A Day on the Danube
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A DAY ON THE DANUBE Unconventional sites and places, the beauty of the unknown, new and exciting. The Danube offers all of this to the refined destination searcher. The river is a perfect fit for all new voyagers – those willing to go “off the beaten track”, avoid what is well known, and opt for a more unconventional approach: the adventurous holiday, where every day is a new discovery, an experience to remember, a chance to explore. Travelling along the Danube is the best choice for someone who wishes to fully appreciate river views from secluded hiking trails, traditional cuisine and wine, strolling through picturesque towns, resting in a spa, or simply biking through villages past luscious pastures. The Danube is a place where untouched nature coexists with ancient, baroque or modern monuments and architecture, where dozens of languages and traditions embrace each other, where the eyes enjoy and the breath is deeper. Each of the river’s 2,888 kilometres offers the guarantee of something different and unique – from the landscapes and wildlife, to the diverse cultures. А day on the Danube is a day you deserve. Germany Austria 6 10 Slovakia Hungary 14 18 Croatia Serbia 22 24 Bulgaria Ukraine Romania Moldova 28 29 8 Donaueschingen – Ulm – Passau 12 Passau – Linz – Wachau – Vienna 16 Bratislava & the surrounding region 20 Budapest and Mohacs 22 Vukovar and Ilok 26 Novi Sad – Belgrade – Djerdap 28 Ruse and Delta 29 Ukrainian Delta and Moldova nature cycling hiking sailing kayaking bird watching culture UNESCO cultural route jubilees events cuisine leisure wellness & SPA cruise beaches adventure city breaks 6 A DAY ON THE DANUBE © Moritz Kertzscher/GNTB Germany The Danube: 3,000 kilometres, ten countries and a wealth of sights to discover. It all begins in Germany, in the small town of Donaueschingen. From its headwaters here in the Black Forest, the Young Danube flows to Passau and beyond, passing through beautiful, often little-known landscapes. The German stretch of the Danube has everything you could want of a river: picturesque towns, UNESCO World Heritage sites, castles, palaces, abbeys, countless sporting and leisure activities, and all kinds of events. What’s more, the river is awash with delicious treats from the kitchen and the cellar – including beers to suit every taste – and you’ll always be greeted with a warm welcome, even in the smallest villages. There’s no question about it, the Danube has it all. So, what are you waiting for? #EnjoyGermanNature germany.travel germanytourism GermanyTourism germanytourism germanytourism germanytourism danube.travel 7 Donaueschingen – Ulm – Passau © Heinz Bunse Donaueschingen: Birthplace of the Danube The Danube doesn’t just rise, it is born. At least that’s what they say here in Donaueschingen, a pretty little town with a huge palace that houses a fascinating art collection. The Danube itself rises within the palace park, whilst the finest beer flows from within the local Fürstenberg brewery. © Caspar Diederik © Mike Corey / Caspar Diederik Сanoeing and More Besides Blue by Name The main town within the nature park is Sigmaringen, In the town of Blaubeuren in the Blautal valley lies said to have been founded by a knight named Blautopf spring, from which the river Blau rises. They Sigmar. It is perhaps best known for its beautiful all take their name from the distinctive blue (blau) castle, whose turrets and oriels are like something colour of the waters here. The Blautopf, a funnel- from a fairytale. The best way to discover this shaped hollow 21m deep and 40m across, is a truly glorious landscape is on a canoeing tour along mystical place. Make sure you visit Blaubeuren’s the Danube, passing below chalky cliffs that reach Museum of Prehistory. The area is also great for up to 200 metres. Simply stunning. rock climbing. 8 A DAY ON THE DANUBE Donaueschingen – Ulm – Passau © Jochen Keute © Moritz Kertzscher / GNTB Ulm: the Minster City Where the Danube Grows Up It goes without saying that Ulm Minster, crowned Initially a small river that regularly disappears be- with the world’s tallest church tower, is well worth low ground, the Danube makes its break-through, a visit, as is the grand city square. There’s also in the truest sense of the word, at Kelheim. This Ulm Museum, home to the Löwenmensch or ‘lion natural spectacle is best viewed from aboard a boat. man’, the oldest anthropomorphic sculpture in N.B.: excellent campsites here on the riverbank, the world (approx. 