From the North Sea to the Black Sea!This long-cherished dream of a water transport route across Europe was realised.1992 was realised with the opening of the final section, the Main-Danube Canal.
Charlemagne in the 8th century and Ludwig I of Bavaria in the 19th century dug hard to connect the Main and Danube. The latter also created theLudwig-Danube-Main Canalwhich, however, was finally abandoned 100 years later due to its limited width and resulting inefficiency.
From then on, large ships and pleasure craft were able to travel on the successor canal from the mouth of the Rhine near Rotterdam via the Rhine, Main, Main-Danube Canal and Danube to Constanta on the Black Sea.
The construction - especially the section through theAltmühltal Nature Park - highly controversial, as irreparable damage to flora and fauna was feared. 25 years later, the dust has settled and we have compiled the latest and probably mostGermany's most beautiful canal explored, on which oneeventful journey through time from the present day to the art of building and brewing in the Middle Ages and to primeval natural panoramas.
Bamberg
Visitors to the marvellous old town, which resembles a huge open-air museum andUNESCO World Heritage status should bring time and stamina. If you don't want to wear yourself out on the hills, you can also discover the city with a day ticket for the Cabrio-Bamberg bus.
In addition to the imperial cathedral and the Altenburg castle, one of the many sights is thethe old town hall as a crowd-puller.
Bamberg's landmark was built in the middle of the River Regnitz; it is connected to Bergstadt and Inselstadt by two bridges and offers a picturesque sight. The day can be rounded offin the historic "Schlenkerla" brewery pubwhere a local speciality, the famous smoked beer, is tapped.
Regnitz-Main Motorboat Club
MDK-km 2.6The club is located on the western arm of the Regnitz and there is only limited space for guest berths. Prices vary according to boat size and requirements, but are not publicly advertised. Booking by telephone is recommended. Service: electricity, water, sanitary facilities, waste disposal, harbour master: Reinhard Lamprecht, Tel. 0951 62909 or mobile: 0160 8566665. Tip: It's worth taking an on-board bike with you, as the old town is only 2.5 km away. info@mbcrm-bamberg.de , www.mbcrm-bamberg.de
Forchheim
TheBridges over the Regnitz and the Main-Danube Canal lead just a few minutes into the picturesque old town, which attracts visitors with its traditional half-timbered architecture and cosy cellar breweries. Closest to the marina is the "Hebendanz Brewery", where, in addition to various beer specialities, you can also enjoytraditional Franconian dishes like the "Schäufele" are offered. The cultural highlight is theAnna Festivalthat always invites you to join in the celebrations in July. www.annafest-forchheim.de
Yacht Club Forchheim 1969
MDK-km 25.1 (in front of the old Regnitz bridge). There is a telephone list at the registration jetty where you can ask for the safe code to obtain a key. Water depth: 2 metres. Service: Prices: up to 8 m 12 €/day, up to 10 m 15 €/day, above that plus 3 €/day per metre or part thereof. From the 3rd person an additional €3/day (children up to 12 years free). Electricity, water, rubbish, sanitary facilities including slipway €10, car parking €1/day, trailer parking €1.50/day. www.yachtclub-forchheim.de
Sport boat club Herzogenaurauch
MDK-km 47.7(in the Frauenaurach industrial estate). The Norma supermarket is a ten-minute walk away. Booking by e-mail or phone call required. Floating jetties for boats up to 8 m, larger boats moor at the harbour wall. Water depth 3 metres. Service: Prices: Under 10 m € 10/day, over 10 m € 15/day (electricity and water included). Tel. 0176/84 10 67 77. www.sbc-herzogenaurach.de
1st Fürth Water Sports Club
MDK-km 57.5 (idyllic location in the countryside, but without public transport links). Booking required. Water depth 2 metres. Service: Prices: up to 7 m 8 €/day, up to 10 m 10 €/day, over 10 m 13 €/day, electricity 2 €/day. Electricity, water, the clubhouse offers showers, a kitchen, a bar and a fitness room. Tel. 0171/690 74 51 (harbour master). www.1-fuerther-wsc.de
Nuremberg
In the Gothic Frauenkirche, from whose balcony Germany's most famous Christmas market, the "Christkindlesmarkt", opens every year, important works of art can be seen, including works by Albrecht Dürer. Other highlights on any exploration tour: the Heilig-Geist-Spital hospital built on the waterfront and the Kaiserburg castle towering over the old town, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view. Tip: You can escape the tourist hustle and bustle directly on the banks of the Pegnitz in the "Cafe & Bar Celona" below the Heubrücke bridge.
