Itinerary
Danube Bike Trail: Passau – Vienna – Passau
8 days / 7 nights | Ship: MS Lisabelle | Easy self guided bike tours
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.
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
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 24 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: Tulln - Vienna (Cycling 31 km / 21 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 5: 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 6: Wachau Krems (Cycling 37 km / 23 miles)
An unforgettable day in the picturesque Wachau! Cycle through small winegrowing villages surrounded by vine terraces and apricot trees. The dreamy little town of Dürnstein with its narrow alleys is a special highlight, in Spitz cosy Heurige (wine tasting) wine taverns (wine tasting optional) directly on the cycle path and the imposing Benedictine Abbey of Melk is one of the most beautiful baroque ensembles in Europe.
Day 7: Grein – Mauthausen (Cycling 36 km / 22 miles)
A beautiful and varied route with impressions in all facets lies ahead of you! before you! From the medieval town of Grein (Austria's oldest municipal theatre, visit
(visit optional)) you cycle through the idyllic hinterland of the Strudengau. guided by the lord of the castle himself through the romantic castle of Clam.
take a journey back in time to prehistory in the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen. The concentration camp memorial Mauthausen Memorial is located on a hill near the town.
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.
Map

Ship MS Lisabelle
MS Lisabelle
Experience unforgettable moments aboard the MS Lisabelle – an elegant premium ship that perfectly combines comfort, enjoyment and relaxation. Sit back and enjoy the cheerful, relaxed atmosphere on board. Whether on the spacious sun deck or in the stylish panorama lounge area, experience a journey full of discovery and relaxation. The MS Lisabelle offers relaxed luxury on one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways, the Danube. Let the friendly and attentive crew pamper you and enjoy the excellent service. Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire journey (connection may vary). So you can stay in touch with your friends and family at any time. Cast off – your dream vacation begins here.
Cabins
The 76 outside cabins are spacious 11-14 m² in size and impress with their elegant, comfortable interior. The standard and comfort cabins have two single beds, while the superior cabins have a separable double bed. All cabins are equipped with shower/WC, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe and individually adjustable air conditioning.
STANDARD cabin:
The standard cabins (approx. 11m²) are located on the main deck, have two single beds and 1 smaller, raised window (NOT opening).
COMFORT cabin:
The comfort cabins (approx. 11m²) are located on the middle deck, have two single beds and a generous panoramic window (NOT opening)
SUPERIOR cabin:
The superior cabins (approx. 14m²) are located on the middle and upper deck and have a separable double bed and a French balcony.
ECO
Our ECO cabins are located at the front and rear of the ship. It is possible that you may be disturbed by operational noise.
We will be happy to accept your non-binding cabin request when booking. However, details of cabin numbers are expressly not part of the contract.
Ship Details
Capacity: 152 passengers | Length: 110m | Width: 11.40m | Draft: 1.50m | Cabins: 76 | Crew: approx. 35 persons | Year: 2000 (rennovated in 2019)
Languages on board: German, English | Flag: Malta | Currency: Euro
Decks
Main deck - STANDARD cabins (half-height windows that do not open)
Middle deck - COMFORT cabins (panoramic windows that do not open)
Middle deck - SUPERIOR cabins (French balcony)
Upper deck - SUPERIOR cabins (French balcony)
Onboard Facilities
- Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
- Panoramic bar and lounge
- Inviting reception and lobby area
- Sun deck with 360-degree view, shaded seating area and chessboard
- Library and public TV area
- Elevator only from middle to upper deck
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary and depends on usage)
The spacious panorama lounge with a cozy bar invites you to linger in comfortable club chairs and sofas in light, subtle colors, while you admire the passing landscape through the floor-to-ceiling windows. In the light-flooded panorama restaurant, you can enjoy culinary excursions through the Danube countries and their diverse flavors. A special highlight is the sun deck with a 360-degree panoramic view, equipped with seating areas in the shade and a giant chessboard. Experience a natural theater of a special kind with a glass of wine together with like-minded people.
