We have done various rides along the Danube - these three trips being the most memorable.
12km south of Passau at Erlau is Gasthof-Hotel zum Edlhof (www.edlhof.de ) We book this one and leave the car there. Ask for a quiet room at the back as it is close to a busy road. It has a good restaurant with typical Austrian/German cuisine and a very pleasant beer garden.
DONAU RADWEG
ERLAU (PASSAU) TO MELK (ROUND TRIP) – 460km
Day 1
To Ashach (60km)
A super ride, all on tarmac, mainly off road except for a few km after Obernzell – but this is a quiet road. After crossing the river by ferry at Schlogen it is a lovely ride beside the river – nicely shaded with trees which is appreciated on a hot day!!! Enjoy a drink stop at Kobling, by a ferry point beside the river.
Day 2
To Mauthausen (60km)
Some lovely scenery along the river. There is a short spell before Linz where you ride along a cycle path beside a very noisy road . . . . having crossed the river at the Kraftwerk before Ottensheim. A beer garden at Abwinden makes a welcome stop – about 10km from Mauthausen.
Day 3
To Ybbs (60km)
Good riding again. After crossing to the south bank at Wallsee it is a lovely, varied ride through countryside and then beside the river. Hossgang, in the Neustadt area is a good stopping place for a drink – peaceful and cool! We spent 2 nights in Ybbs and did a day trip to Melk. But staying the night in Melk would avoid the 30km cycle ride back to Ybbs after all the sightseeing!!!!
Day 4
To Melk and back (60km)
Visit the Benedictine Abbey standing high above the town (there is a bus!), the Abbey church (very ornate) and the Abbey library with it’s many volumes of religious leather bound books.
Day 5
To Wallsee (40km) (from Ybbs)
We did this journey in the rain so probably didn’t appreciate the scenery!! There is a long climb up to the town
Day 6
To Ottensheim (70km)
Along the river and through countryside – nice winding tracks, through villages. A leisurely ride along the Most Strasse (cider road). Perhaps a visit to the Mediaeval old town of Enns.
Day 7
To Wesenufer (60km)
The restaurant at Schlogen is a good place for lunch overlooking the river, before crossing on the ferry and then a short ride to Wesenufer.
Day 8
To Erlau (50km)
Leisurely ride back to Passau (Erlau)
DONAU RADWEG
SIGMARINGEN TO DONAUSCHINGEN (ROUND TRIP – 200km)
This trip is not long but we like the places and there is some pretty spectacular scenery as you ride by the river. Photographers will love the opportunities.
Gastehaus Pfefferle is a good base to leave the car. www.gaestehaus-pfefferle.de
Day 1
To Beuron (35km)
The ride from Sigmaringen starts with a climb on a quiet road. Once up to the church, the ride takes to track, which is up and down with wonderful scenery. The river is wonderful! A good place to stay is www.pelikan-beuron.de
Day 2
To Mohringen (30km)
The beautiful up and down track continues to Mohringen.
Day 3
To Donaueschingen (35km)
The ride is mainly open countryside and enjoyable. There is mini-golf . . . . (something we enjoy when we get off the bikes! And the courses are always quite challenging in Germany! And there is usually food and drink on site!!!) . . . . at Donaueschingen and plenty to do and see. Stay an extra night? We recommend www.hotel-zum-hirschen.de - a very comfortable hotel in Donaueschingen.
Day 4
To Beuron (65km)
Down river going back, so downs beat the ups! Once again a wonderful ride
Day 5
To Sigmaringen (35km)
Once again there are plenty of photo opportunities on the ride
DONAU RADWEG
ERLAU(PASSAU) TO VIENNA (320km)
This is probably one of the most popular rides in Europe. As such, we recommend you book your accommodation prior to your trip. Also book your train journey Vienna back to Passau plus bikes. ( I have to admit, here, that we didn't make it to Vienna as Joyce got sick while at Grein and was laid low for a couple of days. Time restraints meant we couldn't carry on to Vienna and promised ourselves we would do it another time - we never have!! So day 5 & day 6 are not written from experience but we have visited Durnstein & Krems on another occasion when we stayed at Karlstetten near St Poulten and used the car and bikes for day trips in the early days). We got the train back from Grein (no problem). The trains have “very large” purpose built goods vans for the bikes, very impressive! The ride follows the banks of the Danube (Donau) on cycle tracks, often available on both sides of the river. On occasions you will get ferries across the river, which are fun! Plan at least two days in both Passau and Vienna if you have the time. As stated earlier www.edlhof.de is a good base to leave the car.
Day 1
To Ashach 60km
The ferry accross the river at Schlogen is quick and cheap. Schlogen is a good place for a stop and a drink while watching the ferry ply it's trade from a pleasant vantage point on the hotel patio
Then a lovely ride through more beautiful scenery along a shaded track to Aschach.
Day 2
To Mauthausen 60 km
Again, a picturesque route until close to Linz where there is about 5km riding on a cycle path next to a busy road. A good ride through Linz, though, on cycle paths through a riverside park.
Day 3
To Grein 40km
A good and varied ride, along the river, through villages, leafy glades and country tracks.
Day 4
To Spitz 60km
Along a cycle path with sleepy villages along the way. Visit Melk with it's Baroque Benedictine Abbey. Cycle through the Wachau region famous for it's wines.
Day 5
To Tulln 60km
This ride takes in Durnstein with it's ruined castle and Augustinian monastery and the mediaeval town of Krems - both worth a visit.
Day 6
To Vienna (Wien) 40km
An easy ride passing through Klosterneuburg and on to Vienna.