Danube Cycle Path – Passau to Vienna: bikepacking plan & riding days
One of Europe's most popular cycle routes: downstream along the Danube through the Upper Danube valley, Linz and the Wachau to Vienna.
Estimate from BikepackPilot's model: base pace 110 km/day on asphalt, adjusted per 50 km segment for surface, wind and rain. Rest days not included. Your own numbers will differ – that's what the app is for.
Route map
Route line from OpenStreetMap, simplified – for planning, not navigation. Data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Map style: CyclOSM.
Key facts
| Distance | about 320–333 km depending on the variant |
|---|---|
| Start | Passau, Germany |
| Finish | Vienna, Austria |
| Countries | Germany, Austria |
| Surface | 95% asphalt, 5% gravel (estimated mix for this plan) |
| Typical duration (sources) | 6–7 days on the classic sightseeing itinerary |
About the route
- Runs about 320–333 km from Passau to Vienna.
- Mostly downhill with the river: from around 300 m above sea level in Passau to 158 m in Vienna.
- Classic 7-stage split: Passau–Schlögen–Linz–Grein–Melk–Krems–Tulln–Vienna.
- The Wachau between Melk and Krems is widely seen as the most beautiful part.
Planning notes
- A great first multi-day trip: the challenge is not the terrain but pacing and accommodation.
- Headwind along the river is the main thing that slows you down – compare the two scenarios below.
- Many people ride it in 6–7 days with sightseeing; at a bikepacking pace it is much shorter.
Plan your own Danube Passau–Vienna plan in minutes
Enter your real distance, set surface, heat, wind and rain for each 50 km segment and get realistic riding days – plus a gear list that adapts to your conditions, water and food nearby and a safety check-in. Works offline, in English, Polish, German and Spanish.
The route in 50 km segments
Show all 7 segments
| Segment | Surface | Days (good) | Days (tough) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–50 km | Asphalt | 0.45 | 0.65 |
| 50–100 km | Asphalt | 0.45 | 0.65 |
| 100–150 km | Asphalt | 0.45 | 0.65 |
| 150–200 km | Asphalt | 0.45 | 0.65 |
| 200–250 km | Asphalt | 0.45 | 0.65 |
| 250–300 km | Asphalt | 0.45 | 0.65 |
| 300–333 km | Asphalt | 0.30 | 0.43 |
FAQ
How many days does it take to bikepack Danube Passau–Vienna?
With BikepackPilot's default pace of 110 km per day on asphalt, the 333 km route takes about 3.0 riding days in good conditions and about 4.3 days with moderate headwind and light rain, using the surface mix shown on this page. Rest days are not included.
How long is Danube Passau–Vienna?
about 320–333 km depending on the variant, from Passau, Germany to Vienna, Austria.
What surface is Danube Passau–Vienna?
For this plan we assume 95% asphalt, 5% gravel (estimated mix for this plan). In BikepackPilot you set the surface for each 50 km segment yourself.
Sources
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