Itinerary
Danube Bike Trail: Passau – Vienna – Passau
8 days / 7 nights | Ship: MS Swiss Crown | Easy self guided bike tours
Highlights of this Bike & Barge Tour
✔ Staying on the premium ship
✔ Discovering wines from the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Landscape WACHAU
✔ The elegant charm of Vienna, the city of the Waltz
✔ Easy cycling along the enchanting Danube
Biking along the German/Austrian Danube is a very special pleasure because the hotel is always with you! Gently downhill, mostly with a helpful tailwind, you are experiencing the impressive river as it meanders in the Donauschlinge ("Great Loop") and enjoying the gorgeous landscape of the legendary Wachau with its castles and fortresses. Then Vienna, rich with architecture, a firework of places of interests! A city, hardly to describe – you have to see and feel it! Sights are easy to reach during a wonderful sightseeing tour by bike. You can also relax at any of the cosy coffee bars or at a typical Viennese wine tavern. After a great day of cycling, relax on board listening live music or discover the port city.
Tourprofile: The cycle route is completely flat, at times on a gentle downhill slope, and is ideal for bikers with less experience and children. The tour is rated Easy and is cycling in mostly flat terrain.Individual or guided: surcharge for personal attention from a dedicated guide, cycling in a small group, enjoying some delicious appetizers.
Tour profile / Level 1
The cycle route is completely flat with only slightly gradients, ideal for cyclists with less experience and children. Do not feel like cycling? Without effort you will also reach your destination by ship.
Itinerary
Day 1: Passau
Experience Mediterranean flair in Passau, the city of three rivers. You should definitely set aside some time on the day of your arrival for a walk through the picturesque baroque city with its narrow lanes and Passau cathedral home to the largest church organ in the world. Your cycling holiday begins after embarkation (4.00 p.m.) when you sail into the sunset and Passau’s magnificent silhouette with its church towers and domes slowly fades into the horizone behind you.
Day 2: Engelhartzell – Brandstatt (Cycling 45 km / 28 miles)
Breathe in the fragrance of the dense forest and freshly mown meadows. Explore the pristine countryside of the Upper Danube valley on the former towpath as it runs past sleepy villages. Small, rustic inns at the edge of the trail invite you to linger, the aroma of fresh fish grilled according to tradition on a stick wafts through the air. The Schlögener Blick observation point offers a truly stunning view of the Schlögener Schlinge where the Danube carves its way through a gorge and doubles back on itself.
Day 3: Brandstatt – Linz (Cycling 26 km / 16 miles)
Catch some fresh country air again - at lunch time, you’ll reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. Discover the European Capital of Culture 2009 on a bright yellow miniature train (optional). The cathedral is the biggest church in Austria, the Pöstlingbergbahn the steepest adhesion railway in the world. Are you curious about the future? At the ARS Electronica Museum you can try out some of the most impressive examples of modern technology for yourself. Make sure you don’t miss it!
Day 4: Mauthausen – Grein (Cycling 35 km / 22 miles)
A beautiful and varied route lies ahead of you as you explore the idyllic hinterland of the Strudengau by bike: the Celtic Village of Mitterkirchen, the Baroque monastery of Baumgartenberg and the romantic ruins of Burg Clam castle. Then it’s time to enjoy the little medieval town of Grein with its Baroque facades, imposing castle and the oldest municipal theatre in Austria. After a romantic journey sailing past towns and villages full of twinkling lights, you arrive - just like Sisi did way back then - in the City of Waltz early in the morning.
Day 5: Tulln - Vienna (Cycling 35 km / 22 miles)
Right in front of Vienna’s entrance, embedded in a breathtaking scenery, the monastery of Klosterneuburg is situated. You can already see the dome of this 900 year old baroque building from a distance. "Kahlenbergerdorf" with it’s wine taverns is only a hop from the shipping pier and definitely worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, you can enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna. During a city tour by bus in the afternoon. You will pass most of the numerous and famous sights and have a guided walking tour though the historic center of Austria’s capital (optional, not included).
Day 6: Vienna (day of rest)
On a city tour of Vienna all the sights are within reach from the saddle of your bike or on the HOP ON HOP OFF bus (optional). The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries, while the Naschmarket market is a feast for all the senses. End the evening on a magical note with a concert of waltz and classical operetta music in Sisi’s summer residence (optional).
Day 7: Wachau Valley roundtrip, (Cycling 35 km / 22 miles)
An unforgettable day in the picturesque Wachau. Cycle through delightful wine-growing villages surrounded by terraced vineyards and apricot trees. The charming little town of Dürnstein with its narrow lanes is an absolute highlight. In Weißenkirchen – the most important wine-growing village in the World Cultural Heritage Landscape – you can discover the first rate famous Wachau wines.