30,000 years old). Great for fantastic for outdoor pursuits. restaurants, bars and beer gardens too. © Peter Ferstl © Rainer Kiedrowski The Far North: Regensburg Three Rivers, One Town: Passau The northernmost point on the Danube, Regensburg A wonderful town where the Danube meets boasts not only a 2,000-year history, but also the Inn and Ilz rivers. Thanks to its location, a UNESCO listed old quarter and the highest Passau is a hub of national and international concentration of bars of any German city. Some long-distance cycle routes. A baroque jewel with would also argue that it’s home to the world’s a Mediterranean charm, the world’s biggest best bratwurst, which tastes even better with cathedral organ, dancing in the streets and a busy the local sweet mustard from Händlmaier. You nightlife of bistros, bars, restaurants and pubs. simply have to try it. Passau – my passion! danube.travel 9 © ARGE Donau Österreich/Weissenbrunner www.donau-oesterreich.at © Stadt Tulln/Alexander Haiden Austria In the midst of wooded shores, past the natural miracle of Schlögener Schlinge and the vineyards of the Wachau, the Danube in Austria flows through one of the oldest cultural scenes in Europe. The journey leads from the former bishop’s seat of Passau via the pulsating cultural laboratory of Linz to the former imperial residence of Vienna and on to Bratislava. Old Danube villages, splendid baroque monasteries, castles and ruins reveal secrets in and around the legendary river valley. Discover the stimulating mix of nature and culture! donau-oesterreich.at ooe.donauradweg photos/werbegemeinschaftdonau Werbegemeinschaftooe donau.niederoesterreich blog.donauregion.at danube.travel 11 Passau – Linz – Wachau – Vienna © WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Steininger Schlögener Schlinge The natural wonder Schlögener Schlinge is one of the most famous river meanders in Europe. Here the Danube presents two spectacular changes of direction. This is unique along the entire Danube. © LinzTourismus/Steininger © Niederösterreich-Werbung/Michael Liebert Linz Melk Monastery Linz, the contemporary Danube city with a view The baroque Benedictine monastery of Melk sits to the future, is a symbiosis of industry, culture, enthroned on the Danube in the west of the Wachau nature and creativity, set in beautiful natural land- valley. Particularly worth seeing are the Marble scapes. In 2015, Linz was declared a “UNESCO Hall, the Emperor’s Staircase, the Abbey Library City of Media Arts”. as well as the baroque collegiate church. 12 A DAY ON THE DANUBE Passau – Linz – Wachau – Vienna GmbH/Hochhauser © WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud © WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus Danube Cycle Path Schönbrunn Palace The Danube Cycle Path in Austria leads from Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence Passau to Bratislava. A cycling tour on the Danube of the Habsburg family, is one of the most beautiful Cycle Path always leads along the mighty river baroque castles in Europe. The complex contains Danube and gives insights into the region, such an enchanting park, the Palm House, the Gloriette as the Engelszell Monastery. and the oldest existing zoo in the world. © Donau Niederösterreich / Steve Haider © ARGE Donau Österreich/Weissenbrunner Hiking Trails Danube Shipping Hiking trails along the Danube in Austria run Explore the Austrian Danube region from a new through beautiful landscapes. The Donausteig perspective aboard a Danube cruise. Forests, offers incredible insights and perspectives from rolling hillsides, pebble beaches and picturesque Passau via Linz to Grein. The Welterbesteig villages pass by on both banks of the river. Excursion Wachau runs from Krems to Melk and passes cruises operate between April and October and sunny vineyards, picturesque wine villages and offer special tours, including solstice tours. cultural attractions. danube.travel 13 © Bratislava Tourist Board Welcome to Bratislava! Bratislava on the Danube River is a great place to hang out. It’s friendly, convenient, hassle free and whether you’re here for an afternoon, a week or a year, there is always something worth doing. www.visitbratislava.com © Bratislava Tourist Board Slovakia Slovakia is a unique country and a year-round destination. In its compact territory you can find just about anything. From natural wonders, historic monuments, rich folk culture and folklore, to fun and entertainment in the busy city streets. Let yourself become enchanted by its beauties and enjoy the unforgettable atmosphere you will find here. Discover Slovakia. Bratislava is the only capital in the world located on the border of three sovereign states – Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. Besides its strategic location on the River Danube, the city takes pride in its rich history. The first Celtic oppidum was founded here in the 2nd century BC. The city is located on two important historical trade routes, the Danube and Amber Roads. Bratislava was the capital of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and served as its coronation city. It experienced rapid growth under the reign of Maria Theresia. After the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, Bratislava started to emerge as a modern European metropolis and an attractive tourist destination. visitbratislava.com bagoclassical.sk VisitBratislava VisitBratislava danube.travel 15 Bratislava & the surrounding region © Bratislava Tourist Board © Bratislava Tourist Board Nedbalka Gallery The Nedbalka Gallery is situated on one of the oldest streets in Bratislava, built on old city walls from the 13th to the 15th century.