We are pleased that you are interested in a holiday on the Danube, probably the most European river, and offer you a variety of information:

The “Blue Danube” is world-famous. What was it that persuaded Strauss to commemorate the Danube in a piece of music? This question answers itself, if one has ever cycled along its river banks. It shows a different face for every leg of the journey. It is best to start at the Danube's source and follow its progress to Budapest. Instead of mastering the whole stretch in one holiday, it might be a good idea to do a different leg of the journey every year as to get an idea of this fascinating river.

The Danube originates in a castle park
Europe's second longest river has its “inofficial” source in the park of the Fürstlich Fürstenbergisch castle in Donaueschingen, the water is collected in a magnificently adorned, circular well from the 18th century. Mother Baar is enthroned over the well, leading the way to her young daughter - the Danube - and thereby also giving the right direction to the cyclists.
Connoisseurs of the Danube are particularly fond of the stretch between its source and the Hohenzollern city of Sigmaringen. Wild sheer rock walls, capped by castle ruins that resemble crow nests, set the scene for this cycle path in this unspoilt landscape. The Bavarian landscape has a quieter feel to it, the valley is broader, the mountains less steep. Historical residences stand side by side on the river bank. On your way you pass Ulm, which has the world’s highest church steeple, Ingolstadt which is known as historical fortress and is today dominated by its car industry, the abbey Weltenburg, which is a popular destination for pilgrims and beer-lovers and not forgetting the UNESCO world heritage city of Regensburg. In Lower Bavaria the Danube meanders between broad hop fields to the right and the first mountain ridges of the Bavarian forest to the left. In the residence of Passau, which is known for its baroque buildings, the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz meet, and form a glorious composition of blue, green and brown, flowing towards Austria together.

Under the red-white-red flag
Upstream from Passau the Danube flows through Austria and it seems Johann Strauss's waltz "The Blue Danube" is audible. Linz, European Capital of Culture 2009, invites you to visit the "Pöstlingberg", a 539 meter high hill. You then cycle through the romantic landscape of the Schlögener Schlinge, the Nibelung district and the Wachau, where you can find tiny wine villages set upon steep, sun-kissed vineyards, guarded by bold fortresses, mighty abbeys and monasteries. The architectural highlight is without doubt the baroque Benedictine monastery "Melk", which lies high above the Danube and is the Wachau's emblem and part of the UNESCO world heritage. You reach Vienna by cycling through the flat "Tullnerfeld", which is a basin stretching on either side of the Danube from Krems to the "Wiener Pforte". The charming atmosphere of Austria's capital is world famous. One should definitely spend a few days here as to truly appreciate the city's incredible splendour. A tour with a "Fiaker", Vienna's famous horse drawn cabs, should be compulsory and provides a great possibility to get a good first impression of this magnificent metropolis.

Gulasch and Peppers
Despite Vienna being incredibly beautiful, you should definitely cycle on, as the Slovakian and Hungarian stretch of the Danube is unique. Wide meadows, cornflower and poppy fields, as far as the eye can see, the capital Bratislava, dreamy farming villages and small, time-honoured towns line the banks of the Danube. You can find many cosy spots for a spontaneous picnic. We assure all those who don't speak Hungarian fluently, that communication in German and English isn't a problem. Rewarding highlight of the tour is Budapest. The city is still influenced by the glamour of the monarchy. Pest's lively atmosphere contrasts the with small old town alleys to be found around the castle hill and the palace of Buda. A suggestion for the end of your journey: Just like in Vienna it is customary in Hungary's capital to go for a coffee and an enticingly sweet piece of cake at one of the coffee houses. Also you should visit the thermal springs, which were already enjoyed by the Romans - a relaxing and beneficial bath is ideal after a long journey.