Upper Austria Danube region: Five pleasure tours between Passau and Grein

1. the classic: Danube cycle path in Upper Austria

The classic route is divided into three stages on the north and south banks - three days of intense Danube adventure. From Passau, the route leads through the Danube valley to the spectacular Schlögener Schlinge, the natural wonder where the mighty river meanders around massive granite rocks in two perfect 180° bends. A refreshing ride takes you past Danube markets such as Aschach and Ottensheim to the vibrant provincial capital of Linz with its mix of baroque old town and contemporary art - the Ars Electronica Centre and Lentos Museum greet you from the riverbank. The final stage leads into the Strudengau, a section steeped in history where dangerous rapids once threatened shipping, to Grein with its nostalgic charm.

Flexible on the river: changing to a boat

If you need a break from pedalling in between, hop on one of the Danube boats or a longitudinal ferry and let the landscape glide by. The ferries allow you to change banks spontaneously and open up new perspectives. As an alternative to the classic river stages, numerous circular tours into the hills - such as the Weltstein circuit or the Danube Loops circuit with views of the Schlögener Schlinge - offer variety and lead to hidden sights: from the UNESCO World Heritage Danube Limes to baroque monasteries and Celtic settlements. The Danube Cycle Path in Upper Austria is more than just a route - it is an experience between nature, culture and history.

2nd north bank: Linz-Grein section

• Length: 61 kilometres
• Uphill: 123 metres in altitude
• Difficulty: easy

From Linz with its historic city centre and Pöstlingberg landmark, the route leads past the magnificent Steyregg Castle to Mauthausen: the concentration camp memorial is a reminder, while the pharmacy museum in Pragstein Castle shows the art of pill-popping. Via Au an der Donau - with Austria's largest fish ladder - the route continues to the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen, where open-air museum huts bring everyday life from 700 BC to life. The baroque Baumgartenberg Abbey impresses with its stucco work before Grein, the "pearl of the Strudengau", welcomes you with the oldest municipal theatre and Greinburg Castle.

3rd World Stone Round

• Length: 39 kilometres
• Uphill: 471 metres in altitude
• Difficulty: medium

From Au an der Donau, the route leads through the Machland plain to Aist-Naarn-Kuppenland. In Schwertberg, a traditional Zillen trip on the River Aist is an attraction. The Aiserbühne, a castle-like theatre set in a quarry, is just as impressive as the Weltstein (478 m), the highest point of the tour with a view of the Alps. The panoramic descent is a delight. In Perg, the millstone museum Steinbrecherhaus documents the centuries-old processing of granite. The historic Naarnkanal, once a timber floating canal, accompanies you back to the Danube.

4th Danube Loop Tour

• Length: 46 kilometres
• Uphill: 553 metres in altitude
• Difficulty: medium

High above the Danube valley, the architectural meditation pyramid with a view of the Alps greets you on Etzing Hill. In Haibach ob der Donau, a short hike leads to the legendary "Schlögener Donaublick" viewing platform: 300 metres below, the Danube performs its most spectacular manoeuvre in two perfect 180° loops - the Schlögener Schlinge. On the banks, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Römerbad and Römerpark Schlögen document that the Romans were already familiar with this strategic location

5th Danube Limes World Heritage Tour

• Length: 84 kilometres
• Uphill: 176 metres in altitude
• Difficulty: easy

Between the three-river city of Passau and the natural wonder of the Schlögener Schlinge, the Danube Limes World Heritage circuit combines enjoyable cycling with Roman history. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Danube Limes comes to life here through augmented reality: Modern technology brings the border fortifications of the Roman Empire to life at archaeological sites. Together with St Severinus, patron saint of the region, cyclists discover forts, watchtowers and settlements that once marked the northern border of the Roman Empire.

Further information about cycling in the Danube region of Upper Austria can be found at donauregion.at/cycling and donauregion.at/radtouren