Cycling holidays on the Upper Danube

Where the Danube is still in its infancy – and the landscape untamed

All beginnings are hard. And cozy. Where the Brigach and Breg rivers join near Donaueschingen, the Danube is born. The still-young river meanders from the Black Forest through the Baar, along the Swabian Alb, and on through the Upper Danube Nature Park. It is lined with numerous castles, palaces, monasteries, baroque churches, and caves. Conveniently, the Danube cycle path runs parallel to the river with hardly an incline in sight! Ideal for beginners to the cycling holiday experience! And great to follow the Danube along part of its 2850-kilometre-long journey.

Two cyclists on a metal bridge crossing the Danube near Schelklingen. White limestone cliffs and green forest visible in the background. — Cyclists near Schelklingen on the Danube

Cycling holidays along the Upper Danube

A cycling holiday on the Upper Danube is so lovely

Two cyclists crossing a stone bridge with a statue in Hausen im Tal. White limestone cliffs and green forests visible in the background. — Cyclists near Hausen im Tal

Aerial view of the Donauquelle fountain in Donaueschingen, a circular stone basin with ornate balustrades and sculptures, surrounded by a park. — The source of the Danube in Donaueschingen

Ulm Minster with tall spire rises above historic buildings with orange roofs along the Danube River. Green trees line the riverbanks under blue sky. — View of Ulm and the Danube

Crystal-clear turquoise Blautopf spring in Blaubeuren with half-timbered house and wooden viewing platform surrounded by lush green trees. — The Blautopf in Blaubeuren

Beuron Monastery complex with red-roofed buildings and white church tower, set against dramatic limestone cliffs and green forest. — Beuron Abbey

A Danube cycle path classic is the cycling tour through the valley of the young Danube. With an "Auf gohds" (dialect for let's go) on your lips, you set off in Donaueschingen. You're soon greeted by the Upper Danube Nature Park. Admire the Danube Sinkhole in Immendingen. On many days of the year, the Danube disappears over a distance of 12 km almost completely to run underground. Enjoy the beauty of the Swabian Alb with its extensive fields and rocky limestone walls. The rugged countryside is the reason why there are so many forts and castles along this section of the Danube. The highlights of this tour to Donauwörth are Beuron monastery, the impressive Hohenzollern Castle in Sigmaringen, the legendary Blautopf at Blaubeuren, and Ulm Münster which has the highest church tower in the world.

View of Fridingen old town with traditional half-timbered houses, red-tiled roofs, and a white church tower under blue sky, framed by green trees. — The old town of Fridingen

Experience the high chalk cliffs, and wild rocky walls and delight at the many species in the Danube water meadows of the valley on an athletic tour. Longer sections and the same cycling wonder! From Donaueschingen to the northernmost point of the Danube, in Regensburg. Visit the Renaissance castle in Neuburg with its four museums, don't forget Weltenburg Monastery and go on a boat trip to the Danube Gap at Kelheim. In the lively town of Regensburg, try an ice-cold beer in the medieval historic quarter. It tastes especially good at the end of your tour. Wander over the old corn market to Regenburg's cathedral, St. Peter. Why not go and visit St. Emmeram church and enjoy views of the town from the Stone Bridge. If you have more time on your hands, we recommend the similarly athletic tour to Passau. You'll have to rise to the challenge if you want to visit Valhalla. The view from the Valhalla Hall of Fame in the Danube Valley is ample reward for your efforts. Worthwhile trips are the castle in Wörth and the monastery in Niederaltaich. Your tour ends in Passau - the town of three rivers. From Veste Oberhaus, you have great views over Passau's old town and St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Danube, Lake Constance and Allgäu in 9 days? Yes! On our round trip from Konstanz. After you have turned your back on Lake Constance, the tour takes you via the Rhine Falls to the Danube, through Upper Swabia, and through the Allgäu region. The Danube part of the tour is cycled from Tuttlingen. On the way to Sigmaringen, the medieval towns of Mühlheim and Fridingen Close to Fridingen you have a wonderful of the Beuron Danube Gap from the Knopfmacherfelsen viewpoint. If you don't want to go quite so high, take a wander in the Royal Park of Inzigkofen. Goodbye, dear Danube!

Street view in Donauwörth old town with colorful historic buildings and a tower under blue sky. Orange-tiled roofs line the pedestrian street. — The old town of Donauwörth