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National Geographic
15-05-2025
- National Geographic
Discover the best of Upper Austria, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences
Defined by limestone peaks in the south, fertile flatlands in the centre and the winding Danube to the north, Upper Austria remains a relatively unexplored region for UK travellers. Neighbouring Germany and the Czech Republic, this Austrian state is the place to go for a huge selection of hiking and biking trails, first-class wellness retreats and the unsung city of Linz, known for its cutting-edge museums and lively cultural scene. Top holiday spots include the rolling hills in the Hausruckwald region, the glittering lakes of Salzkammergut and the picturesque villages in Vitalwelt Bad Schallerbach. Whether it's food, fitness, culture or relaxation you're interested in, this guide will help you decide where to go first. The cyclist One of the most popular parts of the Danube Cycle Path — an impressive route covering over 750 miles between Germany and Hungary — follows a section of the river in Upper Austria. Here, old towpaths once used by ship-pulling horses now provide the ideal infrastructure for cyclists and take visitors past steep bluffs dense with forest. One key highlight is the Schlögener Schlinge, where the water flows around a striking 180-degree bend. Further down the Danube, the village of Dürnstein is home to picturesque medieval architecture, including an Augustinian monastery and castle ruins. The Austrian countryside is dotted with towering observation decks that offer hikers and cyclists some respite alongside sweeping views of the region. Photograph by WGD Donau, Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH, CMVisuals For a detour away from the banks, you can try one of the 15 e-bike loops that lead up into the countryside between Schärding and Grein — all offer incredible views across the landscape and the Danube. Elsewhere, the Vitalwelt network has over 186 miles of well-signposted cycle paths running through the gentle Hausruck hills — which are peppered with impressive viewing towers — and caters to different levels. The hiker Another great way to explore Upper Austria is on foot. One of the best-trodden trails is the Donausteig, traversing cultivated and natural landscapes, including narrow gorges and rocky ravines. The lengthy route is best tackled in sections and there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and public transport options to break up the journey. The Donausteig passes the regional capital of Linz — from here, you can connect to a number of urban routes that start in the city, including a loop to nearby lake Pleschingersee. This circular trail passes well-known landmarks such as the Baroque Trinity Column and the waterside Brucknerhaus concert hall. Alternatively, in the Vitalwelt region you can hike along the forest paths, meadow trails and gentle ridges that connect its seven villages or test your endurance on one of the four licenced Nordic Walking routes. Free guides on these routes can be sourced from the Bad Schallerbach Tourist Information Office. The gourmet From mohnflesserl (braided poppy seed rolls) and hearty dumplings to linseed oil potatoes and gebackene apfelringe (baked apple rings), Upper Austria has a rich food culture centred around regional ingredients. Start in Linz where you'll find plenty of exciting dining experiences to choose from, including small artsy plates at Muto, regional cuisine using seasonal produce at husband-and-wife-run Göttfried and the impressive culinary stylings of chefs Marco Barth and Sebastian Rossbach at Rossbarth. Brettljause, a traditional Austrian platter of cold cuts, cheeses, bread and pickled vegetables, is a popular snack and can be found across the region. Photograph by Stefan Mayerhofer Steckerlfisch, fish grilled on a stick, is considered a speciality of Austria and can be found throughout Linz and beyond. Photograph by Marco Leiter Don't leave without trying a slice of linzer torte, a latticed cake made with sweet fruit jam, or a late-night bite from the original Leberkas-Pepi shop, which opened in 1989 and serves up an enormous variety of Leberkäse (various meats mixed and baked into a loaf, sometimes with cheese and/or additional spices). Additionally, fish caught fresh from the Danube can be enjoyed in numerous restaurants, such as Gasthof Luger in Kramesau. Upper Austria is also celebrated for its rich beer heritage, with breweries producing everything from classic märzen lager to contemporary IPAs. It is also known for its tangy and bubbly most, Austria's answer to cider. Made using native apples and pears, the local tipple is best enjoyed in one of the