From the Source to Europe’s Great Cities Along the River

The Danube Cycle Path is the essence of cycle touring, a route rich in variety, history and scenic beauty. From the source of the Danube in Donaueschingen to Budapest, you follow Europe’s second-longest river along one of the world’s most popular long-distance cycle routes.

Between Passau and Vienna, the most famous section, the path runs almost entirely flat through floodplains, vineyards and cultural landscapes such as the Wachau Valley.

Here, natural beauty meets cultural highlights: baroque abbeys like Melk and monasteries such as Klosterneuburg, the waltz-filled elegance of Vienna, the charming capital Bratislava and the magnificent metropolis of Budapest.

A bike & boat tour on the Danube lets you experience the river in all its diversity – relaxed, enjoyable and always in step with history. Each stage is a journey through different eras, countries and ways of life.

Two cyclists with bikes crossing a curved pedestrian bridge over the Danube River, surrounded by green vegetation and hills in the background.

Antje Schimanke Fotografie

Two cyclists with helmets watching the MS Prinzessin Katharina ferry docked at a pier. Rolling hills and houses visible in background.

Antje Schimanke Fotografie

Elderly couple with bicycles standing on bridge railing, overlooking Passau's historic old town with church towers and colorful buildings along the Danube River.

Two cyclists with helmets and backpacks riding towards a ferry landing on the Danube River, surrounded by lush green hills and trees.

Two cyclists with touring bikes standing in green meadow overlooking Danube valley with vineyards, village church and forested hills.

Group of cyclists with red rental bikes standing at a river port on the Danube. White passenger ship and forested hills in background.

Antje Schimanke Fotografie

Red touring bikes parked by the Danube River with a blue and white passenger boat moored in the background, surrounded by green forest.

Antje Schimanke Fotografie

Danube to Vienna

Culture, Cuisine & Active Travel in Perfect Balance

Between Engelhartszell, Linz, the Wachau Valley and Vienna, you experience the Danube at a gentle, rhythmic pace: cycle comfortably, enjoy the scenery and return to your ship each day. The Danube Cycle Path leads almost without climbs through floodplains, wine terraces and small towns shaped by traditional wine tavern culture.

Highlights such as the legendary Schlögen Danube Loop, the baroque splendour of Melk Abbey and the picturesque villages of the Wachau create a stunning backdrop before Vienna captivates with its unique flair. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, the Ringstrasse and the Giant Ferris Wheel combine with coffeehouse traditions and cosy wine taverns to make Vienna a city full of history and joie de vivre. Daily cycling stages are deliberately moderate, leaving time for sightseeing, culinary discoveries and scenic breaks.

Depending on the itinerary, your tour starts or ends in Passau or Engelhartszell – the highlights remain the same: gentle activity, impressive river scenery and the comfort of your “floating hotel”.

Group of white swans swimming on the blue Danube River under a bright blue sky with white clouds. Mountains and boats visible in background.

Bike & Boat Passau - Vienna - Passau, MS SE-MANON

8 Days

Baroque Schloss Bellevue palace in Vienna with formal gardens, white statues, manicured hedges and fountain cascade in foreground.

The Danube in the rythm of the waltz by Bike & Boat, MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA

8 Days

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The Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, a neoclassical colonnade with arched openings and ornate sculptures on top against blue sky.

Danube to Budapest

Wine, History & Cross-Border Discoveries

Cycling along the Danube to Budapest is a captivating blend of nature, culture and European history. In Austria, the river shows its most beautiful side: the soft curves of the Schlögen Loop, the storybook landscapes of the Wachau with vineyard terraces, apricot orchards and Melk Abbey, and the elegant lifestyle of Vienna with its coffeehouses, wine taverns and imperial heritage. Between floodplains, vineyards and historic abbeys, Austria can be explored actively yet comfortably – with short, varied cycling tours and plenty of time to discover.

Further downstream, the Danube reveals its international character: Bratislava enchants with its old town lanes and castle views, the Hungarian Danube Bend opens up wide landscapes and baroque towns, and Budapest crowns the journey with a breathtaking panorama of history, culture and vibrant life.