The Danube is the second longest river in Europe, the longest being the Volga.
It’s source is in South West Germany, and it’s mouth is in the Ukraine, where it flows into the Black Sea.
I have been Danube spotting since I came to Europe 18 months ago, and here I will show you 7 cities I have spent time in during that time. I have not included Passau, Germany, near the border with Austria, although I am including a photo, as I have passed though Passau a number of times without actually spending time there.
- Regensburg
Regensburg is a medieval city in the the German state of Bavaria. The Altstsadt (old city) of Regensburg is a really interesting place to visit, with plenty of bars, clubs and cafes and beer gardens to spend time in. A couple of good ones I spent time in and met some interesting characters were Zur geflichten Trommel, serving many varieties of Mead, and I was even offered some of the local fare – Lavender Flavoured Dripping on Rye Bread – with sea salt!
Another interesting one for the Goths and Metal Heads out there is the Pirantenhöhle (The Pirate’s Cave). A fun place with friendly staff. Along with Goths and Metal Heads, you can also find people out in their Lederhosen and Dirndls! But you don’t have to be any of those things to go… I would call Zur gefllichten Trommel a bit more exclusive.
Regensburg also has a beautiful Gothic Cathedral.
2. Linz
Linz is a beautiful and elegant old City in the Austrian state of Upper Austria. It is difficult to find good inexpensive accommodation here, the cheapest being the Youth Hostel, at about 30 euros for a dorm bed.
Try the Linzer Torte – really biscuit crumb pastry filled with with Jam and topped with flakes almonds (usually very crumbly). Another place worth a visit just outside of Linz and easily accessible by bus, is the Wilhering Monastery, with its ornately decorated baroque Church (which dates back to the 12 century – the baroque decor obviously being done later). Another claim to fame for Linz is that Mozart wrote his Symphony No.36 in C, K.425, in the city, and it is therefore dubbed, The Linz Symphony.
3. Krems an der Donau
Krems is a smaller city on the Danube, in Lower Austria, in the middle of one of Austria’s wine growing regions.
It has quite a pleasant medieval old town, again with a Monstery just outside the city – Göttweig Abbey – which is perched on the top of a hill and visible for miles around. Krems is accessible by local train from Sankt Pölton (a major stop on the Vienna to Salzburg line).
4. Vienna. Of course we all know that Vienna is on the Danube, and anywhere on the Danube I think of Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz, which everybody knows from an endless number of movies and television ads it has been used in.
Vienna is so full of things to see and do, it is hard to know where to start. The architecture is sublime, along with it’s museums, famous historical cafe’s, and having been the home to endless philosopher’s, composers, artists, writers and psychiatrists (Freud), most of whom have a museum in their honour.
Outside St Stephens Cathedral, you will find a gaggle of Mozart impersonators, just itching to sell you tickets to the multitude of classical concerts in the inner city.
Vienna is a very clean and orderly city, with an excellent transport system. There’s no way you could get lost, so just go out and explore.
Especially try to get to one of the Heurigers, the wine merchant/restaurants, many of which are on the outer suburbs of the city. Traditionally these places were to sell the wines of local wine makers. They usually serve not only local wines, but they will have very traditional Austrian food.
5. Bratislava
Bratislava, in Slovakia, is pleasant enough city. The old city is on the Danube and , although quite small, is a very interesting and enjoyable place to visit. You will see lots of Amber and Lapis Lazuli jewellery in Bratislava. The only place with a better range I have seen is Krakow in Poland.
There is a large and very impressive castle within walking distance of the old city, which is not to be missed.
Plenty of restaurants and bars abound between the Danube and the old city, and of course there are plenty in the old city itself.
Bratislava is only about an hour away from Vienna by bus or train.
6.Budapest
Budapest is famous for it’s magnificent palace, situated on the Buda side of the Danube. Most of the action happens on the Pest side, but there is a fantastic suspenion bridge – The Chain Bridge – which connects the two sides, and which seems almost obligatory for tourists to walk across.
Budapest is full of impressive architecture – a really beautiful city, but a city where you need to watch your personal security. Beware of pickpockets.
Try some real Goulash, and the famous Estehazy Torte. Budapest is a city full of fantastic food!.
7.Belgrade
The capital of Serbia Belgrade is the first country you will come to on the Danube (if you are traveling towards the east), which is not in the European Union. If you come by bus you will have to do a border crossing, so make sure you passport and travel documents are in order, regardless of whether you come by land or air.
Belgrade has an impressive castle, and some very historic churches, such as St Mark’s.
Belgrade is a huge city, much bigger than I expected, with a lot of traffic congestion. Serbia was at war a mere 25 years ago, and even though it was the main aggressor, it was bombed by NATO and is still recovering from that time. There is a lot of poverty here, and theft and pickpockets are rife. Please be careful with your valuables. You can see my post on personal safety for some suggestions. http://hareabouteurope.com/index.php/2019/11/07/personal-security-while-traveling-in-europe/
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