Biking the Danube. It is a picturesque journey from that follows the Danube River, taking you through numerous famous cities, past expanses of vineyards, and into tiny hidden villages. We spent a magical two-weeks in 2017 biking along the Danube River cycle path from Regensburg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary, a popular stretch that takes riders through four countries (Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary).
Along the way, we visited medieval villages, castle ruins, cathedrals, abbeys, modern and historic museums, all while pedaling on what is recognized as Europe’s longest dedicated bike path. It is a popular, relatively gentle route (although there are must-do side trips that take you up and around). Thus, it is perfect for any level of cyclist and ideal for solo travelers, groups or families. We were guided on our 540-mile journey by ExperiencePlus! Bike Tours, one of many travel outfitters leading tours along the blue Danube.
We passed through Passau, Linz, Melk, Esztergom, Vienna, Bratislava, and the terraced wine country of Wachau, Austria, before arriving in Budapest. From Germany to Austria to Slovakia to Hungary, the cycle trip is as much a tasty culinary adventure as it is a trip through ancient history and various cultures, experienced up close by pedaling along a river that has been a central trade route for centuries.
We hope you enjoy sharing the journey through our Instagram photos taken during our two weeks biking the Danube River.
Vienna makes a good argument for being "the city of love" ❤️ when pedestrian crossing signals show people holding hands 😍. #bikeexplus #danube @visitvienna @explusbicycling
We loved 25hours Hotel in Vienna for its atmosphere, sense of humor, and quality of service. But Dumont and Rocky wish to register a complaint about this "do not feed the animals" notice at check in. @explusbicycling @visitvienna @25hourshotels #danube #vienna
Amazing dinner at Platan Restaurant and Cafe in Tata, Hungary, on a night out on our own during our bike tour along the Danube with ExperiencePlus! Bike Tours. Chef Istvan Pesti was a magician with subtle flavors and mouth-watering presentation. The rabbit with seasonal vegetables, fresh peas, mushrooms, tortellini with goat cheese and goat cheese froth was to die for (Therese declined to share!). Our waiter, Peter, is carefully pouring au jus over Michael’s venison (cooked perfectly rare and so tender you could cut it with a butter knife) prepared with nettle puree and savoy cabbage. Mmmmm. And dessert? Oh my! We chose a cake that won “cake of the year” in a recent Hungarian baking competition, but all of them looked decidedly delectable, don’t you agree? @platan_restaurant_cafe @explusbicycling @hungarytourism #bikeexplus #danube @budapestfestivaltourismcenter
Two weeks. 900+ kilometers. The Danube. It was an amazing bike trip from Regensburg to Budapest. Remembered most not by how far or where we traveled but by all the new friendships made along the way. @backbonemedia @verdebrandcommunications @thule @pearlizumiofficial @explusbicycling @hungarytourism @budapestfestivaltourismcenter @aborfesztival @ricsistreetfood @hoteldevin @visitvienna @stadtregensburg @25hourshotels @goreapparel #danube #bikeexplus @gerloczycafe
Goodbye Budapest. You've been a wonderful host. We will see you again. @budapestfestivaltourismcenter @hungarytourism @explusbicycling #bikeexplus #danube #ilovebudapest
Experience the magnificent views and vibe from Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest -- a must see destination. @explusbicycling @adventure.travel_ @hungarytourism @budapestfestivaltourismcenter #danube #bikeexplus #bastion #fishermansbastion #budapest
Night view of the Chain Bridge across the Danube in Budapest from the top of the Castle Hill Funicular. @budapestfestivaltourismcenter @hungarytourism @funicular.railways #funicular @attastowell @explusbicycling #bikeexplus #danube #budapest #ilovebudapest
Playful, abstract shadows at sunset on a wall along the Danube in Budapest. @hungarytourism @budapestfestivaltourismcenter #danube #shadowhunters #budapest
It's not Hungary without peppers and paprika of all shapes! @hungarytourism @budapestfestivaltourismcenter #hotpeppers #food #spice #danube #ilovebudapest
Just shoes on the river's edge. An artist's memorial to man's inhumanity. The permanent installation is named Shoes on the Danube. In memory of victims rounded up by the Arrow Cross (Hungarians put in power by Hitler) in 1944 and 1945. These victims were made to take off their shoes as they stood next to Danube (because shoes were valuable) and then shot ... their bodies (men, women, children) falling into the river and floating away. Never again. This sort of hatred cannot be allowed to exist. @hungarytourism @budapestfestivaltourismcenter @attastowell @adventure.travel_ #danube #ilovebudapest
