The Austrian Danube Heights 2012

Map of the Austrian Danube Heights This is a five day / six night walking tour. As the name suggests, the route mainly runs high above the river, but the river is almost always be in sight. This means a fairly steep climb at the start of your day, but distances are quite short, never more than 11 miles.

Day 1. Arrival in Passau.
This is a beautiful city, with many impressive sights. We strongly recommend that you book an extra night here at the start in order to appreciate the city to the full.
Passau
Day 2. Leave Passau by ship and cruise downriver to Kasten.
Climb up from the river and walk through unspoiled woodland to Engelhartszell, home of the only Trappist monastery in Austria. The church is famous for its rococo interior. Enjoy tasting the liqueurs produced by the monks - the cost is included in your tour price (about 10 miles with about 2300 feet of ascent).
Engelhartzell
Day 3. A gentle day, remaining close to the river all day and ending in Wesenufer (about 6½ miles with about 550 feet of ascent).
View over Danube
Day 4. Today you start with a walk across the Kösselbach Valley Nature Reserve before continuing to the famous Vierviertelblick above Waldkirchen. On a clear day this offers fantastic views over the country along the river Inn south of Passau and the River Traun in the northern Salzkammergut, as well over the Mühlviertel to the north of the river and over the Hausrück. At the end of the day you descend through forest to the river at Schlögern (about 10 miles with about 2600 feet of ascent).
The Donauschlinge
Day 5. First climb up to the Schlögerner Blick, the viewpoint over the dramatic Danube bend. The scenery is impressive from the banks of the river - from high above it is simply amazing. The route then continues past some rock outcrops with further views, before descending to the river at Aschach (about 10½ miles with about 1900 feet of ascent).
Schaunburg Ruins
Day 6. Now the valley starts to open out. The day's highlight is Schaunburg Castle, the largest in Austria. The day's walk ends in the pretty town of Eferding; after a stroll around town transfer by train to Linz (about 9 miles with about 650 feet of ascent).
Ottensheim
Pöstlingberg
Linz was the European capital of Culture in 2009, so you may well want to spend an extra night or two here. In any case, the price includes a short tour of the city.
Linz
We can usually arrange for you to travel home as far as Passau by river ship if you want. Please ask for details.
Tour Details: The basic package is of 6 nights Bed & Breakfast in hotels and inns, in rooms with shower and WC. Ship from Passau to Kasten. Baggage transfer (limited to one piece per person).
Rail transfer from Eferding to Linz. Liqueur tasting in Engelhartszell. City tour in Linz. Dinner if ordered. Telephone helpline in case of emergency.

Dates: Available from 21 April to 21 October.
Tour Code: DHW

2012 Tour Price: Rail via Brussels / Cologne - £740
2012 Tour Price: From Munich Airport - £489
2012 Tour Price: From Salzburg - £475
2012 Tour Price: No Travel Included - £422
2012 Tour Price: Single Supplement - £114
2012 Tour Price: Half Board Supplement - £105
2012 Tour Price: Extra nights may be taken in Passau & Linz - £ 53

Please ask for price adjustments for travel from other airports such as Vienna or Linz (served by Ryanair from Stansted).
Please check our travel page for information on other ways of travelling to your holiday.

Please contact us for prices when using one of these other routes, and also for single supplements, child discounts and so on.

Our telephone number is 01946 861652.
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