Danube Upper Austria

Holidays in the Danube region in Upper Austria

No other region is as diverse as the Danube region in Upper Austria. From the historic baroque city of Passau to the modern cultural city of Linz and the picturesque Danube town of Grein, you will be accompanied by a landscape with many faces that could not be more diverse. The Danube in Upper Austria is the main artery of Europe. You can discover unique natural areas on the Danube Cycle Path and the Donausteig long-distance hiking trail. Here you will find opportunities for rest and relaxation. Inspired by the wonderful cultural life, which is deeply rooted in the eventful history of the areas around the river, you will gather unforgettable impressions. If you spend your holiday on the Danube in Upper Austria, you will draw on the abundance, experience carefree times and deep emotions. Let it touch you! Book your holiday in the Danube region now!

Tip: With the DONAU.Erlebnis Card you can get even more out of your holiday. Numerous free services and discounts await: from tastings at gourmet partners to city and cultural tours or admission to our top excursion destinations and museums. www.donaucard.info

Danube Cycle Region Upper Austria
Out in the Danube region, a bicycle is not just a means of transport. The bike accompanies us as we explore the stories that the Danube and the Inn have to tell. It takes us from one cultural treasure to the next, waits patiently when we need a break and want to dip our feet in the cool water of the rivers, only to carry us on again with fresh momentum to the next encounter, the next amazement.

Cycling pleasure on the Danube and Inn cycle paths
The Danube and Inn, the two rivers, are true cycling tourism magnets and prime examples of the best cycling infrastructure. It is no coincidence that the Danube Cycle Path has been one of the most popular long-distance cycle routes in Europe for years.
If you really want to get into the flow, start your cycle tour in the charming baroque town of Schärding. From here, you can follow the river along the Inn Cycle Path in just 16 km to where it flows into the Danube in Passau  The tour from the three-river city of Passau on the Bavarian-Upper Austrian border to the Austrian capital, Vienna, is then around 330 kilometres long. The cycle route is largely built along both banks of the river and offers cyclists a relaxed cycling experience and variety - a different highlight every day. Ferries, bridges and power station crossings connect the north and south banks of the Danube, making it easy to cycle along both banks or return to the starting point of the tour without having to cycle on the same stretch twice. Ideal tours for day trips - from home or from your holiday destination.
www.donauradweg.at


Exploring the land around the Inn and Danube cycle paths
You've never seen the Danube like this before: On 15 circular tours between Schärding and Grein, you not only cycle along the rivers Danube and Inn, but also branch off into the region's surrounding countryside. On a journey of discovery through the Danube region, you leave a few metres of altitude behind you and are rewarded with fantastic views of the spreading river landscape from the ridges. So why not leave the Danube cycle path and return to the starting point by the river via a loop with completely new perspectives of the countryside? The new cycle tours are particularly suitable for enjoyable cycling excursions by e-bike and not only lead to natural and cultural treasures worth seeing. They also invite you to meet people: Craft businesses with a long tradition, chefs with a great love of flavour or producers and direct marketers who are bursting with new ideas. Cider that tickles the tongue, pralines made from hand-scooped chocolate or tasty cheese specialities. For all those who have cycled along the Danube cycle path before and now want to discover the entire cycling region between the Inn and Danube. www.donauregion.at/radfahren

Hiking region Danube Upper Austria
Hiking in the Danube region means immersing yourself in nature and discovering the different types of landscape. From the wooded riverbanks in the Upper Danube Valley to the fertile plains in the Eferding Basin and Machland to the rugged rock formations in the once feared Strudengau: the breathtaking natural landscape is to be conquered step by step, with incredible panoramic views of the river from above. The trail network in the Danube region consists of the 450 km long-distance hiking trail Donausteig, the stages of which stretch from Passau via Linz to Grein on both banks of the river, 49 Donausteig loops in the Danube hinterland and numerous other regional hiking trails. The four-part map set provides a good overview of the entire hiking region so that you don't get lost in the huge network of paths in the Upper Austrian Danube region.
The Donausteig is an adventure playground for families with children, pure hiking bliss for pleasure hikers, a meaningful natural paradise for conscious hikers and an incredible place of strength for trail runners. For over 10 years, the Donausteig has been offering all hikers extraordinary insights and views of the varied and captivating landscapes along the Danube under the motto "simply fabulous". Whether it's an eventful break in the forest, a pleasurable slow-down in unspoilt nature or days of wellbeing at the power spots in the Danube valley, hiking in the Danube region gets your life energies flowing again. The Danube region in Upper Austria is like a treasure map that needs to be explored. Whether

