View of Grein © WGD Donau Oberösterreich Erber

Danube Summer Experiences

Top 10 summer experiences on the Danube

1. cycling on the Danube cycle path

On the tour from Passau to Vienna, cyclists can enjoy the stimulating alternation of nature and culture. Exciting landscapes such as the Schlögener Donauschlinge and the romantic UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau are just as enticing as city experiences in Vienna, Linz and Passau. Monasteries and abbeys, castles and ruins, picturesque villages and old marketplaces also lie along the way.

Beach at AU Naarn © WGD Donau Oberösterreich Hochhauser
Beach at AU Naarn © WGD Donau Oberösterreich Hochhauser

2. hiking experience Donausteig

The Donausteig long -distance hiking trail runs 450 km from Passau via Linz to Grein. Along the way, hikers encounter wondrous legendary figures, impressive landscapes and unique cultural treasures. Branching off from the main route of the Donausteig, numerous paths lead into the hinterland and thus enable an even more intensive experience of the Danube region in Upper Austria. For hiking enthusiasts, there are a total of 49 Donausteig rounds. It's obvious - the Donausteig is simply fabulous!

Donausteig Schlögener Schlinge © WGD Danube Upper Austria Hochhauser
Donausteig Schlögener Schlinge © WGD Danube Upper Austria Hochhauser

3. hiking between Danube, wine and apricot

The Wachau World Heritage Trail is a 180 km long long-distance hiking trail and leads along the most beautiful hiking paths through the Danube Valley and the Wachau wine landscape. The high-altitude trail connects the 13 municipalities of the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site via historic paths and leads through one of the most enchanting river landscapes in Europe. The Wachau World Heritage Trail encircles 20 castles, ruins and palaces, the Wachau wine-growing region, characterized by stone terraces and steep vineyards, three monasteries and the Jauerling, the highest mountain on the Danube ever - 960 m.

World Heritage Trail Wachau © Steve Haider
World Heritage Trail Wachau © Steve Haider

4. enjoyable moments on the danube

In the Upper Austrian-Bavarian valley of the Danube between Passau and the Strudengau, you can experience the culinary diversity of the Danube. From master chocolatiers and confectioners, from pioneering winegrowers to vegetable farmers who bring old varieties back to life, to the creative chefs of the gastronomy. The Danube region in Lower Austria is known for its ancient wine culture and ultra-modern wineries. Culinary delicacies such as Wachau apricots, fresh Danube fish, asparagus from Marchfeld, seasonal delicacies from the forest and fields await you.

Hotel Donauschlinge Haibach © WGD Danube Upper Austria Peter Podpera
Hotel Donauschlinge Haibach © WGD Danube Upper Austria Peter Podpera

5. beautiful views

Just stand there, look and enjoy. Especially impressive from the perspective of one of the viewing platforms, or from another of the numerous vantage points. From the viewing platform at the Schlögener Schlinge, from the summit of the Jauerling, from Göttweig Abbey, from the ruins of Aggstein or from the castle palace in Budapest. Beautiful views of picturesque landscapes wherever the eye looks.

View of Grein © WGD Donau Oberösterreich Erber
View of Grein © WGD Donau Oberösterreich Erber

6. ship ahoy on the danube

It is especially beautiful to experience the Danube with its different regions from the ship. You can experience varied landscapes, vineyards artfully laid out with typical stone walls, wide plains and valuable art treasures, as well as castles and palaces in the Danube valley. Whether during a boat trip along the Dan ube or during a country visit: the Danube regions are waiting to be discovered.

Navigation Linz Danube © Tom Mesic
Navigation Linz Danube © Tom Mesic

7. recreation in Bratislava forest park

Bratislava's urban forests covering an area of more than 3,000 hectares form a recreational area near the Little Carpathians, perfect for pleasant walks and recharging your batteries. Here is also located the popular Iron Spring (Železná studnička), which boasts partisan meadow with a variety of children's playgrounds, pavilions, opportunities to play soccer and boating on the lake near the meadow.

Bratislava © Petrzalka Pohlad
Bratislava © Petrzalka Pohlad

8. splashy boat tour in Bratislava

A breathtaking and unique view of the whole of Bratislava at full speed - this is what awaits you on board a speedboat. You will get to see the Danube bank and our castle from a completely new perspective. The majestic Devin Castle will present itself to you in its full glory during this exclusive experience.

Bratislava tourism speedboat
Bratislava tourism speedboat

9. enjoy the summer on the Danube bank in Budapest

The Danube embankment became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site to emphasize on a global scale the appreciation of the beauty and richness of the historic architecture, the brilliant design and how all this combines to create a unique vision. Budapest not only preserves this heritage, but is constantly expanding it and inviting its visitors to enjoy and appreciate it. Every summer there are open-air bars where a drink becomes an unforgettable experience and you can enjoy the view of the river.

Budapest © Hungarian Tourist Office
Budapest © Hungarian Tourist Office

10. experience sunrise and sunset in Budapest

Never has getting up early been more worthwhile. One of the most surprising places for sunrises is the Philosopher's Garden on Gellért Hill. Although this area is popular with visitors, the garden itself is surprisingly quiet. It also regularly serves as a starting area for hikes and nature treks. Or visit Margitsziget to catch the Budapest sunrise. A bit of a challenge, but well worth it, is to head to one of Budapest's elevated squares before the sun rises. The Castle Palace or one of the numerous viewpoints will show you how wonderful the city shines when the sun's rays reach it.

Budapest © Hungarn Tourist Assocation
Budapest © Hungarn Tourist Assocation
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