Discovered for you:
Hiking to the
rhythm of the Danube
Step by step in harmony with nature
Arrive, take a breath, and start walking at your own pace. In the Danube region, every step leads you a little further into your conscious time-out. Between gently splashing riverside paths, soft rolling hills, and striking rock formations in the Strudengau, you will find space to pause, breathe deeply, and move on. Here, it is not the distance that counts, but the intensity of the experience – just like the interplay of distance and proximity at the Schlögener Danube loop.
Whether it is a short leisurely loop, a full-day hike, or a long-distance trek on the Donausteig, every route gives you new perspectives on the landscape, warm-hearted people, and the mighty river. Along the way, genuine encounters and moments are created that stay with you.
The Strudengau
A natural jewel of the Danube
Hiking trails in the Danube region
The Danube region in Upper Austria offers an impressive selection of circular hiking trails that take you to the most beautiful places along the Danube and lead you back to your starting point at the end. In addition to the 49 Donausteig circuits, there are numerous other themed and pleasure hiking trails that are perfectly tailored to your needs.
The Donausteig - simply fabulous: stages and circular routes
The Donausteig stretches over 450 kilometres along both banks of the Danube - from Passau via Linz to Grein. Whether as a long-distance hiking trail or in individual stages it combines fabulous landscapes with cultural highlights. 120 circular routes offer additional opportunities to experience hiking on the Donausteig in all its diversity. Fantastic views, historic places and myths of the past accompany you every step of the way and make your tour an unforgettable experience.
The Danube Trail
The Danube Trail
Experience 450 km of nature and culture:
Some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Upper Austria are just waiting to be discovered by you!
Hike along the Danube from Passau via Linz to Grein. Enjoy breathtaking views of a fabulously beautiful country.
Rounds
Rounds
Ideal for day trips: explore the most beautiful circular hiking trails in the Danube region.
The Donausteig loops lead you back to the starting point on varied paths.
With our maps and GPS data, you are perfectly prepared for your hiking trip!
Autumn stages
Autumn stages
When the leaves turn colourful and autumn shows its most beautiful side, these Donausteig stages are the ideal hike. Enjoy the last rays of sunshine on a wonderful autumn hike along the Donausteig and sample one or two regional delicacies along the way.
Long-distance hiking and pilgrimages in the Danube region
Experience the Danube region on long-distance hiking and pilgrimage trails such as the new Wilhering Pilgrim Trail starting in 2026, the Castles and Palaces Trail or the Way of St James. Immerse yourself in breathtaking nature and hike along routes steeped in history to unique places such as Wilhering Abbey. Forget the stress of everyday life for a moment and find inner peace on spiritual routes. You can find more information in our pilgrimage brochure.
Best Trails of Austria
The Best Trails of Austria unite the four best long-distance hiking trails in Austria and the Donausteig is part of this co-operation. Discover the natural beauty of the country and enjoy unforgettable hiking experiences.
Tour planner: personalised hikes made easy
Plan your hikes in the Danube region of Upper Austria with ease: use our interactive hiking map with detailed route descriptions and GPS data, which you can download, save or print out. In the tour planner you can even create your own personalised route as a PDF.
Accommodation, culinary delights and experiences in the hiking region
In the Danube region of Upper Austria, enjoyment and relaxation meet exciting experiences. Sample freshly caught Danube fish and regional specialities, discover fascinating excursion destinations full of culture and history and find the perfect accommodation for you - from modern hotels to cosy guesthouses.
Hotels & Accommodation
Hotels & Accommodation
Find your perfect accommodation: hotels, guesthouses or campsites invite you to relax after long, active days. Their unique charm, hospitality and magnificent location are the hallmarks of the accommodation and will make your holiday a complete success!
Adventure & Culture
Adventure & Culture
Discover impressive excursion destinations along the Danube! From the Danube adventure land to historic towns such as Schärding and Enns, there is a lot to experience here. Visit monasteries during your hikes or follow in the footsteps of the Roman legions - culture and nature complement each other perfectly on your hiking tours!
Culinary highlights
Culinary highlights
Of course, the culinary delights should not be neglected either! Enjoy freshly caught fish, crunchy vegetables and regional specialities on your hikes along the Danube. Whether it's a gourmet restaurant or a hearty bacon snack - over 300 restaurants are just waiting to be discovered by you.
Sustainable and comfortable through the hiking region
Leave the car behind for once and experience the region in a sustainable way. Explore nature in all its facets - on foot, by bike or e-bike and on the water. With the public transport you can reach many excursion destinations in a stress-free and climate-friendly way - perfect for families or groups, without the hassle of searching for a parking space.
Frequently asked questions about hiking
There are many different hiking trails in the Danube region, depending on your hiking level and thematic focus, you will find your perfect hike.
Not without a basic level of fitness. You can find the requirements for each stage in the altitude profiles of the tour descriptions.
Here you will find tips for your hike on the Donausteig
Leave the car behind for once and explore the excursion destinations in the Danube region by public transport. You can find car-free excursion tips here.
Information on travelling by public transport can be found here.
You are generally on the safe side if you book your accommodation before you start your hike. The summer months in particular are high season in the Danube region. If it is important to you that your accommodation meets a certain standard of equipment and is located directly on or near the hiking route, we recommend booking in advance.
You can find all accommodation providers here