The Danube Bike Trail is a cycle path that connects nine Danube countries - all but Moldova. It is 2857 km long, beginning in Donaueshcingen in Germany, and ending at the coast of the Black Sea, in Romania. Thousands of cyclists ride certain parts of this trail, so it is considered the most popular holiday cycle route in Europe.
Since it connects nine Danube countries, the Danube Bike Trail offers a visitor exactly what these countries have to offer: flat plains and mountains, hills and vineyards, historical monuments and architecture, different geological features that can be seen only on the Danube banks.
Larger part of the trail runs along both sides of the river, but it sometimes goes only along one side, so the cyclists have to cross the Danube several times in the course of the route. In the countries with developed infrastructure, there are bike ferries and a lot of bridges at a visitor's disposal. On the other hand, less developed tourist destinations offer only smaller number of bridges that may be used for cycling. The long-distance route from Donaueschingen to Budapest is considered family-friendly.
All the other smaller-size trails in the Danube countries are, in one way or the other, connected to The Danube Bike Trail, Lower Danube regions are still in the process of developing their bicycle infrastructure, so cycling paths sometimes follow the streets or hiking trails.
In the regions with the cycling tradition, a visitor can enjoy specific routes, such as Via Danubia (following the footsteps of the ancient Romans), or Tour de Baroque (passing some of the finest baroque attractions), both in Germany.
Whatever part of the Danube Bike Trail you choose, cycling is probably the best way to experience the Danube. Riding a bicycle along the river is a unique opportunity to really enjoy its unspoilt natural beauty, culture, traditions and people.
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