In the heart of the Upper Danube Nature Park
Unique nature, rare animals and an extraordinary plant world
What is the Danube Valley?
The Danube Valley, also known as the Upper Danube Valley, is the valley through which the Young Danube flows in the southwest of the Swabian Alb. The rocky, deeply incised valley at the heart of the Danube Valley stretches from Mühlheim an der Donau and Fridingen an der Donau in the district of Tuttlingen via Beuron, Hausen im Tal, Thiergarten, Gutenstein to Inzigkofen near Sigmaringen, from Mühlheim Castle to Amalienfelsen and Sigmaringen Castle. The Danube valley is part of the Swabian Alb.
On the heights at the edge of the Danube valley, where the altitude reaches over 800 meters, the districts of Kolbingen, Buchheim, Irndorf, Leibertingen, Schwenningen, Stetten am kalten Markt and Meßkirch-Langenhart extend right up to the Danube.
The center of the Danube valley is Beuron with its archabbey and Beuron monastery.
Actively experience the Danube Valley
Discover the Danube valley by bike
The Danube Cycle Path from Donaueschingen to Passau, one of the most popular long-distance cycle routes in Europe, leads through the middle of the valley along the Danube on one of its most beautiful natural stages along the Danube.
Actively experience the Danube Valley
Hiking paradise Danube Valley
The Danube Valley is an ideal hiking area all year round. In every season, the “Swabian Grand Canyon” with its steep rock faces presents itself in different colors. There are numerous premium trails here, such as the DonauWellen and DonauFelsenLäufe, and several Wanderbares Deutschland quality hiking trails as well as an extensive network of hiking trails run by the Swabian Albverein.
Ideas for your vacation in the Danube Valley
In addition to hiking and cycling, there are many other activities you can do in the Danube Valley in the Swabian Alb.
Canoeing in the Danube valley
On the young Danube, you can experience the Danube valley in a more natural way than almost anywhere else. If the water level is high enough, you can paddle from Hausen im Tal to Sigmaringen and observe the unique flora and fauna up close.
However, boating on the Danube is subject to strict nature conservation rules. The Danube may only be navigated when the water level is sufficient and only with a permit. These can be obtained from the Haus der Natur in Beuron or from the official boat rental companies in the Danube valley.
Sights in the Danube Valley
There were castles and palaces on almost every rocky outcrop and mountain spur in the Danube valley in the Middle Ages.
You can still admire a number of castles and palaces down the Danube today, from Mühlheim Castle to Bronnen Castle, Hausen Castle and Werenwag Castle to the Hohenzollern Castle in Sigmaringen, from Wildenstein Castle to the castle ruins of Kallenberg, Falkenstein, Gutenstein and Dietfurt – even if not all of them are accessible.
Camping vacation in the Danube Valley
The Donautal campsite is located directly on the Danube in Hausen im Tal. Above in Leibertingen-Talheim, the new camping garden encourages you to stay longer right next to the natural swimming pool.
Various summer campsites can also be used by individuals.
There are motorhome and camper van sites from Geisingen an der Donau via Tuttlingen to Sigmaringen.
Climbing in the Danube valley
The Danube Valley is a paradise for climbers. Selected rocks in the Durchbruchstal valley are approved for climbing. The climbing regulations in the Upper Danube Nature Park specify where and what is permitted.
Fantastic views in the Danube valley
What could be more beautiful than looking down onto the Danube from one of the numerous viewing rocks in the Danube valley? There are completely new perspectives at every point, whether from the
Knopfmacherfelsen, Spaltfelsen, Eichfelsen, Bandfelsen, Lenzenfelsen, Schaufelsen or Rabenfelsen and many more.
Stop off and stay overnight
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AlbCard
By the way, absolutely attractive: the AlbCard – the guest card for the whole of the Swabian Alb – is also available from selected businesses in the Donaubergland.
