Danube Cycle Path Stage 1 North Bank: Passau - Schlögen

  • Suitable for families
  • culturally interesting
  • Multi-day tour

 Interactive elevation profile

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Tour-Details

Path number: E1-N
Starting place: 94032 Passau
Destination: 4085 Hofkirchen im Mühlkreis

duration: 3h 0m
length: 40,9 km
Altitude difference (uphill): 62m
Altitude difference (downhill): 84m

Lowest point: 276m
Highest point: 322m
difficulty: easy
condition: very easy
panoramic view: Dreamtour

Paths covering:
Asphalt

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Short description:
From the Bavarian Venice to the Giant of the Danube


Quality of experience: *****


Recommended season:
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November


Properties:
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family friendly
  • Cultural/historical value
  • Geological highlights
  • Botanical highlights

Description:
The north route or the south route? This is the first question you need to answer when starting your first stage, as you can approach your destination for today on both banks of the Danube. No matter what choice you make, before you start, you have a lot of time to visit Passau’s sights such as the old town, the residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral (q.v. E1-S). As soon as you cross the Ilz on the Luitpold Bridge, two fortresses, Oberhaus and Niederhaus, bid you farewell from the Three River City. Oberhaus, which used to be the residence of the bishop of Passau, now houses a city museum and a medieval museum.

 


Soon thereafter you can already enjoy views of the sunny and impressive south-facing hillsides of the nature reserve Donauleiten, home to cyclamens, gorgeous Turk’s cap lilies and shimmering green lizards. Through the village of Erlau you continue the journey to Obernzell, where you can visit a pottery museum in the massive castle right at the river. As you continue your journey you are accompanied by the view of the enormous castle keep of the 12th c Vichtenstein Fortress on the other side of the river. On that side you can also see the Haugstein (895m) looming out of the Sauwald (forest), the highest elevation in the area.


 


 The “Haus am Strom” Nature Adventure Centre is shaped by an architect’s hand like “wave and pebble stone“ and has a special water elevator in store for you, among other things. A variety of interesting and fun nature tours help familiarize you with the local flora and fauna. Afterwards, if the sight of Engelszell Abbey on the opposite bank piques your curiosity, you can cross the Danube via the power station Jochenstein. On the north bank, you soon reach Niederanna (Danube bridge), where a builder of zillen (flat-bottomed boats common to the region) offers zillen rides on the Danube. On the north bank, however, you will soon reach Niederranna (Danube bridge), where a long-established boat builder invites you to take a trip on the water in a Zillen. Now it's not far until you can either take the ferry to Schlögen or continue the stage on the north bank with a refreshing trip through the Schlögener Schlinge on the Danube bus, the Au-Grafenau longitudinal ferry.



Directions:
Passau - Ilzstadt -Erlau - Obernzell -Niederranna -Schlögen

Route description


The stage begins right at the Passau train station. To go directly to the Danube, follow the signs “zum Donauradweg”. You catch your first glimpse of the river a few moments later. It will be your constant companion. You follow the Danube downstream and cross it over the Luitpoldbrücke (bridge). Already from here you can see the Veste Upper and Lower House, a center of power, residence,, administration building and fortress in one.


 


After crossing the Ilz bridge, you bear right and from this point onward, follow the sign-posted path along the Danube. Soon you reach the nature reserve Donauleiten, whose steep slopes mark the southern edge of the Bavarian Forest. The slopes are densely forested, so you catch only occasional glimpses of the bizarre rock formations located there. Due to the steep terrain and the south-facing orientation, nature in this area is largely untouched and has an impressive variety of flora and fauna.


 


In Erlau, you cross the creek of the same name and follow the bike path to Obernzell. The imposing 12th c Vichtenstein Castle comes into view on the opposite river bank along with the 895 m high Haugstein, a slightly offset rise regarded as the highest point in the Alpine foothills. A few kilometers downstream you come upon a hotel whose architecture is reminiscent of the shape of a wave (“Haus am Strom”). With its many fountains, an exhibition and beer garden with regional cuisine, the hotel is an inviting destination for a break. As an alternative to Weiterweg (path) with views of Engelszell Abbey, you can also cross the Danube over the Jochenstein power station and then take the Engelhartszell ferry back to the north bank.


 


Zillenverleih Witti in Niederranna is one of the last builders of zillen, flat-bottomed boats common to the region. Shortly after the Haichenbach ruins, the famous Schlögener meander begins, where the Danube forms a picturesque 180 ° curve. The stage ends with a short ferry ride across the Danube in Schlögen or with a Danube bus ride (Au-Grafenau ferry) through the Schlögener Schlinge in Grafenau.


