The Danube Walking Trail – Linz to Vienna
Footloose- 7 Nights/8 Days
The new DONAUSTEIG Pathway along Austria's Danube River is 450 km of walks past the most beautiful sights on the Danube along the ridge of hills from Passau via Linz to Grein.
Ancient fortresses, dreamy castles and historic ruins watch over the river while pretty villages and farms invite you to linger. The pathway winds through shady forests, colourful flowery meadows and lively gurgling streams. The recurring views of the Danube are breathtaking.
Itinerary and Highlights
- Day 1 Arrival in Linz, the modern provincial capital where your walking holiday begins.
- Day 2 Linz - Enns via St Florian (32 km, 8 hrs)
Walk through peaceful fields to Olkam. then climb up to one of Austria's largest Baroque abbeys, St Florian. From here it's easy walking with views of the monastery and river to Enns, the oldest town in Austria. - Day 3 Enns via Mauthausen to Perg (20 km, 6 hrs).
Walk through the flat fertile Machland region then ferry across the river to Mauthausen, place of a notorious Nazi concentration camp. Continue through lovely forest past typical small Austrian villages surrounded by neat cultivated fields to reach the small town of Perg. - Day 4 Perg to Grein (19 km - 4.5 hrs)
Go by train from Perg to Baumgartenberg to begin today's route to Grein, known as the pearl of the Strudengau region. Arrive Klam with its attractive medieval castle and hike through the hilly, sparsely populated nature area of the Muhlviertal. Descend to Grein. In the historic town centre visit the maritime museum, historic theatre and stroll quaint lanes. - Day 5 Grein - St Nikola - Sarmingstein (16 km - 7 hrs)
Follow the banks of the Danube downstream then turn into the wild back country of gorges and ravines known as the Strudengau. The trail meanders through forest and past charming villages like St Nikola then up the slopes of the Danube to Sarmingstein. - Day 6 Sarmingstein - Waldhause - Bad Kreuzen (26 km - 8 hrs)
Hike a hilly landscape to the traditional village of Waldhausen. Walk to Waldhausen monastery, although charming is overshadowed in grandeur by the castle fortress of Bad Kreuzen. Enjoy views from the castle then pass over the beautiful Wolfsschlucht Gorge to reach the town. - Day 7 Bad Kreuzen - Grein (9 km - 2.5 hrs)
Walk past the picturesque villages and towns of Speckalm, Lehen and Muhlberg before reaching Grein. At midday join the boat for a picturesque cruise down the Danube to Vienna (8.5 hrs) for overnight. - Day 8 Vienna.
Walking tour arrangements end after breakfast, or book extra nights to enjoy the sights and music of this historical capital. - Day 9
- Day 10
- Day 11
- Day 12
- Day 13
- Day 14
- Day 15
- Day 16
- Day 17
- Day 18
- Day 19
- Day 20
Extension to – – 0 Nights/0 Days
Itinerary and Highlights
- Day
- Day
- Day
- Day
- Day
- Day
- Day
- Day
- Day
- Day
The walk takes you past the most beautiful sights on the Danube along the ridge of hills from Passau via Linz to Grein.