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Passau, Austria
Start your journey at the confluence of three rivers — the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. Visit St. Stephan's Cathedral and stock up on supplies in the old town before setting off on the EuroVelo 6 bike path. The route is well-signposted from the city centre.
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Schlögen, Austria
Schlögen is home to the famous Schlögener Schlinge, a dramatic horseshoe bend in the Danube that is one of the most scenic spots on the entire route. The riverside path winds through forested hills offering stunning viewpoints. A short detour up to the overlook is well worth the effort.
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Linz, Austria
Austria's third-largest city offers a lively old town square and the impressive Ars Electronica Center on the riverbank. Refuel with a slice of the famous Linzer Torte, said to be the world's oldest cake recipe. The cycle path runs directly along the riverfront making navigation easy.
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Grein, Austria
Grein is a charming small town dominated by the hilltop Greinburg Castle, which is still owned by the same family after 500 years. The historic town theatre is one of the oldest in Austria and worth a peek. This stretch through the Strudengau valley is particularly scenic with forested cliffs.
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Melk, Austria
Melk is dominated by its magnificent Baroque Benedictine abbey perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop above the Danube. This marks the western gateway to the UNESCO-listed Wachau valley, the most celebrated section of the entire route. Take time to explore the abbey's ornate library and frescoed halls.
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Krems an der Donau, Austria
Krems marks the eastern end of the Wachau and is renowned for its Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines grown on steep terraced vineyards. The medieval old town of Stein an der Donau is perfect for an evening stroll and dinner at a traditional Heuriger wine tavern. Stock up on local apricot products — a Wachau speciality.
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Vienna, Austria
Arrive triumphantly into the Austrian capital, following the Danube Canal path right into the heart of the city. Celebrate your arrival with a Wiener Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel in a classic Viennese coffeehouse. The Prater park and Ringstrasse boulevard are perfect for a well-deserved leisurely final day.