Danube by E-bike: Passau to Vienna

Arrive in Pasasu and explore its vibrant New Centre, a bustling, car-free pedestrian zone in the City of Three Rivers. In the evening, attend an orientation session to gather route details and pick up your bike, setting you up perfectly for the adventure ahead.

Pedal along the scenic Inn River to the captivating city of Passau, where we recommend a brief city tour to explore its historical sites. Don’t miss St Stephen’s Cathedral for an organ concert on the world’s largest church organ (available on select days). Continuing along the Danube, ride through the charming Sauwald region, stopping at Engelhartszell to sample liqueurs at Austria’s only Trappist monastery. Pass through the tranquil Donauleiten Nature Reserve, and marvel at the Schlögen Bend – a dramatic 180-degree turn in the river, where ancient granite compelled the Danube to change its course. This breathtaking sight is sure to leave you inspired!

Meals: B

Today’s ride takes you through the lush landscapes of the Eferdinger basin, passing the charming market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering before reaching Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. Here, the historic old town invites you to explore its many pubs and restaurants, ideal for a cosy break.  As a former European Capital of Culture (2009), Linz offers plenty to discover, from the breathtaking vistas atop Pöstlingberg Mountain to a leisurely walk through the picturesque Donaulände Park.

Meals: B

Today’s journey takes you slightly off the Danube’s course, offering cultural gems along the way. Start with a visit to St Florian, home to a magnificent Augustinian monastery, before continuing to Enns, Austria’s oldest town. Here, you can admire the iconic 60m town tower in the charming main square or delve into ancient history at the Lauriacum Museum. Returning to the river, you’ll arrive at the enchanting baroque town of Grein. Explore Austria’s oldest still-operational municipal theatre, the fascinating maritime museum, or the regal Greinburg Castle for a touch of history and grandeur.

Meals: B

This stretch of the Danube, known as the Strudengau, was once notorious among sailors for its treacherous currents. Today, you can enjoy a relaxing ride along its scenic banks. High above the river in Maria Taferl, the splendid pilgrimage church awaits, drawing thousands each year. A quick stop in Melk is a must – don’t forget to look up for a stunning view of the monastery overlooking the Danube. Just beyond Melk, you’ll enter the Wachau Valley, a region celebrated for its idyllic orchards and vineyards. Here, a wine tasting experience has been arranged, so you can savour the flavours of this remarkable area.

Meals: B

Today, you’ll cycle through the charming wine village of Dürnstein, famous for its historic castle ruins, then pass the 1,000-year-old town of Krems. Your day concludes in Tulln, the picturesque City of Flowers, where a visit to the Egon Schiele Museum is a must. Spend a relaxing final evening in this more rural setting before heading into the vibrant Austrian capital, Vienna, for the tour’s grand finale.

Meals: B

Your final stretch into the vibrant Danube metropolis of Vienna offers a leisurely ride. Upon arrival, indulge in the city’s delights, starting with a traditional Viennese coffee and a slice of iconic Sachertorte in a classic cafe. Wander along the renowned shopping boulevard, Mariahilfer Strasse, admire the stunning St Stephen’s Cathedral, or take in Vienna’s landmarks from the comfort of a charming Fiaker carriage. Enjoy a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration as you savour your last day in the cultural heart of Austria.

Meals: B

Vienna offers endless opportunities for discovery, and we’d be delighted to arrange an extended stay for you to fully explore the city. If needed, we can also schedule a return transfer via our cycle bus, departing daily at around 2pm from your accommodation. Let us know if you’d like assistance with any additional arrangements.

Meals: B

• Pedelec e-bike rental
• Bike helmet hire
• 1 x rear side bag, basic repair kit, padlock, lights
• 7 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses with ensuite bathrooms including breakfast
• Welcome meeting and bike fitting
• Daily luggage transfers (maximum 20kg per bag)
• App for navigation
• 1 x ferry ticket at the Danube bend, including bike transfer
• 1 x wine tasting in the Wachau Valley
• Route guidance and travel documents
• Local emergency support

• Flights to and from your destination
• City taxes
• Airport transfers
• Personal transfers 
• Travel insurance

The Danube Cycle Path (Donau Radweg) is one of Europe’s most popular cycling routes, stretching along the Danube River. It spans multiple countries, offering stunning views, rich history, and diverse landscapes. The primary route is through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

The Danube Cycle Path is well-signposted, predominantly flat, and suitable for cyclists of all levels. It offers an excellent opportunity to dip your toe into self-guided e-bike tours. The initial stretch from Passau to Vienna is predominantly flat or slightly downhill. The route follows well-maintained, traffic-free bike paths along the Danube, passing through charming towns, fertile vineyards, and iconic landmarks like the Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey. Navigation is straightforward thanks to excellent signage throughout this section. 

The best time for cycling the Danube is typically between May and September as these months offer the most favourable weather and conditions for cycling. In late spring (May to June) you can expect to see fields of wildflowers along the riverbanks. Vineyards in the Wachau Valley will show fresh vibrant growth, and there are local festivals, such as early wine tastings and spring markets in Austria. In summer (July and August), there are stunning reflections of the river’s calm waters in the clear, sunny weather and the Wachau Valley celebrates its Apricot Festival, offering fresh fruits, pastries and jams. Early autumn in September brings cooler temperatures, vibrant colours, and the charm of the harvest season.

