in good weather. The fishermen's quarter still exudes medieval flair today.
This stage leads along the Danube Cycle Path to Donauwörth. The towns are mostly a little off the beaten track on flood-protected elevations. So if you like, you can "let it run" or take a break in one of the well-preserved little towns. The most important trade route between Nuremberg and Augsburg once crossed the Danube in Donauwörth. The magnificent town houses are a reminder of the town's historical importance.
Today you cycle briskly. You will soon reach the foothills of the Franconian Alb, which enliven the cycling with gentle hills. It's worth taking a look at the old town of Neuburg, especially the Hofkirche church and the municipal theater. Ingolstadt has an amazing medieval flair and is known worldwide as the home of the Audi car brand. Visit the Mobile Museum or stroll through the old town within the old fortifications.
The tour mostly takes you directly through the Danube floodplains along the river. At Bad Gögging, excavated forts are a reminder of the Roman settlement. A very special natural spectacle awaits you further on. At the Danube Gorge, the river forces its way through the rocks of the Franconian Jura Mountains. A boat takes you from the famous Benedictine monastery of Weltenburg to Kelheim. You then cycle to Regensburg.
You should not shy away from the challenging climb to the Walhalla, which Ludwig I opened in 1842. Your journey continues along the Danube, which now meanders generously through the wide plain. Via Straubing you cycle through the Gäuboden landscape to Deggendorf, the gateway to the Bavarian Forest. Stroll through the charming old town in the evening. It's well worth it!
After the last few stages, you will cover today's kilometers by the way. Via Vilshofen you quickly reach the three-river city of Passau. Explore the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers by boat and round off the evening with a stroll through the old town. The Veste Oberhaus, which towers above the city, is also worth a visit!
You have really earned a day of relaxation in Passau. The baroque old town, created by Italian masters in the 17th century, enchants with its Mediterranean flair. Explore the three rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz by boat and visit St. Stephen's Cathedral on the highest point of the old town. The Oberhaus fortress and the Mariahilf pilgrimage church are also well worth a visit.
On the north bank of the Danube, you reach the small market town of Obernzell. A little later, you cross the Austrian border and reach Engelhartszell with its famous Trappist monastery. At the Schlögener Schlinge, the Danube makes a 180-degree bend due to a huge granite rock. Those with a thirst for action can make a detour to the Haichenbach ruins shortly after Niederranna. Then cycle to the pretty little town of Aschach.
Through the bird paradise of the Eferding Basin and various small market towns, the route leads to Linz. The capital of Upper Austria was the European Capital of Culture in 2009 and is home to the Lentos, one of the most important museums of contemporary art in Austria. The route continues through the Machland region past the Mauthausen concentration camp to the day's destination of Ardagger at the entrance to the Strudengau region.
The Strudengau, a narrow and wooded valley of the Danube, was once feared by Danube boatmen because of its numerous whirlpools. Then it's off to the Wachau cultural landscape, which is famous for its wine and fruit growing. You can stop off at many winegrowers' wine taverns. The journey continues past the Benedictine monastery of Melk Abbey to Krems.
You leave the Wachau wine region again and cycle to the Roman town of Tulln. A completely different landscape awaits you: instead of the heights of the Wachau, the expansive Tulln field opens up before you. The route continues via Greifenstein and Klosterneuburg to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. Whether Schönbrunn Palace or St. Stephen's Cathedral – Vienna has something for everyone.
Additional fee single room |
549 € |
Room
|
Breakfast
|
Price
|
|
---|---|---|---|
Deggendorf / Ulm / Donauwörth / Ingolstadt / Regensburg
|
DBL |
|
65 € |
SGL |
|
95 € |
|
Obermarchtal / Donaueschingen / Fridingen
|
DBL |
|
55 € |
SGL |
|
85 € |
|
Passau
|
DBL |
|
69 € |
SGL |
|
99 € |
|
Vienna
|
DBL |
|
69 € |
SGL |
|
119 € |
Pannier, handlebar bag, milometer, bike lock, pump, repair kit
Here you find further information and pictures of our rental bikes.
27-gear rental bike |
99 € |
E-bike / pedelec |
259 € |
Days
15
Ø km per day
75