traditional mostheurige (taverns) in the Vitalwelt region, where fruit trees add splashes of red, yellow and white to the countryside. The culture enthusiast Fly straight to Linz, a UNESCO City of Media Arts, to discover its fascinating culture and history. The city's creative prowess is on display at institutions like the Ars Electronica Center, an interactive museum tackling topics such as AI, self-driving cars and robots. Nearby, the glass facade of the Lentos Art Museum houses significant works of modern and contemporary art. Current exhibitions include Head of a Woman by Gustav Klimt and an Andy Warhol silkscreen print of Marilyn Monroe. Erwin Hauser, Vice President of the Lentos Friends Association, donated his art collection of almost 3,000 works to the city of Linz and Lentos in 2024, and a dedicated exhibition will run until autumn. The illuminated Ars Electronica Center in Linz offers visitors interactive exhibits that centre around technology and innovation. Photograph by: Robert Maybach East along the Danube, the repurposed old tobacco factory — now home to a number of local start-ups — showcases a young, ambitious Linz. For historic charms, the old town is the ticket, with its narrow cobblestone alleys and grand main square all overlooked by Linz Castle — walk up for great city panoramas. The wellness fanatic Upper Austria has an abundance of thermal springs, health oases and spa hotels to explore, with everything from saltwater pools to steam baths. Overnight stay options include Hotel Wesenufer, with a sauna, infrared cabin and hydrojet massage lounge, or the family-run Hotel Donauschlinge with its pool, saunas and treatments — not to mention an outstanding location on the Schlögener Schlinge. The latter is popular with cyclists who want to rest their tired legs. At the expansive EurothermenResort Bad Schallerbach you'll find an alpine-inspired sauna area featuring natural stone and wooden huts, as well as a tropical-themed spa with thermal pools designed to improve circulation and boost the immune system. Plan your trip Direct connections to Linz are available from London. Indirect flights depart more frequently and from other UK airports, with stopovers in Frankfurt or Vienna. Alternatively, travellers can fly to Vienna or Salzburg and take a train to Linz in just over 1.5 hours. For more information, visit This paid content article was created for Upper Austria. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Discover the best of Upper Austria, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences
Defined by limestone peaks in the south, fertile flatlands in the centre and the winding Danube to the north, Upper Austria remains a relatively unexplored region for UK travellers. Neighbouring Germany and the Czech Republic, this Austrian state is the place to go for a huge selection of hiking and biking trails, first-class wellness retreats and the unsung city of Linz, known for its cutting-edge museums and lively cultural scene. Top holiday spots include the rolling hills in the Hausruckwald region, the glittering lakes of Salzkammergut and the picturesque villages in Vitalwelt Bad Schallerbach. Whether it's food, fitness, culture or relaxation you're interested in, this guide will help you decide where to go first. One of the most popular parts of the Danube Cycle Path — an impressive route covering over 750 miles between Germany and Hungary — follows a section of the river in Upper Austria. Here, old towpaths once used by ship-pulling horses now provide the ideal infrastructure for cyclists and take visitors past steep bluffs dense with forest. One key highlight is the Schlögener Schlinge, where the water flows around a striking 180-degree bend. Further down the Danube, the village of Dürnstein is home to picturesque medieval architecture, including an Augustinian monastery and castle ruins. For a detour away from the banks, you can try one of the 15 e-bike loops that lead up into the countryside between Schärding and Grein — all offer incredible views across the landscape and the Danube. Elsewhere, the Vitalwelt network has over 186 miles of well-signposted cycle paths running through the gentle Hausruck hills — which are peppered with impressive viewing towers — and caters to different levels. Another great way to explore Upper Austria is on foot. One of the best-trodden trails is the Donausteig, traversing cultivated and natural landscapes, including narrow gorges and rocky ravines. The lengthy route is best tackled in sections and there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and public transport options to break up the journey. The Donausteig passes the regional capital of Linz — from here, you can connect to a number of urban