Germany & Austria: Regensburg to Vienna Bike Tour

Begin your adventure at the Danube’s most northern point in Germany in the attractive city of Regensburg, whose charmingly medieval core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit its 16-arch bridge, 13thc. cathedral, and the 19thc. neoclassical Walhalla monument if you arrive a little early. We will meet you here first thing this morning. After fitting your bikes and introducing the ride, you will leave Germany’s “Medieval Miracle”, to embark on a serene week of riding down this quintessentially European river, the Danube. LD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)

Hotel Gasthof Höttl, Deggendorf

Return to the Danube trail and meander to the confluence of three rivers. Arrive Passau by mid-afternoon. Long been regarded one of Germany’s most beautiful cities, Passau is home to the impressive Saint Stephen’s cathedral and its largest church organ in the world, and the Oberhaus Museum which provides a fascinating overview of medieval life in the Passau region. There are also five breweries, and plenty of beer gardens where you can quench your thirst! D

Altstadt-Hotel Passau, or, Boutique Hotel Morgentau, Passau

Today’s ride begins with the beauty of Sauwald – a densely-wooded granite river valley which leads through the Donauleiten Nature Preserve to the phenomenal meander at Schlögen, formed where impermeable granite forces the Danube to flow back on itself. After lunch in Schlogen, take a transfer, or ride the bike path on the quieter left bank towards Aschach, where hillside castle ruins overlook a beautiful town with good riverside beergardens, and a boatbuilding museum.

Faustschlossl Hotel, or, Gasthof Sonne, Aschach

Morning ride on the quiet side to Linz, a steelmaking town with cultural and artistic contributions that bely its industrial reputation. The abundance of museums and churches include the Church of St. Martin – the oldest church in Austria, still in its original, untouched form. You can also visit the Rococo sanctuary of the Cistercian Wilhering Monastery just before Linz if you like. A pleasant post-lunch ride takes you to Enns, and the confluence of two rivers at one of the oldest true “towns” in Austria. BLD

Turmhotel, or, Gasthof-Hotel Zum Goldenen Schiff, Enns

Today there is an opportunity for a firsthand view of WWII history with a visit at the lesser-known concentration camp of Mauthausen; a sombre site in an astonishingly beautiful setting where 150,000 people were worked to death by the Third Reich. Following this site visit, a ride through the meadows of the Machland River plain to the valley of the Strudengau River will help to lighten spirits. The Danube divides “Upper Austria” and “Lower Austria” here, and you will ride the division to Grein, located at the foot of a remarkable 15th century castle on the riverbank. A 10km transfer takes you to your simple but superbly-located lodging in the foothills. BLD

Burg Kreuzen, or Gasthof Kirchenwirt, Bad Kreuzen; or Hotel Aumühle, Aumühle

Today you will quickly notice how the valley walls make the river strikingly narrow at Strudengau. The gentle landscape of the Nibelungengau region marks the beginning of the final stage to Vienna. Many regard these last three days as the highlight of the tour. You will pass through romantic and picturesque Austrian villages to the ancient pilgrimage site of Maria Taferl. An optional side trip will take you to Melk where you can acquire a sample of the healing herbal concoctions made at its famous Benedictine Monastery. BD

Hotel Rose, Maria Taferl

This is heavenly. Ride through the UNESCO designated Wachau wine region. This is perhaps the prettiest landscape of the entire Danube valley. With its many vineyards and orchards, the steep, south-facing slopes are known as a terraced “Stairway to Heaven”. Following country lanes and bike paths, you can stop in the pretty town of Durnstein for strong coffee and pastries to fuel the rest of your ride to Krems, boasting a 17th century town hall and many beautiful churches. BD

Arte Hotel Krems, or, Steigenberger Hotel Krems, Krems

Continue through the beauty, as the river winds its way to Vienna – a delightful morning ride through the Wienerwald Forest – the “Vienna Woods”. You will pass a never-launched nuclear power plant at Zwentendorf, then arrive in the pleasant town of Tulln for lunch and, as an option, to end the short option for your ride. Otherwise, ride from there to Klosterneuburg – a 12th century Augustine church stop before the final ride along the majestic Danube into one of Europe’s most important cultural centers. Museums, galleries, cathedrals, and palaces abound are in Vienna. We recommend the Stephansdom Cathedral, the Uhrenmuseum (clock museum), and the Sigmund Freud Museum. Your guides will depart this afternoon once you are settled in your hotel. BL

Hotel City Central, or, Hotel Stefanie, Vienna

Your Freewheeling Adventure concludes this morning following breakfast, unless you are continuing along the Danube Trail to Budapest with us. B