Donaueschingen – Donauwörth

The Brigach and Breg Black Forest rivers join to form the Danube near the town. The Fürstenberg castle built in the Belle Epoch style is a testament to the importance of the Fürstenberg family.

The first stage takes you on a brisk ride through the landscape known as the ‘Baar’ to Immendingen. This is where the Danube sinks. There, the Danube sinks completely into the limestone rock on around 155 days a year and flows southwards through an underground cave system to the Aachtopf, Germany's largest spring. Near Tuttlingen, the valley slowly narrows, and it is not far to your destination.

The limestone cliffs between which the river and cycle path meander are over 100 metres high. Time and again, you can spot an old castle, or what remains of it today, perched high on the towering cliffs. In Sigmaringen, there is another magnificent castle to discover: Hohenzollern Castle is still inhabited by the princely family today and offers an interesting guided tour.

Follow the course of the river at a leisurely pace until just past Hundersingen, where you should definitely stop at the Heuneburg Open Air Museum to immerse yourself in the world of the Celts. At today's destination, Obermarchtal, a baroque gem awaits your visit – the former monastery is open to the public.

Behind the monastery of Blaubeuren you will find the famous Blautopf. Medieval castles and ruins accompany you along the Blau until you reach the Swabian-Bavarian double city of Ulm.

Between Ulm and Lauingen, there is a string of small towns, all beautifully preserved and located slightly away from the river on flood-proof hills. Lauingen is also known as the town of towers.

The villages are mainly located somewhat off the beaten track on hills protected from the river floodwaters. Those who wish can take a break in one of the well-maintained villages. The old imperial city of Donauwörth, located at the mouth of the Wörnitz River, was once a key crossroads on the most important trade route between Nuremberg and Augsburg.

After breakfast you may return home or extend your stay.