I've searched the forums on this subject, but was wondering if someone's done this tour along the Danube recently, and if so, what are the chances of renting bikes in Passau without booking a tour. We'll be biking with some European friends who have their own bikes and want to find hotels as they go instead of reserving ahead of time. So we could probably book a self-guided tour (hotel and bikes), but would prefer just to rent the bikes in Passau and drop them off in Vienna.

Any input greatly appriciated. Thanks!

Never used them, but this site (they do drop offs and pick ups) came up when I googled:
https://www.topbicycle.com/BikeRental.htm

Chances are reasonable that your EuroFriends might know what to do. I'm sooo jealous. I wanted to go over this May but won't be able to. I have lots of family in Vienna who are constantly demanding that I show up. Haven't been there in four years. Ain't gettin' any younger. Next time it'll be on a bike, for sure. Good luck.

Thanks eric. I saw that site myself when I first started researching the trip, but was a little put off by the delivery charge (about $325 to Passau), but in looking at it again, the bikes look very good, they'd probably have something that would fit me (6'5"), my wife (5'7") and daughter (4'10"), and we could drop them off in Vienna. This might be just the ticket--thanks!

I'll let you know how the trip goes, jcm. We're pretty excited about the whole thing!

One other question--We're planning on going the last week of May (May 27 through June 2). Any idea if we'll be able to find hotels as we go, or should we book in advance?

Many thanks.

I cycled it in October, did not reserve, and managed to find something each night. I would guess that May would be similar to October, but you never know. In the USA the end of May can be busy because of Memorial day; is it a special week in Germany/Austria? While I always found accommodation in October, in a couple of towns it took some searching, partly because some hotels and one hostel had closed for the season. If I were to do it again I would probably reserve to have peace of mind.

We made it over to the olde country at the end of May. I posted a trip report in the Recreational/Family forum. Here's a link for anyone who's interested:

https://www.bikeforums.net/recreational-family/314463-passau-germany-vienna-austria.html

Cheers.

Thanks for the link. Despite your disclaimer, the photos were good and brought back great memories.

I just biked parts of the Danube a few weeks ago and had no problems finding accommodations. Of course, this is a seasonal thing and you might have a harder time finding a place in the middle of summer. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find a bike rental service in Passau. I recall seeing groups with matching "Donau Radweg" panniers, so they were all likely outfitted at the same place.

If you're interested, I have a travelogue, photos, and a Google Map of the tour.

Have fun! chris

Thank you so much for your trip report! Your pictures and story get into the very essence of how wonderful cycle touring can be. And Vienna is arguably the nicest big city in Europe, probably in the whole world.

hi, i did budapest to normande (france) a few years ago. I didn't rent bikes but i did manage to pick up some great maps. There called cycline and they do that exact route. To be honest, that section was definatly one of the highlits of the trip. simply fantastic cycling and great places to stay/drink/just chill and have fun. There's a savage hotel along the way which has to be one of the oddest buildings i've seen in a while. I think it was in passau but i'm not sure. i'll give you the name of it if i can think of it. give us a shout if you need anymore info. i have a diary but i never managed to get it in type form.

Edit: It was called the Rotel Motel, it's in passau and specifically for cyclists. so good craic if nothing else

Great stuff, chris. Thanks! I think we stayed at the same place in Krems. My daughter was fascinated with all the dolls lining the dark hallways. Quite a collection!

I think most of the folks with the "Donau Radweg" panniers rented their bikes from the tour operators, who like to book all the hotels in advance for you, as well as supplying bikes and carrying your bags from hotel to hotel.