Swabian Grand Canyon
The Danube Valley, also known as the “Swabian Grand Canyon”, is the heart of the Upper Danube Nature Park. With cliff drops of up to 150 meters and an area of around 135,000 hectares, the nature park is one of the most impressive landscapes in the Swabian Alb.
The largest part of the nature park is located in the Donaubergland (84%), with the remaining area in the Zollernalbkreis and Biberach districts.
When four districts and 56 municipalities join together to form a nature park, it must be a special piece of landscape.
The Upper Danube Nature Park, with its diverse landscape, impresses with numerous castles, palaces and ruins on the rocks of the Danube Gorge Valley and the mountains of the Großer Heuberg.
In order to protect this landscape, the issues of nature conservation, sustainable development and sustainable tourism are just as important as the prevailing tradition and culture.
The largest part of the nature park is in the Donaubergland (84%), the remaining area is in the Zollernalbkreis and Biberach districts.
House of nature
The “House of Nature” in the former railroad station very close to Beuron Abbey serves as a contact point for tourists and nature lovers as well as a nature conservation center in the nature park.
Throughout the year, an exhibition provides information about the development and attractions of the nature park. Due to its scenic beauty and natural diversity, the nature park is particularly suitable for nature-based recreation.
House of Nature – Upper Danube Nature Park
Wolterstr. 16
88631 Beuron
Phone: 07466 9280-0
E-mail: Kontakt@Naturpark-Obere-Donau.de
Available Mon – Fri from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hiking & Cycling
Hiking is the number one recreational activity in the nature park. Certified long-distance hiking trails and other hiking trails make up a network of around 5,000 km. Cycling is also very popular. From Immendingen to Ertingen, the Danube cycle path Donaueschingen-Passau runs for 96 km through the nature park area.
Other marked cycle paths lead, for example, through the Bära and Lauchert valleys, across the Alb plateau and towards Lake Constance.
In the winter months, ski touring and cross-country skiing are very popular on the Alb plateau. In total, there are around 350 km of cross-country ski trails.
Climbing
If you love climbing and are looking for special challenges on the rock, then the Upper Danube Valley between Hausen im Tal and Inzigkofen is the place for you.
There are also climbing routes available for a limited time in the Bäratal on the Rabenfels.
All climbing enthusiasts have – of course – long been aware of this. If you would like to try it under supervision and with a guide or need information from specialists, you can contact the IG Klettern Donautal-Zollernalb.
Of course, anyone who climbs on the rock also has a great responsibility for the plants and animals on the rock. Therefore, please always observe the official climbing regulations!
Boating
Boating on the Danube is a particularly attractive form of recreation in the wild and romantic Durchbruch valley. The sections Hausen im Tal to Scheer and Blochingen to Hundersingen are open when the water level is sufficient (minimum level).
In order to avoid damage to nature as far as possible, there are detailed regulations which can be found on the nature park’s website.
Owners of their own boats/canoes require a license before each trip.