 



Tip:
Journeys of discovery with an enjoyable stopover! This tour leads directly past the following culinary partner:

  •  Thalhammers in Feldkirchen

  • Wögerer in Feldkirchen

  • Hotel Fautschlössl in Feldkirchen

  • Donautaler Mostkellerei in Obermühl

  • Hotel Wesenufer in Waldkirchen am Wesen

  • Gasthof Luger in Neustift

  • Hotel Donauschlinge in Haibach

  • DonAu-Standl in Au an der Donau

  • Radlerbauernhof Moser in Mitterkirchen

Starting point: Passau
Destination: Schlögen

further information:
  • Multi-day tour
  • Board possible

Accessibility / arrival

Getting there
Follow the E56 to the exit Passau-Mitte (116) and continue on the B12 in the direction of Fürstenzell/Donau. At the Danube turn right onto the B8/Regensburger Strasse and follow signs to the train station (Bahnhof).  

Public Transit
Take the train to the Passau main train station.

Parking
Parking in Passau.

Travelling by public transport
Route planner for independent travellers
  • Suitable for families
  • Suitable for children
Most economical season
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Early winter

Please get in touch for more information.


Danube Cycle Path Stage 1 North Bank: Passau - Schlögen
WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz

Phone +43 732 7277 - 800
Fax machine +43 732 7277 - 804
E-Mail info@donauregion.at
Web www.donauregion.at
Web www.donauregion.at/
http://www.donauregion.at
https://www.donauregion.at/

We speak the following languages

German

Vis-à-vis users

1. The tours presented for hiking, walking, biking and road biking, mountain biking, motorbiking, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, and going on skiing and snowshoe tours etc. are to be considered non-paid tour recommendations and only serve as non-binding information. We have no intention of concluding a contract with the users of this website. The utilisation of the data does not lead to the establishment of a contract with us.

 

The data may only be used for private use; any commercial use is prohibited. In particular, it is not permissible to offer the data on commercially run websites, file-sharing platforms etc. or to use it to develop commercial products. Downloading data does not imply that users are granted rights to the data concerned.

 

The tour recommendations posted were created with utmost care; nevertheless, we assume no liability for the correctness and completeness of the information.

 

We point out that neither the tour recommendations included on this website nor the associated data and information were posted by us, but rather by third parties (Art. 16 Austrian E-Commerce Act). We have no influence on whether the details provided (e.g. distance, level of difficulty, change in altitude, description etc.) are authentic, correct and complete. We do not review these third-party contents. For this reason, we assume no liability for the authenticity, correctness and completeness of the information.

 

Construction-related measures or other influences (e.g. landslides and similar occurrences) can lead to temporary or permanent changes in a route (e.g. loss of a bridge and similar occurrences). Such occurrences can lead to part of the route or the entire route becoming impassable.

 

The use of the data as well as undertaking (riding, walking, taking etc.) the recommended tours or using the network of paths occurs at users’ own risk and on their authority. In particular, users themselves are responsible for the choice of route, outdoor orientation, adherence to traffic rules, supplies and equipment for tours listed in Point 1 (e.g. bicycle etc.), wearing a helmet, estimating their own fitness, recognising dangers and maintaining an appropriate velocity. We exclude ourselves from any liability whatsoever for damages, in particular accidents, that occur whilst taking part in the recommended tours.

 

2.Some of the tours lead over roads with normal traffic conditions. Please observe that there is an increased risk which can be avoided by means of appropriate attention and proper estimation and implementation of one’s own abilities. For this reason, please travel a route that is unfamiliar to you slowly and with special care. Pay constant attention to potential dangers and always observe traffic. Do not leave the routes featured in descriptions.

 

The potential use of private roads, in particular forestry roads and agricultural transport roads, can be subject to legal restrictions, which must be observed and adhered to.

 

The normal traffic rules apply. Each user (e.g. biker, motorbiker) is responsible for adhering to these rules and maintaining his/her bike/vehicle and its equipment (lights, brakes etc.) in good working order. Each user is also responsible for ensuring that he/she rides at a velocity that is appropriate for the conditions and his/her skill level and for maintaining sufficient distance to the rider in front. We explicitly recommend adjusting velocity to correspond to the respective field of vision, wearing a helmet, using reflective clothing (or similar) and employing bicycle lights in line with regulations.

 

3.Each tour requires good physical fitness as well as detailed planning. We explicitly recommend only taking the tours in the case of optimal healthiness.

 

We recommend that you conclude an accident and liability insurance policy. Use an onboard computer that displays the respective kilometres travelled per day and is calibrated for the front wheel.

 

4.Special for mountain bikers – Fair-play rules:

 

Mountain biking is one of the most wonderful outdoor leisure-time activities. Whilst biking or on a mountain biking tour, mountains and lakes, meadows and cabins are re-discovered in new ways. A couple of rules for fair play in the forest help to avoid conflicts whilst mountain biking.