routes that start in the city, including a loop to nearby lake Pleschingersee. This circular trail passes well-known landmarks such as the Baroque Trinity Column and the waterside Brucknerhaus concert hall. Alternatively, in the Vitalwelt region you can hike along the forest paths, meadow trails and gentle ridges that connect its seven villages or test your endurance on one of the four licenced Nordic Walking routes. Free guides on these routes can be sourced from the Bad Schallerbach Tourist Information Office. From mohnflesserl (braided poppy seed rolls) and hearty dumplings to linseed oil potatoes and gebackene apfelringe (baked apple rings), Upper Austria has a rich food culture centred around regional ingredients. Start in Linz where you'll find plenty of exciting dining experiences to choose from, including small artsy plates at Muto, regional cuisine using seasonal produce at husband-and-wife-run Göttfried and the impressive culinary stylings of chefs Marco Barth and Sebastian Rossbach at Rossbarth. Don't leave without trying a slice of linzer torte, a latticed cake made with sweet fruit jam, or a late-night bite from the original Leberkas-Pepi shop, which opened in 1989 and serves up an enormous variety of Leberkäse (various meats mixed and baked into a loaf, sometimes with cheese and/or additional spices). Additionally, fish caught fresh from the Danube can be enjoyed in numerous restaurants, such as Gasthof Luger in Kramesau. Upper Austria is also celebrated for its rich beer heritage, with breweries producing everything from classic märzen lager to contemporary IPAs. It is also known for its tangy and bubbly most, Austria's answer to cider. Made using native apples and pears, the local tipple is best enjoyed in one of the traditional mostheurige (taverns) in the Vitalwelt region, where fruit trees add splashes of red, yellow and white to the countryside. Fly straight to Linz, a UNESCO City of Media Arts, to discover its fascinating culture and history. The city's creative prowess is on display at institutions like the Ars Electronica Center, an interactive museum tackling topics such as AI, self-driving cars and robots. Nearby, the glass facade of the Lentos Art Museum houses significant works of modern and contemporary art. Current exhibitions include Head of a Woman by Gustav Klimt and an Andy Warhol silkscreen print of Marilyn Monroe. Erwin Hauser, Vice President of the Lentos Friends Association, donated his art collection of almost 3,000 works to the city of Linz and Lentos in 2024, and a dedicated exhibition will run until autumn. East along the Danube, the repurposed old tobacco factory — now home to a number of local start-ups — showcases a young, ambitious Linz. For historic charms, the old town is the ticket, with its narrow cobblestone alleys and grand main square all overlooked by Linz Castle — walk up for great city panoramas. Upper Austria has an abundance of thermal springs, health oases and spa hotels to explore, with everything from saltwater pools to steam baths. Overnight stay options include Hotel Wesenufer, with a sauna, infrared cabin and hydrojet massage lounge, or the family-run Hotel Donauschlinge with its pool, saunas and treatments — not to mention an outstanding location on the Schlögener Schlinge. The latter is popular with cyclists who want to rest their tired legs. At the expansive EurothermenResort Bad Schallerbach you'll find an alpine-inspired sauna area featuring natural stone and wooden huts, as well as a tropical-themed spa with thermal pools designed to improve circulation and boost the immune system. This paid content article was created for Upper Austria. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
28-04-2025
- National Geographic
How to plan the ultimate adventure along the Danube River
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). The Danube touches deep. Its landscapes are lyrical, its cities were built high and mighty by once-great empires, its history is as old as European civilisation itself. In 1866, Johann Strauss II extolled its beauty in The Blue Danube. And in 2025, on the 200th anniversary of the Austrian composer's birth, his ever-popular waltz still captures the sprightly soul of the river, which flows from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea in Romania and Ukraine. Whether seen in the mist of winter or summer's first light, there's poetry in these waters. But where to begin? Many tours zoom in on the classic sights necklacing the Upper Danube between Germany and Hungary. The knockout is the 24-mile Wachau Valley in Upper Austria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the river lopes past orchards and terraced vineyards, perched abbeys and medieval forts. It's