Danube Cycle Path Guide EuroVelo 6 — Passau to Vienna, Europe's most popular cycling route
The Danube cycle path from Passau to Vienna is the gold standard of river cycling. 320 km of flat, paved, perfectly signed riverside path. UNESCO Wachau Valley, baroque monasteries, vineyard villages — and Vienna waiting at the end.
The route starts in Passau — a German city at the confluence of three rivers — and follows the Danube downstream into Austria. It passes through Linz, Austria's third largest city, before entering the spectacular Wachau Valley between Melk and Krems. The final stretch through the Tulln valley leads into Vienna.
Why Cycle the Danube Path?
Thirty-six kilometres of terraced vineyards, medieval castles, and apricot orchards between Melk and Krems — a World Heritage landscape from the saddle.
Almost entirely flat on dedicated paved riverside paths. No special fitness needed — if you can ride a bike, you can do this route. E-bikes available throughout.
The best-signed, best-serviced cycling route in Central Europe. Luggage transfer, cycle-friendly hotels, and GPS tracks are available end to end.
The Danube delivers you directly to the Austrian capital. The Ringstrasse, Stephansdom, and a Viennese coffee house — the perfect way to finish a big ride.
Route Highlights
Day-by-Day Route Breakdown
Start in Passau's gorgeous old town at the three-river confluence. The Austrian border is just 40 km downstream. Engelhartszell has the only Trappist monastery in Austria.
Arrive in Linz — Austria's modern art capital. The Ars Electronica museum and old town are worth an evening. Excellent accommodation options throughout.
The Danube narrows through the Strudengau gorge — one of the more dramatic stretches. Grein is a charming small town with one of Austria's oldest baroque theatres.
Arrive at the gateway to the Wachau. Melk's Benedictine monastery sits 60 m above the river — the view from its terrace over the start of the Wachau is unforgettable.
The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley. Shortest day, most scenery. Vineyards on terraced hillsides, castle ruins above, apricot orchards in season. Take your time.
Leave the Wachau and enter the Tulln plain. Flatter, faster cycling. Tulln is the birthplace of painter Egon Schiele and has a pleasant old town.
Final day into the Austrian capital. The Danube Island (Donauinsel) provides a direct cycling route into the city centre. Arrive at the Schwedenplatz or continue to the Ringstrasse.
The Wachau Valley — UNESCO Highlight
The Wachau Valley between Melk and Krems is 36 km of the most photographed cycling landscape in Central Europe. The UNESCO World Heritage designation recognises the exceptional cultural landscape: terraced vineyards dating back 1,000 years, ruined medieval castles (Aggstein, Dürnstein), baroque villages, and apricot orchards in bloom every April–May.
The cycling path runs directly along the riverbank through the entire valley. Most cyclists deliberately take a short day here — 35 km total — to allow time for wine tasting at Dürnstein or Weißenkirchen, or simply to stop and look.
Danube Cycling Tours (2)
Passau - Vienna
Germany → Austria
Passau is a cycling paradise at three rivers. Passau and Vienna – these are the highlights of one of the most beautiful long-distance cycle paths. The Danube Cycle Path promises an unforgettable holid…
Prague - Passau
Czech Republic → Germany
The Prague-Passau road has always been one of the major communication arteries between Czech Kingdom and German empire. On this bike tour we will visit antique UNESCO towns Prague and Cesky Krumlov, s…
Practical Information
Best Time to Go
April–May: Apricot blossom in Wachau, cooler temperatures.
June–July: Peak season, warm and sunny.
September: Grape harvest — wine tasting at its best.
Getting There & Back
Train from Vienna to Passau takes about 3 hours (direct). Fly into Vienna Airport, take the train to Passau, and cycle back. Or fly into Munich — Passau is just 2 hours by train.
Cost
Self-guided 8-day tour from €495 per person, including hotels, luggage transfer, and route maps. Austria's prices are slightly higher than Czech Republic but accommodation quality is excellent throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Danube cycle path from Passau to Vienna?
Approximately 320 km, typically completed in 7–9 days at 40–60 km per day. The route is almost entirely flat on dedicated riverside cycling paths.
Is the Danube cycle path easy?
Yes — it's one of the easiest long-distance cycling routes in Europe. Almost entirely flat, paved, and well-signed. Suitable for complete beginners and families.
What is the Wachau Valley?
A 36 km UNESCO World Heritage stretch of the Danube between Melk and Krems. Terraced vineyards, medieval castles, and baroque villages on a flat riverside cycling path. Consistently rated the most scenic section of the entire route.
What is EuroVelo 6?
EuroVelo 6 is a 3,900 km cycling route from the Atlantic to the Black Sea. The Passau–Vienna section is its most popular and best-maintained stretch, with over 100,000 cyclists passing through each year.