Self-Guided Cycling on the Danube from Passau to Vienna

Ottensheim, taken from Wilhering during the golden hour

Cycling along the Danube, cycle sign, Austria

Operated by Headwater

Self-Guided Cycling on the Danube from Passau to Vienna

Name: Self-Guided Cycling on the Danube from Passau to Vienna
Brand: Exodus
SKU: C07LA
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 3 (1 reviews)

1 reviews

Overview

Enjoy riding on traffic-free cycle routes along the Danube

Follow the curves and bends of the Danube as it flows through steep-sided valleys and wide riverside woods towards beautiful Vienna. The densely wooded slopes and ravine forests help to create the setting for one of the most significant river landscapes of Central Europe; with the largely flat landscape perfectly suited to self-guided cycling. You will pass many delightful castles, ruins and abbeys whilst visiting historic towns such as Linz, Melk and Krems. The final destination of Vienna is the perfect place to explore, enjoy some great food and perhaps take in a concert.

Key Information

Activity: Cycling
Activity Level: Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Trip Code: C07LA
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Austria, Germany
Carbon Footprint: 11kg CO2e per person per day
Terrain: A great introduction to self-guided cycling abroad using 90% cycle paths and 10% side / local roads.

What's Included

7 nights accommodation
All breakfasts and one wine tasting
Bike hire included, plus bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
Luggage transfers between hotels
Navigation app
Train ticket from Krems to Tulln

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room or e-bike if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. A compulsory solo traveller supplement applies to this holiday.

Highlights

Discover the rich culture and historical architecture of Vienna

Ride on dedicated cycle routes

Visit infamous castles, ruins and palaces along the Danube

Sample the fine wines of the Wachau Valley

Itinerary

First Destination: Passau
Next Destination: Vienna

Meals included:None

Distance:40 km / 24.9 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:50 km / 31.1 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:60 km / 37.3 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:50 km / 31.1 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:40 km / 24.9 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:40 km / 24.9 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Passau
Next Destination: Vienna

Start at your hotel in Passau, the city of three rivers. If you arrive with time to explore be sure to visit the well-known cathedral; housing the world’s biggest church organ. In the evening receive your bikes and a welcome briefing.

Leave Passau, and cycle from Germany into Austria amidst one of the most significant river landscapes of Central Europe. The trail runs beside densely wooded slopes and ravine forest passing the only Trappist monastery in Austria at Engelhartszell before continuing to the famous Schlögener Loop. Here the Danube does a U-turn around a granite mountain before changing the direction of its flow twice, providing spectacular views from the surrounding hills.

Distance:40 km / 24.9 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

The valley narrows as it continues downstream and has a wilder appearance passing the beautiful castle of Ottensheim, also one of the oldest places in Austria. A day of river crossing and cycling along country lanes, entering the fertile plains of the grand Eferdinger basin before reaching the historic Cistercian Abbey at Wilhering. The trail continues to Linz, where the central Hauptplatz is a good place to start exploring the old town.

Distance:50 km / 31.1 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

A change of scenery today as the route guides you away from the Danube, via St Florian (an Augustinian abbey) to Enns. See the town square with its 60 metre high tower, the landmark of the oldest town in Austria. Back along the Danube you reach the beautiful baroque town of Grein; with a chance to visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria, the maritime museum or Greinburg Castle.

Distance:60 km / 37.3 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

Historically Grein marked the beginning of the river’s most treacherous stretch, often feared by sailors. The cycling is through the fascinating landscape of tall and densely wooded rock formations on both sides of the Danube. The journey takes you through quiet riverside towns, with numerous examples of castles that were positioned to exert power over the area, collecting tolls from those following its path. Your journey will end as one of the most striking edifices on this whole route comes into sight, the Benedictine abbey at Melk – stunning both inside and out, you can’t miss it!

Distance:50 km / 31.1 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

This morning you ride through the magnificent Wachau terraced vineyards, which give this area its distinct and beautiful appearance. It is one of Austria’s best known wine growing regions, with centuries old tradition of wine production. The route winds between the pretty villages of Spitz, Weisenkirchen and Durnstein; castles continue to dot the landscape. In Durnstein you will find another spectacular monastery and also the ruins of a castle where King Richard the Lionheart was held for ransom. All along the route there are opportunities to experience Austrian hospitality in small taverns offering local food and drink. Finish your journey in the 1000 year old town of Krems and enjoy a wine tasting to showcase some of the delightful local produce!

Distance:40 km / 24.9 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

Today starts with a train ride from Krems to Tulln, then ride past Greifenstein and Klosterneuburg.This area has always been important culturally, politically and economically with settlements in existence before the Romans moved to the area. Again you will pass many castles, including the Kreuzenstein Castle in Korneuburg. There is also the famous story of the Korneuburg Rat Catcher, a similar story to the Pied Piper. Arriving into Vienna, enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of typical Viennese cake, ‘Sachertorte’, in one of the numerous coffee houses. Enjoy an evening stroll around Stephansplatz or walk along the famous shopping street Mariahilfer Strasse.

Distance:40 km / 24.9 miles
Meals included:Breakfast

End Vienna. The city is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It boasts outstanding infrastructure, is clean and safe, and has all of the culture, architecture and inspiration that you could wish for in this wonderful part of Europe. Highlights that you may consider include visits to the grand Schonbrunn Palace, Sigmund Freud Museum and a tour in the Vienna State Opera House. Don’t miss a visit to one of the many wonderful coffee shops to enjoy the typical cake Sachertorte!