lovely, no doubt, as are the capitals that follow — Vienna, with its opulent Habsburg palaces, and Budapest, home to art nouveau thermal bathhouses. Cruises are a popular option, but if you want to explore independently, it's also possible to hike along a network of well-developed trails, or pedal on the Danube Cycle Path, which rolls from the river's source to its delta. Venture east, and you'll be rewarded with treasures fewer people experience. Croatia's section of the river has wonders like Tvrđa, a star-shaped, 18th-century fortress, and Kopački Rit Nature Park, a floodplain where waterways meet, attracting birdlife from white-tailed eagles to black storks. In Serbia, the Danube flows past the cliff-hugging Golubac Fortress, the fjord-like Iron Gates gorge and Lepenski Vir, Europe's oldest planned settlement. All this is the drum roll for the moment when the river takes a final bow at the Danube Delta, a delicate fretwork of marshes, canals and islands. Your eyes will constantly flit between water and sky to spot pelicans, ibises and the brilliant blue flash of kingfishers. Give yourself plenty of time, as you can't hurry this river. The longer you stay and further you explore, the more its ever-changing moods, lights, flavours and backdrops will sweep you off your feet, with all the easy grace of Strauss's famous waltz. Itinerary 1: Danube Cycle Path Start point: Passau End point: Vienna Distance travelled: 208 miles Average duration: 10 days The river reveals itself in all its glory in this gentle section of the Danube Cycle Path in the Upper Danube. The trail follows the riverbank through Germany and Austria, tracing each elegant bend through woods, farmland and flower-freckled meadows. You'll find something to make you want to hop out of the saddle almost constantly — from giddy viewpoints to Trappist monasteries; from art galleries to some of Austria's finest heurigen (rustic wine taverns serving citrusy, mineral Grüner Veltliner and Riesling whites). The route is bookended by two grand cities. It starts in Passau, which has a baroque old town and was once the largest bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire. Vienna is a fitting climax, with its collection of grand palaces, galleries, concert halls and coffee houses. While the ride itself takes around a week, set aside 10 days to also explore these gateways at leisure. There are many memorable moments along the way, but the Wachau Valley, which covers the second half of this itinerary, is particularly popular. Here, the Danube flows past medieval castles and baroque abbeys, vineyards and orchards. The latter are pinkened with blossom in spring, and heavy with apricots in summer. The ride covers between 25 and 44 miles a day, equating to around three to four hours in the saddle, on mostly flat terrain. Take it at a gentle pace; this is a ride to relish, not rush. The Danube Cycle Path is bookended by two grand cities, starting in Passau and ending in Vienna, with a grandiose selection of grand palaces, galleries, concert halls and coffee houses like Cafe Central in the Innere Stadt district. Photograph by AWL Images; Jon Arnold 1. Schlögener loop Found after crossing from Germany into Austria, this oxbow is hands-down one of the most photogenic stretches of the Danube Valley. It ramps up the scenic drama tenfold: here, the river forms a perfect 180-degree bend as it snakes through granite hills green with pine and oak. It's impressive from the saddle, but for ringside views, hike half an hour up the slopes to the Schlögener Blick viewpoint. Back by the banks, cross the river by ferry to continue along the path. 2. Linz In stark contrast to many of the quaint, baroque towns on this ride, this finger-on-the-pulse city propels you into the 21st century. Visit the Ars Electronica Center, which showcases new technology, science and digital media via interactive exhibitions, and the Lentos gallery, which homes in on contemporary art. Exhibitions often draw on the permanent collection, which harbours works by Austrian artists like Klimt, Kokoschka and Schiele. 