The young Danube by bike, from its source to Donauwörth in Germany
Enjoy an extraordinary bike trip from Donaueschingen in the Danube valley. You will ride through the Bavarian landscape on a path lined with monasteries, castles and beautiful views. This is a unique bike trip in a constantly changing landscape on safe bike paths. You can admire the city of Ulm, Sigmaringen Castle and visit many museums.
Highlights of the trip:
- Fürstenberg and Sigmaringen castles
- The landscape of the Danube valley
- Ulm and many cities with a unique charm
- The Blautopf
Day 1: Individual Arrival in Donaueschingen
Arrival at the starting point of your Danube cycling tour in Donaueschingen. You can begin with a visit to the Belle Époque castle, a testament to the former influence of the von Fürstenberg family. The castle regularly hosts new exhibitions and houses an interesting art collection.
Day 2: From Donaueschingen to Mühlheim or Fridingen (45 to 50 km)
This first cycling leg takes you along the Danube Cycle Path. In Immendingen, you can observe a unique natural spectacle on the Danube. Here, the Danube sinks into the limestone for around 155 days each year, before continuing its course underground to the Aachtopf, Germany’s largest spring. After Tuttlingen, the valley narrows and you reach Fridingen.
Day 3: From Mühlheim or Fridingen to Sigmaringen or Scheer (40 to 55 km)
Today, you'll cycle through the impressive Danube Valley, created over time. You'll see limestone cliffs over 100 meters high, where a castle or ruin can still be seen along the route. Take a step back in time with a visit to Hohenzollern Castle in Sigmaringen, which is still inhabited by a noble family.
Day 4: From Sigmaringen or Scheer to Obermarchtal or Ehingen (40 to 70 km)
You'll leave the rugged rocky landscapes behind to admire a gentler landscape along the Danube. Consider a detour to the ancient Celtic town of Heuneburg. In the open-air museum, you can immerse yourself in the lifestyle of this Celtic ethnic group. Then cycle to Ehingen via Riedlingen and admire the half-timbered houses. This Baroque town attaches great importance to its beer culture, as four independent craft breweries have shaped the town's history. In Obermarchtal, visit the former monastery, a Baroque treasure.
Day 5: From Obermarchtal or Ehingen to Ulm (35 to 60 km)
Today, follow the course of the Danube or take a detour to Blaubeuren. A spring gushes forth in the Blautopf, which also marks the beginning of a large cave system. The intense color of the water appears colorful. The blue guides you to the city of Ulm, which boasts the tallest church tower in the world. The climb up the 768 steps is long, but rewarded with an exceptional view as far as the Alps.
Day 6: From Ulm to Lauingen (50 km)
This stage takes you from town to town to Lauingen, set back slightly from the Danube and sheltered from flooding. Your destination for the day, Lauingen, is also known as the city of towers. It owes its name, among other things, to the 54-meter-high casting tower on the market square.
Day 7: From Lauingen to Donauwörth or Wörnitzstein (45 to 50 km)
Heading towards Höchstädt and its late-Renaissance castle, your final leg of the Danube cycle route leads through the Danube meadows to Donauwörth at the mouth of the Wörnitz. The most important trade route between Nuremberg and Augsburg once crossed the Danube at this very spot. Even today, the magnificent houses are a reminder of the city's rich past. The Käthe Kruse Doll Museum is a must-see.
Day 8: End of the Cycling Tour
After breakfast, your cycling tour of the Young Danube Valley comes to an end. You are welcome to extend your stay in Donauwörth.
