R1.01 Inn-Danube circuit

Description:
River riding along the Alpine River Inn and the mysterious River Danube. Enjoy a relaxing ride through the Inn's last breakthrough valley and the European conservation area at Upper Danube and Aschachtal. The tour takes you to cultural gems, including the Baroque town of Schärding and the three river town of Passau. On the return section you cross the agricultural Sauwald high plateau which provides a superb panoramic descent to Wernstein. 

 

Highlights:

• Baroque town of Schärding (Austria's loveliest Baroque town)


• Cultural gem Passau (three rivers town, 'Donau-Osten' seat of power ...)


• UNESCO world heritage site: Kastell Boiotro Roman Museum


• Vornbacher Enge and nature conservation area


• Panoramic descent to Wernstein

Directions:
Schärding - Austria's loveliest Baroque town is a picturesque opener. Located on the legendary Alpine river Inn, Innlände with its own town gate, town walls, colourful residential homes ... tell of its prosperity as a river commercial centre. A real gem of a river! From Innlände follow downstream of the expansive Inn – one of the longest and most impressive Alpine rivers. At one time this was an important trade route between Tyrol and the Danube, today it is the river that creates a border with Bavaria. After Prambrücke, ride on sandy paths through a traditional riparian woodland next to the river. Relaxed pedalling, hidden views to the Inn ... – river riding at its very best! After the wide Inn flatlands, at the Bavarian Vornbach Abbey, the final breakthrough valley of this Alpine river begins. The entry portal is the nature conservation area 'Vornbacher Enge'. In the idyllic forest gorge, the Inn squeezes through a 60 m narrow bottleneck! Little wonder then that at one time it is said that the wash of the Inn could be heard 'singing'. The cycle route proceeds briefly high up on to a narrow terrace above the river. On asphalt cycle paths, secluded side roads, a sandy road and finally the Innstraße, you reach the end of the narrow section, the artistic Mariensteg in Wernstein! The 145 m suspension bridge across the Inn is propped up by a single(!) 30 m pillar and from the centre, provides a superb view into the bottleneck. Sitting enthroned above this whole scene is the Bavarian Neuburg Castle. Pure river romance! After Wernstein, the breakthrough valley becomes broader and more secluded. Superb mixed woodland areas characterise the valley flanks. Incidentally, Neuburger Wald on the Bavarian side is well-known for its giant trees, up to 50 metres in height, and for its variety of species - a natural gem! Relaxed, you accompany the languid river on sandy paths. This easy cycling provides scope for your thoughts to roam. In the farming community of Ingling, civilisation begins again and, via side roads, leads to the cultural high point – the three river town of Passau! It is here that the Inn and the Ilz flow into the Danube. The medieval down-town area tells a story of burgeoning trade, while the magnificent old town area on the promontory recounts the grand style, power and wealth as a residential city of the 'Donau-Osten' (Danube East) area! In contrast, the UNESCO-World Heritage site 'Kastell Boiotro Roman museum' brings the Danubian Limes to life again. Passau is a cultural gem with so many facets! So definitely allow some time to go exploring. After the area where the Inn meets the Danube, follow the mysterious river for a while through Upper Danube Valley – at over 90 km (!), this is one of the longest breakthrough valleys in the Danube! And with the unusual gorge and sloping mixed woodland areas, is a natural gem in a Central European format. In Haibach you leave the town area and continue riding on the Danube Cycle Path. To the rear of the Austrian state border the 180 metre ascent to the Sauwald high plateau begins. The first section proceeds in an area of shady mixed woodland, proceeding in serpentines through the steep valley flanks, then uphill through a rural cultural landscape via a high ridge. Gasthof Blass, a rest point on the Danube Trail, inspires and provides exceptional views to Passau. Shortly after you are in Freinberg, on the Sauwald high plateau. Congratulations! Fun-filled highland cycling on farm roads now begins, taking in the rhythm of the hills. Lush pastures, fertile fields, scattered farmsteads, little woodlands, little settlement areas ... a pure rural idyll! Lovely views into the distance provide an altitude experience. In the farming settlement of Schafberg, you cross the plateau and a dreamy panorama descent takes you back into Inntal - to Wernstein. The rest of the return section you already know. Feel the primordial power of the water!

Safety guidelines:
The majority of this pleasure-filled cycle circuit uses peaceful, asphalt cycle paths, (side)roads and goods roads. Between Schärding and Passau there are longer route sections which proceed via easy to ride sand tracks. Basic gear technique is expedient for the climbing sections, while basic braking technique is required for the long panoramic descent.

 

Signage:

To make orientation easier for you, the Danube Cycle Path circuits are designated with their own cycle guidance system. This circuit follows the "R1.01 Inn-Donau-Runde" signposts.

 

Special note:

N.B.! Upper Austria – Bavaria border cross point at Passau. Remember your passport!