Brigach and Breg bring the Danube along, they say. Where its headwaters meet, it has a modest beginning. But on its long journey afterwards, it growsthe second largest river in Europe (surpassed only by the Volga). Between the Black Forest and the Black Seaten countries to their shores.
There is no other waterway in the world that has such an international unifying effect as the "beautiful blue Danube", which was already honoured by the Viennese "Waltz King" Johann Strauss.
Castles perched on high cliffs look down on old shipping and trading towns,idyllic oxbow lakes invite you to anchor and swim, and theMetropolises along its course have long been a must for river cruisers. Wine grows on the terraces above the Danube and many a brewery speciality is served in monastery beer gardens. In theDanube Delta In Romania and Ukraine, in the Croatian Kopački Rit, in the Danube floodplains near Vienna and other large-scale protected areas, nature is left to its own devices and the river itself finds room to breathe.
Once valued by the Romans as a natural border and divided by the Iron Curtain during the Cold War, today the Danube has become a symbol of a united Europe.
Living along the riverMillions of people The Danube is home to many different cultures - and celebrates International Danube Day once a year to emphasise the successful cooperation to protect Europe's flagship river. In Kelheim, where the Main-Danube Canal flows into the Danube and forms the connection to the waterway network of Western and Northern Europe, their2411 kilometres long navigable section - for pleasure craft and large vessels.
We took a closer look at this "first", westernmost section, which runs right through the heart of Europe to Bratislava in Slovakia.
Cosily hidden in the greenClub harbours are just as happy to welcome guests on their own keel as largemunicipal marinas with a fast railway connection. And on land, too, there is everything from venerable cloisters to modern galleries that make aHoliday cruise full of variety guaranteed: So you can expect much more than Danube wave and Wiener Schnitzel!
Kelheim
The Liberation Hall, which commemorates the victorious battles against Napoleon in the Wars of Liberation between 1813 and 1815, is enthroned on the Michelsberg. As it is rather difficult to reach on foot, it is advisable to take the tourist Ludwigsbahn railway, which departs every hour from the Danube landing stage. A trip on the excursion boat through the Weltenburger Enge to the monastery of the same name directly on the riverbank is also spectacular.
The Danube gorge with its steep and densely wooded limestone walls is a wonderful natural experience.
Marina Hallkm 2410.0 RU
Although the complex is located outside Kelheim in an industrial estate, it scores points for its excellent infrastructure and sheltered location. It is 15 minutes by bike to Kelheim, but there is also a bus connection. Water depth at NW: 2 metres.Service: Daily rates: up to 6 m € 12, up to 7 m € 15, up to 8 m € 18, up to 9 m € 20, up to 10 m € 22, up to 12 m € 25, up to 14 m € 30, up to 16 m € 35, up to 18 m € 45, up to 20 m € 55. Incl: Electricity, water, WLAN, barbecue area, WC and shower, washing machine. Excl: Bicycle hire, slip, crane, repair service, petrol station (petrol and diesel. Bunker fuel! The next boat petrol station is in Schlögen, Austria), restaurant. Tel. 09441/68 86 60, www.marina-saal.de
Marina Donautal/Kapfelberg km 2403.5 LU
Booking by telephone is highly recommended, as the idyllic and lively harbour is always busy. It takes 30 minutes by bike to Kelheim; 12 minutes on foot to the bus in Kapfelberg. Water depth at NW: 1.2 m, harbour entrance/centre jetties 2 m. Service: Daily prices: up to 4 m € 7, from 4 m € 9, from 5 m € 11, from 6 m € 13, from 7 m € 14, from 8 m € 16, from 9 m € 17, from 10 m € 19, from 11 m € 20, from 12 m € 22, from 13 m € 23, from 14 m € 25. Incl: Water, WLAN. Excl.: electricity (0.40 €/kWh), shower (1 €), high-pressure cleaner, slip, crane, deposit for harbour key (50 €). Tel. 09404/51 69 (harbour master), www.yachthafen-donautal.de
Sinzing marina km 2386.9 LU
At the guest jetty of the 1st MWSC Regensburg there is space for boats up to a maximum length of 10 metres. A club boat serves as a restaurant (closed on Mondays). It is a 30-minute cycle ride along the Danube to Regensburg and a few minutes' walk to the bus stop. Water depth at NW: 2 metres.Service:Daily prices: up to 8 m € 13, over 8 m € 18. Incl: Electricity, water, WC/shower, WLAN. Excl.: slip, crane. Tel. 0172/852 03 22 (harbour master), www.mwsc-regensburg.de
Regensburg
Regensburg was once an important trading centre. Romanesque and Gothic influences characterise the old town (Unesco World Heritage Site). The 12th century Stone Bridge, a marvellous building of its time, was a symbol of the lucrative long-distance trade. After a tour of the old town, past the imposing St Peter's Cathedral, the Old Town Hall and other countless gems such as the magnificent façade painting of David and Goliath, you should plan a visit to the historic sausage kitchen on the Stone Bridge.
