Schaerding - Vienna

Welcome briefing and bike fitting. Stroll through the quaint baroque town of Schärding and try to find out what the name of the inn “Zur Bums’n” means. If you can tell the host the story behind the inn's name, he will buy you a beer...

You will cycle along the river Inn to the three river city, Passau. Here, we recommend a short city tour or a visit to the cathedral, where you can listen to the largest church organ in the world (except Sundays and holidays). Then, you will continue your journey along the Danube via Obernzell to Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria, liquor tasting) and further through the nature reserve Donauleiten.

Today, you will reach the Schlögen bend on its northern side. Here, Europe’s second largest river is forced by the granite of the Bohemian Massif into a unique 180° turn.  You will have time to watch this natural phenomenon whilst having a ferry ride to the other side of the river. Following the motto, “In Linz beginnt’s” (“It starts in Linz”) you can begin your city tour in one of the many restaurants in the historic old town.

On the fourth day, you will take a little detour away from the course of the Danube to Enns. In Enns, you can go to the town square with its 60 metre town tower, which is the landmark of the oldest town in Austria. Alternatively, you can visit the archaeological collection in the municipal museum Lauriacum. In the beautiful baroque town of Grein you will have the opportunity to get an impression of the oldest still performing city theatre in Austria. Additionally, you can visit the maritime museum or Greinburg castle.

The Strudengau – once feared by the sailors – is now awaiting the cyclists. Where once the currents of the Danube had to be fought against, it is now possible to cycle comfortably along. In Maria Taferl and Melk you can see magnificent churches located high above the Danube, which attract thousands of visitors each year.

You will continue your tour to the 1,000-year-old town of Krems. On the way, the monastery Göttweig, located high above the Danube, leads the way to the flowery city of Tulln.

Your tour ends in the Danube metropolis of Vienna. Don’t forget to visit the “Wurstelprater”, the vibrant entertainment area of Vienna’s Prater and experience its positive mood. In the famous “Schweizerhaus” restaurant you can enjoy a piece of “Stelze” (knuckle of pork) and regain your energy for further city explorations.