|
What'sNew
Welcome to our new websiteThis website displays best and works faster with the Microsoft Explorer web browser.
CurrentNews
Click on any picture in this website to enlarge it.
Then click on the back arrow to return.
RecentEvents
New Irish ToursAfter searching for many years we have found an Irish partner with some very original tours in the west Ireland's Connemara and Burren regions. Please check them out. More.... NewsLetter
|
|
WORLDVENTURES GUIDED OR SELF-GUIDED BICYCLE TOUR AUSTRIA & GERMANY
Cycling Along the Danube Austria & Germany
The Danube River Bicycle Path
Passau to Vienna - The Classic Tour
From Germany through Austria following the road of the CHRISTIANS, DUKES AND HEROES
The World's Most Popular Bike Path
Austria must be the country most completely connected by bicycle paths in the world. You can cycle almost anywhere and hardly touch a road. This tour is no exception. The entire route is on bicycle paths and a few quiet country roads. Well marked with directional signs for the cyclist, it is almost impossible to get lost. The route from Passau, Germany to Vienna, Austria follows the Danube river always slightly downhill and with the prevailing winds at your back. It just doesn't get easier than this... or more pleasurable, due to the catering of the towns and villages to cycling tourists. Here it is easy to mingle with the locals and to meet people from all over Europe fulfilling a lifelong dream of "Cycling the Danube".
Only in Roman times was the Danube a cultural barrier. Later the Danube was an axis along which different movements and events, such as the migration of the peoples, the conversion to Christianity and the establishing of empires, took place. This region has always been marked by the fusion of the East and the West. The Danubian Bike Trail between Passau and Vienna is regarded as Europe's most popular bike route, and with good reason. Hardly any other part of the Danube Valley offers such
a
variety of culture and scenery and such a
density of historical sights.
Remote valleys, fertile plains and steep vineyards as well as neat farmhouses and splendid monasteries characterize this lovely area. The meander of the Danube at Schlogen, Melk Abbey and the Wachau are landmarks of this bike route, which is about 220 miles long. From Passau to Lintz the Danube flows past the densely wooded slopes of a narrow valley between the Bavarian Woods and the Sauwald to Schlogen. After that is flows through sheer cliffs of granite then smoothes out into the kitchen garden of upper Austria, the fertile, Eferdinger Becken area. Melk to Vienna is often regarded as the real highlight of this tour. The gentle, cheerful atmosphere of the Wachau valley is beyond compare.. vineyards as far as the eye can see and Austria's best wines all along the road. Centuries of wine growing have created terraces on the steep slopes which make one think of stairs leading straight into heaven. After' Krems the scenery changes to large fluvial forests and, after the Vienna Gate, you pass through the Vienna Woods following the Schubert bikeway and reach the journeys end in the center of Vienna.
Tour Profile: Well equipped bike path completely paved from one end to the other, mostly directly along the Danube. Completely flat, this tour is especially recommended for children and for bike-tour beginner.
Highlights: Return to Top
Click to See: Tour Price - Departure Days - What's Included - Reserve this tour
The Itinerary: Return to Top
Day 1 - Arrival in Passau Independent arrival to Passau. Use any extra time for a walk through the picturesque old part of town, or take a boat cruise around this city of 3 rivers (not included). Early in history the three-river-town of Passau was already called one of the most beautiful towns of Germany. Its unique location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Liz rivers has made it a centre of culture. Around 460 A.D. St. Severin founded a monastery. Later Passau became a diocesan town. The townscape has preserved some of its glorious past even though many buildings were destroyed in the fire of 1662. On the Gothic ruins a new town was built in Italian baroque style. The cathedral is the largest sacral baroque structure north of the Alps. It houses the world's biggest organ and you can hear concerts on working days from noon to 12: 30 pm. Spend an afternoon strolling about and in the evening join in the fun at one of the local beer gardens. Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. bike hand over - or for late arrivals, the next morning.
