Donauradweg / D-Route 6 (Germany)

The German section of the Danube Cycle Path offers an exceptional journey from the river's source in Donaueschingen to the Austrian border at Passau. This remarkable stretch represents the beginning of Europe's longest cycling route, following the Danube as it transforms from a modest Black Forest stream into a mighty Central European waterway. Recognized as one of Germany's ten most popular long-distance cycling routes, this German portion seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural treasures, from UNESCO World Heritage caves to medieval towns and baroque masterpieces.

The German route reveals countless natural phenomena and cultural highlights along its course through Germany. Cyclists encounter the world's highest church tower in Ulm, the dramatic Weltenburg Monastery nestled within the Danube gorge, and Regensburg's UNESCO World Heritage ensemble of old town and architectural monuments. With so many remarkable sights concentrated along this German section, cyclists frequently stop to explore culinary delights and historical discoveries.

Essential Route Information

• Difficulty level: Easy to moderate, family-friendly
• Elevation profile: Low gradient throughout, suitable for all abilities
• Surface types: Predominantly asphalted with some gravel and water-bound sections
• Route type: Mostly traffic-separated paths following the river
• Route rating: 4-star ADFC certification
• Recommended bike: Touring bike or hybrid

Route Marking & Navigation

The German section of the Danube Cycle Path features excellent signposting throughout, with the route corresponding to the Danube Route D6 and EuroVelo Route EV6 from Tuttlingen onwards. The Bavarian section between Günzburg and Passau carries the additional designation Via Danubia, reflecting its Roman heritage and connection to the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes. Navigation remains straightforward as the path consistently follows the river's course through German territory, making it nearly impossible to lose your way.

Best Direction & Season

The route flows naturally from source to the German-Austrian border, making the traditional direction from Donaueschingen to Passau the most logical choice. This downstream orientation allows cyclists to follow the river's natural progression from its modest German beginnings to its impressive width at the border.

• Optimal season: April through October
• Peak season: May through September for warmest weather and longest daylight
• Spring advantages: Moderate temperatures and fewer crowds
• Autumn benefits: Stunning fall colors and harvest season atmosphere

Main Stages & Highlights

The German journey unfolds through distinct geographical and cultural regions, each offering unique character and attractions:

Baden-Württemberg Section (Donaueschingen to Ulm)
The journey begins at the Danube's source in Donaueschingen, marked by the sculpture "Mother Baar" pointing toward the Black Sea. The route travels through the Baar region to Tuttlingen, then enters the spectacular Naturpark Obere Donau. Here, massive limestone cliffs frame the path between Mühlheim an der Donau and Scheer, creating a dramatic landscape dotted with castles, caves, baroque churches, and monasteries including the renowned Beuron Abbey.

Bavarian Swabia (Ulm to Donauwörth)
After passing Ulm's magnificent cathedral with the world's highest church tower, the route continues through the broad plains of Upper Swabian Danube valley. The path traverses Germany's largest connected floodplain forest area between Günzburg and Donauwörth, offering pristine natural environments alongside historic towns like Günzburg with its Legoland attraction.

Central Bavaria (Donauwörth to Kelheim)
This section showcases Bavaria's rich history, passing through Ingolstadt where the Bavarian Beer Purity Law originated in 1516. The route approaches one of its most dramatic highlights at Kelheim, where the Weltenburger Enge creates a spectacular gorge. Many cyclists choose to experience this section by boat, as towering rock formations make cycling challenging along the riverbank.

Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate (Kelheim to Passau)
The final German stretch leads through Regensburg, whose UNESCO World Heritage old town represents one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. The route concludes in Passau, the "Three Rivers City," where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz rivers beneath the imposing Veste Oberhaus fortress, marking the end of the German section.

Key Attractions Along the Route

Cultural and historical highlights encountered along the German journey:

• Donaueschingen: Danube source and confluence, Fürstenberg Castle
• Beuron: Historic Abbey and nature center
• Sigmaringen: Hohenzollern Castle, ancestral seat of Prussian-Brandenburg line
• Ulm: Cathedral with world's highest church tower, Fischer and Gerberviertel quarters
• Günzburg: Legoland theme park, Habsburg Margrave Castle
• Neuburg: Renaissance castle housing Flemish Baroque art gallery
• Ingolstadt: Audi Forum, New Castle with Bavarian Army Museum
• Kelheim: Weltenburg Monastery, Liberation Hall, Danube breakthrough
• Regensburg: UNESCO World Heritage old town, St. Peter's Cathedral, Stone Bridge
• Passau: St. Stephen's Cathedral with world's largest church organ, Three Rivers confluence

Accommodation Options

The German section offers comprehensive accommodation infrastructure catering specifically to cyclists. Family-friendly establishments and cyclist-oriented services are abundant throughout the journey, with most towns providing dedicated bike storage, repair facilities, and early breakfast options.

• Hotels and guesthouses: Wide selection in all major towns and cities
• Cyclist-friendly accommodations: Many establishments offer Bett+Bike certification
• Camping: Numerous campgrounds along the route with cyclist facilities
• Unique stays: Castle accommodations like Burg Wildenstein (youth hostel)
• Urban options: Full range of accommodations in major cities

Access & Transportation

Getting There: Donaueschingen is well-connected by train, with regular services from major German cities. The route's alignment with the Schwarzwaldbahn (Black Forest Railway) and other rail lines provides excellent access points throughout the German journey.

Getting Back: Passau offers excellent rail connections for return journeys, with direct services to major German cities. The route's parallel railway infrastructure enables flexible bike and train combinations, allowing cyclists to complete specific sections or arrange convenient returns from any major town along the German stretch.

Bike Transport: German trains accommodate bicycles with advance reservations, making it easy to access different sections of the German route or arrange return transportation.

Practical Considerations

The German section of the Danube Cycle Path's exceptional infrastructure and family-friendly design minimize practical challenges. The route's four-star ADFC rating reflects its consistently high quality and comprehensive facilities within Germany. Most sections feature smooth asphalt surfaces, with gravel sections primarily limited to ecologically sensitive areas in the Upper Danube Nature Park.

Key services and facilities throughout the German section:

• Repair facilities: Bike shops available in all major towns
• Food and accommodation: Abundant options throughout the German route
• Tourist information: Well-developed infrastructure with multilingual support
• Emergency services: Comprehensive coverage along the entire German section

The route's gentle gradients and traffic-separated design make it suitable for cyclists of all abilities, including families with children. Weather considerations favor late spring through early autumn, with summer offering the most reliable conditions and longest daylight hours.

Final Tips

The German section of the Danube Cycle Path represents an exceptional introduction to one of Europe's premier cycling experiences, combining outstanding infrastructure with unparalleled cultural and natural diversity. Plan for frequent stops to fully appreciate the wealth of German attractions – from prehistoric caves to baroque architecture, from Roman heritage to medieval towns. The route's gentle nature allows time for exploration without sacrificing cycling enjoyment.

Beyond Passau, the adventure continues seamlessly into Austria, with equally well-developed cycling infrastructure extending the Danube Cycle Path toward Vienna and beyond. The German section provides the perfect foundation for those considering the full European Danube cycling experience, offering a taste of the cultural richness and natural beauty that defines this continental route.