Lunch at Ricsi's in Budapest ... the Luganega Hot Dog. Ground beef flavored with cinnamon, ground coriander, clove, nutmeg and a dash of white wine on fresh bread with tomato-coriander sauce. Delicious. @hungarytourism @budapestfestivaltourismcenter @ricsistreetfood #budapest #jewishquarter #danube
The view from our hotel room at the Art'otel in Budapest is rather grand don't you think? @artotel @explusbicycling @budapestfestivaltourismcenter @hungarytourism #danube #ilovebudapest
The chocolate cake at Mandragóra in Budapest was so divine we forgot to take a photo. Oopsie! Chocolate fudge layers with a sumptuous cream fill with a dollop of fruit sauce and an edible pink flower. Trust us, it was yum. So popular they sell it in packs of 8 or 16 slices! @hungarytourism @budapestfestivaltourismcenter #mandragora #chocolate #budapest #danube
Our bike tour is over but we have many more photos to come so keep following 😍. This photo from our dinner cruise along the Danube last night. @explusbicycling @hungarytourism @artotel #bikeexplus #danube @budapestfestivaltourismcenter #ilovebudapest #budapest
View of the Budapest parliament from our boat on the Danube. Celebration dinner courtesy of ExperiencePlus! Amazing, right? @hungarytourism @explusbicycling #bikeexplus #danube
Sammy enjoys the sunset from the Basilica in Esztergom, Hungary... Glass of bubbly at hand! @hungariantourism @explusbicycling @sammy.xander #hungary #esztergom #bikeexplus #sunset #danube
Delicious iced coffee and three cheese sandwich on homemade bread made by Edina, owner of the Corner Buffet and Sandwich Bar in Szentendre, just outside Budapest. Mmmmmmmmm. @explusbicycling @hungarytourism #bikeexplus #danube
The other side of bike touring ... when (not if) you flat. You fix and then you roll on toward Budapest with hands slightly black and greased but smiles still broad and white 😜🚴 #bikeexplus @hungarytourism @explusbicycling #danube
Nearing the top of 413 steps to the view point from the Basilica dome. @explusbicycling @hungarytourism #bikeexplus #danube
Even the hard-working ExperiencePlus! bike guides indulge sometimes... Ilaria digs into a yum Hungarian Chocolate Snail (Kakaóscsiga) on a mid-day ride break. @hungariantourism @explusbicycling #hungary #chocolate #danube
In awe. The Basilica in Esztergom overlooks the Danube. @hungarytourism @explusbicycling #bikeexplus #danube #basilica #esztergom #esztergombasilica
Tata, Hungary - Castle Museum surrounded by ruins. Threatening rain clouds at sunset. @hungarytourism @explusbicycling #hungary #danube #castle
Lovers at sunset 🌅 on Lake Öreg in Tata, Hungary 🇭🇺. @hotelkristaly @explusbicycling @hungarytourism #bikeexplus #hungary #danube
Perfect lunch after a bike ride ... fries, salad, beer on tap with a lakeside view and plenty of sunshine. Tata, Hungary 🇭🇺 is very welcoming. @hungarytourism @explusbicycling @hotelkristaly #bikeexplus #hungary @korzotata #danube
The long walk along the beautiful former Abbey halls of Hotel Klastrom in Györ, Hungary on our way to a 9:00 am "bags down" for our bicycle 🚴 departure to the town of Tata. Thank goodness our Eagle Creek luggage has wheels. @explusbicycling #bikeexplus #gyor2017 #hotelklastrom @hungarytourism #danube #pacsafe #eaglecreek @pacsafeofficial @eaglecreek
After a rainy chill day on the bike, La Mareda Bistro in Gyor filled our tummies scrummy with amazing duck breast with hand shaped noodles, raspberry gelatin cubes, raspberry sauce and roasted plums. Ready to go again! @explusbicycling #hungary #győr #lamaredaetterem #bikeexplus #danube
What a view on a moody weather day from the Clock Tower at Bishop's Castle in Györ, Hungary. Our hotel, the Klastrom, partly still a working abby, is the yellow building in the front left! @explusbicycling #győr #hungary #danube #bikeexplus
Team ExperiencePlus! looking decidedly colorful as we prepare to depart Hotel Devin on our way to Gyor. Slight rain. Big smiles. Continues to be an amazing adventure as we bike along the Danube on our way to Budapest. @verdebrandcommunications @pearlizumiofficial @goreapparel @explusbicycling @hoteldevin #bikeexplus #danube
Leaving Slovakia 🇸🇰 and heading into Hungary 🇭🇺. Happy our Gore-Tex and Pearl Izumi bike gear is keeping us dry and comfy on this somewhat damp morning. @explusbicycling #bikeexplus @goreapparel @pearlizumiofficial @verdebrandcommunications #danube
Fantastic surprising street sculptures in old town Bratislava: Man at Work in bronze is adorable...and a really attention getter. @explusbicycling @visitbratislava #bikeexplus #manatwork #streetsculpture #danube
Michael Hodgson & Therese Iknoian
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