3. Grein Tucked into the folds of forested hills, this mellow little town reclines on a lovely sweep of the river. It's topped by a baroque, turreted castle that looks like it's been plucked from a children's bedtime story; its arcaded inner courtyard, dating from the late Renaissance, is a beauty. The town hall houses an 18th-century theatre, Austria's oldest still in operation. Performances are in German, but visitors can see the building on guided tours of the town. 4. Melk abbey For many cyclists, the city of Melk is the ride's cultural highlight. Perched sky-high on a hill above the river, its Benedictine Abbey lifts gazes and spirits with its vast, lemon-and-white-striped facade, twin spires and bauble dome. A visit whisks you around the baroque abbey church and lavishly frescoed Marble Hall, which served as a dining room for the imperial family and distinguished guests. Visit the medieval ruined castle of Dürnstein, around half an hour from Dürnstein town, to enjoy the panoramic views of the Wachau Valley. Photograph by Getty Images; Vladislav Zolotov 5. Dürnstein Castle Set atop a rock and enveloped in greenery, the medieval ruined castle of Dürnstein is one of the most dashing in the Wachau Valley. Word has it that Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned here for a year in the late 12th century, after offending the Duke of Austria, Leopold V. From Dürnstein town, you can stomp to the castle in around half an hour, visit for free and enjoy the panoramic views. 6. Tulln With pretty gardens, river beaches and vestiges of Roman rule, this town would merit a stop even if it weren't for its claim to fame as the home of one of Austria's most famous artists, expressionist Egon Schiele. Most visitors stop here to dive into its two dedicated museums — one set in the house where Schiele was born, the other showcasing his emotive art in a former jail near the Danube. Direct flights link UK hubs with Munich and Vienna; Passau can be reached from Munich by high-speed train in 2.5 hours. To go it alone, bikes can be hired locally, but you need to be comfortable with bikepacking. Local tour operator OÖ Touristik has an eight-day, self-guided cycling trip from Passau to Vienna, with the option of adding extra nights in the gateway cities. From €499 (£415) per person, including B&B accommodation, luggage transfers and a navigation app. There's a choice of trekking or e-bikes, to be hired separately. Itinerary 2: The Upper Danube Nature Park Start point: Lemberg End point: Beuron Distance travelled: 35 miles Average duration: Four days Close to where the river springs up in Germany's Black Forest, the Upper Danube Valley is the stuff of Romantic painter dreams, but it receives just a trickle of the visitors you'll find further east. The best way to see it is by lacing up boots on the Donauberglandweg ('Danube highland trail'), a moderately challenging, easy-to-navigate, four-day trek through Germany's Swabian Jura mountain range. The Danube — still narrow this close to the source — is your near-constant companion as you head up karst peaks and across beautiful juniper heathland. The itinerary starts on Lemberg mountain, near the town of Gosheim, and finishes in the village of Beuron, but with a week to spare it's worth tacking on a couple of days to explore the bigger towns in the area. Tuttlingen, near Gosheim, on the banks of the Danube, is crowned by the ruins of 15th-century Burg Honberg fortress. Sigmaringen, to the east of Beuron, has red-roofed, gabled houses, topped off by a palace once owned by the powerful Hohenzollern dynasty. You'll do four-and-a-half to six hours of walking each day, passing numerous towns and villages. Bring binoculars for a chance of sighting chamois, eagle owls and falcons. 1. Lemberg The trail begins on a literal high at Lemberg, the loftiest point in the Swabian Jura at 3,330ft. The Bära river, a tributary of the Danube, springs up at the foot of this densely wooded mountain. Traces of the Iron Age Hallstatt culture have been unearthed here, but it's the view from the 12-floor, steel-lattice observation tower that's the real draw. On cloud-free days, it reaches beyond the Black Forest to the German and Swiss Alps. 2. Dreifaltigkeitsberg On the southwestern cusp of the Swabian Jura, this 3,231ft peak affords similarly arresting views. At the top, the powder-puff pink, onion-domed pilgrimage chapel is a baroque beauty. Visit the church, then go for a drink in the tavern's beer garden, whose terrace overlooks a patchwork quilt of meadow, fell and forest. 3. Alter Berg, Böttingen Rising above the town of Böttingen, 3,215ft Alter Berg is dubbed the 'Old Mountain' with good reason — the Celts were already here over 6,000 years ago. The landscape feels suitably ancient, with juniper heaths, gold grasslands, stone ridges, forests and hedges. A Way of the Cross (short trails featuring images from Jesus's crucifixion) leads to the top. The best way to see the Upper Danube Valley is by lacing up boots on the Donauberglandweg ('Danube highland trail'), a moderately challenging, easy-to-navigate, four-day trek through Germany's Swabian Jura mountain range. Photograph by AWL Images; Markus Lange 4. Mühlheim an der Donau Hugging the banks of the Danube, this town, with its gate towers, cobbles and gables, seems plucked from a Grimm fairytale. It grew in prominence in the Middle Ages, when it came under the thumb of the royal Hohenzollern family. Its biggest attention-grabber is its castle, built in around 1200 for the Lords of Enzberg and reconstructed in the 18th century, crowned by two baroque onion domes. 