Bike & barge tours Danube
Bike and Barge Tours on the Danube
Discover the Danube from a whole new perspective on a bike and barge tour through the heart of Europe. Combining the freedom of cycling with the comfort of a floating hotel, these unforgettable journeys take you through charming riverside towns, historic cities, picturesque vineyards, and beautiful countryside — all without the hassle of packing and unpacking every day.
Populaire bike & boat tours on the Danube
‘The classic one’: a bike & barge tour from Passau to Vienna
Passau to Vienna Bike & Boat Cruise
The Passau to Vienna Bike & Boat Cruise is the most popular Danube cycling holiday and the perfect introduction to combining cycling with river cruising. Over 8 days, you’ll cycle approximately 30–50 km (19–31 miles) per day along mostly flat, well-maintained and signposted bike paths, while your floating hotel follows you along the Danube. The scenic Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its vineyards, charming villages and medieval castles, is the undisputed highlight of the journey.
Highlights
- Passau – the City of Three Rivers
- Schlögener Schlinge – the spectacular Danube Bend
- Melk Abbey – Austria’s magnificent Baroque monastery
- Wachau Valley – vineyards, castles and picturesque villages
- Vienna – Austria’s elegant capital of music, history and culture
This Danube bike cruise from Passau to Vienna is ideal for first-time cycling holidaymakers, couples and anyone looking for a relaxed, active vacation with comfortable accommodation on board. The mostly flat routes, daily luggage-free cycling and ever-changing riverside scenery make this one of Europe’s most enjoyable bike and boat tours.
Passau to Budapest Bike & Boat Cruise
Looking for more variety? The Passau to Budapest Bike & Boat Cruise takes you through three countries in eight days: Germany, Austria and Hungary. Besides cycling through the beautiful Wachau Valley and visiting Vienna, you’ll continue to Bratislava and Budapest, making this the most diverse Danube bike cruise in terms of cities, culture and scenery.
Additional highlights compared to the Passau–Vienna route:
- Bratislava – the charming capital of Slovakia
- Budapest – the vibrant Hungarian capital on the banks of the Danube
Choose this route if you love slow travel and want to combine several iconic European capitals in one unforgettable Danube bike and boat holiday.
Difference between these two Danube bike & boat cruises
| Header label | Passau – Vienna | Passau – Budapest |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 8 days | 8 days |
| Countries | Germany, Austria | Germany, Austria, Hungary |
| Daily distance | 30–50 km | 30–50 km |
| Starting price p.p. | €1,249 | from €799 (Engelhartszell) / €959 (Donauwörth) |
| Suitable for | Beginners, a short introduction | Those who want more variety and cities |
| Highlights | Wachau, Vienna | Wachau, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest |
Our bike & barge tours along the Danube
Danube
Danube bike and barge: Passau to Vienna aboard MS Primadonna
- 8 days
- Bike and Barge Holidays
More information
From p.p.
729,-
Danube
Danube bike and barge tour: Engelhartszell to Vienna – MS Prinzessin Katharina
- 8 days
- Bike and Barge Holidays
More information
From p.p.
899,-
Danube
Danube bike and barge tour Passau–Budapest – MS Prinzessin Katharina
- 8 days
- Bike and Barge Holidays
More information
From p.p.
999,-
Danube
Danube Bike and Barge Tour Passau to Budapest – MS SE-Manon
- 8 days
- Bike and Barge Holidays
More information
From p.p.
1249,-
Why choose a Danube bike and barge tour?
Top reasons to book a Danube bike cruise
- Flat, well-marked cycling routes along the Danube Cycle Path
- No luggage transfers — your floating hotel travels with you
- Comfortable cabins, on-board dining and a sun deck included
- Discover a new city or riverside village every single day
- Perfect for leisure cyclists, beginners and e-bike riders of all ages
What is a Danube bike and boat tour?
On a Danube bike and boat tour, you cycle individual daily stages along the river at your own pace, while your luggage and accommodation travel with you on board the ship. After each cycling stage you step back on board to relax, enjoy dinner and sleep ready for the next day’s ride. This concept, also known as a Danube bike cruise or bike and barge holiday gives you the best of both worlds:
- active outdoor cycling through stunning riverside landscapes
- comfort, ease and relaxation on your floating hotel
What does a typical day on a Danube bike and boat tour look like?
A day on your Danube bike cruise
- Morning: breakfast on board before you set off
- Daytime: scenic cycling stage of approx. 19–37 miles (30–60 km)
- Afternoon: free time to explore a town, castle or vineyard at your own pace
- Evening: dinner and overnight stay on board your floating hotel
Pace and guidance You cycle self-guided and entirely at your own pace. Detailed route descriptions, maps and GPS data are provided on board.
Who is a Danube bike and boat tour suitable for?
Danube bike cruises are perfect for:
- Couples looking for a romantic and active holiday
- Active seniors seeking a comfortable e-bike holiday
- Groups of friends who love cycling and exploring together
- Leisure cyclists who prefer flat, well-marked routes
- Slow travel enthusiasts who want to explore Europe at their own pace
E-bikes are available on virtually all Danube bike and boat tours, making this the ideal e-bike holiday in Europe for all fitness levels and ages.
What is included in a Danube bike and boat tour?
What’s included:
- Multiple departure dates throughout the cycling season
- Overnight stays in a comfortable cabin on board your river cruise ship
- Half board or full board dining on board
- Hire bike or e-bike available on request
- Detailed route descriptions, maps and GPS data
Best time to go on a Danube bike cruise
Danube cycling season: April to October
The best time for a Danube bike and boat holiday is April through October. Spring and autumn offer quieter routes and cooler temperatures, while summer is perfect for long cycling days and evening walks along the riverbank.
