Cycling Germany to Austria

Cycling Germany to Austria Tour Highlights
Easy cycling – Along the Danube Valley with fine scenery
Historic Danube – Pass many medieval towns and villages including Krems, Linz and Grein
Vienna – Discover Austria’s wonderful capital
Wachau wines – Sample some of Austria’s premier wine
Schlogener Schlinge – See the dramatic bend on the Danube

Why Book this tour Cycling Germany to Austria
Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a pump, lock, spare inner tube and tyre levers. All you need bring is your own helmet.

Climate
Germany
Germany has a variable climate with frequent changes of weather from day to day. Expect a contrast of warm summer days with the possibility of showers at any time.
Austria
Austria has a variable climate with frequent changes of weather from day to day. Expect a contrast of warm summer days with the possibility of showers at any time.

Cycling Germany to Austria Tour Highlights Cycling Information
On this journey you cycle 307 km over six days (an average of 51 km per day). The terrain is almost completely flat. 95% of the route is on paved cycle paths without traffic and 5% on gravel tracks. We have graded the route as easy.

Cycling Germany to Austria: Day 1: Trip starts in Passau
Your holiday starts in the German town of Passau, close to the Austrian border. After checking in to your hotel and picking up your bicycle from the local bike shop, the rest of the day is free to explore this pretty university town. Known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’, it is here that the Danube is joined by the Ilz and the Inn. We recommend a visit to St. Steven’s Cathedral in the Old Town. This Baroque building is home to Europe’s largest organ, with an impressive 17000 pipes. If you are lucky, you may time your visit with a lunchtime or evening concert. We also recommend walking up to Veste Oberhaus – the ancient fortress that dominates the city from the hilltop. Now a museum of history and folklore, spectacular panoramic views are afforded from the tower. Your bike will be delivered today or tomorrow morning and you will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike.

Details of how to reach the start point of your holiday can be found on our website in the tour specific ‘dates and prices’ section by clicking on ‘Joining Info’ and then the ‘Show More’ button.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: None

