Riviercruiseschip MS Prinzessin Katharina aangemeerd aan de Donau in Bratislava, met zonnedek en stadspanorama op de achtergrond.

Danube

Bike and Barge Holiday Danube: Passau to Budapest

8 days

Bike & Barge Holidays

startdag(en): Saturday

165km

Easy

About this 8-day Danube bike and barge holiday

Experience the charm of Central Europe by bike and boat on this 8-day bike and barge holiday along the Danube. On board the comfortable MS Prinzessin Katharina, you travel from Vienna via Bratislava to Budapest and back to Austria, passing baroque towns, vineyards, UNESCO heritage, and imperial capitals.

Enjoy full board on board every day, including breakfast, packed lunch, and a three-course dinner, while the ship comfortably brings you to the next destination. This journey combines culture, nature, and comfort across three countries.

The cycling routes are suitable for all levels and mainly follow the flat and well-signposted Danube Cycle Path, often directly along the river. Daily stages vary between 35 and 50 km and can be cycled at your own pace. With the option to stay on board for a day, this trip is ideal for recreational cyclists, e-bikers, and beginners who want to enjoy comfortable cycling with plenty of time for culture, gastronomy, and relaxation.

Cycle and cruise through three countries along the Danube, where imperial cities, vineyards, and river landscapes create an unforgettable journey

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View of Bratislava Castle with its four towers above the Danube in Bratislava — a highlight of the Danube bike and barge holiday.

Hungarian Parliament Building on the Danube in Budapest, an impressive landmark during a Danube bike and barge holiday.

Highlights of this Danube bike and barge holiday

During this 8-day bike and barge holiday along the Danube, you discover the best of Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Cycle past famous river landscapes, charming villages, and imperial capitals while MS Prinzessin Katharina comfortably takes you from stage to stage.

Enjoy full board on board, including breakfast, packed lunch, and a three-course dinner, while experiencing the perfect balance of active cycling and relaxed cruising. A unique journey where culture, nature, and comfort meet along the Danube.

Vienna – imperial capital known for grand architecture and traditional coffeehouse culture
Bratislava – charming capital with medieval streets and views over the Danube
Budapest – the Pearl of the Danube with Parliament, the Chain Bridge, and thermal baths
Wachau – UNESCO heritage valley with vineyards, castles, and abbeys
Schlögener Schlinge – spectacular river bend in the Austrian hills
Vác & Visegrád – baroque towns and historic fortresses in the Hungarian Danube valley

Day-by-day itinerary

Discover the Danube in a unique way: by bike and by boat. During this 8-day bike and barge holiday with MS Prinzessin Katharina from Vienna via Bratislava to Budapest and back to Austria, you combine relaxed cycling stages with comfortable cruising. Each day brings new landscapes, historic cities, and unforgettable experiences along the river.

Your journey begins in charming Engelhartszell, near Passau on the banks of the Danube. This atmospheric town is known for Engelszell Abbey and is the ideal starting point of your bike and barge holiday.

After arrival, you check in on board the comfortable four-star MS Prinzessin Katharina, equipped for a relaxing week on the river. In the evening, enjoy your first dinner on board as part of the full-board arrangement. Take a short walk along the promenade or relax on the sun deck while admiring the river views, the perfect beginning of an unforgettable week of culture, nature, and cycling along the Danube.

After breakfast, you start your first cycling stage along the famous Danube Cycle Path, mostly flat and traffic-free. The route leads through peaceful villages and orchards towards Schlögener Schlinge, the spectacular double river bend where the Danube winds deeply through the hills.

Along the way, traditional guesthouses invite you to stop for coffee and apple strudel. In Aschach an der Donau you board the ship again, while in the evening MS Prinzessin Katharina sails towards Vienna. Enjoy a three-course dinner on board as the river landscape slowly passes by.

Today you explore Vienna, the imperial capital of Austria. After breakfast, you can discover the city at your own pace or join an optional cycling tour.

Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg, and Schönbrunn Palace, or stroll along the elegant Ringstraße. Take a break in a traditional Viennese café for Sachertorte and espresso.