5. Fridingen The Upper Danube Valley feels especially adventurous around this town. The trail heads up and down rocky ridges to eyrie-like lookouts atop limestone crags — honeycombed with caves — that tumble down to the grey-green river. Head to the viewpoints of Laibfelsen and Stiegelesfels, and stop off at the riverside Ziegelhütte Fridingen, a self-service snack bar and beer garden, for a drink. 6. Beuron The hike ends on a cultural high in Beuron. Your gaze will be drawn to the vast facade of its massive working Benedictine abbey, which is among Germany's oldest (its monastic origins date to 1077). While the abbey is off limits, the ornate baroque church — a riot of stucco, marble and frescoes — is well worth a visit. Stuttgart and Zurich airports are a two-hour train ride or 1.5-hour drive from Tuttlingen, gateway to Gosheim, near the trailhead. From Beuron, it's a 20-minute train ride back to Tuttlingen. There are plenty of guesthouses, B&Bs and campgrounds along the way to choose from. Local tour operator Kleins Wanderreisen has self-guided, four-day hikes on the Donauberglandweg, including five nights' accommodation, transport, luggage transfers and a hiking map. From €525 (£436) per person for a double room; €675 (£561) per person for a single room. Published in the April 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
A practical guide to exploring Europe's mighty Danube River
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Snaking almost 1,800 miles from its source in Germany's Black Forest to the Black Sea in Romania, the Danube is best explored slowly. Cruises, the most popular option, provide up-close encounters with the river, allowing you to see plenty in just a week or two. They don't have to be obvious, with some cracking off-beat options taking you east and into the wilds of the Lower Danube. For an adventure at your own pace, consider hiking on a network of well-developed, marked trails or cycling the long-distance Danube Cycle Path, which largely shadows the river from source to sea and takes around a month to complete. Even if you've never cruised, the Danube is great for dipping your toes into the water, as the pace is gentle, the cost fairly modest and the start and end points easily accessible. It also allows you to follow the river's course as opposed to roads or rail lines, getting a feel for its scenic diversity. Options range from week-long cruises along the 'Classic Danube', ticking off UNESCO World Heritage Wachau, Vienna and Budapest, to two-week escapades along the lesser-explored Lower Danube and into the wild heart of the Danube Delta. You can cycle the length of the river on the Danube Cycle Path; it would take between a month and six weeks. Cicerone's The Danube Cycleway Volume 1: From the Black Forest to Budapest and Volume 2: From Budapest to the Black Sea are invaluable guides, with 1:150,000 maps for each stage, GPX files to download and information on planning. Difficulty-wise, it's a tale of two paths. The first stage is mostly flat, off-road and well signposted. Bike hire is readily available; expect to pay around £12.50/£25 per day for a road/e-bike respectively. The second stage is more challenging because of sparse tourist infrastructure and unsurfaced sections. With virtually no gradients, the Danube Cycle Path is a terrific choice for a family adventure, especially the first stage, in the Upper Danube. From mid-April to early October, Hooked on Cycling offers an eight-night, self-guided tour from Passau to Vienna geared to families. From £563 per person, including accommodation on a B&B basis and luggage transfers but not international travel. The Danube snakes through 10 countries. Some are members of the European Union (EU) and part of the Schengen area, meaning you can freely travel between them. To cross into non-EU countries (going, say, from Croatia to Serbia), you'll need to go to a designated border crossing point, typically near a settlement, and present your passport. Details on trails and routes in English are more readily available in Germany, Austria and Hungary. The further east you go, the scanter the information and fewer the people who speak English. Discovering these less-developed stretches of the river feels adventurous, and tours are available for direction and support. Official advice warns against travel to Ukraine and a section of Moldova along the Ukranian border, due to military conflict and political unrest. Most Danube tours exclude these countries; the majority of the delta fans across Romania. For more information, visit the FCDO website. Published in the April 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
