The tour began at the source of the Danube in Donaueschingen. Here, the group learned all about the river's origins.
Well rested from the long journey, the bike tour began the next day. Although the day began with rain, it turned into sunshine immediately after the start of the journey. Our first stop was the Danube Sinkhole – a unique natural spectacle, as the Danube sinks away here on average 155 days a year.
We continued on to Tuttlingen. After refreshments in one of the many restaurants and cafés, we were given an exciting guided tour of the city. The first leg ended in the tranquil town of Fridingen. There, we loaded up our bikes and took a bus across the Swabian Alb to Stetten am Kalten Markt.
On day three, we cycled through the Upper Danube Valley. The Danube winds its way through a breathtaking panorama of rocky landscapes, topped by several castles and palaces. Our first stop was in Beuron, known primarily for its Benedictine monastery. At the Upper Danube Nature Conservation Center, we learned a lot about the biodiversity of the nature reserve. There are over 3000 different plant species in the Upper Danube Valley.
On the way to Sigmaringen, there were a few more climbs, but we mastered them easily. And the beautiful scenery was worth the effort!
Another highlight of the tour awaited us in Sigmaringen: the Hohenzollern Castle. There, we received a comprehensive tour of the impressive rooms of the royal royal family.
At the end of the tour, we visited the pasta manufacturer Buck in Mengen. Here we gained some interesting insights into the production of the famous Gaggli pasta.
The fourth stage was more focused on cycling. We still visited some fascinating places, such as the Hanging Gardens near Riedlingen. In Munderkingen, the town's former mayor welcomed us and gave us an insight into the community's history during a guided tour.
The day concluded with a beer tasting in the beer-loving city of Ehingen. With four breweries, every beer lover will find something to their taste!
The final leg took us away from the Danube through the Blautal valley. Our first highlight: the Blautopf in Blaubeuren, a karst spring shimmering with a turquoise blue. This is where the Blau River rises, and we then followed it by bike to Ulm. Arriving in the first major city on the Danube, we strolled through the large weekly market or sat at one of the city's many sidewalk cafés.
Finally, we visited Ulm Minster with a tour guide, which has the highest church tower in the world, and the fishing and tanning district.
