This New Year, why not treat your family to a trip along the Danube river?
The Danube is the second longest river in Europe, emerging in Germany’s Black Forest and making its way through ten countries before emptying into the Black Sea passing capital cities, natural landmarks and medieval architecture along the way. With so much to see and do, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Bavaria, Germany
As it winds its way from Germany into Austria, the Danube passes through Bavaria, an area famous for its natural beauty. Start your Bavarian odyssey at Weltenburg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery situated on a dramatic bend in the Danube. The monastery is a secluded paradise surrounded by water and trees that’s perfect for a half-day adventure. What’s more, it even has its own brewery.
Further along the Danube lie the Bavarian cities of Regensburg and Passau. In Regensburg, take your family on a day out packed with history, visiting St Peter’s Cathedral, the historic Sausage Kitchen and the old Stone Bridge that spans the width of the Danube.
Picturesque Passau lies on the border with Austria at the confluence of three rivers, and is fondly known as the Venice of Bavaria. Spend your time here by taking one of the popular river cruises and visiting the city’s baroque cathedral.
Wachau & Vienna, Austria
In Austria, you’ll want to head straight for the Wachau, a valley region situated between the towns of Melk and Krems. The Wachau is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and if you take a riverboat cruise through this area, you’ll find it bursting with vineyards, medieval architecture and sweeping green landscapes.
Visit the formidable Benedictine abbey that rises over the town of Melk and from there travel along the river to Krems, snapping photos of the stunning scenery that you pass. Once in Krems, wander around the Old Town and as a treat for the grown-ups pop into one of the famed wineries to sample their finest vintages.
Of course, a trip to Austria wouldn’t be complete without a stop in the capital, Vienna, so make sure to set aside a few days for this beautiful city. For a fun family day, cycle through the city, stopping at one of Vienna’s legendary coffee houses and taking a wander through the city’s MuseumsQuartier. On the second day, head to the decadent Hofburg Palace and marvel at the eccentric grandeur of St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Bad Kleinkirchheim is also a famous austrian town you should visit.
Budapest, Hungary
Of all the cities that lie on the banks of the Danube, Budapest is perhaps the most captivating. On the western side of the river sits hilly Buda, and on eastern side, the flat plains of Pest. Buda and Pest are connected by the 19th century Chain Bridge and boast distinctive personalities that make it unlike any other city in the world. For culture and history, take your family on a walking tour of Buda to visit the grand Royal Palace and the thermal spas. But when it comes to eating, drinking, shopping and socialising, Pest is definitely the place to be.
Danube Delta, Romania
Just before emptying into the Black Sea, the Danube branches into a delta of smaller tributaries, covering an area of over 2,500 square miles. With its wetland of marshes and reed beds, the region is a haven for flora and fauna and home to 300 species of bird. Grown-ups will love basking in the natural beauty of the area, while kids will have adventures of their own spotting the local wildlife.
Chances are, you’ll only get to scratch the surface of the wonderful Danube on your first visit taking an organised cruise is one way to avoid this – but with so much variety and so much to see, there’s every reason to come back.
Images by lyng883 and frans16611 used under Creative Commons License.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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