 

a.Pedestrians have the right of way: We are accommodating and friendly to pedestrians and hikers. Upon encountering these fellow travellers, we alert them by using the bicycle bell and slowly overtake them. We avoid paths with heavy pedestrian traffic altogether. Take nature into account: We do not leave refuse behind.

b.The braking distance should be half of the total distance visible: We ride at a controlled pace, are ready to brake and maintain a braking distance half as long as the total distance visible, especially in curves, because we always have to count on obstacles on the path. Damage to the path, stones, branches, wood piles, grazing livestock, cattle grids, barriers, tractor-type forestry machines and authorised vehicles pose dangers that we need to be ready for.

c.Don’t drink and drive!: Do not drink alcohol when mountain biking. Take care at stop-off points (dealing with bike racks, dirty shoes or clothing).

It is obligatory to provide first aid!

d.Marked routes, closed paths and blockades: Keep to the marked routes, observe the blockades and accept that these roads are primarily for agricultural and forestry use!

Blockades can often not be avoided and are in your own interest. Biking beyond the intended path and outside of opening times is punishable and turns us into illegal bikers.

e.We are guests in the forest and behave accordingly, including vis-à-vis forestry and hunting staff. Whilst mountain biking, mobile telephones and music players are forbidden! Biking requires your full attention.

f.Avoid unnecessary noise. Out of consideration to the animals living in the wild, we only bike during full daylight. As a principle, we always wear our helmet (even when riding uphill)! Don’t forget emergency supplies: We always have a repair set and bandages along.

g.Don’t overestimate your skills: We should not overdo it when it comes to biking technique and physical fitness. Take the level of difficulty posed by the route into consideration and make a precise estimate of your experience and skills as a biker (braking, bell, lights)!

h.Close gates: We approach grazing livestock at a walking pace and close every gate behind us. We should avoid causing escape and panic reactions in the animals. Nothing stands in the way of the fun and athletic challenge in the mountains and forests!

i.Traffic rules: The general traffic rules (StVO) apply for all the mountain biking routes and we adhere to them. Our bike therefore needs to be in perfect technical condition and equipped in line with the traffic rules, including brakes, a bell and lights. We inspect and service our mountain bikes regularly anyway.

 

5.We assume no liability for the contents of external websites; in particular, we assume no liability for their statements and contents. Moreover, we have no influence on the design or contents of the websites to which hyperlinks on guide.oberoesterreich.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to guide.oberoesterreich.at. There is no on-going review of websites to which hyperlinks on guide.oberoesterreich.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to guide.oberoesterreich.at. We do not appropriate the contents of websites to which hyperlinks on guide.oberoesterreich.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to guide.oberoesterreich.at.

 

Vis-à-vis bloggers

PLEASE OBSERVE:

1. Each of your tour recommendations for hiking, walking, biking and road biking, mountain biking, motorbiking, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, and going on skiing and snowshoe tours etc., along with other details and information, is free of charge. In particular regarding the correctness of the information, we assume no liability, nor do we assume any liability whatsoever for the consequences of the use of your tour recommendation by a third party (in particular by a user of this website). We do not review the tour recommendations you post, including other details and information, at any time.

We have no intention of concluding a contract with persons who post tour recommendations and/or other details and information on this website. Posting data (information) does not imply that a contract has been concluded.

By recommending a tour, we assume special responsibility vis-à-vis other athletes. Please take this responsibility seriously and describe your tour recommendation with utmost care and to the best of your knowledge and belief.

 

2.Your tour recommendations must therefore clearly and unambiguously include at least the following criteria and provide a sufficiently detailed description:

• Starting point

• Detailed route description

• Distance/Overall distance 

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• Dangerous spots

• Average duration of trip

• Change in altitude

• Finishing point.

If possible, please provide the change in altitude.

 

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Thank you for your efforts!

 

4. We are not responsible for the contents of external websites; in particular, we do not assume any liability for their statements or contents. Furthermore, we do not influence the design or contents of websites that can be accessed from guide.oberoesterreich.at via hyperlinks or that use hyperlinks to refer to guide.oberoesterreich.at. The websites that can be accessed from guide.oberoesterreich.at via hyperlinks or that use hyperlinks to refer to guide.oberoesterreich.at are not regularly monitored. Furthermore, we do not assume any claims to the websites that can be accessed from guide.oberoesterreich.at via hyperlinks or that use hyperlinks to refer to guide.oberoesterreich.at.

 Interactive elevation profile

Download GPS data
Create PDF

Tour-Details

Path number: E1-N
Starting place: 94032 Passau
Destination: 4085 Hofkirchen im Mühlkreis

duration: 3h 0m
length: 40,9 km
Altitude difference (uphill): 62m
Altitude difference (downhill): 84m

Lowest point: 276m
Highest point: 322m
difficulty: easy
condition: very easy
panoramic view: Dreamtour

Paths covering:
Asphalt

powered by TOURDATA