Danube River
Passau to Budapest — Europe's great river route.
The Danube Cycle Path is one of the world's most celebrated bike routes. Castles, vineyards, abbeys, and imperial cities unfold along the riverbank as your boat carries you downstream.
Why the Danube is a bucket-list ride
The EuroVelo 6 along the Danube is almost entirely flat and well-signposted, making it ideal for all fitness levels. You ride through four countries — Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary — each with its own food, wine, and architecture. The river does the heavy lifting; you just pedal and enjoy.
Cities and stops along the way
Passau, Germany
The starting point for most tours — a baroque city at the confluence of three rivers, with a stunning hilltop fortress.
Wachau Valley, Austria
A UNESCO World Heritage landscape of terraced vineyards, medieval abbeys, and the ruins of Dürnstein Castle.
Vienna, Austria
The imperial capital. Most tours include a full rest day — enough time for the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Schönbrunn, and a coffee house.
Budapest, Hungary
The grand finale. Arrive by boat to one of Europe's most dramatic skylines — the Parliament, the Chain Bridge, and the thermal baths.
A sample 10-day itinerary
Day 1
Passau — embark
Arrive in Passau and board your river ship. Evening welcome dinner and orientation.
Day 2
Passau to Linz
First full day of cycling along the Inn and Danube rivers into Upper Austria. Moor in Linz.
Day 3
Linz to Grein
Through the Strudengau gorge — one of the most dramatic stretches of the entire route.
Day 4
Grein to Melk
Arrive in the Wachau Valley. Visit the magnificent Melk Abbey perched above the river.
Day 5
Melk to Krems
The heart of the Wachau — vineyards, apricot orchards, and Dürnstein's blue church tower.
Day 6
Krems to Vienna
Cycle into the Austrian capital. Afternoon and evening free to explore at your own pace.
Day 7
Vienna — rest day
Full day in Vienna. Optional guided city tour or explore independently.
Day 8
Vienna to Bratislava
A shorter ride across the border into Slovakia's compact and underrated capital.
Day 9
Bratislava to Esztergom
Cross into Hungary. Esztergom's basilica — the largest church in Hungary — dominates the skyline.
Day 10
Esztergom to Budapest — disembark
Final ride into Budapest along the Danube Bend. Farewell lunch on board before disembarking.
Itineraries vary by operator and departure. Bob can walk you through the specific options available for your dates.
Good to know before you go
How difficult is the cycling?+
Passau to Vienna or Passau to Budapest?+
What kind of boat is it?+
When is the best time to go?+
Ready to ride the Danube?
Bob can compare ships, cabin grades, and departure dates — and tell you honestly which operators are worth the premium.
Talk with Bob