Within sight downstream is the Danube Shipping Museum with two old steamers, which provides an interesting insight into the history of river shipping.
If you want to visit Walhalla, a grandiose memorial to famous German-speaking personalities built in the style of Greek temples, you will have to take a bus, an excursion boat or a bicycle, as there are no mooring facilities for pleasure boats.
Sport boat jetty Regensburg km 2380.5 LU
There are several jetties with guest moorings in the southern arm of the Danube within walking distance of the old town. Water depth at NW: 1.5 to 2 metres.Service:MWSV Regensburg, daily prices: up to 10 m 15 €, over 10 m 20 €. Incl: Electricity, water. Excl.: crane. Tel. 0941/869 69 Bootshaus Kainz, daily rates: up to 6 m € 15, up to 9 m € 20, over 9 m € 30, 12 to 15 m € 40, over 15 m € 50. Incl: Electricity, water, WC, simple shower or cabin. Tel. 0941/56 05 86.
Marina Regensburg km 2377.0 RU
Cosy harbour in the industrial area of Regensburg with sunbathing lawns. It is around 12 minutes by bike to Regensburg's old town centre and 40 minutes to the Walhalla, the memorial site inaugurated in 1842. Water depth at NW: 1.50 metres.Service:Daily prices: up to 10 m 15 €, up to 13 m 20 €, over 13 m 25 € (max. boat length 16 m). Incl: Electricity, water, WC/shower, barbecue area. Tel. 0171/212 31 54.
Straubing
The picturesque old ducal town with its medieval town layout and colourful patrician houses had its heyday in the 14th and 15th centuries. As well as climbing the Gothic town tower with its magnificent view, we recommend a visit to the Gäuboden Museum ( www.gaeubodenmuseum.de ), which presents the history of Celtic, Roman and Bavarian settlements and towns in a variety of ways.
For a long time there was no mooring facility, but now there is at least a small landing stage at the castle bridge. First come, first served...
Jetty Straubing km 2325.0 RU
Recently, there has been a public and free landing stage on the northern bank near the castle bridge on the southern arm of the Danube, which offers space for a pleasure boat.No serviceHowever, there are public toilets within walking distance in the city centre. The entrance to the south arm is at km 2320 and the area above the castle bridge up to the weir of the barrage is closed to motorised vehicles.
MWSC Straubing km 2314.0 RU
Simple jetty in the stream for boats up to 3 tonnes, which is only operated at weekends by the very helpful club members. The area can also be left through a narrow passageway during the week. It is 7 km by bike to the centre of Straubing and 3 km to the supermarket. Water depth at NW: Can fall below 1 m, so check the Straubing gauge or call the club.Service:Daily price: €8 (per envelope during the week). Incl: Electricity, WLan, WC/shower, sale of drinks. Excl.: Slip (25 €). Tel. 09421/100 81, www.mwsc.de
Deggendorf
is also known as the"Gateway to the Bavarian Forest" and is a good starting point for hikes in the extensive nature park on the east bank of the river ( www.naturpark-bayer-wald.de ). Opposite the town, the Isar flows into the Danube, through whose protected floodplain landscape beautiful hiking trails also lead.
The main attractions around the daily farmers' market are the baroque church tower of the Heilig-Grab-Kirche and the Old Town Hall with its Gothic tower.
MBC Deggendorf km 2288.5 LU
Simple jetty in the stream, which is only maintained at weekends and on public holidays. Otherwise closed. Water depth at NW: 1.50 m. Service: Daily rate: € 10. Tel. 0171/807 10 99.
