The Danube Cycle Route from Passau to Vienna

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If you start whistling Johann Strauss' Danube Waltz on your way along the Danube Cycle Route between Passau and Vienna, we wouldn't be surprised: The well-maintained cycle path leads through a truly varied landscape with the Schlögener Loop, the Wachau, and the Tulln Basin. It is garnished with the right dose of culture: modernity speaks in Linz, a masterpiece of baroque can be found with the abbey in Melk. As a crowning finale, the multi-faceted Vienna awaits you on the Danube Cycle Route from Passau: with cafés, the Museum Quarter, and the Naschmarkt, there is no rush here either.

On this page, you will now find everything you need to know about the most popular section on the Danube Cycle Route. And if you would rather concentrate entirely on cycling, simply leave the organization to us: you are sure to find your next tour along the Danube among our cycling tours between Passau and Vienna!

Two cyclists riding red bikes on a paved path near St. Michael. Behind them, a historic church and mountains are visible in the Danube valley. — Cyclists near St Michael’s

On the Danube Cycle Route between Passau and Vienna

Courtyard of Melk Abbey with ornate fountain in center, surrounded by yellow baroque buildings with orange roofs and green dome under blue sky. — Melk Abbey

Dürnstein village on rocky cliff above Danube River with baroque blue church tower and historic buildings, green hills in background. — Parish and Collegiate Church of the Assumption of Mary in Dürnstein

Aerial view of Schlögener Schlinge, a horseshoe bend in the Danube River surrounded by forested hills under a blue sky with white clouds. — The Schlögener Schlinge

Greinburg Castle on a hilltop overlooking the Danube River in Grein, with white wildflowers in the foreground and a church tower visible in the town. — Greinburg Castle in Grein

Narrow cobblestone street in Spitz with white buildings, a church tower, and terraced vineyards on hillsides under blue sky. — A narrow alley in Spitz

The classics on the Danube Cycle Route between Passau and Vienna

Discover all cycling tours along the Danube Cycle Route

Short and sweet: The Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Vienna

Length
approx. 320 km
Topography
The Danube Cycle Route between Passau and Vienna has hardly any gradients. If you cycle with the river, i.e. from west to east, you will roll downhill, albeit barely noticeably, around 100 meters in altitude.
Signposting
The Danube Cycle Route is almost completely signposted between Passau and Vienna. The signposts sometimes give you information on how and where you can change banks next time and whether the route ahead is also suitable for racing bikes, for example.
Path quality
The cycle path is almost entirely asphalted and, with a few exceptions, leads away from busy roads.

Map showing the Danube Cycle Path through Germany from Donaueschingen to Passau, passing through cities like Ulm, Regensburg, and Straubing. — Map - The Danube Cycle Route from Passau to Vienna

Travel time

You should plan around a week to get to know the Danube between Passau and Vienna in its entirety. Whether you prefer to spend more time on the bike, in Vienna, or, in the case of a bike and boat trip, on the boat, is ultimately up to you. Fast cyclists cover the route in four stages, leisurely cyclists take a whole ten days.

Passau Old Town along the Inn River with colorful historic buildings and St. Stephen's Cathedral with green onion domes under blue sky. — Passau’s Old Town

Arrival and departure

Passau and Vienna are well connected to the local and long-distance rail network. You can therefore reach your arrival and departure points easily by train.

The fact that both cities are connected by an ICE line is particularly advantageous if you have arrived in your own car and need to return at the end of your tour. However, remember to find out in advance about the possibility of taking bicycles on the trains.

Couple with touring bicycles resting on stone bench at Hofburg square in Vienna, with historic white palace buildings with red roofs. — Cyclists in Vienna city centre

Short cuts

Whether by train, boat, or bicycle taxi - between Passau and Vienna you can shorten almost every section. Due to the large number of cycle tourists, numerous possibilities have also been created to take the bike along, but not to cover the distance on the bike. The best thing to do is to find out on the spot which is the best way to get to your next stage destination.

Linz Cathedral with green copper domes and twin towers beside the ornate baroque Trinity Column under blue sky. — The Cathedral and the Trinity Column in Linz

Bike and boat

From Passau, the Danube is already a mighty river. And is now also navigable! That's why we offer bike and boat holidays on the Danube from Passau in addition to the classic cycling tours: You cycle the most beautiful sections of the Danube Cycle Route while your floating hotel accompanies you. The best thing: you don't have to get on your bike every day, you can simply enjoy the landscape from onboard. So you combine a Danube cruise with a Danube cycle tour and enjoy the best of everything. No wonder these tours are among the first to be fully booked every year.

MS Swiss Crown river cruise ship sailing on the Danube with green hills and a village in the background under blue sky. — The MS Swiss Crown on the Danube

Who is the Danube Cycle Route suitable for?

The Danube Cycle Route between Passau and Vienna is particularly suitable for leisure cyclists, beginners and families. The almost flat route and the good quality of the cycle paths make for a pleasant and relaxed ride. At the same time, the Schlögener Schlinge, the Wachau, Melk Abbey and Vienna ensure a varied experience along the way. If you enjoy a leisurely cycle whilst discovering the countryside and local culture, this is the perfect place for you.

Terraced vineyards on a hillside overlooking Krems and the Danube River. A church tower is visible among the village buildings below. — Vineyards near Krems

Frequently asked questions about the Danube Cycle Route

Search FAQs

Two cyclists on red bikes riding along a cobblestone bridge in Ulm's Fishermen's Quarter with half-timbered houses and willow trees.

How long is the Danube Cycle Route from Donaueschingen to Budapest?

From Donaueschingen to Budapest, the route covers over 1,200 km, split into the German section (approx. 600 km), Passau–Vienna (approx. 320 km) and Vienna–Budapest (approx. 300 km). The Danube itself stretches around 2,850 km if you continue all the way to the Black Sea.

Which section of the Danube Cycle Route is the most popular?

The section from Passau to Vienna is considered the most famous and popular part of the Danube Cycle Route and ranks among the most-cycled routes in Europe. The German section between Donaueschingen and Passau is also very popular.

Is the Danube Cycle Route flat, or are there many climbs?

On the main route along the river there are hardly any climbs, since the path mostly runs directly beside or close to the Danube. Only side trips into the surrounding hills, such as the Swabian Alb or the Wachau, involve steeper climbs.

Which direction is best for cycling the Danube Cycle Route – west to east or east to west?

Most cyclists follow the Danube from west to east, riding from the young river to the mighty stream it becomes. In Austria, cyclists heading toward Vienna also often benefit from a tailwind.

What cycling trips along the Danube does Radweg-Reisen offer?

Radweg-Reisen offers several classic tours, including the ride from Passau to Vienna through the Wachau valley, the tour through the Young Danube Valley starting in Donaueschingen, and the Bavarian Danube tour from Donauwörth to Passau — each including luggage transport.