Cycling the Danube, part II
Day 1, Sunday: Strolling the maze of alleys in Regensburg's old town
Our transfer service picks you up in Munich and gets you to our hotel in central Regensburg. Time to have a wander around Regensburg's medieval old town. Walk across the old stone bridge and unwind at the one or other beer garden. Alternatively, the Heritage Visitor Center, the cathedral and the basilica Zur Alten Kapelle are worth visiting too. Or do some people watching while sipping a coffee or tea at one of the city’s vibrant squares.
Later this day we meet at a restaurant for dinner where you get to know your fellow cyclists.
Day 2, Monday: A gentle ride in the countryside and stories from medieval times
A bus takes us into the countryside from where, after receiving the bicycles, we cycle back to Regensburg. Our way leads us mostly downhill along a converted former railway line.
After some downtime we discover Regensburg on a guided walk. Tales from the middle age when Regensburg was one of the wealthiest places in what is Germany today takes us along historic tower houses. Some of these ‘early skyscrapers’ have been built more than 800 years ago. (26 miles/42 km, picnic incl.)
Day 3, Tuesday: Cycling down the Danube
Over the next three days we follow the Danube as it meanders through the Bavarian lowland. Across fields and through small villages along the river, we get to Straubing today. We recommend a walk around the old town, admiring the colourful façades and decorated gables. Pass by the five-turreted City Tower, Straubing’s emblem since the 14th century. (31 miles/50 km, picnic incl.)
Day 4, Wednesday: Laid-back cycling and optional afternoon activities
On our way to Deggendorf we pass by the Bogen church of pilgrimage. Here in 1104 a child-bearing statue of Maria was found by the river bank. Till today, childless women visit the church in hope of help from above. (Please let us know beforehand if you like to have a quiet moment in the church.)
In Deggendorf we will come across the Deggendorf dumplings, originally two stone balls connected by a chain, which had to be worn during pillory. Nowadays, a fruity sweet with the same name is sold in selected cafés at the main square.
In case you want more cycling after arriving at the hotel you are able to follow your guide on a voluntary 11 km ride in the late afternoon. (25 miles/40 km [plus optional 7 miles], picnic incl.)
Day 5, Thursday: Bavarian cuisine: more than white sausage, sauerkraut and beer
The beauty of cycling close to a river is the flatness of the cycle paths. We will enjoy this feature on our way to Passau again. As we hop from village to village we pass by meadows and fields, active abbeys and welcoming beer gardens. And before you ask: We will have a break wherever it appeals to us.
Today is the longest. You will have some downtime after arriving at the hotel though. Once again we pick a typical Bavarian place for dinner, another opportunity to discover Bavarian cuisine. (Feel free to blame us if you do not lose weight on this cycle tour.) (35 miles/55 km, picnic incl.)
NB: You will be able to shorten the day by skipping the first 6 miles, or some of the remaining distance after mid-day.
Day 6, Friday: The city of three rivers
A cycle ride along the Inn River to Scharding awaits you today. The place became wealthy over centuries with the trade on the river. Luckily, the emerging railway put the town to sleep. So the place preserved its beauty for us to enjoy.
We shall be back at the hotel in the early afternoon. Time to discover Passau: See how two rivers merge with the Danube at once. The result is a mixture of green Inn, blue Danube and black Ilz water. You got the best view over the confluence and the old town from Oberhaus Castle. Walk up there or take the shuttle bus to the castle.
Alternatively, admire the artwork of St. Stephan's Cathedral, recount the 17,974 pipes of its organs or go on a Three Rivers Boat Tour - just as you like. You might even consider extending your stay in this vibrant yet lovely city. (21 miles/34 km [actually optional], picnic incl.)
Day 7, Saturday: Departure to Munich
Unless you extend your stay in Passau, our transfer service will take you to Munich today, depending on your further travel arrangements.
