And the Danube Peaks Trail certainly lives up to that title. But it is by no means a walk in the park: the four stages of between 15 and 20 kilometres contain more than 3,200 metres of altitude variation, with the associated climbs and descents. Through the beautiful scenery of the south-western Alb, across the highest hills and the deepest valleys of the Swabian Alb, past castles and palaces and along the romantic Danube – it's this captivating variety that makes this quality-certified trail so special.

The route starts in the little town of Gosheim, where walkers immediately face their first challenge: Mount Lemberg. At 1,015 metres it is the highest peak of the Swabian Alb. Reaching the top involves a steep climb, but is well worth the effort. On a clear day the viewing tower at the summit reveals an incredible panoramic view that stretches all the way from the main chain of the Alps to the Black Forest and the Neckar valley. Then there's the second mountain peak of the route, Mount Kehlen, which is situated on the other side of Gosheim and affords glorious views from its summit cross. There's also a rest area where you can get your breath back after this dramatic start to the route. From the next elevation, the Klippeneck, the ridge stretches westward for many miles, providing magnificent viewpoints before descending steeply into the valley towards Spaichingen. Dreifaltigkeitsberg hill, boasting an abbey, a church and a panoramic restaurant, makes the perfect place to round off the first section of the trail. The 'holy mountain' of the Swabian Alb adjoins the Alter Berg region in Böttingen, which combines a vast expanse of pastureland with a sweeping view that stretches all the way to Säntis and Mont Blanc on a good day. After the Schäfer valley comes the idyllic landscape of the Lippach valley, at the end of which lies the Lippachmühle inn – a lovely place to stop for a break. This section of the walk ends in the medieval town of Mühlheim an der Donau, where you can go on a guided tour led by the Mühlheim nightwatchman. It's a good idea to allow some extra time the next day for small detours, for instance to the 1,000-metre-long cave in Mühlheim or to Kolbingen cave, both of which can be visited on a guided tour by prior arrangement. If you can't make it there, the 'goose nest' viewing tower is always open. From here the path snakes steeply upwards towards Fridingen an der Donau. A series of towering rock faces, which between Fridingen and Beuron are often topped by castle ruins and palaces, form the region's 'Grand Canyon' – a dramatic and unspoilt landscape of water and crags that makes for unforgettable walking terrain. On your way to Beuron, it's well worth making a small detour to the Kallenberg ruins, a hilltop castle that dates back to the High Middle Ages and offers fantastic views of the Danube valley. This stretch of valley is also the site of Beuron Archabbey, which was originally established as an Augustine canon seminary in 1077 and has served as a Benedictine monastery since 1863. The word 'monumental' doesn't quite do this architectural landmark justice, but the monastery certainly makes a monumental end point to the trail.