Ybbs an der Donau: Danube, Old Town and Cycling Experiences

Ybbs an der Donau combines riverside landscapes, historic townscapes and unusual insights into the history of cycling. Those who want to combine culture and activity on their holiday will find a range of options for planning their days here: a stroll through the old town, time by the Danube, a panoramic loop or a longer cycling tour along the Ybbs. You can therefore choose your holiday apartment based on whether the focus of your trip is more on history, landscapes or active pursuits.

The Danube and panoramic views around Ybbs

The Danube waterfront forms a local recreation area by Ybbs town centre. Here, Ybbs offers unobstructed access to the Danube. This riverside setting complements the historic sights with an open landscape impression and provides another point of interest when planning your trip.

The Ybbs 3 panoramic loop leads from the main square along the Danube via Scharlreith to Marienhöhe. From there, the Danube view described above opens up; the loop then continues via Reitern, Roßberg, Theinstetten and Reitering back to Ybbs. The panoramic loop also offers views of Ybbs and the Danube Valley. If you are looking for a route with changing town and landscape impressions, you can specifically include this route in your planning and take the named stops into account.

Cycling history and routes for active days

The Ybbs Bicycle Museum displays historical originals, wooden draisines, spectacular penny-farthings, enduring Waffenrad bicycles, racing bikes and children's bikes. The history of cycling is presented there in nine stages, including its sociopolitical significance and technological progress. This gives the museum a specific cultural element that can also be combined with a trip where different generations pursue their own interests.

For longer cycling tours, the Ybbstal Cycle Path branches off directly from the Danube in Ybbs. It runs 111 km southwards along the Ybbs to a mountain lake. The river cycle routes in the Mostviertel region are consistently marked with green signs. On the Ybbstal Cycle Path, additional ground markings point to the abbreviation YRW. These markings provide useful orientation if you want to include the cycle path route in your day-trip planning.

Old town and architectural history

Ybbs has an impressive historic old town, whose cohesive harmony is striking. Ybbs offers visitors guided walks through the old town of Ybbs. An important historic site is Ybbs's Gothic parish church, which was completed in 1512. The three-aisled Gothic nave of St. Laurenz Parish Church was built from 1466 to 1485 under the direction of Viennese cathedral master builder Laurenz Spenning. The two details place different aspects of the church in context: the completion of the parish church and the construction period of its nave.

Near the Linz Gate, a substantial Renaissance castle has survived to this day at the newly established site of the territorial prince's castle. Together with the old-town walks and the parish church, this creates a historical focus for visitors who want to experience Ybbs as more than just a starting point for cycling tours.

Getting there and planning suitable accommodation

Ybbs an der Donau railway station is located on the Westbahn railway line. Regional express trains stop there on routes towards Amstetten, St. Valentin and Vienna Westbahnhof. These rail connections can be a relevant criterion when planning your trip if you are considering Ybbs as a holiday destination without relying exclusively on a car.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ybbs an der Donau, it is worth first deciding on your preferred travel rhythm: Should the old town, with its walks and historic buildings, be the focus, the Danube waterfront as a riverside setting, or a cycling tour on the Ybbstal Cycle Path? The panoramic loop and the Bicycle Museum also add their own distinctive elements.

More places to include in your plans

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Ybbs an der Donau, you can also explore Braunegg, Mank, Texing, Pöggstall, Pöchlarn, Aggsbach Dorf, Dunkelsteinerwald and Artstetten.

For the overview of destinations at the next level: Melk.