While the Danube Cycle Path is generally considered “beginner-friendly,” some prior biking experience is recommended. Since these are self-guided trips, it’s also important to have some problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a good sense of direction. You’ll need to feel comfortable with map-reading, using a travel app, and following road signs. Basic bike maintenance skills are required (e.g., fixing a punctured tire, adjusting the chain). If you’re unsure, please feel free to reach out to our cycling expert, who can answer your questions and provide more details.

Our e-bikes are the most current models and are equipped with the new Bosch 4a motor, a battery of 625W, which allows for up to 100km on each charge, dependent on the level of pedal assistance chosen.These are ‘Pedelec’ bikes meaning you still need to pedal and the bike motor assists you up to 25km/h, which is the legal limitation. The bike has MTB geometry with 27.5″ – 29″ wheels (Size XS: 27.5″) and Shimano Deore gears. There is an easy to read handlebar display that gives you all the stats you need including speed/distance. Please note the E-Bike model supplied may vary according to availability on any chosen date but will be of a similar quality and range.

Helmets are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer to. Each bike comes equipped with panniers, a handlebar bag, a lock, a pump, a spare inner tube, and a puncture repair kit with tyre levers, allowing you to carry your essentials and stay prepared throughout the day. If you’re more comfortable with your own equipment, you’re welcome to bring additional gear such as gel seats, allen wrenches, multi-tools or a handlebar mount for your phone.

E-bike batteries are classified with a battery wattage: for instance a 650W battery will have a much longer range than a 250W battery. Then how long that battery will carry you depends upon a few factors:

1. The terrain you are riding – steep uphills will use up your battery far faster than level terrain
2. The level of assistance you choose: ECO, TOUR, EMTB and TURBO – each uses progressively higher levels of assistance and therefore your battery life shortens. So riding in Turbo assist all the time will significantly reduce your range compared to ECO which gives a light level of assistance. It is easy to switch between modes with your handlebar controls.
3. The weight you carry – The bikes are capable of carrying a combined weight of bike, rider and luggage of up to 150kg. The bikes weigh around 22kg and if you are a heavier rider plus carrying more gear then you will use up the battery faster than a lighter rider also carrying less gear in their panniers.

It’s important to note that while it may be tempting to use the TURBO setting and zip through the route, services along the way follow standard operating hours and will not adjust for early arrivals. This means that if you race through the day and reach your lunch spot by 10am or your hotel by 1pm, these services are unlikely to be available, as they operate during regular hours. We recommend taking your time, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, cycling at a relaxed pace, stopping at interesting spots, expecting to have lunch around noon to 2pm, and checking into your hotel between 3 and 4pm when rooms are typically ready.

You will need to recharge the battery after each day’s ride unless you have had it on minimal assistance and/or medium distances. Each e-bike comes with a power pack and cable which you just plug one end into a mains power point and the other into a socket on the bike. Typically it’s about 4 hours to get a full charge and your handlebar display tells you how much charge you have in the battery when riding it or when recharging it.

Hotels along the Danube are used to riders with e-bikes and so it should be easy enough to find a suitable charging point each night, they can advise you on where to charge and securely store the bike each evening.

Directions will be provided through an app that you can download once you receive your trip departure details 4 weeks prior to departure date. On the app you’ll have access to a detailed itinerary with route information specific to your trip, including tourist highlights, hotel bookings, and regional tips. You’ll mount your phone to your handlebars to follow GPS guidance directly from the app. In addition to this, you’ll also follow standard road signs, which are part of a network of bike-friendly paths.

Your directions are there for reassurance, but you’ll have the flexibility to travel at your own pace and explore off the beaten path. If you get off track, don’t worry. You can always ask locals or other cyclists for help, and getting back on course is all part of the adventure. Self-guided cycling is all about flexibility, and it’s a style of travel many cyclists love to come back to again and again.

It’s important to be familiar with basic bike maintenance before setting off, as handling simple repairs – such as fixing a flat tyre or reattaching a dropped chain – is your responsibility. While we provide a toolkit for basic repairs, it’s essential to feel confident managing these tasks on the road.

If you’re unsure about bike maintenance, there are plenty of resources to help you prepare. We recommend watching bike repair tutorials online (such as those on YouTube) or visiting your local bike shop for a hands-on demonstration. Many shops offer workshops or individual lessons to help you practice basic repairs like fixing a puncture or attaching dropped chains. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect”.

Weather is unpredictable, so maintaining a flexible approach will help you make the most of your journey while staying safe. Since itineraries cannot be adjusted last minute due to weather, it’s essential to prepare with the right gear to stay comfortable and safe in all conditions. Be sure to pack rain gear, quick-drying clothing, along with reflective gear to ensure visibility, especially in poor weather or low light conditions. That said, we do not recommend cycling in severe weather, such as heavy rain, thunderstorms or hail. If you encounter such conditions, it’s best to pull off the road and seek shelter until the weather clears.

If you’re near a train line, you can check local transit options to see if they allow bikes on board, giving you the flexibility to skip a day’s ride if you’re uncomfortable cycling in bad weather. Not all trains permit bikes, so be sure to confirm this before boarding with your bike.