Danube Cycle Path with Children: From Passau to Vienna

This is where your journey begins. With your bikes, you'll take the train to Passau, the classic starting point of the Danube Cycle Path.

Passau lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers and has a compact old town with narrow lanes that's easy to explore on foot. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses one of the largest cathedral organs in the world, and its lunchtime concerts are a hit with children too. From the viewpoint at Veste Oberhaus, you can look out over all three rivers.

A centrally located hotel right on the Danube with bike-friendly facilities and a lockable bike room. From here, you'll set off comfortably on the first stage the next morning.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The mighty fortress above Passau was built from 1219 onwards and today houses a museum on the city's history. The viewing tower offers the best view of where the three rivers meet. The climb up is a great little warm-up before getting on your bikes.

The path along the left bank of the Danube runs almost flat and traffic-free through dense riverside meadows, with views of the wooded slopes. Along the way, there are quiet gravel coves where you can rest and dip your feet in the water. A gentle first stage to ease into the trip.

A traditional inn on the market square of this small Danube town, with secure bike storage and regional cuisine. A quiet spot right on the river, ideal for a relaxed evening by the water.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The border town of Engelhartszell is home to Austria's only Trappist monastery, with a magnificent Rococo abbey church. The monastery shop sells beer brewed on site and homemade liqueurs. A good spot to park the bikes and catch your breath.

At the Schlögener Schlinge, steep slopes force the Danube into a sharp double bend, creating one of the most impressive landscapes along the whole cycle path. From the bank, the river looks almost like a lake nestled between the hills. A short walk to the viewpoint is well worth it, or you can simply swim from the gravel bank.

A historic little castle right on the Danube with bike-friendly facilities and views over the water. The small market town of Aschach has a lovely riverside promenade lined with baroque houses, perfect for an evening stroll.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The route continues flat and well surfaced along the riverbank, with views of green riverside woodland. Rest areas and swimming spots keep tempting you to stop along the way. Just before Linz, the valley opens out.

This museum of the future, right on the Danube, lets children try out robots, virtual reality and interactive experiments. After days spent out in nature, it's a welcome change of pace on a rainy or hot afternoon. The terrace offers a lovely view over the river.

A modern, centrally located hotel with a lockable bike room and a quiet spot near the Neuer Dom. From here, you can reach the old town and the Danube promenade on foot in just a few minutes.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Linz's local hill is easily reached by the steep funnel railway and offers panoramic views over the city and the Danube valley. At the top, you'll find the Grottenbahn, a charmingly designed fairy-tale world of dwarves that particularly delights younger children. A relaxed morning without any cycling gear.

Enns is considered one of Austria's oldest towns, with Roman roots and a striking town tower on the main square that you can climb. The Museum Lauriacum tells the story of the Roman era through vivid exhibits. A good stopover or day trip destination.

The baroque Augustinian monastery of St. Florian impresses with its magnificent halls and a huge organ once played by the composer Anton Bruckner. The guided tours are easy for children to follow too. A short detour away from the river that's well worth it.

This picturesque little town at the start of the Strudengau is home to Austria's oldest still-active community theatre, housed in the town hall. Overlooking the town, Schloss Greinburg sits proudly with a summer courtyard and sweeping views of the Danube. The riverside promenade is perfect for a stroll or a swim.

A family-run house on the town square with secure bike storage and a cosy inn-style dining room. Its location right on the Danube makes evening walks by the water easy.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

High above the Danube stands the sprawling ruin of Aggstein, once home to robber-baron lords. From the keep and the legendary little rose garden, you get a breathtaking view over the Wachau valley. The climb up is an adventure for children, though it can also be skipped and admired from the riverbank.

The golden glow of Stift Melk, a Benedictine monastery, is one of Europe's most important baroque buildings, crowning the cliff above the town. The magnificent library and abbey church are awe-inspiring, and the extensive monastery gardens give plenty of room to run around. A fitting highlight shortly before Vienna.

A centrally located house with a view of the monastery and secure bike storage. The small old town and the Danube are both a short walk away.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Probably the best-known village in the Wachau, with its blue-and-white monastery tower and the ruined castle where King Richard the Lionheart was once held captive. The narrow lane lined with wine taverns and the climb up to the ruin make this a real experience. From the top, the view stretches far across the Danube valley.

This lively town at the end of the Wachau has an attractive pedestrian zone, the Steiner Tor as its landmark, and good train connections. From here, the train takes you and your bikes comfortably to Vienna. A lovely way to round off the cycling stages.

Arrival in Vienna after the train journey from Krems. From here, the city centre is quickly reached, and your journey home can be planned flexibly.

A classic city hotel near the Naschmarkt with bike storage available on request. Centrally located, so you can enjoy the end of your trip in Vienna's city centre.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here