The second longest river in Europe springs “unofficially” in the park of the princely Fürstenberg castle in Donaueschingen, contained in a magnificently decorated, circular fountain from the 18th Century. “Mother Bear” presides over the fountain and shows her „daughter“, the young Danube and all cyclists the way. Guests particularly love the section of the Danube between its source and the Hohenzoller town of Sigmaringen. Wild rock faces, crowned with crows’ nest-like castle ruins, frame the cycle path in the ethnic landscape. The literal high point of this first section of the river is Ulm, whose cathedral tower at 161.5 metres in the highest in the world.

In Bavarian Swabia, the Danube is quieter, the valley wider and the mountains lower. Significant towns cluster along the river banks like a string of pearls. The Weltenburg Monastery is a destination for both pilgrims and beer lovers. Regensburg radiates historical elegance, which outdoes anything seen to date and was therefore designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in July 2006.

In Lower Bavaria the Danube meanders between hop-fields to the right and the foothills of the Bavarian Forest to the left. Kehlheim, Straubing and Deggendorf are the destination along the way to the three river city of Passau. Under the baroque buildings of the Residence town the Danube, Inn und Ilz meet and for a few kilometres engage in a colourful display of colours with blue, green and brown and then flow together into Austria.

The Austrian Danube cycle path is without a doubt one of the classic long distance cycle routs in Europe. The beauty of the landscape of the Danube valley and the cultural richness of the river are unrivalled. Linz, the European capital of culture in 2009, greets its visitors with a mix of Renaissance and Baroque and is not only an architectural attraction but also a lively and charming town for shopping. The architectural highlight is without a doubt the Baroque Benedictine monastery Stift Melk, which is located high above the Danube, the symbol of Wachau and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The charm of the Austrian capital city Vienna is known worldwide. Why not exchange the saddle for a comfortable horse-drawn carriage and let yourself be chauffeur driven to the cathedral of Stefansdom, Hofburg, Albertina or even to the giant ferris wheel?

Broad flood plain landscapes, dreamy farming villages, historical towns and the amazing city of Budapest as the goal of this trip ensure a cycle trip along the Hungarian Danube is an enjoyable experience and appeals to both nature and culture lovers. The glitter of the monarchy still lies over the city, whose quirky inner city life in the town quarter of Pest is such a contrast to the winding laneways of the old town around Castle Hill and the Palace of Buda.

Have a look through our pages and whet your appetite for a Danube holiday. We are looking forward to seeing you!