Day 1: Individual arrival in Donaueschingen
Brigach und Breg bringen die Donau zuweg is the phrase people say here meaning that the Brigach and Breg rivers jointly form the river Danube. The Romans considered the spring in the parkland of Castle Fürstenberg to be the start of the Danube. The castle, in the style of the Belle Epoque, is an impressive testimony to Fürstenberg Family’s former significance. Reserved rental bicycles are parked at the hotel ready for you.
Day 2: Donaueschingen ‒ Fridingen, approx. 55 km
The first section takes you through the Baar region. In Immendingen you can witness a spectacular natural scene known as the Danube Sink, where the river disappears for a large part of the year into the limestone ground. Instead of flowing into the Black Sea, part of the Danube flows via the Aachtopf, Lake Constance and the Rhine into the North Sea. Behind Tuttlingen, the valley narrows and you reach Beuron with its well-known Benedictine Monastery.
Day 3: Fridingen ‒ Scheer, approx. 50 km
Today, you follow the Danube enjoying the wonderful countryside that has evolved in this valley over the course of the years. Limestone cliffs, looming over 100 metres high, line your path. Every once in a while you will spy castles or ruins perched on top of the rocks. In Sigmaringen the historic Hohenzollern Castle awaits you. It is still home to the Hohenzollern family today.
Day 4: Scheer ‒ Ehingen, approx. 60 km
Instead of rough cliffs and rock, a gentler landscape greets you today. It’s worth taking a detour to the former Celtic town of Heuneburg. Via Riedlingen, whose townscape is shaped by timber-frame houses, you cycle to Ehingen. This baroque town places great emphasis on its beer culture: four independent, traditional breweries have been instrumental in shaping the history of this town.
Day 5: Ehingen ‒ Ulm, approx. 45 km
You follow either the Danube or decide to take a detour via Blaubeuren. This is where a spring emerges in the Blautopf or blue pot, which also marks the start of a huge system of caves. The colour of the water is so blue it looks as if it could have been dyed. This blue river takes you to the Swabian town of Ulm, which boasts the highest church tower in the world. It takes 768 steps to climb up it. You are rewarded at the top with panoramic views of the Alps.
Day 6: Ulm – Lauingen / Dillingen, approx. 50 / 55 km
Between Ulm and Dillingen, small town follows small town. They are all located flood safe on raised ground and have been beautifully preserved. Over 50 million little bricks in all manner of colours and shapes can be admired in Legoland in Günzburg. Lauingen, the “Town of Towers” is just before Dillingen, which you will recognize by its magnificent castle.
Day 7: Dillingen – Donauwörth, approx. 45 / 40 km
Taking you through the meadowland around the Danube, your last section of the tour takes you to Donauwörth at the mouth of the Wörnitz. This is where the former most important trade route between Nuremberg and Augsburg crossed the Danube. The elegant houses here are a reminder to us today of the town’s historic importance. The Käthe-Kruse doll museum is a treat not only for children.
Day 8: Donauwörth – Ingolstadt, approx. 65 km
Today you will be moving on swiftly. You soon reach the foothills of the Franconian Alb mountains, which liven up the route as you cycle along this gently undulating section of the tour. It’s worth taking a look at Neuburg’s old town, for example the court church or the town theatre. Ingolstadt has a wonderful medieval flair and is known all over the world as the town where Audi manufactures its cars. Visit the Mobile Museum or wander through the historic city centre.
Day 9: Ingolstadt – Kelheim, approx. 55 km + boat trip
Today you follow the Danube Cycle Rath to Neustadt and then on to Bad Gögging passing many fields of hops on the way. As you continue you will see a very special natural spectacle: the Danube Gap between Weltenburg and Kelheim. The Danube carves its way here through the rocks of the Franconian Jura mountains. Departing from the famous Benedictine Monastery, a boat takes you to Kelheim.
Day 10: Kelheim – Regensburg, approx. 40 km
Before you start, you should go up to the Hall of Liberation, which gives you wonderful panoramic views of the area. The route then takes you on to Regensburg, the northernmost point of the Danube. This town is considered Germany’s best preserved city and has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site. Bring your day to a pleasant end with a walk through the winding alleyways of the town’s Spitalviertel ‒ or hospital quarter.
Day 11: Regensburg – Straubing, approx. 50 km
We can recommend taking your first break in Walhalla, close to Donaustauf. The route then takes you on along the Danube to Castle Wörth. From here you can look over the Gäuboden, or Bavaria’s granary and one of the largest loess regions in South Germany. Today’s section ends in the old city of Straubing, which looks back on Celtic and Roman roots. The town’s striking tower is this small town’s land mark.
Day 12: Straubing – Deggendorf, approx. 40 km
Today you first cycle through Bogen, which became known when a statue of the pregnant Madonna was found here in 1104. The Church of the Assumption on Bogenberg is the oldest pilgrimage church of the Madonna in Bavaria. The tour takes you on through Pfelling and Mariaposching to the Benedictine Abbey in Metten. Deggendorf is your destination today. Gothic and baroque styles characterise the unusual pear-shaped site of the old town.
Day 13: Deggendorf – Passau, approx. 60 km
This section takes you to the small historic town of Vilshofen. It is famous largely due to the Ash Wednesday speeches given here by the Chairman of the CSU Party, Strauß. You will soon reach your destination of the three-rivers town and former diocese, Passau. Discover the Danube, Inn and Ilz by boat and let your day come to a pleasant end with a walk through the historic city centre or a visit to the fortress Veste Oberaus.
Day 14: Individual departure or extended stay
After breakfast your bike tour along the German Danube comes to an end and you will return home. We would also be more than happy to extend your stay in Passau.
