Melk - Schönbühel an der Donau - Aggsbach - Aggstein - Rührsdorf - Rossatz-Arnsdorf - Mautern
Route description:
Your tour along the south bank of the Danube begins in Melk, also known as the western gateway to the Wachau Valley. This landscape shaped by human hands is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is known for its lush green hills with steep slopes covered by countless vineyards. The town itself is worth a trip. It is home to Melk Abbey (described as the most symbolic and dominant of all Baroque structures) and also to the Stiftsgymnasium Melk (the abbey school), the oldest surviving school in Austria.
This great start puts you in the perfect frame of mind for the rest of the tour. You cycle most of the stretch downstream on the B33, getting off only in certain places. First you pass through the villages of Schönbühel an der Donau and Schönbühel-Aggsbach and enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna of the Wachau. This section of the Danube is not only part of the world’s cultural heritage and one of the most enchanting valleys in Europe but also an internationally renowned wine-growing region and a favorite destination for connoisseurs. It has cultural treasures and scenic nature that make it well worth a visit for anyone. Just beyond Schönbühel-Aggsbach is Aggstein, a true delight for lovers of ancient castles and fortresses. The imposing Aggstein ruins are perched on a green hill to the right.
Then you move on from the old fortress ruins, riding on the main road to St. Johann im Mauerthale. There you turn off onto the Danube Bike Path and cycle directly along the Danube. With stunning views of the Danube bend in Spitz, you do not get back onto the B-33 until Bacharnsdorf. Then you continue until you reach the Danube bend in Rossatz-Arnsdorf and in St. Lorenz where you leave the main road and cycle through Rührsdorf and Rossatz-Arnsdorf. You will see historic parts of the Danube limes from Roman times.
Shortly thereafter you return to the B33 and get closer and closer to your destination. At Hundsheim you leave the road for the last time and pedal your way to your destination, the town of Mautern an der Donau. Culture fans have a treat in store for them here, as Mautern has a long history extending back to Roman times and has many finds from this period. This lovely town makes for a fine end to the day – and to your tour.