Day 2 - Passau to Schlogun Loop/surroundings 44km/28mi You cycle through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlogen. In Engelhartszell you can visit the only " Trappisten" Monastery in Austria, where you can taste very good liqueurs. You cycle on through the impressive Danube loop, where the river makes an about turn of 180 degree.
After the hamlet of Parz the path runs through pastures and woodland 'till you reach Faberhof Inn. The road ascends slightly but the marvelous view of the ruined castle of Krampelstein and the valley makes up for the strain.
Before Obernzell, the valley broadens and soon you roll across the large market square of the village. For a long time the village was called Hafnerzell because of the great number of Hafners, i.e. potters, working here. The excellent pottery museum in the castle recalls this tradition. In front of the castle, you turn to the river. The Danube Valley which is lying ahead is even more beautiful than the one just passed. Opposite you can see Vichtenstein Castle, an impressive fortress dating from the 12th century. Behind it the Hougstein, the highest mountain of the foothills of the Alps.
Following the northern bank, always close to the river, the path leads to the Germany/Austrian border. In front of you the legendary Rock of Jochenstein rises out of the Danube. Legend has it that this rock is the home of the water-nymph Isa, who is Loreley's sister. A ferry takes you and your bike to Engelhartszell on the other side of the river. The village with the only Trappist monastery of Austria is certainly worth visiting. The Abbey was founded as a Cistercian Abbey in 1293. It was closed by Emperor Joseph II in 1786 and then re-established by Trappist monks who had been expelled from Alsace in 1925.
Now follow the Treppelweg bike path, where horses used to pull boats upstream in the past, and cycle a scenic route to Kramesau, an old farmstead . As you enter the riverside forest, the valley narrows and you follow the meander of Schlogen where extensive forests protected by steep slopes give the impression of nature untouched by civilization. Spend the night in Schlogon, where the Danube flows back towards Passau for a short distance.
Day 3 - Schlogen Loop/surroundings to Linz 53km/33mi Between the banks of the Danube there are small passenger ferries waiting for you to take them. Enjoy this special experience. Next you cycle through the slowly widening fertile basin of Eferdinger basin to Linz, the upper Austrian capital and the European Culture Capital of 2009. Between Schlogen and Obermuhl a quiet winding road takes you through shady forests and past the ruined castle of Haichenbach with its impressive tower.
Beyond the next bend of the river you can see Obermuhl and its impressive silo dating from the Renaissance with a hat shaped roof.
On the other side, east of Untermohl, the massive chain tower of Neuhaus Castle appears. It is one of the most impressive fortifications in the Upper Austrian Danube Valley with fine Renaissance buildings which are still lived in. At Kaiserhof Inn you can take a rest while enjoying the view of the river.
Approaching Linz the keep of Ottensheim Castle is getting more and more impressive on the opposite side.
Take a rest at one of the river-side inns before you go on to Linz. Then cross the bridge and bike straight on till you arrive at the main square of Linz with its Trinity column. There is hardly any modern city with an old town as well-preserved as that of Linz.
At a time when salt and iron dominated the world market, the small Roman camp Lentio was extended and a huge market square added. Emperor Maximilian's "Brockenbrief" of 1497 started the development which made Linz and its fairs known all over Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Enjoy the summer evening with a shopping tour around the lovely main square of the City. Day 4 - Linz to Grein/surroundings 65km/41mi Tip: Make an excursion to Enns, the oldest city of Austria. You cycle through the Celt village Mitterkirchen, the church in Baumgartenberg and the romantic castle Clam. At the end of the day, you reach the beautiful baroque town Grein, where you can visit the oldest theatre of Austria.
Along the way, cycle to St. Florian and its Augustinian Abbey, the finest baroque building in Austria. This magnificent baroque church is a masterpiece, it houses Austria's largest organ. In the Middle Ages the monastery become the spiritual and economic centre of this region. The writers' and painters' school was very famous and Anton Bruckner, organist of the monastery from 1845 to 1855, helped to increase St. Florian's importance.
