Deggendorf

Deggendorf is a university town in Lower Bavaria and is home to 34,000 people. Because of its location in the Danube valley near the confluence of the Isar and Danube and at the foot of the Bavarian Forest mountains, Deggendorf is also known as the gateway to the Bavarian Forest.

City Highlights

If you stand beside the slightly unusual looking fountain in the old quarter, the locals will happily tell you how Deggendorf was saved from capture by Bohemian troops in 1266. According to the legend, the mayor's wife hurled a freshly prepared dumpling at an enemy scout, causing him – and possibly the whole army – to take flight. This fountain (Knödelbrunnen) and Deggendorf's signature dish of sweet dumplings (Deggendorfer Knödel) are reminders of this momentous event. The large town square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall dating from 1535, is particularly worth seeing. Other places of interest include the Grabkirche (Church of St. Peter and St. Paul), the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, and the idyllically located pilgrimage church on Geiersberg hill. The baroque chapel at the former St. Katharine's Hospital (Katharinenspital) and two pilgrimage churches originating from the same time are also home to art treasures. Deggendorf has many modern amenities too. With an abundance of attractive stores and ample parking in the town centre (1,000 spaces), it is an ideal place for shopping. After a spot of retail therapy, you might like to indulge in therapy of another kind at the immaculate hydrotherapy facilities along the health trail (Gesundheitsweg), which is part of the extensive network of walking trails in Deggendorf. Within the Deggendorf municipal area, there is an altitude variation of 800 metres, giving some indication of the wide range of leisure activities available in the town and surrounding region. Deggendorf is, after all, the gateway to the Bavarian Forest!

Museums in Deggendorf: the Stadtmuseum, part of Deggendorf's 'culture quarter', presents more than 10,000 exhibits on the cultural, economic and social development of the town and region. Archaeological finds dating from the Stone Age to the early Middle Ages shed light on the history of human settlement in the Danube region, and the department on the town's history paints a vivid picture of life here in the Middle Ages. A separate section is devoted to religious art, the Deggendorfer Gnad pilgrimage and popular religious practice. The neighbouring Handwerksmuseum is divided into six departments documenting the rich tradition of crafts and trades in Lower Bavaria.

Hydrotherapy in Deggendorf: in the 19th century, Bavarian priest Sebastian Kneipp developed a concept for healing the body and maintaining good health. His hydrotherapy treatments, in particular, established his fame. The effects of the Kneipp baths are widely recognised. The water is said to improve circulation, stimulate the metabolism, detox the body and be good for general relaxation. In Deggendorf there are three Kneipp wading pools, which are open to all and free to use in summer.

Accommodation in Deggendorf

Deggendorf offers a wide variety of accommodation with everything from hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs to private lodgings, camping and holiday lets. You can also camp or stay on a farm. Motorhome sites are located on Konstantin-Bader-Strasse and at the 'elypso' leisure pool, which is open all year round.

Events in Deggendorf

Deggendorf is the host for the 2014 Regional Garden Show in Bavaria (25 April to 5 October 2014), which presents all things horticultural over a 17-hectare site. The central theme for the 2014 show is the Danube – not only as a habitat and place of natural beauty but also as a connecting element between different cultures. The 450m bridge built to link the various exhibition areas is one of Europe's longest bridges for cyclists and pedestrians.

Cruising and tours in Deggendorf

Special cruises on the Danube are available during the Regional Garden Show, which depart from the landing stage for river cruise ships.

The popular Ripperlfahrt ('ribs cruise') sets sail every Friday. Passengers can tuck into delicious crispy ribs, spicy sauces, light salads and fresh rye bread while a live band provides the musical entertainment. Booking is required!

Every Friday from May to October 2014
Duration of the cruise:
7.30pm to 11pm

You can easily combine a visit to the Regional Garden Show – or to Deggendorf – with a trip on the historical salt transport ship MS Siebnerin. Forty-minute tours on the Deggendorf section of the Danube are offered hourly from 10am to 5pm every day. Made entirely from wood, the MS Siebnerin is modelled on the salt ships that were used on the Danube and its tributaries in the Middle Ages.

Regular river cruises also run between Deggendorf and Passau from May to October.

Because of its location, Deggendorf offers plenty of scope for leisure activities. Long-distance walking routes and circular trails pass through or start in the town. The nearby mountains also offer many opportunities for walkers. You can go cycling by the Danube or mountain biking in the Bavarian Forest, or do water sports on the Danube or on the artificial lakes – and in the colder months, the nearby Bavarian Forest becomes a paradise for winter sports. With an abundance of fish in the lakes and rivers, Deggendorf is also an ideal destination for anglers.

Contacts:

Deggendorf Tourist Information
Altes Rathaus
Oberer Stadtplatz
94469 Deggendorf

Tel.: +49 (0)991 296 0531
Fax: +49 (0)991 296 0539
tourismus@deggendorf.de
www.deggendorf.de

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