Day 8: Passau
Enjoy the first rays of sun and the early morning tranquillity one last time from the deck of the ship before you reach Passau, your heart bursting with memories. Disembarkation: approx. 10:30 a.m. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward trains departing before 11.30 a.m. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.
Important information
In the event of extremely high or low water, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge stages by bus or even to cancel the trip at short notive without any legal claim arising therefrom (water levels are force majeure). The same applies for officially decreed repairs to locks or bridges, not announced in advance, or in the event of motor or propulsion damage to the ship without attributed fault.
One the one hand, a riverboat is a “holiday hotel”, while on the other, it is also a means of transport that moves with motor power and must always be operated, even at night (partially with lock and bridge passages and the retractions and extensions of the structures caused as a result). Mistakes can happen with lock passages. This is the case for all Danube journeys and cannot be avoided.
Please bear in mind that riverboats are restricted (bridge passages, locks) in size (length, height, width) and therefore cannot be compared with cruise liners in the sea. The cabins are limited in space but are nevertheless comfortable and furnished.
Please note: All cycling distances stated above are approximate only. The tour operator and the captain of the ship reserve the right to change the routes and programme due to nautical, technical or other reasons including weather conditions.
Map

Ship MS Swiss Crown
MS Swiss Crown
Stylish, elegant and timelessly beautiful - this is how the 4* SUPERIOR ship MS Swiss Crown presents itself as it glides gently along the Danube river. You will immediately feel at home on board as soon as you enter the spectacular foyer. Designed in warm wood tones, the ship radiates a comfort and leaves nothing to be desired. The simple elegance of the timelessly beautiful staterooms, which are decorated with great attention to detail, will inspire you. Sit back, enjoy the serene, relaxed atmosphere, the fantastic views of breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes, sometimes from the bicycle seat, sometimes from the inviting, partially covered sun deck. Let yourself be pampered by the friendly, accommodating crew and create on board relationships alongside memories to last a lifetime.
The stylish lounge with its comfortable club chairs and a cozy Panoramabar offers a very special atmosphere. In the first-class restaurant you undertake a culinary foray through the Danube countries and their variety of flavors. Rest and relaxation await you in the wellness area after an eventful day of cycling, and on the spacious, partially covered sun deck you can enjoy a glass of wine together with like-minded people and a very special spectacle of nature.
In a small onboard boutique you can buy souvenirs and souvenirs for those who stayed at home, but also useful equipment for your bike tours (clothing, helmets, bags, etc.). And if you feel like reading a good book, just help yourself to the onboard library. On board you will be greeted by a warm ship’s crew, who will make your stay as pleasant as possible and read your every wish from your eyes. WIFI available on board (connection may vary, payable locally).
In the convivial panoramic restaurant, all guests will eat together at the same time. We provide daily fresh prepared international and national specialties from the cuisine of the countries along the route. If you are traveling with friends, please mention this when booking. Gladly an internal note is deposited to get a common table in the restaurant. Please note that it is not always possible for several people to accommodate all at one table as there is limited space in the restaurant and not all table sizes are available.
The full board consists of: breakfast, packed lunch for bikers (resp. light meal for guests on board), dinner with menue-choice, coffee-/tea break with sweets in the afternoon.
Your table number will be provided during boarding.
Cabins
The 68 outward-facing cabins are spacious 14 m² (single cabin 12 m2) and convince with elegant, comfortable interior.
The cabins have a double bed (can be separated to 2 single beds), shower/WC, hairdryer, SAT TV, safe, coffee maker and individually adjustable air conditioning.
STANDARD cabin: the approx. 14 m² cabins are located on the main deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart) and smaller, raised windows (NOT openable).
COMFORT cabin: the approx. 14 m² cabins are located on the middle deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart). The panoramic window can be opened.
SUPERIOR cabin: the approx. 14 m² cabins are located on the upper deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart) and private balcony.
MINISUITE: the approx. 16 m² cabins is located on the middle deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart), panoramic window, minibar and coffee station
Ship Details
Built (2000 / renovation 2018/2019) | Capacity (135 passangers)
Lenght (110 m) | Wide (11,4 m) | Draft (1,5 m)
Speed (22 km/h) | Crew (ca. 36)
Electricity (220 Volt) | Language on board (German / English)
Travel Dates & Prices 2023
Bike Cruise Passau – Vienna MS Swiss Crown
5% EXTRA DISCOUNT:
5% Discount on cabin price.
This discount is valid for bookings until 60 days before departure and can be combined with the early bird, regular customers and group discount.
