We wanted to bring a bit of variety into our everyday lives. Not always go running or hiking, but simply go for a nice bike ride. Our plan was to cycle from Schwanenstadt to Vienna in 4 days to eat a burger at Front Food. Of course, Emma, my Jack Russell Terrier dog, was also at the start and was transported in a basket on the handlebars. In this article, I would like to tell you what the Danube cycle path was like for the three of us and how we got on.

The Danube cycle path - our preparations

 You should definitely have a certain basic level of fitness for such a long tour. You should also do some conscious training beforehand and cover a few kilometres by bike. I neglected this somewhat and of course it was noticeable. Apart from my general problems on longer bike rides lasting several days, such as the pain in my bum every time I sat down from the second day onwards or the pulling in my thighs from the third day onwards. No, on the last day my left knee also hurt enormously.

I could possibly have prevented this pain in my knee and also in my thighs with sufficient training. I can't say that it was due to insufficient preparation, but I would just like to say: always prepare yourself as well as possible for such adventures. Of course, there are people for whom something like this is easily achievable, even in one day. However, these tips are for people like me who don't do sport on a regular basis and need support on such tours.

The planning

Of course, as with any excursion or holiday, a certain amount of planning is required. For our cycle tour, we started by planning where we would get on the Danube cycle path and the best way to get there from home. We then put together a tour via Komoot and now knew what our route would look like.

Next, we had to think about how long we wanted to be on the road and how long our individual stages would be. As I was also taking Emma with me, I didn't want to cycle more than 100 kilometres a day and didn't want to overdo it. The whole tour was around 300 kilometres, so we thought we would cycle an average of around 80 kilometres a day and split the bike trip into 4 days. Of course, this was only a rough initial plan and it always depends on the day.

Step number three for us was to check where accommodation was available along the way and whether there was enough choice. We then decided to book the hotel for the first day as soon as we had planned it and thus decided on the first stage. We then looked for the subsequent accommodation on the respective day. This meant we didn't have to cover a certain distance and could be a little more flexible. If we'd had a bad day or even broken down, we could have looked for accommodation nearby. If we were really fit and wanted to continue after 80 kilometres, we could just keep going. On the whole, it worked pretty well, of course there were always small difficulties, but that's just part of it.

Last but not least, the only thing missing was the luggage, which of course should only contain the bare essentials. I'll write you a little guide for this. This varies slightly for everyone, but you can use it as a guide.

Checklist for a multi-day cycle tour on the Danube cycle path

• Money
• Mobile phone
• Powerbank
• Cosmetic bag (toothbrush & toothpaste, shower gel, deodorant, etc.)
• Bicycle helmet
• Gloves
• 2x cycling outfit (shirt, sports shorts, cycling shorts)
• Sports shoes
• Drinking bottle + magnesium
• Sunglasses
• Sleeves & leg warmers
• Rain jacket
• Bicycle pump
• Repair and first aid kit
• Barrier chain + lock
• Spare tube and cover
• 2x T-shirt
• Shorts
• 3-4 pants
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• Bath slippers

Our extras

For the dog

• Lining
• Treats
• Ceiling
• Drink
• Collar
• Tableware
• Leash

For us

• Camera (Eli and me)
• Drone

The individual stages

Day 1: from Schwanenstadt to St. Magdalena

This stage will of course be different for you, as you will probably start at home. For us, we first cycled for around 30 kilometres along the Traun river on a gravel path to Wels and towards Marchtrenk. The route then led us via Holzhausen and Alkoven to the start of the Danube cycle path. On the first day, we cycled another 20 kilometres or so to St. Magdalena, where our accommodation was located. 

Day 2: from St. Magdalena to Pöchlarn

This was the worst day for me: the last 20 kilometres and the motel where we spent the night were just horrendous. But the majority of this stretch was simply beautiful. You mostly cycle along the Danube for 4 days, but there are always beautiful sections or villages. Like on day 2: Grein and the subsequent ferry ride were definitely a little highlight for me.

Day 3: from Pöchlarn to Tulln an der Donau

For me, it was actually the best day of our cycle tour. We started off by cycling through the Wachau, through beautiful little villages with views of the many vineyards. Then there was a trip on the ferry, which I just loved. A small highlight of the day was cycling past the nuclear power plant in Zwentendorf, which was also interesting to see. 

