...First Glimpses of the Danube...

..At the Source..

As we were starting to run a bit late on Sunday afternoon (thanks to the hills in the area) we decided not to make the detour to the source of the Danube in Donaueschingen on the day but rather wait until the next morning and go there first thing instead.

It was the perfect decision!

When we arrived at Donaueschingen on Monday morning at around 0830AM we were welcomed by the morning sun, shining down on to the source of the Danube.

Instead of the swathes of tourists which are usually gathering around the well, we were the only two people there, able to soak up the atmosphere and reading up on what is to come over the next few weeks!  

 ..Wikipedia says..

The Danube River, one of Europe’s major waterways, originates in the Black Forest in Germany. Its formation occurs at the confluence of two smaller rivers: the Brigach and the Breg. This significant union takes place just east of Donaueschingen. From this point onward, the river is officially known as the Danube.

Let’s delve into the details:

Brigach – The Donaubach, which eventually flows into the Danube, begins its journey in Donaueschingen. This location is often referred to as the source of the Danube (or Donauquelle).

However, hydrologically speaking, the true source of the Danube lies with the Breg, the larger of the two formative streams. The Breg springs near Furtwangen, at a higher altitude. Not only is it 5 km longer than the Brigach, but it also carries a greater amount of water discharge. Thus, the Breg rightfully claims the title of the Danube’s primary source.

Breg – The Breg’s karst spring emerges on the castle grounds near the left corner of the front face of Donaueschingen Castle. After flowing underground for 90 meters, the Donaubach joins the Brigach. Together, they become the mighty Danube, embarking on their journey through Europe.

Interestingly, there was a spirited rivalry between the municipalities of Furtwangen and Donaueschingen regarding the claim of being home to the “official” source of the Danube. In 1981, the state government settled the dispute by granting Donaueschingen’s request to no longer label the Furtwangen source as the Donauquelle on official maps.

While the Danube’s mythological significance is immense, its hydrological impact is notably small due to the routing of a significant portion of its headwater into the Rhine. Consequently, for most of the year, the Danube dries up. 

Near Ulm, the more water-rich Iller flows into the Danube as one of its tributaries.

So, next time you gaze upon the Danube’s majestic flow, remember its humble beginnings in the heart of the Black Forest, where the Brigach and Breg converge to create this iconic river

..and we pedalled off..

According to some locals, we were just about to cycle the best part of the Danube river! For them, the stretch from Donaueschingen to Sigmaringen was the most interesting.

Secretly we hope, we will come across many more highlights along the river further down, but so far, they were right!

The gentle start, out of the Donaueschingen castle park, accompanied by tweeting birds, the spring sun and the gentle sound of our ‘new friend’ was a great way to start our journey along the Danube for the next 2,000 or so kilometers.  

On day two we entered some of the more narrow places of the Danube Valley, sided by tall rock faces and majestically looking castles ‘keeping an eye’ on the valley below, imposing their significancy from times gone by.

A wonderful stretch of the river!