Danube Cycle Path (Donauradweg)

The basics

You can experience the Danube Cycle Path for a few hours as part of a city bike tour in Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Passau, Linz, Melk, or beyond. Or, opt for longer journeys, perhaps an inter-city cycle, or the EuroVelo 6 (EV6) Rivers Route European cycle path that links the French Atlantic to Romania’s Black Sea coast. Joining an organized tour can help with logistics on longer routes and ensure that your bike complies with local regulations.

Things to know before you go

• Cycling laws vary across the EU. Many countries mandate helmets for children and young people, many mandate lights for cyclists of any age, and some mandate both helmets and lights for people of all ages.
• Not all European fast trains accept bicycles, but slower trains do.
• Infant and child seats are common in Europe so it can be hard to find rental bikes sized for small children.
• Limited accessible facilities at campsites mean cyclists with disabilities will want a personal assistant and/or specialized support on longer journeys.

How to get there

The Danube Cycle Path starts at Donaueschingen (Germany), the river junction where the Danube begins, and runs all the way to the Black Sea at Constanta (Romania). Most travelers choose to focus on the Donaueschingen–Budapest stretch, where the path is in the best condition.

When to get there

While climate varies across the route, May, June, and September are generally the best months for cycling the Danube, as they are warm but not too hot. July and August can be very hot and campsites can be crowded with vacationing families; April and October can be too cool for camping.

How to Enjoy the Danube in Vienna

The famous “Blue Danube” used to run through Vienna’s historic center but flood-protection works in the 19th century mean that it now runs through the city’s outskirts: the small rivers you see in town are the Vienna River and the Danube Canal. It’s easy to bring your bike on the U-bahn, however, and, during summer, a heurige (wine tavern) with river views makes an excellent way to while away a lazy afternoon.