Donaueschingen

Donaueschingen is a town in the south-west of Baden-Württemberg, around 13 kilometres south of Villingen-Schwenningen. With a population of around 21,000, it's the second-largest town in the Black Forest-Baar district.

Donaueschingen marks the beginning of the Danube, the second-longest river in Europe. It also stands at the confluence of two other rivers, the Brigach and the Breg, which flow into the Danube from the Black Forest. Many myths and stories surround the source of the Danube, a magical place where crystal-clear water rises almost imperceptibly out of the ground into an elaborate basin. This water has trickled through rocks and flowed underground to the edge of the Black Forest mountains before seeing the light of day again at the source of the Danube in Donaueschingen.

There are plenty more reasons to visit this handsome town with its aristocratic history, not least its wonderful setting on the edge of the southern Black Forest, not far from Lake Constance. Besides local excursions, Donaueschingen offers a wide range of recreational facilities including a 27-hole golf course, idyllic swimming lakes and a well-maintained network of cycle ways and walking trails. A whole variety of circular routes lend themselves to exploring nearby villages and beauty spots. Alternatively you can set out on the well-known Danube Cycle Route, which starts here. Sightseeing in Donaueschingen is always rewarding, especially the town centre with its art nouveau architecture, the Fürstenberg castle and the various museums. You can also take a guided tour and sample the beer at the Fürstenberg brewery. As you might expect in a town with so many royal connections, there are plenty of award-winning restaurants to choose from and equally high standards for those who prefer to drink fine Badensian wine rather than beer.

In addition to the Danube Cycle Route and the looping cycle trails throughout the Danube source region, Donaueschingen opens up the possibility of exploring the cross-border Route Verte/Green Route, which begins in Contrexéville in the Vosges mountains and crosses the Rhine near Breisach am Rhein. The northern section ends in Lindau and the southern section in Constance.

Accommodation and cuisine

Donaueschingen offers overnight accommodation to match all budgets, from private rooms, guesthouses and comfortable holiday apartments to cosy inns and luxurious hotels. It also has a campsite and there's a motorhome site in an idyllic setting on the edge of the castle park. Some accommodation is suitable for people with disabilities. As well as a host of cafés and bars, in Donaueschingen you'll find an exciting range of restaurants serving local dishes and international cuisine.

City Highlights

Donaueschingen's must-see attraction is the royal Fürstenberg castle and its beautiful park. The castle was constructed in 1723 and subsequently extended several times. Between 1893 and 1896 it was redesigned in neo-baroque style and the dome was added. Today the royal Fürstenberg collections are housed in the Karlsbau, which was built in 1869. In addition to a natural history collection there are important exhibits from different eras in the history of art.

Donaueschingen's skyline is dominated by the two towers of the Catholic Church of St. Johann, which was built between 1724 and 1747 in the Bohemian baroque style.

The Museum Art.Plus in Donaueschingen is a highly respected institution showing international modern, contemporary art – from the Junge Wilde to various schools of abstract painting.

Contact:

Donaueschingen Tourist Information
Kultur, Tourismus und Marketing
Karlstrasse 58
78166 Donaueschingen

+49 (0)771 857 221
+49 (0)771 857 228

E-mail: tourist.info@donaueschingen.de

Opening times:

May to September: Monday to Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, Sunday 10am-12pm

October to April: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm

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