Deggendorf harbour of refuge km 2283.9 LU
The Niederbayerischer Motoryachtclub Landshut offers guest berths at the Gelbe-Welle jetty near the clubhouse. The nearest petrol station is 300 m away, a shopping centre 700 m. Water depth at NW: 1.50 m. Service: Daily rates: up to 8 m € 14, up to 11 m € 17, over 11 m € 20. Incl: Electricity, water, WC/shower, rubbish. Tel. 0171/213 03 44, www.nmyc.de
MBC Hofkirchen km 2256.6 LU
Beautiful, small harbour with concrete entrance (rocks). The petrol station, bakery, butcher and supermarket are all within walking distance. Water depth at NW: 2.20 m. Service: Daily rates: up to 6.50 m € 12, from 7.50 m € 15. Incl: Electricity, water, WC/shower, WiFi, barbecue area, children's playground. Excl.: crane. Tel. 0173/353 19 62, www.mbc-hofkirchen.de
Vilshofen
The"small town on the three rivers" with the Danube tributaries Vils and Wolfach has a historic town centre worth seeing and attracts many guests to the Promenade Festival every year on the 2nd weekend in July"Danube in flames". A spectacle for all the senses: there are fireworks accompanied by music, and the palate can look forward to culinary specialities.
An easily accessible excursion destination is the imposing Benedictine Schweiklberg Abbey, which towers above the town and houses a cafeteria with a sun terrace as well as the abbey shop.
Vilshofen marina km 2249.2 LU
The Marienbrücke bridge takes you from the harbour of the boating club on the north bank of the Danube to the city centre in 15 minutes on foot. Water depth at NW: 2 m. Service: Daily rates: up to 5 m € 6, up to 7 m € 9, up to 10 m € 12, up to 12 m € 15, up to 15 m € 18. Excl.: electricity and water (2 €), shower (1 €), slip. Tel. 0171/453 41 40, www.bsv-vilshofen.de
Schalding harbour km 2234.5 LU
Small boats up to a maximum length of 8 metres can be accommodated at Wassersportfreunde Passau. Few places, booking recommended. Bus stop (to Passau) near the harbour. Water depth at NW: 1.50 m. Service: Daily price: €10. Incl: Electricity, water (with own hose), WC/shower, barbecue, slip. Tel. 0851/717 57.
Heining harbour km 2232.5 RU
From the home port of the Motor-Yacht-Club Passau, guest sailors can reach the city centre in 20 minutes by bus, but are also welcome on the club terrace at any time. Service: Daily rates: up to 6.99 m € 16, up to 9.99 m € 20, up to 11.99 m € 25, from 12 m € 30. Incl: Electricity, water, WC/shower, WLAN, cooking facilities, hire bike, small swimming pool. Tel. 0160/ 92 21 32 35, www.myc-passau.de
Obernzell harbour km 2211.8 LU
Two harbour basins (one for smaller, one for larger boats), surrounded by sports facilities. The last German Danube harbour before the Austrian border also has an outdoor pool, kiosk and pizzeria. Water depth at NW: 1.50 m. Service: Daily rates: Up to 8 m € 15, up to 12 m € 20. Incl: Water, WC/shower, WLAN. Excl.: electricity 2 €, slip, crane. Tel. 0151/46 63 68 12.
Passau
Passau is the "Venice of Bavaria": in the years 1662 and 1680, Italian master builders rebuilt the formerly Gothic city, which had been completely destroyed by major fires, in the Italian Baroque style. The historic centre is characterised by many narrow alleyways, some of which rise steeply from the water, with studios and shops. The largest organ in the world, with 17,974 pipes, is located in St Stephen's Cathedral.
The Veste Oberhaus, a fortress on the left bank of the Danube, offers a good view over the old town and an exciting museum about the Middle Ages, in whose dark cold chamber you can recreate the castle climate of the time ( www.oberhausmuseum.de ). Afterwards, you can warm up again in the beer garden with its panoramic views. Unfortunately, there are no mooring facilities for pleasure craft directly in Passau, which is why the two harbours upstream in Schalding and Heining should be approached.
