Danube Cycle Path
527.3 km2574 m
EuroVelo 6
Danube Cycle Path
Donaueschingen to Passau, about 330 miles / 530 km, following the Danube through southern Germany from its traditional source to the Austrian border. A classic long-distance touring route through river valleys and historic towns.
Recommendations
Bike
Any bike
Hybrids, touring bikes and e-bikes are all common.
Tyres
32 mm
28 mm is fine on the smoother sections.
Experience
Beginner
Families ride it. Book beds in July and August.
Route breakdown
0k -> 36km
Donaueschingen
Easy, the river is a stream+1 m up · 35 m down · 676–642 m
The marked source in the park. The path is already a proper touring line. English riders often mean EuroVelo 6; this file is the German river toward Passau.
36k -> 81km
Tuttlingen
Easy, a few kicks+150 m up · 246 m down · 669–572 m
Upper Danube valley, limestone, the first long traffic-free stretches. The gorge chapter is prettier and a bit more up and down than the agricultural days after Ulm.
81k -> 167km
Sigmaringen
Easy postcard riding+111 m up · 213 m down · 572–470 m
Castle above the river. Classic stop. The valley is still tight. Book beds ahead in July and August.
167k -> 249km
Ulm
Easy spinning+11 m up · 85 m down · 476–401 m
The Münster spire. First big city on the German Danube. Easy overnight. From here the river and the path both widen.
249k -> 310km
Donauwörth
Flat, agricultural+23 m up · 51 m down · 401–373 m
Where the Wörnitz meets the Danube. Flatter now. Services everywhere. Scenery quieter than the gorge days.
310k -> 388km
Ingolstadt
Easy bike path+83 m up · 119 m down · 373–337 m
Industrial Bavaria on a dedicated path. Almost no cars. You are stacking kilometres, not climbing.
388k -> 474km
Regensburg
Easy, worth the stop+155 m up · 45 m down · 333–443 m
Stone bridge and a UNESCO old town. Many tourers treat this as the mid-point of the German week.
474k -> 527km
Deggendorf
Easy, the valley opens+13 m up · 185 m down · 474–302 m
The river is already wide. Passau is close. You have watched a stream become a proper European river.
527km
Passau
The border
Three rivers. Austria starts on the other side. Passau to Vienna is the next famous week. Stitch the next national line if you want to keep going.
FAQ
Is this Passau to Vienna?
This guide and GPX start at Donaueschingen and run the German river toward Passau. Passau to Vienna is the next famous week.
How far is the German Donauradweg?
Donaueschingen to Passau on this GPX is in the region of 530 km. Bank choices and spurs move the number a little.
How many days does it take?
About a week at an easy touring pace. Passau to Vienna is another week.
Do I need German?
Not on the path. Waymarks are clear. This page is the English briefing.
What is the surface like?
Mostly dedicated path and quiet roads. Hybrids, touring bikes and e-bikes are all common. 32 mm tyres are a comfortable default.
Where do I download the GPX?
Use the button on this page. The file is public and available without an account.
More route guides
LEJOG Cycle Route
A different long touring line, on an island.
Way of the Roses
A shorter signed crossing in England.
National Cycle Route 2
English south coast if you want sea not river.
All route guides
The rest of the named-trail library.
Download the GPX, or score today's wind
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