The Slow Danube – Passau to Vienna

The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe's most famous long-distance routes, and the stretch from Passau, on the German border, to the cultural capital Vienna is its finest section. The ride follows flat paths along the mighty Danube, taking in nature and countless historical monuments. This 10-day version is designed for those who want shorter daily stages and more time to explore along the way, arriving in Vienna fully relaxed. The path is flat, paved and well signed throughout.

For centuries the Danube has been a major European thoroughfare, and traces of the many peoples and cultures who passed through remain in the towns along the route: Schärding, Linz, Melk, Grein, Spitz and Vienna itself. From Passau, the route passes the famous Schlögen bend before reaching Linz, with a stop opposite the former Mauthausen concentration camp along the way. Riding continues into the wine-growing Wachau valley and fairy-tale Dürnstein, then Krems and Tulln, with a short final stage to allow maximum time in Vienna.

Highlights:

• Ride the Danube's famous Schlögen bend near Passau
• Pass the former Mauthausen concentration camp memorial site
• Cycle through the wine-growing Wachau valley
• Visit fairy-tale Dürnstein and the towns of Krems and Tulln
• Arrive in Vienna with a short final stage, leaving time to explore
• Flat, fully paved and well-signed path throughout

Surface and terrain:
Entirely flat, paved and well-signed cycle path along the Danube. Rated Level 1 (easiest); the page describes the whole route as easy riding.

Suitable for:
Recreational cyclists of any experience level wanting an easy, relaxed long-distance ride with plenty of sightseeing time.