Day 4: from Tulln on the Danube to Vienna

It was our most leisurely day on the Danube cycle path. Although we only covered around 75 kilometres on the first stage, the following stages were somewhat longer. So we only had just under 40 kilometres left for the last day before we arrived at the Westbahnhof station in Vienna and, after a refreshment stop at Front Food, boarded the next Westbahn train. Once we arrived at the train station in Attnang, we then had to cycle another 10 kilometres home, completing just under 50 kilometres for the day.

The Danube cycle path - my conclusion

This was my third multi-day cycle tour, having already travelled to Italy twice. The Danube cycle path can definitely hold its own here. My idea for this year was a cycling trip with Emma, because I like to experience such adventures with her. Too many gravel paths or too many climbs are not ideal for this. The Danube cycle path was the solution - perfect conditions for experiencing something like this with your darling. But this trip is not only ideal for this constellation. The Danube cycle path is suitable for so many things. A long tour from Passau to Bratislava on a racing bike, a leisurely ride with the children or a nice trip for two.

With this marvellous view, it's simply a pleasure to go for a ride. But it's not just the scenery that makes this tour so great. All the little extras along the Danube cycle path also make this tour so great. Like the ferry rides or the nuclear power plant in Zwentendorf, just to name two. Simply a great experience with physical and emotional ups and downs - they are just part of it. But the best thing was that it worked so well with Emma. A smooth ride on tarmac, she was always in top form, in a good mood and dogs were welcome wherever we took a break. For me, it's clearly already one of my highlights of 2024, and I think Eli really enjoyed it too.

If you are interested in multi-day tours such as the Danube Cycle Path, then you should definitely take a look at the Cycle tour from Salzburg to Jesolo in Italy view.

Der Beitrag Der Donauradweg – von Schwanenstadt nach Wien erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.

A few weeks ago, the new Hausruckwald magazine (summer 2024) „G'schichten vo damois und heid ...“ came out and there were a few cycle tours listed. Of course, I couldn't help but tackle the cycle tour right on my doorstep. I'm generally more of a runner or walker, but there are days when I really enjoy going out on my bike. So without further ado, I got on my bike and off I went. The route is leisurely, relaxing and nice to cycle. 

Do you know the Hausruckwald Magazine? Michael and I are even featured in this issue. Can you find us?

Click here for the Hausruckwald Magazine Summer 2024.

Directions and parking options for the city-country tour from Schwanenstadt

Schwanenstadt is easy to reach by car and there are plenty of parking spaces at the south car park (former Mondo car park).

Schwanenstadt is also easy to reach by public transport, as buses and regional trains as well as the REX stop here.

Check out public transport right here:

Relaxed urban-rural tour: Schwanenstadt, Vöcklabruck, Ungenach, Atzbach, Niederholzham and back 

The tour starts in Schwanenstadt, where I cycled the first stretch along the River Ager. After a while, I passed the quarry ponds (Redlham gravel ponds) and continued my journey via Alt-Attnang to Vöcklabruck.

From Vöcklabruck, the route continues in the direction of Ungenach. Almost the entire route is on paved cycle paths, with only a short stretch of around 500 metres leading through a forest path - which I really wanted to ride because it added a bit of variety to the tour. I then cycled back to Schwanenstadt via Atzbach and Niederholzham.

A small highlight on the way back: just before Niederholzham, I spotted a place-name sign with the name „Kochlöffling“. That just made me smile.

Key data for the city-country tour from Schwanenstadt

If you would like to try out the tour for yourself, here are a few key facts. The route is ideal for a relaxed cycle tour and offers you not only beautiful scenery, but also opportunities to cool off along the way. Particularly practical: the tour is also suitable for children.

Length: 43 km
Altitude metres: 350 hm
Duration: 2:45 hours
Suitable for children
Bathing facilities: At the Ager

ATTENTION: We expressly point out that we accept no liability whatsoever for accidents or potentially closed routes. Please check the availability of the route before cycling and consider your own fitness.

Refreshment stops during the city-country tour from Schwanenstadt

There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments along the tour. However, if you want to take a break for a great lunch, I can highly recommend Helis Organic in Vöcklabruck. Delicious vegetarian/vegan food awaits you there in a cosy atmosphere. You can find a review here: Helis Restaurant in Vöcklabruck.

Summary of the city-country tour from Schwanenstadt

I really enjoyed the tour and love exploring the surroundings of my home. A big thank you to the Hausruckwald tourism association for the great tour and the super magazine – we were very pleased!

