There are many undiscovered places along the Danube River from which many may turn out to be trip highlights. I acknowledge that there are wonderful sightseeing opportunities in Vienna, Melk, Budapest and elsewhere, but there are many wonderful things that are not as well known are are waiting for you to discover them. Here are some of mine:
Obernzell – located on the north shore of the Danube River not too far from Passau. We, and many others stopped at a quaint riverside outdoor café for lunch. Austria has some wonderful outdoor cafes which make great lunch stops.
Danube Loop at Schlogen – yes, the loop is famous as the Danube River reverses course creating a big S curve. A highlight is the tiny bicycle ferries (there are three) which scurry across the river carrying the numerous cyclists.
Sundays – I love the way on Sundays (and somewhat on Saturdays) in both Germany and Austria the entire family (kids, parents, grandparents) gently cycle along the bike paths on both banks of the Danube River. A great family outing.
Aschach – has a street of pretty shops, museums and ice cream stores with many day trippers located on the shore bank of the Danube River. It is also the header picture above for this web site.
Linz – not the big city with its noise and traffic but instead head to the vast park on the north bank of the Danube River. Here you will find families out for a quiet picnic. We were there on a weekday and it was busy even then.
Enns – located just inland from the Danube River this is the oldest town in Austria, originally a Roman settlement. Head to the main square with its outdoor cafes and an imposing renaissance tower dating from 1565.
Longest wooden bridge in Europe – something different, it is located just near Enns.
Grein – picture perfect town made for postcards. Best shot is from the south bank of the Danube River.
Persenbeug – there are a number of locks along the Danube River from huge ones just outside Linz to these locks in Persenbeug built on the north shore next to a castle.
Aggsbach Markt – heading through the Wachau wine region with its rolling hills and laneways lined by red poppies we came to this tiny town. Very pretty and had to stop for pictures.
Durnstein – okay this town is a bite on the touristy side with its hilly cobblestone streets, shops and riverside church. Still it is a lovely town, best seen from the Danube River. Several day cruise also stop pass by on the day trip from Melk to Krems.
Hotel Alte Post – this hotel is located just inside the walled gate of Krem and was built in 1584. You must go into the inner courtyard for a drink, wonderful. If you can stay overnight even better as the hallways are crowded with collections of porcelain dolls.
Elderberry Trees – just outside of Tulin there are fields of Elderberry trees. The juice makes for a mild, yet interesting drink.
Bad Deutsch Altenburg – a wonderful spa town near the border. Also about 4 km away is the Cornuntum Archeological Park with the best Roman excavations in Austria .
Raika – is a tiny town on the Hungarian and Slovakian border. Saw many stork nests located on poles. In town we discovered they do not speak English in the restaurants when we ordered pizza for six people and received six giant pizza. At least it was inexpensive.
Tata – located in Hungary, is lakeside resort town is next to the Hungarian wine region and also has numerous castles and museums.
Esztergom – the Rome of Hungary with an imposing hilltop cathedral and fortresses.
This section of Europe offers much history, yet it can sometimes be some of the smaller activities and undiscovered places you enjoy along the Danube River which are the most memorable.
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