Wachau Valley: Wine Tasting Bike Tour & Danube Swim from Vienna

Summary

Cycle vineyards, taste Austrian wine and swim in the Danube near Vienna

You’ll cycle through Austria’s Wachau Valley with a local guide, taste regional wines in Dürnstein and Weissenkirchen, share stories over lunch at a wine tavern, and even dip into the Danube if you’re brave enough. Expect easy biking, laughter with locals, and moments that linger long after you return to Vienna.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off the train at Krems an der Donau and it felt like we’d landed in a postcard—vineyards everywhere, that early-morning hush before the bikes get rolling. Our guide, Anna, handed out helmets and made a joke about “Austrian hairdos,” which broke the ice. The first pedal strokes were easy, just following the river’s curve. I remember passing a bakery with this yeasty smell drifting out—almost made me want to ditch the bike for pastries.

Dürnstein was our first real stop. It’s got these houses painted in soft blues and yellows, flower boxes on every window. Anna pointed out the blue tower of Stift Dürnstein (I’d seen it on postcards but up close it’s brighter than you expect). We tasted Grüner Veltliner at a tiny wine cellar; honestly, I still think about how crisp it was. There was this older guy pouring for us who just grinned when I tried to pronounce “Weissenkirchen”—he didn’t correct me, just poured another glass.

After more winding paths (some gravelly bits—I nearly lost my balance once), we reached Weissenkirchen for another round of tastings at a family-run winery. The owner’s daughter brought out plates of bread and cheese. It wasn’t fancy but felt right after all that pedaling. Someone asked about schnapps and suddenly there were little glasses all around—sharp stuff, but it warmed us up for sure. We wandered through fortress ruins where King Richard the Lionheart was held; Anna told stories about him that made history feel less like school and more like gossip.

The last stretch hugged the Danube again—sunlight flickering off the water. A few of us braved a quick swim (cold enough to make you yelp). I dried off sitting on a rock, feet dangling above tiny fish darting below. The ride back was quieter; everyone seemed content or maybe just sleepy from wine and sun. That feeling stuck with me longer than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike tour and wine tasting in Wachau Valley

• Start tour at Krems an der Donau
• Ride along Danube to Durnstein
• Visit Stift Dürnstein blue tower
• Explore Dürnstein fortress ruins
• Stop for swim in Danube river
• Ride to Weissenkirchen winery
• Enjoy second wine tasting

Top questions

How far is the bike ride on this Wachau Valley tour?

The total cycling distance is approximately 16 miles (25 kilometers).

Is lunch included on the Wachau Valley wine tasting bike tour?

Lunch is available at a local wine tavern for €17 (cash only), with vegetarian options provided.

Do I need to be very fit for this day trip from Vienna?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness as there are some gravel paths and gentle hills.

Are e-bikes available for this tour?

No, electric bikes are not provided on this tour.

What happens if it rains during the bike tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; rain ponchos are provided if needed.

Is transport from Vienna to Wachau Valley included?

Yes, train transfers to and from Vienna are included in your day trip.

Can I swim in the Danube during this tour?

Yes, there is time for a quick swim in the Danube River during one of the stops.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

Yes, guided wine tastings at local wineries are part of your experience.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip train transport from Vienna to Krems an der Donau, use of a bike plus helmet and rain poncho if needed, guidance from a professional local guide throughout your ride across Wachau Valley, several wine tastings featuring regional specialties (and even schnapps), plus time for swimming in the Danube and an optional lunch at a traditional wine tavern before heading back to Vienna together.