Komoot tour to copy

Further recommendation

Did you like this article? Then take a look here too: Cycle tour from Schwanenstadt via the Haager Lies to Stadl Paura

Der Beitrag Schwanenstadt: Stadt-Land Tour mit dem Fahrrad im Hausruckwald erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.

The other day I spontaneously felt like getting on my bike and exploring the beautiful Hausruckwald region. The sun was shining and the temperatures were pleasant - perfect conditions for a bike ride. So it quickly became clear to me that today's sports session would be a short but sweet bike ride. So I packed my drone, planned an exciting route on Komoot and off I went. As always, you can find my route at the end of the post.

Directions and parking options for the cycle tour from Schwanenstadt via Haager Lies to Stadl Paura

You can easily reach the starting point, the former „Mondo car park” or “South car park”, by car. Coming from the motorway, you have several options for exits: either in Regau, Laakirchen West or Wels West - depending on which direction you are coming from. From there, follow the signs to Schwanenstadt centre and you will find a large car park south of the centre.

Schwanenstadt is also very easy to reach by public transport. There are various bus connections and regional trains, and the REX also stops at Schwanenstadt railway station. This means you can travel comfortably and environmentally friendly if you prefer to leave your car at home.

Check out public transport right here:

Cycle tour from Schwanenstadt via the Haager Lies to Stadl Paura - the route

The Hausruckwald offers countless opportunities for nature and sports enthusiasts. Whether hiking, cycling or simply relaxing - the varied landscape and well-developed paths make this region a real highlight for outdoor fans. 

Starting in Schwanenstadt, I headed straight towards Niederholzham. Past the motocross track, cycle route 252 led me in the direction of Gaspoltshofen. The first 20 kilometres were quite a climb, but the effort was more than rewarded by the beautiful landscape.

Once I arrived in Altenhof, I changed to the “Haager Lies” and cycled towards Edt bei Lambach. This section of the cycle path is particularly attractive and well developed. There are several rest stops and even public toilets where you can take a pleasant break.

From Edt bei Lambach, I continued through Lambach, past the monastery and over the Traun bridge to Stadl-Paura. From there, the route led me back towards Schwanenstadt, along the idyllic Traun riverside path. Later, where the Ager flows into the Traun, I took the last 6 kilometres along the Ager back to Schwanenstadt. I then crossed the Ager bridge in the centre of Schwanenstadt back to the starting point.

Key data for the cycle tour from Schwanenstadt via the Haager Lies

You can find all the important key data here so that you can follow this tour yourself:

Gesamtlänge: ca. 46 km
Höhenmeter: ca. 400 hm
Dauer: ca. 2,5 Stunden ohne Pause
Schwierigkeitsgrad: leicht bis mittel
suitable for children
Parkmöglichkeiten: Parkplatz Süd bzw. ehemaliger Mondo Parkplatz in Schwanenstadt
Öffentliche Toiletten: in Schwanenstadt, Altenhof und entlang der Haager Lies
Teilweise auf der Straße zu fahren

ATTENTION: We expressly point out that we accept no liability for accidents or possibly closed paths. Check the availability of the trail before you set off and check your own fitness.

Refreshment stops during the cycle tour along the Haager Lies

There are numerous places to stop along the route for a welcome break. In Schwanenstadt, Niederholzham, Altenhof, Edt bei Lambach, Lambach and Stadl-Paura, you will find a variety of cafés, inns, pizzerias and other eateries. Whether you just want to enjoy a coffee or fortify yourself with a hearty meal - there is something for every taste here.

Summary of the cycle tour along the Hague Lies

I really enjoyed this bike tour and can absolutely recommend it - both for families and for a relaxed tour in between. The landscape of the Hausruckwald invites you to relax and switch off and takes you through picturesque areas.

I'm already looking forward to riding the tour a little differently next time and maybe even extending it.

Check out my reel of this tour on Instagram:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Michael & Elyas Leisure Blog (@muatsdrawig.at)

Komoot tour to follow yourself

Further recommendation

Hat dir der Beitrag gefallen? Na dann habe ich noch einen tollen Radfahr-Tipp für dich! Have a read here: The car-free cycling adventure day at Lake Attersee

Der Beitrag Fahrradtour von Schwanenstadt über die Haager Lies nach Stadl Paura erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.