• for panoramic or pleasure hikes
• forays through gorges and ravines,
• short city walks or
• meaningful pilgrimage tours

the trail network is extensive and structured in such a way that it has something to suit every type of hiker.
And for those looking for a challenge: the Donausteig is also ideal for trail runners suitable! Sweat-inducing exercise and top sporting performance in the midst of a dreamlike landscape and fabulous panoramic views - a perfect mix! www.donauregion.at/wandern

Healthy in the flow of the Danube
Outdoors in the Danube region, there are places of power with incredible radiance. Here, it is particularly easy to find peace and quiet and focus on your own health. Exercise in nature, cool water that activates and revives the spirits, plus the stimulating aromas of local medicinal herbs... In the first-class health centres in the Upper Austrian Danube region, people reflect on the teachings of traditional European medicine, the rejuvenating power of nature and the cleansing effects of therapeutic fasting and herbal detox. Under professional guidance and in a soothing ambience, you will feel reborn after a few days of health holidays on the Danube!
www.donauregion.at/gesundheit 
 
Tapping into the Danube as a source of strength
A holiday in the Danube region also means a holiday for body and soul. The word wellness - what does it actually mean? Bathing, saunas, massages - yes, of course! But not only that. On the Danube, holistic relaxation and well-being take centre stage. The four elements also play an important role here: fire, water, air and earth can be felt in the wellness oases of the Upper Austrian Danube region and promise feelings of well-being. It should be sustainable, so that you can find a relaxed everyday life even after your holiday and get your life energies flowing again. www.donauregion.at/wellness

City experiences
Stroll through the past in the Danube region and experience the moment in the here and now: the picturesque Silberzeile in Schärding with its colourful facades is reminiscent of craft guilds that date back to the Middle Ages. In Enns, the Romans have left their truly impressive traces. The historic town of Eferding, on the other hand, is located in the centre of Austria's vegetable garden and Perg has made a name for itself as a lively shopping and event town. The former shipping town of Grein is regarded as the pearl of the formerly dangerous Strudengau region. Today, these charming towns are insider tips for a relaxed shopping spree in the historic alleyways and streets, an inspiring museum visit or a break in a cosy guest garden with coffee, cake and homemade ice cream. www.donauregion.at/staedte

UNESCO World Heritage Site Danube Limes
The Danube is a river that has attracted cultures since time immemorial. For over 450 years, the Danube/Danuvius was the northern border of the Roman Empire. In 2021, the western part of the wet border - the Danube Limes - was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Danube Upper Austria, you can immerse yourself in the eventful history of the Romans on the river and discover which traces they left behind and which can still be felt and experienced today.  The Roman Empire shaped our country with its legionaries, craftsmen and farmers, its architecture, forts and baths and has left lasting traces. The main base was "Lauriacum", a legionary camp in the area of today's Enns. From here, the Roman military organised a network of forts and bases to protect the border, from Linz to Schlögen and Oberranna in the Upper Danube Valley. However, the Limes was by no means as impenetrable as one might think, as trade flourished. www.donauregion.at/roemer

Together in the realm of adventure
Be free as a child again in the Danube region, enjoy your holiday as a family. Fulfil your dream of spending the night in a tree house far above the treetops of the forest. Let off steam in the huge adventure park, consciously explore nature and completely lose track of time. In the adventure realm of the Danube region, stressful everyday life, rushing and having to do things are left outside. Here in the Danube region, you can be free and relaxed, have carefree fun and grow together again as a family.
www.donauregion.at/familien

Excursion destinations
There are numerous exciting excursion destinations in the Danube region that are always worth a visit! Off to the Danube adventure realm!
www.donauregion.at/top-ausflugsziele 

Shipping
A variety of Danube cruises and excursions on the Danube and Inn are offered on the Upper Austrian Danube between Schärding, Passau and Grein. Explore the landscape and towns from the water and catch fascinating views of castles and ruins that were built centuries ago on the ridge of the Danube valley.
www.donauregion.at/schifffahrt-donau


Danube apps
Exploring the Danube with your smartphone. There are free apps for anyone who wants to explore the Danube region interactively. Here are all the apps: www.donauregion.at/donau-apps

Stories from the Danube region
Stories and legends from days long past have always been told in the Danube region. The rich treasure trove of legends of the Danube was compiled and retold by storyteller Helmut Wittmann. Authentic and inspiring stories about people from the Danube region in the here and now can be found in our online magazine. Get to know the Upper Austrian Danube region and the people who characterise it. Various podcasts also report on life and holidays on the Danube.

On the following pages, we invite you to get to know the river, land and people of this important Danube landscape in depth. Here's what you can experience in the Danube region: www.donauregion.at/aktivitaeten