Danube Cycleway
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The Danube Cycleway (known also as Donauradweg) is one of Europe's most popular long distance bicycle route, part of EuroVelo. It begins in Donaueschingen, Germany and ends at Sulina, Romania. The route used to end in Budapest, Hungary, so some older guides will only cover the route from Donaueschingen to Budapest.
The route passes through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria. Although individual routes may vary, the total length is estimated at over 2800 km. Nearly 1700 km covers the stretch from Budapest to the Black Sea.
Travel
There are several entry and exit points on the route, including several major cities. As the Danube long has been a thoroughfare for traffic of all kinds, there are also numerous and varied opportunities for food and board along the way. Several tour operators offer self-guided or fully guided bicycle tours on stretches of the route, including baggage transfer.
One relatively cheap way to get to the beginning of the Austrian side of the cycleway from most of Europe is a budget flight to Bratislava, followed by train to Vienna, and then train to Passau. Then cycle to Budapest. From Budapest, you can get the train back to Vienna, and then another train to Bratislava for the return flight. Note that this route misses out the Donaueschingen to Passau section.
Renting bikes
Renting bikes is often cheaper and easier than taking your own bike. The Copa Cagrana bicycle rental shop on Donauinsel, Vienna, offers a number of "trekking" bikes for €100 for two weeks, or €120 for three weeks. There are many cycleways for getting around Vienna, and bicycles can be taken on the Vienna subway.
The Cycleway
The Cycleway is very popular with cyclists, and there are many rest stops, cafes, bars, and camp sites along the route. For more information see The Danube Cycleway - Donaueschingen to Budapest by Mike Wells.
Maps and other info
The "Danube Bike Trail" map series from Esterbauer are recommended. These can be purchased online from Stanfords bookstore. There are four books in the series, dividing the route:
- From Donaueschingen to Passau
- From Passau to Vienna
- From Vienna to Budapest
- From Budapest to the Black Sea