In the evening, everyone returns on board MS Prinzessin Katharina for dinner. While you dine, the ship departs towards Budapest, a memorable cruise experience through Central Europe.

This morning you arrive in Budapest, known as the Pearl of the Danube. From the deck you can admire the impressive Hungarian Parliament Building, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle.

Cyclists can choose between a relaxed ride to the artists’ town of Szentendre or exploring Budapest itself. The route follows the Danube through green parks and attractive suburban areas.

After returning on board, enjoy the wellness facilities such as sauna or massage, followed by dinner on MS Prinzessin Katharina. In the evening, the illuminated city creates a magical view from the sun deck.

Today you cycle through the Hungarian Danube Bend, often called the Hungarian Wachau. The route starts in Visegrád, known for its medieval fortress overlooking the Danube.

You follow a scenic route through small villages to the baroque town of Vác, where colourful façades and lively terraces surround the main square. Along the way, you pass orchards and vineyards.

Back in Visegrád, a relaxing afternoon on board awaits, followed by dinner with regional specialities on MS Prinzessin Katharina. End the day on deck with views over the shimmering river.

In the morning you arrive in Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, beautifully located at the foot of the Carpathians. Explore the old town by bike or on foot through winding streets past Grassalkovich Palace and Michael’s Gate.

From Bratislava Castle you enjoy panoramic views across three countries. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in the city or relax with a drink on a terrace along the Danube.

In the evening, MS Prinzessin Katharina continues sailing towards the Wachau valley while the sun sets over the river landscape.

Your final cycling day is an absolute highlight. The Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage region, famous for vineyards, monasteries, and medieval villages.

You cycle through places such as Dürnstein and Spitz, with views of castles and apricot orchards. Along the route, there is time for a wine tasting or a light lunch.

The stage ends in Melk, known for the impressive Melk Abbey. In Pöchlarn you board MS Prinzessin Katharina again for the return cruise to Engelhartszell and enjoy a festive farewell dinner on board.

After breakfast, MS Prinzessin Katharina arrives back in Engelhartszell. Take one final moment to enjoy the view over the Danube before disembarking.

Your journey through three countries along the Danube ends here, leaving you with lasting impressions of culture, nature, and hospitality.

Route Map of this 8-Day Danube Bike Cruise

Discover below the route of this unique bike and barge holiday along the Danube with MS Prinzessin Katharina. The map shows the full itinerary from Vienna via Bratislava and Budapest back to Austria.

During this 8-day bike cruise, you experience three countries along the Danube, a relaxed journey combining culture, nature, comfort, and full board on board.

Map of the Danube cycling route from Engelhartszell via Vienna and Bratislava to Budapest.

Accommodation during your bike and barge holiday

During this 8-day bike and barge holiday from Engelhartszell near Passau to Budapest and back, you enjoy the best of two worlds: active cycling along the famous Danube Cycle Path and relaxed cruising on board MS Prinzessin Katharina.

MS Prinzessin Katharina combines classic elegance with modern comfort. After a day full of impressions through historic cities, vineyards, and river landscapes, a pleasant evening awaits on board with excellent meals, panoramic views over the Danube, and a relaxed atmosphere among fellow travellers. Thanks to the personal service and comfortable setting, every day feels like a small holiday of its own.

Here you will find all information about MS Prinzessin Katharina, the comfortable ship that accompanies you during this bike and barge holiday along the Danube. Discover the facilities on board, cabin types, dining experience, and the relaxed atmosphere that makes travelling by ship such an enjoyable part of the journey.

MS Prinzessin Katharina on the Danube in Bratislava with Most SNP in the background during a bike and barge holiday.

Sights along the route

Engelhartszell

Engelhartszell is a peaceful Austrian village on the Danube where your bike and barge holiday with MS Prinzessin Katharina begins and ends. The village is known for Engelszell Abbey, where monks still produce traditional liqueur and beer. It is the perfect place to start or finish your Danube journey, where tranquillity, nature, and Austrian hospitality come together.

Schlögener Donauschlinge, famous Danube river bend in Austria, highlight along the Danube Cycle Path during bike and boat holidays.

