Danube River by Bike, from Passau to Vienna

Difficulty level 2/5, easy to moderate. Approximately 40 to 70km/24.9 to 43.5mi of cycling per day (up to 78km/48.5mi if you decide to go by bike to Vienna day 6). No technical difficulty. 98% of the route is on cycling paths. There is the possibility and option to shorten the stages daily, by taking either the train or a boat, to make it an easier route.

You only need to carry your essential items for the day (lunch/picnic, water & personal belongings/gear). Your extra luggage is transported by hotels or by taxi to your following accommodations each day of this trip. Bag drop-off is planned for 9am at hotel receptions, delivery time to the next stage is approximately 6:30pm. Bags can be 15 to 20kg/33.1 to 44.1lbs maximum weight. If your baggage is heavier, it is possible to have a second piece of luggage transported at no extra cost. We advise to take a change of clothes in your panniers/saddlebag, because it is possible in rare and unforeseen cases that luggage may be delivered with delay.

Possibility to register from 2 people. It is possible to register as a solo traveler, but there is an additional supplement fee for a single room (subject to availability).

Departure day (day 1 from the trip itinerary) is available starting Friday to Sunday from May 1st to October 10th, 2026. Departures are also possible on Thursday May 14th and June 4th, 2026.

8 Days / 7 Nights / 6 Days of Cycling

Start

On Day 1 in Passau at hotel check-in (~3pm)

Finish

On Day 8 in Vienna after breakfast and hotel check-out (~10am)

Return Vienna to Passau: (on request)

• Return bus transfer every Saturday (May to October) from your hotel in Vienna to the information point/parking of our local correspondent in Passau; arrival in Passau around 1:30pm.
• Or return transfer by train to Passau on the other days of the week (2 hours without change, in 2nd class, free choice of train schedule during the day, transfer to the station by your own means)
• Return transfer of your personal bicycles from Vienna to Passau* (subject to availability, to be booked at the time of registration; bikes with a maximum insured value of €1,500):
• By bus with you on Saturdays (May to October).
• Or by separate transfer on Thursdays, Friday & Saturdays if you are taking the train: you must return your bike to the hotel the day before your departure (before 5pm) and it will be returned to you the next day in Passau around 12pm (supplement fee, see details in options, supplements & discount section)

*The width of your bike tires must be less than 5cm/1.79in.

Please note: Returning by train with your own bike is possible but not recommended (you must carry your luggage and bicycles on the trains, with 1 change in Linz). Booking a train ticket for your bike is mandatory on some trains (to be purchased on site) and places may be limited. We do not arrange transfers from the hotel to the train station. Bringing your own bike(s) is possible, but you are solely responsible. We do not accept any liability for damage to personal bicycles.

This is a self-guided trip. There is no human guide, trip orientation/welcome meeting or rental bike instruction meeting. A digital travel packet that includes a trip information packet with all the needed details about your trip and a list of your accommodations will be sent by email (documents in German, French or English as guest(s) request) before your trip. You will also have a printed travel packet (with roadbook in German, French or English + maps). 1 printed travel packet is provided per room. The printed travel packet will be waiting for guest(s) at the 1st accommodation included in the itinerary.

Accommodation

In double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms in B&B, in 4* (6 nights) & 3* (1 night) hotels or equivalent. Subject to availability, you will be in the city center in the bigger cities and in the immediate vicinity of the Danube cycle path. Single rooms are subject to availability and require a supplement fee.

Hôtel Courtyard by Marriott à Linz

Pension Martha à Grein

Please Note: Accommodation photos are non-contractual. Accommodation may be subject to change. Depending on availability, we can book other hotels of equivalent comfort and standard.

Room Types

Our German and Austrian neighbors are generally unfamiliar with "double beds" (a single large mattress) and rarely with 2 twin beds. Generally, there is a single bed base and two 90cm/35.4in wide mattresses; Everyone has their own duvet. Rooms of 3: this is usually a small extra bed or sofa bed (recommended if the third person in the room is a child. In the case of 3 adults, for reasons of comfort, we advise you to book 1 double room and 1 single room).

