The Danube Cycle Path

Once you’ve arrived, why not saunter through the tranquil alleys of this seemingly Mediterranean city where Danube, Inn and Ilz meet. It has loads to offer for everyone interested in culture and history. We recommend you visit the Dome of St. Stephen which thoroughly dominates the cityscape, or the pilgrimage church of Mariahilf. Or, you could instead opt for a leisurely cup of coffee in the historic centre.

You set off along the Danube Cycle Path. Via Obernzell, its castle and the ceramics museum, which are well worth a visit, you get to Engelhartszell and its famous Trappist monastery. From there you soon reach the Schlögener Loop. Here the Danube winds narrowly around a huge incline of granite, which is topped by the romantic Haichenbach ruins.

Cycling through the bird paradise of Eferdinger Becken, the Danube cycle path takes you to Ottensheim. The Rococo church and Cistercian Abbey in Wilhering are definitely worth a visit. Today's destination is Linz, the capital of the state of Upper Austria and cultural capital of Europe 2009. We recommend to take the Linz City Express to conveniently visit all the most important sights.

The Danube Cycle Path leads You through the cultural and historically significant Marchland, home to Enns ‒ Austria’s oldest settlement. The baroque St. Florian Monastery, which requires you to take a slight detour, is worth visiting. The town of Strudengau is surrounded by legend: this is where the Danube narrows to a strong eddy ‒ once feared by skippers. The picturesque town of Grein is also known as Pearl of the Studengau.

Settled in your saddle, continue through Wachau Cultural Landscape, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The region is known for its vineyards and orchards. You can taste wine at many of the traditional wine taverns, home-produced by the local wine-growers. The highlight of this section in terms of cultural history is the Benedictine Monastery of Melk, which you will be able to see from afar.

Your route takes you on through Wachau, passing the wine-growing villages of Spitz and Dürnstein. Take in the views in Dürnstein of the blue church tower. You arrive in Krems, which was first mentioned in documents as early as 995. What follows is totally different in terms of landscape: the expanse of the Tullner region opens up before you. Along the way we recommend visiting Göttweig Abbey with its wonderful imperial staircases and chamber of arts.

Cycling through the outskirts of Vienna Woods, you reach the charming metropolis of Vienna on the Danube. You can accelerate this section by local train (Tulln – Vienna), which runs every 30 minutes (not included). Schönbrunn Castle, the Spanish Riding School, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the big wheel are just some of the sights. Demel, the Court Confectionary Bakery is perfect for souvenirs. If you want more time for Vienna, you can shorten the route from Tulln by train (not included). Your stage will be shortened by about 45 km.

After breakfast your tour along the Danube Cycle Path comes to an end. We would be more than happy to extend your stay in Vienna.