From Bavaria to the Balkan Heart

Due to its special geographical location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is undoubtedly one of the most unique cities in Germany. But not only the location of the city on the three rivers is exceptional, Passau also offers its visitors numerous remarkable sights. Towering above the city is the Veste Oberhaus, an impressive fortress dating back to the 13th century. The old town of Passau is known for its beautiful baroque architecture, especially the Cathedral of St. Stephen with its characteristic onion domes and the largest cathedral organ in the world with almost 18,000 pipes..

Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen's Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce.

The capital of Slovakia is located on the border with Austria and Hungary. It is home to about 450,000 people. The old town of Bratislava dates back to the 18th century and is a great place to stroll around thanks to its car-free zone. The cafés and bars there serve the city's famous dark beer. Bratislava's landmark - the Bratislava Castle - is located on a hill. From its terrace you have the best view of the city and the Danube.

Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and is located along the Danube a river on the borders of Austria and Hungary. The city is surrounded by the Little Carpathians Mountains and vineyards as well as its iconic reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooking Old Town. The castle offers a picturesque view of the city, the neighbouring countries and is home to the Museum of History. Bratislava offers a blend of historic and modern attractions including the Old Town Hall, now home to the Bratislava City Museum, the UFO Bridge, Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and Blue Church St Elizabeth’s. Bratislava is home to one of the oldest city parks in Central Europe and is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists as is the city forest park and foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is popular for its locally brewed beers and has many micro-breweries and underground beer cellars. The local cuisine of Bratislava is an eclectic influence of European cultures including Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and German and serves as a reminder of the history of this cosmopolitan city. However, visitors will find an array of offerings to suit all tastes with lunch being the main meal of the day and roast goose with lokse considered a signature dish of the area.

Kalocsa is a historic Baroque town in southern Hungary, famously known as the "Paprika Capital of the World". Situated on the left bank of the Danube River, it is one of the country's oldest settlements and serves as a major center for religious history, folk art, and agricultural tradition.

Mohács is a historic town in southern Hungary, situated on the right bank of the Danube River near the border with Croatia. It is most famous globally for the Battle of Mohács (1526), a pivotal event that led to 150 years of Ottoman rule in Hungary. Today, it is a peaceful river port known for its vibrant cultural traditions and memorial sites.

Aljmaš is a picturesque village and major Marian pilgrimage site in eastern Croatia, located in the Slavonia region at the confluence of the Drava and Danube rivers. It is primarily known for the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Consolation, which draws over 100,000 visitors annually, especially on the feast of the Assumption (August 15).

The "white city", so the translation of the Serbian name Beograd, is anything but colorless. Its troubled pastshapes the Balkan metropolis. The scars of this time belong as much a part of the cityscape as the spirit of optimism that can be felt and seen. Belgrade is home to about 1.7 million inhabitantsner - and with the monumental Cathedral of St. Sava one of the largest Orthodox places of worship in the world. A stroll across the shopping street Knez Mihailova with its stores, cafés and an exciting mix of architecture leads straight to the fortress of Belgrade. Here you can not only enjoy the unique Enjoy the view down to the mouth of the Sava River, but also the quietness in the spacious Kalemegdan Park.

The "white city", so the translation of the Serbian name Beograd, is anything but colorless. Its troubled pastshapes the Balkan metropolis. The scars of this time belong as much a part of the cityscape as the spirit of optimism that can be felt and seen. Belgrade is home to about 1.7 million inhabitantsner - and with the monumental Cathedral of St. Sava one of the largest Orthodox places of worship in the world. A stroll across the shopping street Knez Mihailova with its stores, cafés and an exciting mix of architecture leads straight to the fortress of Belgrade. Here you can not only enjoy the unique Enjoy the view down to the mouth of the Sava River, but also the quietness in the spacious Kalemegdan Park.

The small town of Donji Milanovac in eastern Serbia is located directly on the right bank of the Danube. When the dam and hydroelectric power plant were built in 1970, the town had to be moved higher. This was already the second relocation, the first took place in 1830 from the Danube Island to a higher location due to frequent flooding. North of Donji Milanovac you can visit the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir, which is about 9,000 years old and dates back to the Middle Stone Age and Neolithic.

