The Danube finally reaches adulthood at the spectacular Donaudurchbruch gorge near Kelheim. The wild and romantic section between Weltenburg and Kelheim is best experienced from the water.

Boats moor at the Benedictine Weltenburg Monastery, giving you enough time to visit the famous Asam church, the oldest monastery brewery in the world and one of Bavaria's loveliest beer gardens. In Kelheim it is well worth climbing up to the classical Hall of Liberation where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the idyllic Altmühl valley.

During a stroll through the old part of the medieval town of Regensburg the great history of the former free city is brought back to life. An impressive backdrop is provided by the Neupfarrplatz square which presents an architectural cross-section of every epoch. From Regensburg you can also follow the Route of the Kaisers and Kings as far as Budapest.

Alternatively you can visit the Romanesque Church of St. Peter with its romantic cemetery in the old Bavarian ducal city of Straubing or you may enjoy a day trip to the nearby Bavarian Forest national park.

The Drei-Flüsse-Eck (Three Rivers Corner) in Passau is the con- fluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz and gives the Danube a new colour. It is a symbol of the many influences which touch this baroque town: nature from the Bavarian Forest, culture from the southern part of Lower Bavaria, from Upper Austria and Bohemia. The baroque old town has magnificent buildings such as St. Stephen's cathedral which houses the largest cathedral organ in the world with a unique sound. An entertaining alternative to the city can be one of the boat trips offered by Passau: the Danube shipping companies are in full swing with boats providing excursions, restaurants and music as well as cruise ships which travel as far as the Black Sea.