Cycling Germany to Austria: Day 2: Bike to Schlogen; View the impressive ‘Schlogen Bend’
This morning, there is time to explore more of Passau before jumping into the saddle to commence your journey to Schlogen. Cycling alongside the picturesque Danube, it is easy to see how this trail gained its reputation as one of Europe’s most famous cycle paths. You cross the river by ferry from Engelhartszell to Uferhausl (ticket paid locally and not included in package). On arrival in Schlogen, a 30-minute walk will lead you to an impressive panoramic viewpoint over a bend in the Danube, where it alters course by almost 180 degrees.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 42 kilometres (120 metres ascent, 140 metres descent).
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Germany to Austria: Day 3: Cycle to Linz; Enjoy a dip in a lake
A 20 kilometre ride along the shady riverbank takes you to the village of Auscach. Here, you may choose to visit the Fischermuseum, with its interesting exhibition on the Danube’s historic fishing trade. Further along your route, there is the opportunity to swim in a couple of the picture-perfect lakes that you pass, so make sure you pack your swimming gear for this. Today’s journey takes us to Linz. Although this is the second largest industrial town in Austria, it has a pretty city centre. We recommend a visit to the Neuer Dom – the largest cathedral in Austria which was only completed in 1924. Alternatively, you may choose to relax in the Hauptplatz, sampling the famous Linzertorte – the oldest known cake in the world. As you explore the town, look out for the house where Mozart composed his Symphony No. 36, otherwise known as the Linz Symphony.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 52 kilometres (130 metres ascent, 160 metres descent).
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Germany to Austria: Day 4: Bike to Perg via the Mauthausen Memorial
Leaving Linz through the park along the Danube, you will continue your journey along the river. 18 kilometres into your route, you may choose to take a 10 kilometre detour to the Abbey of St. Florian – an impressive example of Baroque architecture and art. After crossing the river by ferry, another option is to visit the sobering Mauthausen Memorial. Here you will find a well-presented visitor centre which details the atrocities that took place at this concentration camp. As one of the first Nazi ‘death camps’, conditions here were at the harshest end of the spectrum and survival was not expected. Your base for tonight is Perg – a small town near the river.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 45 kilometres (115 metres ascent, 140 metres descent).
Overnight: Standard Guesthouse
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Germany to Austria: Day 5: Cycle to Marbach; Admire its UNESCO-listed abbey
We start today’s ride through the Strudengau region and after a short while reach Grein, a quiet village on the river where we recommend a visit to Schloss Greinburg – a castle with stunning panoramic views, which also hosts an interesting navigation museum. From Grein you catch the ferry across to Uberfuhr (ticket paid locally and not included in package). The next village you encounter along today’s route is Ybbs. Here you will find a quirky bicycle museum where you can admire (and try) many types of two-wheeled transport. Continuing the ride you finally cross the river with a ferry (ticket paid locally) to reach Marbach village where you spend the night.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 59 kilometres (115 metres ascent, 150 metres descent).
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Germany to Austria: Day 6: Discover Austria’s famous wine region
Further along the peaceful banks of the Danube the first place on today’s ride is Melk, with its UNESCO-listed Baroque abbey – one of the largest in Europe. Benedictine monks have been living here since 1089. We also recommend visiting the abbey garden and the impressive library. Today, you cycle through the Wachau Valley, well-known for its picturesque rolling hills. This is the most famous wine region in Austria and, as you ride through the villages on your route, don’t miss the chance stop off and sample some locally-produced vintages. Before your arrival at your night stop in Krems, you may choose to spend some time in glorious Durstein. This little town is a tourist haven, due to its picturesque setting and traditional architecture. The 12th century English king, Richard The Lionheart, was held prisoner here at Kuenringer Castle, the ruins of which still overlook the town.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 52 kilometres (215 metres ascent, 220 metres descent).
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Germany to Austria: Day 7: Cycle to Greifenstein; train to Vienna
Your last day of cycling will lead you along the Danube to the historic city of Tulln, founded by the Romans. Your ride continues to Greifenstein, a suburb of Vienna where we may like to visit the castle. This marks the end of your Danube ride and you now hand the rental bikes over and continue the journey to Vienna by train. Your luggage will be delivered to the hotel in Vienna. The train leaves you at Westbahnhof station and from here you may choose to walk to the hotel close by or use public transport to head directly into town and explore first. Vienna is packed full of fantastic sights and architecture. After your week of cycling, we think you definitely deserve a slice of chocolaty Sacher Torte, maybe even at the famous Hotel Sacher. Claiming to be the sole custodian of the original 19th century recipe, the hotel ensures that its formula remains a well-kept secret.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 57 kilometres (90 metres ascent, 100 metres descent).
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Germany to Austria: Day 8: Journey ends in Vienna
After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Germany to Austria Pricing due to currency fluctuations and seasonal changes please inquire for the best possible price.


Cycling Germany to Austria What’s included:
Bike Details
Your included bike is a 7 gear European city bike (e.g. Schauff, Kettler or KTM) and will be the correct frame size for your height. Each bike is fitted with one lateral pannier bag as well as a map note holder on the handlebars. A lock, pump, spare inner tube and puncture repair kit with tyre levers is included. All you need to bring is your own helmet. You will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike.

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are available for an additional cost for the duration of the holiday. Please contact us for more details or to request your e-bike.

Luggage Transfer
Included between each hotel.

What’s Not Included:
Equipment
On all Discovery Travel cycle holidays we strongly recommend you bring along and wear your cycle helmet. In case of an accident resulting in personal injury, certain insurance policies (explore included) are invalidated in cases where a helmet was not being worn. Cycle glasses to protect against dust, pollen and the sun, padded cycle gloves and a water bottle or water delivery system (e.g. camelback or platypus) are also useful. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. Other items to consider bringing are a sunhat and sun cream, torch, earplugs and insect repellent. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.

International flights
Any extra local transport (subways, taxis, buses) unless covered by the included passes
Baggage handling & luggage forwarding

Accommodation changes and upgrade are available for all our Cycling Tour, make an inquiry now