Cycling day trip from Vienna to Melk

Ready for a memorable ride along the Danube? Start your journey in Vienna, Austria’s vibrant capital bursting with culture, coffeehouses, and architectural gems. From here, you’ll follow one of Europe’s classic cycling routes—much of it along the famous Donauradweg (Danube Cycle Path).

The ride to Melk is a scenic 124 kilometers, mostly on smooth, paved surfaces with some gentle climbs and rewarding descents. Cycling here is a breeze, with plenty of tranquil tracks and quiet roads leading through charming riverside villages, lush vineyards, and rolling countryside. Keep your camera handy; the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is especially stunning.

After about seven hours in the saddle, you’ll reach Melk, famed for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched above the river. This baroque masterpiece is well worth a visit. Grab a pastry and take in the views—you’ve earned it after a classic ride from city bustle to riverside tranquility!