Schlögener Schlinge

Schlögener Schlinge is one of the most spectacular natural highlights along the Danube. Here the river makes two impressive bends through the Austrian hills, creating one of the most scenic sections of the route.

During your bike and barge holiday with MS Prinzessin Katharina, you can admire this natural wonder from a viewpoint or cycle alongside it on the Danube Cycle Path. The silence, panoramic views, and green landscape make this a memorable place for cyclists and nature lovers.

**MS Primadonna sailing past Dürnstein Abbey in the Wachau — a highlight of the Danube bike cruise between Passau and Budapest.

Wachau-valley

Wachau is one of the most scenic stretches along the Danube, famous for vineyards, historic villages, and cultural landmarks. This UNESCO World Heritage region offers a beautiful mix of river landscapes, wine terraces, and medieval charm, making it one of the highlights of your bike and barge holiday.

Vienna

In Vienna you experience the grandeur of the Habsburg era. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the elegant Ringstraße.

Tip: take a break in a traditional Viennese coffee house and enjoy a slice of Sachertorte — a true local classic.

Bratislava

Bratislava lies directly on the Danube and surprises visitors with its atmospheric old town and lively terraces. Visit Bratislava Castle for beautiful views over the river and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Slovak capital.

Budapest

Budapest is the shining highlight of your Danube bike cruise. The Hungarian capital impresses with Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and the thermal baths of Gellért Baths and Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Cycle along the Danube promenade or visit nearby Szentendre, known for its artistic atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy the illuminated city from on board MS Prinzessin Katharina — one of the most memorable moments of this bike and barge holiday.

Esztergom

Esztergom is one of the oldest cities in Hungary and is known for the monumental Esztergom Basilica, rising high above the Danube. From your bike or from the deck of MS Prinzessin Katharina, you enjoy impressive views over this historic city. Inside the basilica, visitors can admire remarkable artworks and mosaics. The route past Esztergom is a cultural and historical highlight of your bike and barge holiday.

Practical information

Travel type: individual bike and barge holiday with on-board support
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Distance: average 35–50 km per day
Level: easy – mostly flat, suitable for recreational cyclists and e-bikers
Total distance: approx. 163–176 km
Start and end point: Engelhartszell (approx. 30 km from Passau)
Departure: weekly on Saturdays, from April to October
Number of passengers: maximum approx. 140 guests on board
Languages on board: German and English
Cycling route: follows the Danube Cycle Path through Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, with stops in Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Wachau, and Schlögener Schlinge

Prices & dates

Prices per person based on double occupancy, including full board and VAT.

Single cabin: limited availability

Triple cabin: on request (suitable for families with one child, 20% child discount up to 13 years)

Included

7 nights on board MS Prinzessin Katharina in an outside cabin with private bathroom (shower/WC)
Journey according to itinerary from and to Engelhartszell
Full board: 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches for cyclists or light lunch on board for non-cyclists, 6 afternoon coffee/tea breaks, 6 three-course dinners, and 1 farewell dinner with welcome drink
Daily cabin cleaning, towel and bed linen change when needed
Welcome drink and captain’s dinner
Information meeting and daily briefing about the cycling stages
On-board assistance by experienced tour leaders
Digital travel documents via the GUIBO app, including route descriptions, GPS tracks, and practical information
All harbour and passenger charges
Use of on-board facilities including restaurant, lounge, bar, sun deck, massage corner, and reading area
Cycling routes along the Danube Cycle Path through Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary

Not included

Travel to and from Engelhartszell
Bike rental
Helmet
Single cabin supplement: +40% (limited availability)
Entrance fees, excursions, city tours, and ferries along the route
Tips for crew and tour guide (optional, guideline €7–10 per person per day)
Drinks on board (soft drinks, wine, beer, coffee, etc.)
Parking in Engelhartszell
Optional transfer Passau ↔ Engelhartszell
Travel, luggage, and cancellation insurance

Optional extras

Make your bike and barge holiday even more comfortable with the extras below.

Prices are per person, including VAT.

