Bike Tour along the German Danube

Your bike tour at the German Danube begins in Donaueschingen. A german saying states the rivers Brigach and Breg bring the Danube on its way. However, the Romans believed that the spring located at the part of the Fürstenberg castle in Donaueschingen is the source of the Danube river. Still the Belle Époque castle is an impressive testimony to the historical importance of the Fürstenberg family. If you've booked rental bike they will await you at your hotel upon arrival.

The first stage of your bike tour at the German Danube beginnss on the Danube Bike Path. Cycle to Immendingen where you can observe a unique spectacle of nature the Danube sinkhole. The river disappears into the limestone for most of year. Instead of continuing on its path to the Black Sea, part of the Danube flows into the North Sea through the Aachtopf well along the the Rhine. Today you spend the night in Mühlheim or Fridingen.

Today you accompany the Danube through the impressive Danube valley formed through time. Limestone cliffs more than 100 meters high line your path.  You will also pass old ruins and castles. In Sigmaringen, a piece of living history awaits you at Hohenzollern Castle. It is still inhabited by its noble family.

On today's bike tour along the German Danube you will meet a more gentle part of the river shore rather than the rugged rocks. Take the time for a break at the Heuneburg in Herbertingen. Its open-air museum offers insights into the world of the Celts. Shortly before you reach today's destination, Riedlingen, take a detour to the Hanging Gardens of Neufra. The renaissance- style gardens rest on vaults. The town of Riedlingen also offers medieval half-timbered houses.

First follow the course of the river through the Danube meadows river landscape. You will reach Obermarchtal halfway along the route. The baroque monastery complex in particular will catch your eye. Continue via Munderkingen to your stage destination of Ehingen. At the self-proclaimed beer culture town, small breweries offer a wide variety of local beers traditionally made to be sampled on site.

It is your choice: follow the Danube directly or take longer route via Blaubeuren. There you will pass the Blautopf a spring which also marks the entrance to a large cave system. The intense color of the water almost seems artificial. Then little river Blau takes you to the Swabian town of Ulm. It features the highest church tower in the world. The climb up the 768 steps is long but rewarding – you'll have a fantastic view over the Alps.

Between Ulm and Lauingen, within a tight sequence villages stand in line always at a slight distance to the Danube river to be at on the safe side from its floods. Take a break at the Legoland in Günzburg. Here you can marvel at over 50 million little Lego blocks in every possible color and shape. Your destination for the day, Lauingen, is also known as the Town of Towers. The name refers to the 54-metre-high Schimmelturm tower on its market square. Your accommodation will be in Lauingen or Dillingen.

Today the bike tour along the Danube first takes you to Höchstädt with its late Renaissance castle. Then it continues to the Danube floodplains near Donauwörth, situated at the mouth of the Wörnitz. Here you are at the significant intersection of the former trade route between Nuremberg and Augsburg. Even today, the magnificent houses are a reminder of the town's historical importance. The Käthe Kruse Doll Museum is not just a recommendation for children.

Today you cycle briskly. Thus you will soon reach the foothills of the Franconian Alb changing the path to gentle hills. Visit the historic Neuburg, the Hofkirche church and its municipal theater. Ingolstadt offers an amazing medieval flair and is known across the globe as the home of the car brand Audi . Visit the Audi museum mobile and stroll through the old town within its historic fort.

The Danube bike path first takes you to Vohburg. Visit the historic town center with its castle hill, the market square and the small gate to the Danube. After a stroll through the town and a relaxed cup of coffee, the journey continues. In Bad Gögging, you have the opportunity to relax in the Limes-Therme . Or how about a visit to the Kuchlbauer Tower in Abensberg? The tower, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, can be climbed as part of a guided tour at the eponymous brewery. You will spend the night in Bad Gögging or Abensberg.

Follow the Danube and soon you will reach Weltenburg. The monastery there is home to the oldest monastery brewery in the world. From Weltenburg you take the boat to Kelheim. A special natural spectacle awaits you - the Danube Gorge. Here the Danube forces its way through steep rock cliffs. In Kelheim, it is worth visiting the Liberation Hall. From here you have an excellent panoramic view. Continue on to Regensburg, the northernmost point of the Danube. Stroll through the winding alleyways of the old town and cross the almost 900-year-old Stone Bridge.

Take a rest on your bike tour at the Walhalla near Donaustauf. King Ludwig I build the memorial in the middle of the 19th century. Your journey continues along the Danube to Wörth Castle. From here, you have a view of the Gäuboden, the Bavarian granary. Today's stage ends at the old ducal town of Straubing. The town looks back on a long history it the Celts and Roman used to reside here. The striking town tower is Straubing's landmark.

Today you cycle through the small town of Bogen, which became famous when a statue of the pregnant Madonna was found in 1104. The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Bogenberg is actually the oldest Marian pilgrimage church in Bavaria. Your cycling vacation on the German Danube continues through Pfelling and Mariaposching to the Benedictine abbey in Metten. Your destination today is Deggendorf. It is known as the gateway to the Bavarian Forest. Gothic and Baroque styles characterize the old town.

Today you cycle along the bends of the Danube to the Three River City of Passau.  It is located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. The city looks back on a long history dating back to the settlement of the Celts. After arriving at your hotel, take a stroll through the alleyways and enjoy its seemingly Mediterranean flair. The majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Veste Oberhaus above the left bank of the Danube are also worth a visit.

After breakfast, your bike tour along the German Danube is at its end. We are happy to extend your stay in Passau or to book an additional night at another stage destination.