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

3 and 4-star hotels

We use a mixture of charming 3 and 4 star hotels, on this trip, that are generally well located. All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.

We may be able to arrange a triple room if required, and there is a small reduction for this. The reduction will need to be calculated for each booking, as we cannot guarantee availability of triple rooms on all nights. Please ask for a quote if this is your preferred option.

Essential Information

This self-guided cycling holiday is ideal for independent travellers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, with the reassurance of pre-arranged accommodation, route guidance and local support. Previous cycling experience is recommended, but no technical cycling skills are required.

Cycling at a Glance
Trip Style: Self-guided
Cycling Days: 6
Average Daily Distance: 47km (29 miles)
Terrain & Route: A great introduction to self-guided cycling abroad using mostly cycle paths and quiet roads. The valley is particularly steep on either side of the river but hills are only encountered if you choose some of the optional visits available. Occasionally the hotels you stay in are located further up a hill.
Cycling Helmets: Cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Austria for children under 12.
Activity Level: 2 (Easy & Moderate)
For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Navigation: Navigation App

How Your Self-Guided Holiday Works
This self-guided trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater. You’ll travel independently and at your own pace using the Navigation App, which provides expertly curated routes and directions, along with a 24-hour emergency assistance number should you need support. As there is no tour leader or organised group, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace while following the planned itinerary. Headwater are specialists in self-guided active holidays with more than 40 years of experience.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are also a great option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. Our local partner is able to offer a range of bikes that suit children and carrying options for parents, these are all subject to availability, therefore we ask that you enquire about these on booking. As a guide we have suggested that 5 years is the minimum age for this departure, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. On many of the days on this trip it is possible to substitute cycling with taking the boat down the river. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.

Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Passau on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are confirmed in the Final Joining Instructions.

Austria

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Austria. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/austria
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/austria
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/austria/entry-requirements
USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Austria.html

Germany

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Germany. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

All breakfasts and one wine tasting included.
Breakfast: Buffet style breakfast will usually consist of fresh bread, cheese, ham, croissants, butter, jam, tea or coffee.
Lunch and Dinner (not included): there are numerous restaurants along the route with a selection of menus of two or more courses and the route notes will provide more details to help you decide. Self-guided cycling also lends itself really well to picnics. You can stop wherever you please, in a spot that suits you and eat your lunch taking in your chosen view.

The weather here is comparatively stable, particularly during mid-summer. Temperatures are similar to those experienced in the UK and rainfall, although relatively low, is possible throughout the year.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Reviews

Add new review

Joe M

Added September 2023

Reasonable Value

Our Exodus tour seemed to be a reasonable value. The customer service experience isn’t as good as other companies, but that might be a get-what-you-pay-for outcome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Self-guided.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hotels were better than we expected. Not Exodus’s fault, but all our hotel rooms were unairconditioned, so it was hot (leaving the windows open in-town makes it quite loud). Exodus says their bikes are “hybrid”…that might be a tour-industry term. The bikes are heavy upright rental bikes with a big bouncy seat and huge tires…not what US customers might consider to be a hybrid bike you’d use for distance riding. Consider bringing your own seat and clipless pedals (which the guy delivering the bikes said he can’t install). We found you need to pay (in cash only) a daily tourist tax at hotels in Austria, not included in your tour price. Exodus added a wine tasting on our tour, which turned out to be very nice…pleasant tasting room, courteous service, excellent wine. The printed and app directions weren’t as easy as other tour company’s apps, but it’s not a huge deal since you’re just biking down-river. The provided navigation app crashed a few times a day, but when it worked, it took you to the town, but not the hotel. This is not also a big deal in a tiny town…but one hotel required waiting for a van to take you 5 miles up into the hills, and our Vienna hotel was on the outskirts and without navigation it was a harrowing 90-minute experience trying to bike/walk through busy Vienna roads without English-language instructions. Some emailed questions we asked Exodus were never answered, and other answers were delayed a number of days before someone got back to us. After we paid, we were required to sign a document that literally says “Exodus can cancel our trip for any reason whatsoever”. So, you’d be on the hook for international airfare you bought. Which raises the issue of travel insurance. In its documentation it sends after you pay, Exodus says, “Please note to travel with Exodus, you must have adequate [insurance] coverage for the activities involved”. In other post-payment documentation, it says, “You must carry proof of insurance with you on your tour: if you cannot provide this at the start of the trip, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time.” Both times, Exodus provides the link to their “partner”, Redpoint Travel Protection. Judging one’s tolerance for risk is obviously (and only) the consumer’s decision, but Exodus’s pretend-compulsory upsell was kind of a stain on what would have been a reasonable consumer experience.

Suggestions

Looking at all the emails from Exodus, I’m still unclear who I was dealing with. One document said I bought a “guided trip with Exodus Travels”. But the letterhead says “Zegrahm Expeditions Inc.” My invoice says I paid “Travelopia Holdings Limited” England & Wales. The person at Exodus I talked to said Exodus is the “USA operation of ‘Headwater’”, and our emailed trip notes were from “Headwater”. The printed trip notes (and the app) said my tour operator is “Radreise Freunde”. The bikes weren’t Exodus’s (or Headwater’s or Radreise) but rentals from “Eurobike”. My credit card bill says I paid my money to “Adventure US Moto“. Confusing and strange, maybe we purchased a tour fairly far down the tour-company food-chain, but it didn’t impact our experience, that I know of.

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CAD 2385