Extra / Supplement	Price	Remarks

Rental bike, 7 gears (unisex)

€109

Includes pannier bag and insurance

Rental e-bike, 8 gears

€241

Limited availability

Bringing your own bike

€54

On request only, limited spaces

Child discount (up to 13 years, in triple cabin with 2 adults)

20% discount

Applies to one child

Bike helmet (UVEX I-VO)

€50

Available for purchase on board, limited stock

Bus transfer Passau ↔ Engelhartszell (without bike)

€55

Per person, one way

Parking space (open-air, 7 nights)

€83

Video monitored

Private garage (7 nights)

€105

Suitable for cars with bike rack

Tip: we are happy to arrange your parking space in Passau in advance, so you can board MS Prinzessin Katharina without worries and start your Danube bike cruise in complete comfort. Please indicate at the time of booking if you would like to use this parking service.

Practical information

During this 8-day bike and barge holiday with MS Prinzessin Katharina, you discover three countries — Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary — in one relaxed cycling cruise. You travel from Engelhartszell via Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest and back again, passing scenic river landscapes, UNESCO heritage, and imperial capitals.

Reisinformatie

Travel type: individual bike and barge holiday with on-board support
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Distance: average 35–50 km per day (total approx. 163–176 km)
Level: easy – mostly flat, ideal for recreational cyclists and e-bikers
Start and end point: Engelhartszell (approx. 30 km from Passau)
Departure: weekly on Saturdays, from April to October 2026
Number of passengers: maximum approx. 140 guests on board
Minimum number of participants: 80 guests (confirmed at least 21 days before departure)
Languages on board: German and English
Ship: MS Prinzessin Katharina – comfortable 4-star bike ship with panoramic restaurant, lounge, bar, reading corner, and sun deck
Cycling route: follows the Danube Cycle Path through Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, with stops in Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Wachau, and Schlögener Schlinge
Meals: full board including breakfast, packed lunch or light lunch, afternoon coffee/tea, and three-course dinner
Helmet use: recommended for all cyclists; mandatory for children up to 12 years in Austria and up to 15 years in Slovakia
Bringing your own bike: allowed on request (e-bikes only with removable battery)
Digital travel guide: via the free GUIBO app with route descriptions, GPS tracks, and practical information (available offline)
Travel documents: valid passport or ID card (minimum 6 months valid after return)
Suitability: not suitable for persons with limited mobility

What to bring
Comfortable cycling clothes, rain gear, sun protection, gloves, and sturdy shoes are essential. A helmet is strongly recommended and mandatory for children up to 12 years old. A safety vest is also recommended and required in Austria during twilight or poor visibility.

Cycling and route
You mainly cycle along the famous Danube Cycle Path, a flat and well-maintained route directly beside the Danube. The itinerary passes historic towns, vineyards, and UNESCO heritage sites. You cycle individually at your own pace while your luggage remains comfortably on board. Rental bikes (7 gears) and e-bikes (8 gears, Velo de Ville, SE-Tours edition) are available, including pannier bag and insurance.

On board MS Prinzessin Katharina
Enjoy the comfort of this elegant 4-star bike ship. You stay in a modern outside cabin with private bathroom (shower/WC), air conditioning, TV, and minibar. On board you will find a panoramic restaurant, lounge, bar, reading corner, massage room, and sun deck. The kitchen serves fresh Austrian and international dishes every day.

Digital travel guide
All travel information, harbour details, and cycling routes are available in the GUIBO app, including GPS tracks, route maps, and practical tips. The app also works offline, which is especially useful during your cycling stages.

Parking & Transfer

Parking is available in Engelhartszell:

Open-air parking with video surveillance: €75 per week
Private garage (also suitable for cars with bike rack): €95 per week

A transfer bus from and to Passau (without bike) is also available for €50 per person.

Please indicate at the time of booking if you would like to use the parking service or transfer. We are happy to arrange this in advance, so you can board MS Prinzessin Katharina in complete comfort.

Best Time to Travel

The cycling season runs from April to October. In spring, you enjoy blooming riverbanks along the Danube, in summer long sunny days, and in autumn the atmosphere of the wine harvest in Wachau.

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