In 2019 the primary event was an eighteen-day half circle with start in Salzburg and end in Vienna. The principal planning was to go up through Bavaria and cross to Czechia near Cheb. Following the “Iron Curtain Trail”, first on the Czechia – Germany and later the Czechia – Austrian border back to Haimburg / Danube. However the first part of the train in Czechia was so bad that I changed the plan and we cycled through Germany back to the Danube, and followed the River to Vienna.
2019-08-17; Suberb traveling until Tittmonig, following the main road to Burghausen, was far below the average this part and should be urgently improved. The final km to Braunau again was fine cycling.
2019-08-18; Moving along the river Inn to Passau exceptional cycling on different cycle paths. The last km into Passau is well built, below the average out of Passau in direction west. Further to Hofkirchen fine riding.
2019-08-20; Along the Danube to Kelheim 5 star tour, minus the inner city of Regensburg. The Altmuehltal Cycle path is outstanding, even enjoyable in heavy rain.
2019-08-26; Fine riding in Germany, after crossing to Czechia the cycling conditions worsened. Basically no cycle way, and moderate to heavy traffic on roads. Continuously steep up- and downhill makes touring very unpleasant.
2019-08-27; Following cycleway “36” however in reality is it a street with moderate traffic. Crossing back to Germany and travelling on the “Pfreimd” cycleway is again superb riding.
2019-08-30; A pleasing trip along the cycle path to Passau, as mentioned the last km to Passau could be better. In Passau I crossed to Austria and used the south side of the embankment. Sadly the cycle track is next to the main road.
2019-08-31; Certainly the core piece of the Danube cycleway in Austria. Excellent pedalling all along. Marvelous nature and quiet cycle lanes made us the day.
2019-09-01; Moving along the cycleway is mostly fine riding, just the section from Grein to Weins, ca. 9 km, is unsatisfying, as the cycleway is on or next to the main road with heavy traffic. Otherwise superb.
2019-09-02; Pochlarn to Melk on the south embankment, changing for the north side over the bridge, however without using navigation tools not easy to find. Through the village of Durnstein and Wachau again a bit less good, and from Altenworth on the south embankment to Tulln wonderful cycling.
First Part: From Salzburg to North-East of Bavaria
Starting in Salzburg using the “Tauern Radweg” we went down the river Salzach crossing the border, following the “Inn Radweg” to Passau and went upwards the river Daube to Kelheim. Riding along the “Altmuhltal Radweg” up north enjoying a string of superb cycle lanes, until the border crossing to Czechia. Bavaria has many purpose built cycle lanes in stunning nature. Furthermore there is nearly on all roads an extra cycle lane along the road, this makes cycling safe and pleasant.
Second Part: Iron Curtain Track abandoned – and back to Bavaria
After crossing to Czechia on day ten, I was very disappointed. First, for 2 km we were confronted with a very poor cycle track, this was replaced by road with moderate traffic, interrupted by lanes with terrible rough surface. The lanes were unfit for trekking bikes and very steep. Although I followed the signs and was for sure on the official cycle track, in reality there was no cycle track at all. In the evening I tried to find more options, how to proceed with the trip. I made up the decision to leave Czechia on the proposed cycleway, which was again a road with moderate traffic, to the nearest possible crossing back to Bavaria. In Germany we followed the “Pfreimd Radweg”and the “Naab Radweg” to Regensburg and went along the Danube to Vienna. Back in Germany and later in Austria superb riding on built cycle lanes. In summary an excellent holiday with overall first rate conditions in Bavaria and Austria. Again an outstanding cycle holiday to remember.