17-04-2025
- National Geographic
A practical guide to exploring Europe's mighty Danube River
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Snaking almost 1,800 miles from its source in Germany's Black Forest to the Black Sea in Romania, the Danube is best explored slowly. Cruises, the most popular option, provide up-close encounters with the river, allowing you to see plenty in just a week or two. They don't have to be obvious, with some cracking off-beat options taking you east and into the wilds of the Lower Danube. For an adventure at your own pace, consider hiking on a network of well-developed, marked trails or cycling the long-distance Danube Cycle Path, which largely shadows the river from source to sea and takes around a month to complete. What are the benefits of cruising? Even if you've never cruised, the Danube is great for dipping your toes into the water, as the pace is gentle, the cost fairly modest and the start and end points easily accessible. It also allows you to follow the river's course as opposed to roads or rail lines, getting a feel for its scenic diversity. Options range from week-long cruises along the 'Classic Danube', ticking off UNESCO World Heritage Wachau, Vienna and Budapest, to two-week escapades along the lesser-explored Lower Danube and into the wild heart of the Danube Delta. How easy is it to tackle the Danube Cycle Path? You can cycle the length of the river on the Danube Cycle Path; it would take between a month and six weeks. Cicerone's The Danube Cycleway Volume 1: From the Black Forest to Budapest and Volume 2: From Budapest to the Black Sea are invaluable guides, with 1:150,000 maps for each stage, GPX files to download and information on planning. Difficulty-wise, it's a tale of two paths. The first stage is mostly flat, off-road and well signposted. Bike hire is readily available; expect to pay around £12.50/£25 per day for a road/e-bike respectively. The second stage is more challenging because of sparse tourist infrastructure and unsurfaced sections. Can families cycle it? With virtually no gradients, the Danube Cycle Path is a terrific choice for a family adventure, especially the first stage, in the Upper Danube. From mid-April to early October, Hooked on Cycling offers an eight-night, self-guided tour from Passau to Vienna geared to families. From £563 per person, including accommodation on a B&B basis and luggage transfers but not international travel. How easy is it to cross country borders by foot or bike? The Danube snakes through 10 countries. Some are members of the European Union (EU) and part of the Schengen area, meaning you can freely travel between them. To cross into non-EU countries (going, say, from Croatia to Serbia), you'll need to go to a designated border crossing point, typically near a settlement, and present your passport. What are the language barriers? Details on trails and routes in English are more readily available in Germany, Austria and Hungary. The further east you go, the scanter the information and fewer the people who speak English. Discovering these less-developed stretches of the river feels adventurous, and tours are available for direction and support. Is it safe to travel along the river? Official advice warns against travel to Ukraine and a section of Moldova along the Ukranian border, due to military conflict and political unrest. Most Danube tours exclude these countries; the majority of the delta fans across Romania. For more information, visit the FCDO website. Riviera Travel's Grand Cruise through the Heart of Europe to the Black Sea is a 29-day boat trip through seven countries along the length of the Danube (excluding Moldova and Ukraine). From £10,349 per person, including flights and transfers, full-board dining and a drinks package. Getting there & around: Major gateways to the Danube include Zurich, Munich (for Passau), Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest and Constanta. Direct flights operate from UK hubs with airlines including British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair and Wizzair. When to go: April to October are prime months for exploring the Danube. In spring and autumn, temperatures hover between 10-20C; go prepared for the odd shower. Summers can be hot, with highs of around 30C. In winter, expect cooler weather, with temperatures between 0-8C, but fewer crowds. More info: The Danube: A Journey Upriver from the Black Sea to the Black Forest, £12.99 The Danube by Nick Thorpe, £12.99 Published in the April 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
