Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along the first half of the Danube Cycleway (EuroVelo 6), one of Europe’s premier long-distance routes, tracing the continent’s second-longest river from its source in Germany’s Black Forest to the vibrant heart of Budapest. Spanning 1,261km through Germany, Austria, a brief journey into Slovakia, and Hungary, this well-waymarked trail offers accessible, mostly level cycling that’s perfect for riders of all abilities and on all types of bikes.

Whether you’re a seasoned tourer or taking your first multi-day cycling trip, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook breaks the Danube Cycleway into 29 manageable daily stages, averaging less than 44km each. Experience a rich tapestry of landscapes and cultures as you follow well-surfaced tracks along the riverbank, past dramatic limestone gorges, historic hilltop castles, golden baroque palaces, and rolling vineyards. Highlights include the imperial cities of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, each brimming with palaces, cathedrals, museums, and vibrant local cuisine.

• This Cicerone guidebook covers the first 1,261km of the Danube Cycleway (EuroVelo 6), from the Black Forest in Germany to Budapest in Hungary, passing through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
• Cycling highlights include the Wachau wine region, five dramatic Danube gorges with limestone cliffs, baroque Habsburg palaces, and the blue spring of Blaubeuren.
• The guide provides detailed stage descriptions, 1:150,000 maps for each of the 29 stages, total distances, downloadable GPX tracks, and up-to-date cycling conditions.
• Suggested cycling itineraries include two- or three-week trips, with tips for customising the Danube journey and for connecting to the Black Sea via Volume 2.
• The guide includes recommendations for cyclist-friendly accommodation such as hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and official campsites, as well as refreshment options from snack bars to Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Practical advice covers bicycle preparation, packing, cross-border travel, and seasonal riding conditions (April to October), as well as tips for a smooth journey through central and eastern Europe.
• Volume 2 of the Danube Cycleway guidebook, covering the route from Budapest to the Black Sea, is available for cyclists completing the full EuroVelo 6 route.

Plan your adventure on the first part of the Danube Cycleway with confidence, and experience the joy of nearly downhill cycling through the heart of Europe, discovering unforgettable scenery, culture, and hospitality with this definitive Cicerone guidebook.

The Danube Cycleway (EuroVelo 6) Volume 1 – Quick Facts

Location: Central and Eastern Europe, from the Black Forest, Germany, through Austria and Slovakia, to Budapest, Hungary
Distance: 1,261 km / 784 miles
Typical duration: ~2–3 weeks (flexible itineraries for leisurely or faster paces)
Start: Source of the Danube, Black Forest (Donaueschingen/Martinskapelle), Germany
End: Budapest, Hungary
Route terrain: Linear long-distance cycle touring route, mainly on well-surfaced riverbank tracks and cycle paths
Stages: 29 stages, averaging less than 44 km per day
Difficulty: Suitable for all levels – mostly flat or gently downhill, with straightforward navigation
Best season: April–October (snow possible in the Black Forest section until April)

Author Highlight

“The great attraction to a cyclist of following a river from its source is that, once you have reached the start, it is almost all downhill. From the easily reached source near Martinskapelle, the Danube Cycleway descends nearly 1000m on its way to Budapest, 1261km distant. The cycling is straightforward with much of the route following well-surfaced cycle tracks, often along the riverbank or flood dykes. On the occasions where roads are used, these are usually quiet country routes… This route is suitable for both experienced long-distance cyclists and those who have not done much cycle touring and wish to start with a straightforward easily followed route."

- Mike Wells, author of The Danube Cycleway Volume 1

Map key
Overview map
Route summary table

Introduction

Background
Natural environment
The route
Preparation
Getting there and back
Navigation
Accommodation
Food and drink
Amenities and services
What to take
Safety and emergencies
About this guide
The route

Germany

Stage 1 Martinskapelle to Donaueschingen
Stage 2 Donaueschingen to Tuttlingen
Stage 3 Tuttlingen to Sigmaringen
Stage 4 Sigmaringen to Riedlingen
Stage 5 Riedlingen to Ehingen
Stage 6 Ehingen to Ulm
Stage 7 Ulm to Lauingen
Stage 8 Lauingen to Donauwörth
Stage 9 Donauwörth to Ingolstadt
Stage 10 Ingolstadt to Kelheim
Stage 11 Kelheim to Regensburg
Stage 12 Regensburg to Straubing
Stage 13 Straubing to Deggendorf
Stage 14 Deggendorf to Passau

Austria

Stage 15 Passau to Aschach
Stage 16 Aschach to Linz
Stage 17 Linz to Mauthausen
Stage 18 Mauthausen to Grein
Stage 19 Grein to Melk
Stage 20 Melk to Krems
Stage 21 Krems to Tulln
Stage 22 Tulln to Vienna
Stage 23 Vienna to Bratislava

Hungary

Stage 24 Bratislava to Mosonmagyaróvár
Stage 25 Mosonmagyaróvár to Gy?r
Stage 26 Gy?r to Komárom
Stage 27 Komárom to Esztergom
Stage 28 Esztergom to Szentendre
Stage 29 Szentendre to Budapest

Appendix A Facilities summary
Appendix B Language glossary
Appendix C Useful contacts
Appendix D Tourist information offices
Appendix E Youth hostels
Appendix F Ferries

Seasons

Apart from the upper part of Stage 1 in the Black Forest, where snow may lie until April, the route can be cycled at any time of year, but is best between April and October.

Centres

A point-to-point route with no particular bases.

Difficulty

A straightforward cycle ride, mostly off-road on well-surfaced (mainly asphalt) cycle tracks with virtually no gradients, except for a steady 500m ascent to reach the start. Suitable for all levels of cyclist, on all types of cycle, though racing cyclists may wish to use alternative routes to avoid a few short sections of gravel surface.

Must See

Route highlights include: the Black Forest, Danube sinkholes, Blue lagoon, Ulm cathedral spire (the world's highest), Donaudurchbruch gorge, Regensburg medieval altstadt, King Ludwig's Walhalla, Passau, Melk and Klosterneuburg abbeys, Wachau vineyards, Wien (Vienna) (Hofburg, Schönbrunn and Belvedere palaces, the cathedral and Spanish Riding School), Prater Ferris wheel, Bratislava, Esztergom basilica, Danube bend, Budapest (Fishermen's bastion, St Mathias church, Europe's largest synagogue).

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