From the source of the Danube to Passau

Level 2/5

Easy to moderate

35 to 70km per day of cycling. No particular technical difficulties. Mostly on cycle paths, greenways or minor roads. Little elevation gain. The second cycling stage is the hilliest. The others cover flatter terrain. Due to the more demanding stages, we recommend this trip only for young people with good stamina and a keen interest in taking part.

You only carry a small bag with your picnic lunch and the things you need for the day. Your luggage will be waiting for you at the hotel in the evening: it is transported by the hotelier. Maximum weight: 20 kg. We recommend packing a change of clothes in your panniers, as in rare, unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic jams, your luggage may be delivered late. Luggage may arrive as late as 18:00.

Bookings are possible for 2 people or more.

15 days, 14 nights, 13 days of cycling.

We provide a digital travel pack that includes access to our smartphone navigation app, the list of your accommodations, any exchange vouchers and all the information you need for your stay to run smoothly. A paper pack containing your vouchers, luggage labels and the roadbook with the itinerary maps can be provided for an additional charge. It will be handed to you at your first hotel. This is a self-guided trip without a guide, so you travel independently throughout your stay.

Accommodation

In 3*/4* hotels, in a room for two with a bathroom. Single rooms can be booked for a supplement.

Rooms

In Germany, double beds with a single large mattress are generally uncommon, and rooms with 2 separate twin beds are rarely available. Usually, there is a single bed base with two 90 cm mattresses, each with its own duvet. If you would like a twin room, please let us know when booking, and we will do our best, subject to availability.

Rooms for 3 or 4 people: these generally have an extra bed in the form of a fold-out sofa bed; however, the rooms are generally spacious (ideal for adults with 1 child). For 3 adults, we recommend 1 double room & 1 single room for greater comfort.

Hotel classification

Some hotels or Gasthof inns have no official rating or choose not to be rated, including establishments that still held a rating a few years ago. This does not mean their quality has declined—far from it. If we indicate, for example, a comfort level of “3* or equivalent”, this means that the establishment may not have an official rating, but offers comfort comparable to a 3* hotel.

Meals

Breakfast is included. Dinner and lunch are not included, but you will have no trouble finding somewhere to eat along the way. Please note! Dinner is often served early. Please observe the meal service times.

Start

On Day 1 in the afternoon in Donaueschingen.

Finish

On Day 15 after breakfast in Passau.

Depart on a date of your choice from 3 April to 10 October 2027. Your departure day determines the season.

The route starts in Donaueschingen and ends in Passau. Arrange travel from your own departure city and check current train connections with Deutsche Bahn; Zurich and Stuttgart airports may be convenient gateways depending on your journey.

By train

Donaueschingen has a railway station. Check current connections and schedules for your departure location.

By car

Check current road conditions and journey time from your starting point.

Parking your car

Confirm current parking availability and charges in Donaueschingen before travelling.

Return transfer

The return train journey from Passau to Donaueschingen is at your own expense. Check current schedules and bike carriage rules before booking.

Bike hire

You collect your hire bikes at the first hotel and drop them off at the last hotel.

These are very high-quality German bikes by Velo de Ville (or equivalent), comfortable and fitted with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres to ensure a trouble-free cycling trip.

The bikes come with a basket, a pannier, a cycle computer, a lock, a pump and a repair kit.

Unisex hybrid bike: a standard bike with a crossbar, for riders from 1,45m to 1,90m

• 8 gears, wide saddle, with a coaster brake + 2 conventional handlebar-operated brakes. Please let us know if you would like this model.

• 27 gears, without a coaster brake, with a freewheel: this is the model we reserve for you by default, if you prefer a familiar freewheel setup.

Men’s bikes: bikes with a horizontal top tube

From 1,75m

• 8 gears with a coaster brake + 2 conventional handlebar-operated brakes. Please let us know if you would like this model.

• 27 gears without a coaster brake, with a freewheel: this is the model we reserve for you by default, if you prefer a familiar freewheel setup.

E-bikes: electrically assisted bicycles, ideal if you do not feel entirely confident or if members of your small group have different fitness levels.
Minimum age: 16 years

8 gears, with a coaster brake

• Unisex, for people from 1,45m in height

Children’s bikes (on request) for heights up to 1,55m

20, 24 or 26 inches

A number of our trips offer opportunities to swim, either along the day’s route or at the end of the day. It would be a shame to miss out. However, please bear in mind that your guides are not lifeguards; you therefore swim under your own responsibility and at your own risk.

Member of Agir pour un Tourisme Responsable (ATR)

Since 2012, Grand Angle has been a member of ATR, the leading association for more responsible tourism. We design our trips – on foot, by bike and on snow – to invite everyone to discover the world differently: with curiosity, respect and kindness.

As members of the board of directors since 2018, we actively help the industry develop more meaningful practices. In practical terms, we focus on:

• Transparency in our practices and pricing
• Respect for our partners and local communities
• Protecting the environment on every trip

We also share the values of the Traveller’s Ethical Charter, which encourages everyone to take simple steps to protect the places they visit and foster rewarding encounters.

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has held Travelife Partner recognition, an international label that certifies our responsible environmental, ethical and sustainable management practices, within our company, with our partners and in the organisation of our trips.

This label, the second level of a demanding international certification scheme, recognises our practical efforts to support responsible tourism. We are actively working towards the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy

For cycling

• Cycling shorts or tights, depending on the season
• Cycling gloves
• A helmet
• Sunglasses (for protection against the sun, wind and midges)
• A windproof jacket
• T-shirts or cycling jerseys
• A handlebar map holder or a handlebar-mounted smartphone holder + a power bank
• A cycling water bottle

Please note: synthetic technical clothing performs very well. New merino wool clothing is also available; it performs very well, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing sweat odours (brands include Icebreaker, Ruka, etc.)!
As a general rule, avoid cotton, which chills you when wet.

Protection from sun and rain

• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Hat, cap or bucket hat (helmet)
• A windproof jacket
• A rain poncho or a Gore-Tex jacket

• A jumper or fleece
• Comfortable walking trousers
• A pair of shorts
• A tracksuit or a change of clothes
• A lightweight, long-sleeved cotton shirt
• A pair of running-style trainers for the evening
• Spare clothes and underwear
• Toiletry bag
• Swimwear
• A small first-aid kit: personal medication, Elastoplast, paraffin gauze or “2nd skin”, gauze, antiseptic, arnica granules and aspirin for minor aches and injuries…

• If your bike does not have a pannier, bring a comfortable small 40-litre backpack with a hip belt to carry your personal belongings and picnic during the day. If you have a luggage rack, you can secure your bag to it with bungee cords. Hire bikes come with a pannier in which you can put your belongings. Bring a small backpack as well; it makes it easy to carry your belongings when you stop to visit somewhere along the way.
• A bag for luggage transfers: a backpack, suitcase or travel bag in good condition

Germany

Capital: Berlin

For destination information, consult the German National Tourist Board.

Travel documents

Check the requirements that apply to your nationality and country of residence before departure.

Health

Check the healthcare arrangements and cover that apply to you before travelling.

Germany country code: +49.

Germany is one hour ahead of Ireland throughout the year.

The euro is used in Germany.