Hotel Classification

In Europe, more hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses are refusing to take part in the star-rating system, even establishments which were classified a year or two ago are now choosing not to take part. This doesn't mean that they are of a lesser quality, in fact far from it. If we indicate that an accommodation is '3-star or equivalent to' this means that the establishment may have chosen not to receive an official classification, but we believe the level of comfort provided is equal to that of a traditional 3-star establishment.

Meals

Breakfast included (7) at accommodations. Dinners and lunches are not included.

Half board option: (4 dinners: Day 2, Day 3, Day 5 and Day 7) includes a 3-course meal, in the hotel restaurant or nearby restaurant.

Please Note: Germans and Austrians often dine early; please respect the hours of service they provide as options for half board meals.

Extend Your Trip

It is possible to add nights before, during or after your tour (on request).

Bike rental

These are quality German bikes, from the manufacturers "Kalkhoff" or "Schauff", or equivalent, which will ensure you a bike ride without any breakdowns. 2 panniers per bike of 5L capacity are included.

Hybrid Bike/VTC without back brake: 21/24-speed with freewheel; this is the model we reserve for guests unless they request otherwise.

Hybrid Bike/VTC with back-braking: 7-speed with change in the hub, back brake + 2 classic brakes on the handlebars. Let us know if you would like this model.

Women's Bikes:

-Women's frame, 28 or 26-inch wheel (height less than 1.60m/5.25ft), with 7-speeds and back brake

-Women's frame, 28 and 26-inch wheel (height less than 1.60m/5.25ft), 21-speed or 24-speed without back brake

Men's Bikes:

-Men's frame, 28-inch wheel, 7-speed with back brake, standard size (1.61 to 1.94m/5.3 to 6.36ft) or large size (over 1.94m/6.4ft)

-Men's frame, 28 inches, 21 speed without back brake 21 (height 1.61 to 1.94m/5.3 to 6.36ft) and 24 speed (height over 1.95m/6.4ft)

E-Bikes:

Electric (assisted) bike: ideal if your small group has different physical levels or you just want to take it easier physically on this trip.

-Unisex model, 21kg/46.3lbs, range 70km/43.5mi, 7 or 8 speeds, without back brake, 28-inch wheel, 621Wh battery

-Men's model, weight 21kg/46.3lbs, range 70km/43.5mi, 7 speeds, without back brake, 28-inch wheel, 621Wh battery

Children's Bikes: (on request)

Children's bike, 16-inch wheel, for children from 4 to 5 years old, sizes 1.05 to 1.20m/3.4 to 3.9ft. Children's bike, 18-inch wheel, 3 speeds, for children between sizes 1.10 and 1.20m/3.6 to 3.9ft. Children's bike, 20-inch wheel with 14 speeds, for children between sizes 1.20 and 1.30m/3.9 to 4.3ft. Children's bike, 24-inch wheel with 21 speeds, for children between sizes 1.20 and 1.40m/3.9 to 4.6ft.

"Follow-Me" attachment for children's bikes: (on request) Ideal for children from about 6 years old, who are too big for a child seat, but also too small for safe driving. The child's bike can be harnessed and uncoupled without tools to react quickly to changes in the situation (road, child fatigue, etc.). The "follow me" equipment is equipped with a safety chain, mudguard, adjustable saddle and handlebars. Available only with an adult rental bike, requires good balance from the adult.

Child Trailer: (on request) Small trailer to pull 1 or even 2 children (max. 40kg/88.2lbs). Quality product, German made, with 3- point belt attachment and upholstered seats. Please note that in Austria, wearing a helmet is mandatory for children in tow.

Child Seat: (on request, Free!) For children between 0.5m/1.6ft and 1.13m/3.7ft, not compatible with an e-bike rental.

Trip Starting Destination

This tour starts in Passau, Germany

Trip Ending Destination

This tour ends in Vienna, Austria

By Plane

Arrival to the Munich Airport

Munich Airport is (178km/111mi) from Passau. From the airport, terminal 2, it takes a little less than 2.5 hours to get to Passau by train, with a change in Freising (no need to go to Munich center). If you want to go through the center: The S1 and S8 S-Bahn trains connect the airport with the main train station, Marienplatz or Ostbahnhof. Tickets are available in the central area (level 03) and in terminal 2 (level 03).