In a small on-board shop, you can purchase souvenirs and gifts for those at home, but also useful equipment for your bike tours (clothing, helmets, bags, etc.). And if you fancy a good book, just help yourself from the on-board library. A warm welcome awaits you on board from the ship’s crew, who will make your stay as pleasant as possible and anticipate your every wish. WIFI available on board (connection may vary, payable locally)
Travel Dates & Prices 2026
Bike Cruise Passau – Vienna MS Lisabelle
Travel Dates and Prices 2026 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2026 per Person in €
S. 1
S. 2
S. 3
Main deck Standard Eco
789,-
939,-
1089,-
Main deck Standard
849,-
999,-
1149,-
Middle deck comfort ECO
1099,-
1249,-
1399,-
Middle deck comfort
1159,-
1309,-
1459,-
Upper-/Middle deck superior
1369,-
1519,-
1669,-
Season 1
April
Season 2
May/July/Aug
Season 3
Jun/Sept
LD = lower deck | MD = middle deck | UPP = upper deck
Optional services / Notes
Bicycle rental 24-gears, freewheel
109,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
229,- €
Own bike
29,- €
Own E-Bike (max. 23 kg without the battery)
49,- €
Rental helmet
20,- €
Parking Passau, incl. transfer to/from the ship
104,- €
Parking garage Passau incl. transfer
83,- €
Extra Nacht Passau 4* Double Room p.p.
81,- €
Extranacht Passau 4* Single Room
119,- €
Guided Cycling Tours
235,- €
- Transfer own bikes parking area - ship: EUR 5,-
- Helmets must be booked in advance as they cannot be rented on board. Please specify your head circumference when booking.
- Minimum number of participants: 90
Included
- 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air condition
- Port charges
- 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)
- Detailed travel documents, cycling app with voice navigation + GPS data per cabin
Route profile Level 1 (on a scale of 1–5)
The Danube Cycle Path is the perfect cycle route. Free from motor traffic, it runs through flat terrain and is ideal for beginners and children. And if you don't feel like cycling? Then relax on the sun deck and enjoy the passing landscape.
Individual bike tour
On board, you will receive a detailed route book with route maps and information about the route. You will not be cycling in a group – you can cycle individually at your own pace and organise your time during the day however you wish. Only the timetable sets the time frame. During the daily information meeting on the evening before, the cruise director explains the next cycling route, provides information about special features and gives tips on sights, rest stops and specialities. If you don't feel like cycling, simply stay on board and enjoy the passing landscape from the sun deck. The crew will make your stay as pleasant as possible.
Guided tour (with cycling tour guide)
Under the personal guidance of a dedicated cycling tour guide, you will cycle in a small group, learn a lot about the country and its people, and discover hidden sights and secret places. For the departure dates 30 May and 22 August 2026, you can book the tour with guided cycling tours for an additional charge. (Minimum number of participants: 10 people). Additional dates are available on request for groups of 10 or more.
The package includes:
- Cycling guide throughout the tour
- Various ferry crossings
- Bicycle helmet rental for adults
Excursion programme
(optional, not included in the price, can only be booked directly on board)
- Linz: Guided city walk
- Grein: Guided tour of Austria's oldest theatre
- Klosterneuburg: Guided tour of Klosterneuburg Abbey with the Verdun Altar
- Vienna: City tour by bike or with the HOP ON HOP OFF bus
- Vienna: Classical waltz and operetta concert at Schönbrunn
- Palace Wachau: Wine tasting at a Wachau winery
Rental bikes, e-bikes and your own bikes
The rental touring bikes are 24-speed unisex bikes with freewheel and hand brakes.
E-bikes also have hand brakes/freewheel. These are modern, high-quality e-bikes (pedelecs) with 7- or 8-speed hub gears, selectable pedal assistance, puncture-proof tyres and a low UNISEX comfort step-through frame. The bikes have a powerful Panasonic or Bosch pedelec mid-drive motor with a strong lithium-ion battery. Depending on riding style and body weight, one battery charge is sufficient for up to 70 kilometres. The e-bikes are designed for people who are 160 cm or taller.
Permissible total weight for e-bike rental: 130 kg (e-bike + rider + luggage).
All rental bikes are equipped with a 20-litre pannier and handlebar bag for your day's luggage.
Children's bikes or child trailers are available on request.
Your own bikes
You can also bring your own bikes on this trip for a fee. However, there is no liability for damage to your own bike.
The weight of your bike must not exceed 23 kg without the battery (the batteries are removed on land). For insurance reasons, only your own e-bikes with removable batteries are permitted.
Helmet requirement
Helmets are compulsory in Austria for children up to 12 years of age! In Slovakia, wearing a bicycle helmet is compulsory outside of towns! Inexpensive helmets are available in the on-board shop.
Arrival and parking
By train to Passau station
Parking in Passau: see price table. You will receive all the information you need to reserve a parking space with your travel documents approximately 3 weeks before departure.
Parking with your own bikes: Transport of your own bikes from the car park to the ship is possible (€5 per bike and route). The distance from the car park to the mooring is 7–10 km, depending on the landing stage.
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.