Cycle Tour along the Young Danube

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 Fürstenberg Castle parkland to be the start of the Danube. The castle, in Belle Epoque style, is an impressive testimony to the Fürstenberg family’s former significance.

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 soon reach today's destination Mühlheim or Fridingen.

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.

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.

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 cave system. The colour of the water is so blue it looks as if it has 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.

Between Ulm and Dillingen you pass many small towns that are all located flood safe on raised ground and have been beautifully preserved. Over 50 million little Lego bricks in all manner of colours and shapes can be admired in Legoland in Günzburg. Your daily destination Lauingen is also known as the town of the towers. It owes its name among other things to the 54-metre-high Schimmel Tower on the market square.

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 are a reminder of the town’s historic importance. The Käthe-Kruse doll museum is a treat not only for children.

Your cycle tour along the young Danube ends after breakfast. We would be happy to extend your stay in Donauwörth if you like.