Enns , Austria's oldest town, is famous for its history and for a number of interesting monuments. Once a Roman settlement called Louriacum, it was given municipal rights in 1212. The northern route turns away from the Danube and runs via Mauthausen. On the way, you can make and excursion to the former concentration camp.
Follow the way downstream through a dense forest. Now the tour of the scenic Strudengau starts. The valley narrows, "The eye of the needle", a giant whirlpool, once feared by sailors, approaches. You soon come to the Danube Bridge of Grein the destination of today's stage, home to Austria's oldest city-theater. Explore the castle at Grein. Enjoy a coffee and something sweet at the local konditorei, a well known stop for cyclists along this famous ri
Day 5 -Grein/surroundings to Melk/Emmersdorf 51km/32mi A lazy day pedaling slowly through the peaceful Wauchau valley following the wine route, visiting the wineries, chatting with the vintners and sampling the wines. High over the Danube stands the pilgrimage church of Maria Taferl. Take a while to explore the Benedictine Monastery at Melk, the largest Baroque building in the world. Spend the night here at this marvelous place on the Danube.Day 6 -Melk/Emmersdorf to Krems/Traismauer 49/59km/25/37mi Cycle through tiny villages and savor the beauty and the peacefulness of the legendary Wauchau valley with its fine wines and the many legends made famous by Wagner. You can find wine terraces, apricot trees, and castles and monasteries between them. Explore Keunringer Castle where Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom for a year when returning from the crusades. During your travel to Krems you cycle through the attractive wine places of Spitz, Weissenkirchen and Durnstein. Along the way you see cozy taverns, where you can enjoy the Austrian hospitality. Follow the bicycle path along the Danube past fields of wild flowers, vineyards and wineries to Krems and on to Traismauer where we you will spend one last night in this enchanted land, beautiful beyond description.
Day 7 -Krems/Traismauer to Tulln to Vienna 45/85km/28/53mi With the train you leave the unique cultural landscape of this UNESCO world heritance region. In Tulln you start your last leg of cycling. The main route stays on the southern bank and runs via Greifenstein and Klosterneuburg to the inner city of Vienna. Bike under the bridge in Tulln and follow the dam to Greifenstein. After biking round the port, you can have a swim at the Aubad on your right. Here you can also branch off to Greifenstein. The way is paved throughout. The fine houses, some of them already in the Vienna Country House style, are towered by the old castle.
You bike along the river, which turns to the south and passes the Vienna Gate. Then the Treppelweg bike path leaves the river and runs along a small brook, the Klosterneuburg Durchstich. you bike straight on to Klosterneuburg. Before you continue your tour to Vienna, you should not miss the magnificent abbey of Klosterneuburg. The impressive building dominates the townscape and is framed by the wooded slopes of the Kahlenberg .
Excellent wines are served in the famous wine bars along the way as well as in Kahlenbergerdorf, a wine growing village, with wine bars and romantic staircases.
The route to the city centre runs along the bikeway. It is hardly possible to miss the way. You cross a park and go along the Danube for a short time. Then you leave the river and follow the Donaukonal (channel). Follow the Donaukanal Bikeway and pass countless bridges. Now you have reached the inner city of Vienna, a city full of wonderful sights and experiences.
Music is the soul of the city with concerts and operas jamming the schedule. Visit the wine and coffee houses, Beethoven's home, Mozart's house, the Hofburg Imperial Palace and Marie Antoinette's childhood home: Shonbrunn palace. Spend an evening absorbing this magical place.
Day 8 - Vienna Breakfast and departure. Train ride back to Passau if you drove (A bus transfer with own bikes is possible with a surcharge of Euros 27).... or if you can stay, Bratislava, Slovakia is just 30 miles downstream and Budapest is just two hours by hydrofoil. You could be back for dinner.
