The Danube Cycleway Volume 1

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.

• 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.
• Highlights include the imperial cities of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, each brimming with palaces, cathedrals, museums, and vibrant local cuisine.
• 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.

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).

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