1st Nuremberg Motor Yacht Club
MDK-km 65.2 (located on the outskirts of the "gingerbread city"). As you have to rely on the bus and underground to get to the centre, it is advisable to moor up early. There is a supermarket and bakery just round the corner. Booking is advisable. Service: Prices: 5 to 6 m €11/day, up to 7 m €12/day, up to 8 m €13/day, up to 9 m €14/day, up to 10 m €15/day, up to 11 m €16/day, up to 12 m €17/day etc., slipway (€5), drinks fridge, free bike hire, shower, water, waste disposal, electricity (€2), washing machine (€2) and tumble dryer (€2). Tel. 0173/800 93 88. www.1mycn.de
Berching
The "jewel of the Middle Ages" right on the riverbank presents itself to visitors with its magnificently preserved city wall and 13 towers. Every two years, architectural illuminations and light art installations give the city a colourful glow during the "Berchinale". Tip: Let a horse take you through the Ludwig Canal as it did in the time of Ludwig I. Deceleration guaranteed!
Berchinger YC Wassersportfreunde
MDK-km 120 (15 minutes' walk from the beautiful old town centre). Service: Prices: up to 7 m 13 €/day, up to 10 m 17 €/day, up to 12 m 21 €/day, up to 15 m 27 €/day (electricity, shower, water, WC, rubbish included). Washing machine (3 €), slipway (10 €). Boats over 15 metres in length cannot be accommodated. Water depth 2.50 m. Tel. 08462/95 23 08. www.hafen-berching.de
Beilngries
The picturesque old town and the Altmühltal Nature Park invite you to go on tours. Traditional restaurants such as "Fuchsbräu" or "Der Millipp" serve local specialities. Tip: Several bus routes run to the new open-air dinosaur museum in Denkendorf, where you can discover spectacular fossils as well as "free-roaming" dinosaurs in the forest.
Motoryachtclub Altmühltal e. V.
MDK-km 128.3. Several supermarkets and the historic centre of Beilngries are a ten-minute walk away. Service: Prices: up to 6 m 8 €/day, up to 8 m 10 €/day, up to 10 m 15 €/day, up to 11 m 20 €/day, up to 12 m 25 €/day, up to 14 m 30 €/day, up to 16 m 35 €/day (including electricity, water, rubbish, showers and WC), WLAN, barbecue area, bicycles for hire, public slipway, harbour restaurant. Water depth 1.80 m. Tel. 0151/40 22 84 79. www.myca-beilngries.com
Haidhof harbour
MDK-km 149.45 Insider tip! Guest jetty on the right as you enter. Booking recommended. Service: Prices: up to 6 m 8 €/day, up to 7 m 10 €/day, up to 8 m 12 €/day, up to 9 m 14 €/day, up to 10 m 16 €/day, up to 12 m 20 €/day, longer boat lengths by arrangement. Water and rubbish included, showers (only accessible at weekends) €3/person, slipway (€10), trailer parking space (€2.50, first day free). The club complex has a barbecue area and a small restaurant with a kiosk where you can also order breakfast. Water depth 2.50 m. Tel. 0171/771 99 57. Tip: The idyllic St. Agatha bathing lake with beer garden and the Altmühlbob summer toboggan run are just 200 metres away. www.altmuehlbob.com
Kelheim
The city lies at the junction of the Main-Danube Canal and the Danube. The monumental Liberation Hall, which commemorates the victorious wars against Napoleon, is enthroned on the Michelsberg. A trip on an excursion boat to the spectacular Danube Gorge and Weltenburg Abbey is not to be missed.
