Quick answer
The classic 7-day bike tour in Central Europe is Passau to Vienna along the Danube Cycle Path — roughly 320 km over 6 riding days with 1 rest day in Vienna. It covers the route's two finest sections (Nibelungengau gorges and the Wachau Valley), finishes in one of Europe's great cities, and is well within reach of a moderately fit cyclist averaging 50–60 km per day.
Who is this for
This guide is for anyone planning a week-long cycling holiday in Central Europe. It covers three main 7-day itinerary options at different levels — beginner-friendly, moderate, and more ambitious — so you can match the route to your fitness and interests rather than settling for whichever itinerary a tour operator happens to offer.
Option 1 — Classic: Passau to Vienna (7 days)
The gold standard 7-day Central European bike tour. Well-marked, well-serviced, consistently beautiful.
| Day | Route | Distance | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Passau | — | Explore the three-rivers city |
| 2 | Passau → Schlögen | ~55 km | Schlögener Schlinge viewpoint |
| 3 | Schlögen → Linz | ~70 km | Nibelungengau gorges |
| 4 | Linz → Grein | ~60 km | Strudengau, Persenbeug castle |
| 5 | Grein → Melk | ~55 km | First sight of Melk Abbey |
| 6 | Melk → Krems | ~35 km | Wachau Valley — the best day |
| 7 | Krems → Vienna | ~80 km | Vienna arrival |
Total distance: ~355 km over 6 riding days
Average daily distance: ~59 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate — flat to gently rolling, well-signed
Best for: First-time tourers, couples, mixed fitness groups
Day 6 (Melk to Krems through the Wachau) is a short but extraordinary day — plan to leave early and take your time. Most cyclists spend the whole day cycling just 35 km, stopping constantly for the views, wine tastings, and medieval village explorations. This is the day the whole tour builds toward.
Option 2 — City-focused: Prague to Vienna via Třeboň (7 days)
For cyclists who want more Czech culture and are comfortable with some off-paved surfaces.
| Day | Route | Distance | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Prague | — | Prague old town and castle |
| 2 | Prague → Písek | ~110 km | Vltava valley south |
| 3 | Písek → Třeboň | ~60 km | Bohemian fish pond landscape |
| 4 | Třeboň → Znojmo | ~90 km | Czech wine country begins |
| 5 | Znojmo → Retz | ~50 km | Border crossing, Weinviertel |
| 6 | Retz → Krems | ~65 km | Austrian wine hills |
| 7 | Krems → Vienna | ~80 km | Wachau pass, Vienna arrival |
Total distance: ~455 km over 6 riding days
Average daily distance: ~76 km
Difficulty: Moderate — some gravel, some longer days
Best for: Culture-focused cyclists, wine lovers, those wanting Czech flavour
Note: Day 2 is very long — consider splitting it over 2 days and compressing Day 4 if you prefer shorter distances. This makes it an 8-day tour easily.
Option 3 — Capitals: Vienna to Budapest (7 days)
Three capitals, one week. The flattest 7-day option and ideal for cyclists who prioritise city culture over natural scenery.
| Day | Route | Distance | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Vienna | — | Vienna rest day |
| 2 | Vienna → Bratislava | ~60 km | Three-country Danube plain |
| 3 | Bratislava rest day | — | Old town, castle, riverside |
| 4 | Bratislava → Štúrovo | ~80 km | Žitný ostrov (Rye Island) |
| 5 | Štúrovo → Visegrád | ~65 km | Danube Bend begins, Esztergom basilica |
| 6 | Visegrád → Budapest | ~65 km | Szentendre, Budapest arrival |
| 7 | Budapest | — | Parliament, thermal baths, ruin bars |
Total distance: ~270 km over 4 riding days
Average daily distance: ~68 km
Difficulty: Easy — almost entirely flat
Best for: City lovers, beginners, those prioritising culture over scenery
How to choose between them
| If you want... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Best natural scenery | Passau to Vienna |
| Most cultural depth | Prague to Vienna via Třeboň |
| Easiest riding | Vienna to Budapest |
| Best endpoint city | Vienna to Budapest (Budapest) or Passau to Vienna (Vienna) |
| Most famous route | Passau to Vienna (Danube Cycle Path) |
Logistics for a 7-day tour
For all three options, the key logistics are:
- Flights: Vienna, Prague, and Budapest are all well-served by budget airlines from Western Europe. Flying into one city and out of another eliminates backtracking.
- Bike rental: Available at the start point of each route. Quality varies — book a reputable rental shop in advance and specify that you need a touring-capable bike, not a city hybrid.
- Luggage transfer: Self-guided tour operators include luggage transfer as standard — your bag is driven to the next hotel while you cycle with just a day bag. This transforms the experience and is strongly recommended for 7+ day tours.
- Accommodation: Book ahead, especially for July and August in the Wachau and Danube Bend sections.
When to go
May, June, and September are the best months for 7-day Central European tours. May and June offer long days and moderate temperatures. September brings harvest season to the wine regions and slightly cooler cycling weather. July and August are viable but hotter and busier.
Practical tips
- Allow a buffer day or half-day in your schedule — mechanical issues, weather delays, or simply falling in love with a wine village can throw your timeline
- 7 days is enough to feel the rhythm of touring — by Day 3, mornings feel natural and arrival at each new hotel is genuinely satisfying
- For the Passau–Vienna option, Passau's train station has left-luggage lockers if you arrive the evening before and want to explore before picking up your bike
- Carry enough cash for the Slovak section of Option 3 — card acceptance is less reliable in rural Slovakia
Recommended tours
All three 7-day itineraries described above are available as organised self-guided or guided tours through our listings. Luggage transfer, pre-booked accommodation, and daily route notes are included. Browse our 7-day options to find the right fit.
