Right at its source, you will realise that the Danube is a very special river: the Danube makes its entrance into the world in the gardens of the Royal Fürstenberg Palace, stylishly enclosed in a circular, temple-like fountain. Begin your fascinating journey along the Danube against this magnificent backdrop of the art nouvea town of Donaueschingen.

Every autumn fans of contemporary music can enjoy the Donaueschingen Music Festival, which celebrates contemporary music in an imaginative and experimental way. Donaueschingen is also well known to fans of equestrian sports: it has become traditional for the international elite of equestrian sports to gather and compete every year at the Royal Fürstenberg Stables. Beyond the city gates you can explore the idyllic countryside at leisure either on foot or by bike on well signed routes, moving downstream until you reach the beautiful town of Tuttlingen.

The Upper Danube Nature Reserve will turn your route to the next former royal residence, Sigmaringen, into a fascinating experience, as the river meanders through wetlands teeming with birdlife on its way to the Swabian Mountains. In the romantic royal seat of Sigmaringen, the magnificent Hohenzollern castle is particularly worth a visit, and from Beuron onwards you follow the course of the Danube as it cuts breathtakingly through the Jurassic Swabian Mountains.