Overnight Itinerary - Passau, Schlogen, Linz, Grein, Melk or Emmersdorf, Krems/Traismauer, Vienna SELF-GUIDED BICYCLE INN TOUR
Season 1: Daily from April 14 to April 20 and from September 29 to October 13 Season 2: Daily from April 21 to May 11 and from September 1 - September 28 Season 3: Daily from May 12 to August 31 Return to Top
All prices are per person sharing a double room in B&B (Includes all breakfasts)
TOUR # AUB-14262/C - Cat C - 8 DAYS - $625 (Season 1) - $750 (Season 2) - $775 (Season 3)
Single Supplement - $200
In Category C "Comfort rooms" in typical Austrian inns: 3* and sometimes good 2* inns
Half-Board supplement: Includes 6 dinners (dinner is not included in Vienna) - $150
TOUR # AUB-14261/B- Cat B - 8 DAYS - $725 (Season 1) - $890 (Season 2) - $850 (Season 3)
Single Supplement - $225
In Category B "Comfort rooms" 3 and 4 star hotels
Half-Board supplement: Includes 6 dinners (dinner is not included in Vienna) - $185
Tour # AUB-14262/A - Cat A - 8 DAYS - $790- (Season 1) - $890 (Season 2) - $975 (Season 3)
Single Supplement - $260
In Category A "Comfort rooms" 4 star hotels or best 3 star hotel in town
Half-Board supplement: Includes 6 dinners (dinner is not included in Vienna) - $210
Departure dates: Every day from 14 April to 13 October
Additional Charges: (Must be reserved at booking time) Helmet rental - payable locally 15 euros Reduction for "no return" to Passau - $35 Supplement for sending train ticket before arrival $20 Supplement for bus ride Vienna to Passau - Only possible in season 3 - (includes "own"bike Wednesday - Sunday 8 and 9 am payable locally 28 euros Transfer Munich Airport - Hotel Passau (collecting transfer) or return 51 euros Ship passage Vienna-Passau: 3 days/2 nights, Thu-Sat, Fri-Sun in 2 bed cabin incl. full board $300 (porterage of own bike on ship $15) Return to Top
Bicycles: 21-speed unisex touring bikes, pannier, odometer. Children's bike, child's trailer, child seat available.
ELECTRIC POWERED BICYCLE: You can add the use of an electric motor to do some of the work for you. Our "Fivers" (a Swiss Product) increases the pedaling power 3 fold. This way bikers with different sportif conditions can book a bike tour together.
•
Electric powered bicycle rental - $180
Discounts for children up to 14 years in double with 2 full paying
adults (additional bed):
Discount for 3rd adult
in double room -10% off tour price- accommodation in double room (with extra bed) with 2 full-paying adults
Extra night in Passau*: Cat C 3*star Inn $70/person double room (single supplement - $30) Cat A/B 4* Hotel $90/person in double room (single supplement - $30)
Extra night in Vienna*: Cat C 3* Inn $90/person double room (single supplement - $45) Return to Top Cat A/B 4* Hotel $100/person (single supplement - $45) 4* hotel city center $115/person (single supplement - $45)
*Hotel reservations for extra nights must be reserved at booking time for the tour
HOTELS:
Category
A:
Comfort rooms in 4* hotels,
sometimes the best 3* hotel in town
Category B:
Comfort rooms in 3* & 4* Hotels and Inns (4* in Passau, Linz and
Vienna) Category C: "Comfort" rooms in typical inns: 3* and sometimes 2* good inns
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
EXCLUSIONS: The insurances, admission fees, ferries ( except the services which are included) the transfers from and to the airport, the beverages, the lunches and dinners, items of a personal nature such as telephone and laundry. Transfer of own bikes Vienna to Passau after tour.
DOSSIER: On the first day of the tour you will be given maps, road book, fact sheets and tourist information.
IN CASE OF BREAKDOWN - We do not intervene for flat tires. However, should any breakdown occur that prevents the completion of the days journey we will make repairs on the road. A phone number will be provided. Return to Top Reserve this tour Return to Bicycle Tour Finder |
|
|
WORLD-CLASS BICYCLE TOURS
|
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