Travel Dates and Prices 2023 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2023 per Person in €
S. 1
S. 2
S. 3
LD: standard
899,-
999,-
1099,-
MD: comfort
1079,-
1179,-
1279,-
MD: Minisuite
1179,-
1279,-
1379,-
UPP: superior
1279,-
1379,-
1479,-
Season 1
April
Season 2
Aug
Season 3
May/Jun/Jul/Sep
LD = lower deck | MD = middle deck | UPP = upper deck
Optional services / Notes
Bicycle rental 21-gears, freewheel
89,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
189,- €
Own bike
29,- €
Own E-Bike
39,- €
Guided Cycling Tours
209,- €
Parking Passau, incl. transfer to/from the ship
75,- €
Parking garage Passau incl. transfer
87,- €
Extra Nacht Passau 3* Double Room p.p.
51,- €
Extra Nacht Passau 3* Single Room
80,- €
Extra Nacht Passau 4* Double Room p.p.
72,- €
Extranacht Passau 4* Single Room
105,- €
- Transfer airport Munich - Passau: (1-8 Pers.) 260,-
- Transfer own bicycles parking area - ship 5,- per bike/way
- Minimum number of participants: 50
Included
- 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air condition
- harbor fees
- Programme according itinerary from/to Passau
- Captains greeting and Welcome Cocktail
- Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bedclothes
- Full board: rich breakfast, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2/3 dishes to choose)
- Gala-Dinner with farewell cocktail
- Farewell-Crew-Show
- Daily Live-Music
- Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group)
- Daily informational meeting
- Information pack with route book (one per cabin)
- Bike travel app + GPS data
Land Excursions
Optional excursions (surcharge - not included in tour price) can be booked directly on board at the cruise director.
Comfort Relax Package (Guided Tour)
You cycle in a small group guided by a local tour guide. Taste some Austrian delicacies: you’ll try sweet cider in a wine tavern in the world-famous Wachau region you will also get to savour a small variety of regional wine specialties. During a guided tour by bike or bus you will pass by numerous famous sights in Vienna and Budapest. Additional included services: Cycling tour guide, Ferry rides, Rental helmets (adults only).
Guided Tour: 10.06., 08.07. und 23.09.2023
Rental bicycles
21/24-Unisex-tourbikes
Electric bike/pedelec (supplement, limited availability)
Child seat, bikes for children, bike trailer or trailer bikes on request
All rental bikes are equipped with panniers.
Helmets are available for purchase on board. Helmets are mandatory in Slovakia and in Austria for children up to 12 yrs!
Arrival
By train: Passau
Passau is connected with the regional and intercity trafficnet of the Deutschen Bahn (german train). Main train station is reachable - depending on the ship landing stage of the ship - between 2-6 km. You´ll find taxis at the Airport exit. No liability for any delays. Please be informed that seat reservations can only be done via Deutsche Bahn AG (f.i. via webpage >>www.bahn.de) or in your travel agency.
By plane: Airport: Munich (MUC) / Vienna (VIE)
Driving Munich airport - Passau (via Freising): approx. 2 1/2 h (bus/taxi, train)
Recommended routing:
Munich - Freising
BUS Munich Airport - Freising train station (ca. € 3,30/person)
TAXI Munich Airport – Freising train station (ca. € 30,-/way)
Freising - Passau
TRAIN Freising – Passau / Bayernticket: 1st person € 26,- >> www.bahn.de
every next person € 6,- (up to person).; driving time approx. 2 h
collective shuttle Munich airport - Passau/ship: see tourprice list (reservation necessary)
By car and parking
Driveway to the dockings Passau Lindau / Racklau / Schalding: Driveway is possible - parking is forbidden, stops only for un-/loading
Car parking Passau: attended parking lot € 75 / garage € 87 (incl. transfer to / from ship, payable locally; prebooking required)
In Passau we offer a guarded parking possibility with our Partner Globus Parkservice / Eichberger Reisen.
Parking for special vehicles (caravan, minibus, van) for additional charge. Prices incl. 2 transfers (parking-ship-parking). A transferbus will bring you directly to the ship. As buses cannot reach pier 1 or 2 you will get off at Römerplatz (pier 5) and have to walk the last meters (walking distance approx. 4-5 min.). Your luggage will be delivered seperately by minibus directly to the ship.
Further information will be given within your travel documents prior departure.
General Information
All bike tours are unescorted. All mileages are approximate distances of recommended routes. Please be aware that the cabin storage space is very limited. In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages by buses. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted of both situations. (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges or in case of undeserved breakdown of engine or power unit. Please be aware that a cruise ship on the Danube is not only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power also during the night. Especially crossing locks and bridges - and the preparation work - may cause noise. If you are sensitive please bring your own ear plugs.