For more information, visit: https://www.onlineticket-muenchen.de/ or https://www.mvv-muenchen.de/en/ Munich airport website: https://www.munich-airport.com/

Arrival to the Vienna Airport

ÖBB train from the airport to Passau (220km/136mi): approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes direct journey or 3 hours with a change in Linz or Vienna city center.

For more information, visit: www.oebb.at/en/ 

Vienna airport website: https://www.viennaairport.com/en/passengers

By Train

To Passau Passau is easily reached from all major EU cities and trainlines. Times vary depending on departure city. Return Vienna - Passau Train from Vienna to Passau, every day of the week; approx. 2h40 to 3h20 with change in Linz if you take your bikes and direct otherwise. Be careful if you come back with your personal bikes: the change in Linz is very short (~6 minutes). All you must do is take the next train (train every hour). The train ticket for your bike is at your own expense. It may not be practical to transport the bikes on the train yourself: you must bring your bikes and luggage on board. More information below in "Bike Details" section of this document.

By Car

Parking your car Possibility to park in an unguarded car park on the outskirts of Passau and next to the bike drop-off area (fenced property): NOT BOOKABLE, subject to availability/payable on site.

Or the possibility of underground public parking "Güterbahnhof" (near the Passau train station) - to be paid on site.

Please Note: the above arrival / departure information is given for informational purposes only, subject to availability; all details should be checked before your travels.

Swimming

A number of our trips lend themselves to swimming, either during the stage or at the end of the day. It would be a shame not to take advantage of them. Please note, however, that you are the sole judge of whether or not to go for a swim, and that you do so under your own responsibility and at your own risk.

Travel story

Would you like to share your best moments of the trip and share your experience with the greater Grand Angle hiking community? Send us your story and some photos illustrating your words that we can consider publishing on our Grand Angle blog.

Responsible tourism

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management, both within our company, with our partners, and in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, attests to our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy.

It is the client's responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Cycling Shoes – sport shoes that are comfortable for cycling in.
• Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Cycling Gloves – padded gloves used specifically for cycling.
• Cycling Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Cycling Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Windbreaker Layer – a lightweight wind resistant jacket or pullover
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated "puffy" jacket or warm, lightweight fleece jacket (Note: this item may not be needed in summer months)
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

• Saddlebag – If choosing to use a rental bike or your own on this trip, 2 saddlebags (5L capacity each) are included with trip price.
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra items and casual clothes
• Cycling Helmet – (Note: not mandatory for this trip but highly recommended) comfortable fitting, with rain cover. Not included with the rental
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system (if planning to wear a backpack during cycling) and an additional water bottle
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Map or Phone Holder – Not included with the rental
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour. Along the trail, there may be the need to use natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.) when there are no public toilets available. Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.

• Backpack – a small sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover. Taking a backpack is useful as it makes it easy to carry your belongings when you go on a short walking trip along the way. If your bike has a rack system this bag can be easily attached or even packed within a saddlebag.
• 2-3 Face Masks; 1-2 Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (Note: recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage in Germany and Austria is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are E type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

First Aid Kit Suggestions

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/"KT Tape", Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

"Carry-on Bag(s)": - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.

"Checked Bag(s)": - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your "Carry-on Bag" the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked "Travel Bag" (in case luggage is delayed). Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - "Checked Bag(s)" & "Carry-on Bag(s)": This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle to your lodging, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity at hotels, but not throughout the day. Extra luggage is allowed on this trip beyond the 1 bag requirement. However, maximum weight per bag is 20kg/45lbs.

Saddlebags/bike bag (Provided): All guests will receive 2 bike saddle bags to use during their trip, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.)

Germany, member of the European Union, the capital is Berlin.

Austria, member of the European Union, the capital is Vienna.

Travelers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination. Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

Country Codes:

Germany: +49

Austria: +43

European Emergency: 112

Tourism Office in Germany Visit https://www.germany.travel/en/home.html

Tourism Office in Austria Visit https://www.austria.info/en-gb/

Eastern European Time. Eastern European Time (EET) is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). In the summer: Eastern European Summer Time (EEST)

German in Germany and Austrian in Austria. At least some English is spoken in most areas.

Euro = €