The small town of Donji Milanovac in eastern Serbia is located directly on the right bank of the Danube. When the dam and hydroelectric power plant were built in 1970, the town had to be moved higher. This was already the second relocation, the first took place in 1830 from the Danube Island to a higher location due to frequent flooding. North of Donji Milanovac you can visit the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir, which is about 9,000 years old and dates back to the Middle Stone Age and Neolithic.

The Serbian port city of Golubac is located on the Danube and is best known for its fortress with its eight towers, idyllically situated on the riverbank. Here the visitor can dive into the past, because it is one of the best preserved castles of the Middle Ages. Both the upper and lower castle as well as the various towers can be visited. In the surroundings of Golubac begins the Serbian National Park Derdap.

The Serbian port city of Golubac is located on the Danube and is best known for its fortress with its eight towers, idyllically situated on the riverbank. Here the visitor can dive into the past, because it is one of the best preserved castles of the Middle Ages. Both the upper and lower castle as well as the various towers can be visited. In the surroundings of Golubac begins the Serbian National Park Derdap.

Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia and is located on the Danube River. The place is perfect for a stop to see sights like Petrovaradin Fortress. This is one of the best preserved fortresses in Europe, has a catacomb system and is located on a hill. A walk through the city center with its narrow streets, quaint cafes and the New Renaissance style city hall is also recommended..

Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia and is located on the Danube River. The place is perfect for a stop to see sights like Petrovaradin Fortress. This is one of the best preserved fortresses in Europe, has a catacomb system and is located on a hill. A walk through the city center with its narrow streets, quaint cafes and the New Renaissance style city hall is also recommended..

Ilok, Croatia's easternmost city, enchants with its historical charm and picturesque location on the Danube. Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, it invites visitors to explore the medieval fortress, centuries-old wine cellars and the impressive St. John's Cathedral. In Ilok, history, nature and Croatian hospitality merge to create an unforgettable experience. The town also offers breathtaking views over the Danube, which flows gently through the countryside and marks the border with Serbia. A stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town reveals the town's deep connection to its rich past and the traditions of the region.

Ilok, Croatia's easternmost city, enchants with its historical charm and picturesque location on the Danube. Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, it invites visitors to explore the medieval fortress, centuries-old wine cellars and the impressive St. John's Cathedral. In Ilok, history, nature and Croatian hospitality merge to create an unforgettable experience. The town also offers breathtaking views over the Danube, which flows gently through the countryside and marks the border with Serbia. A stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town reveals the town's deep connection to its rich past and the traditions of the region.

The city of Osijek with about 108,000 inhabitants is Croatia's fourth largest city and is located on the Drava River about 20 km before it flows into the Danube. It belongs to the historical region of Slavonia, one of its sights is the Museum of Slavonia. Worth seeing in Osijek are also the nature park Kopacki rit, the baroque fortress Tvrda, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul and the Zoological Garden with its very impressive aquarium.

The city of Osijek with about 108,000 inhabitants is Croatia's fourth largest city and is located on the Drava River about 20 km before it flows into the Danube. It belongs to the historical region of Slavonia, one of its sights is the Museum of Slavonia. Worth seeing in Osijek are also the nature park Kopacki rit, the baroque fortress Tvrda, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul and the Zoological Garden with its very impressive aquarium.

"Pearl of the Danube" or "Paris of the East"? One thing is certain, Budapest has a lot to offer! From afar, the Parliament building on the banks of the river greets you and lets the Hungarian capital shine in its old splendor. The imposing Chain Bridge invites you to explore the districts of Buda and Pest, which are adorned with Art Nouveau buildings, wide avenues and thermal baths steeped in history. After a piece of the famous Baumkuchen, the breathtaking view from the Castle Hill with its Castle Palace and the impressive Fishermen's Bastion can be enjoyed even better.

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Hainburg, a picturesque town on the Danube in Austria, impresses with its well-preserved medieval town walls and charming old town. Surrounded by green hills and located right next to the Donau-Auen National Park, Hainburg invites you to follow in its historical footsteps and enjoy the natural beauty of its surroundings. A visit to Hainburg also reveals the mighty Wienertor, one of the oldest and largest city gates in Europe, which offers a fascinating insight into the history of the city. The relaxed atmosphere and the view of the calmly flowing Danube make Hainburg an idyllic stop on your river cruise.

The capital of Austria is one of those cities that every traveler should have visited once in the course of his life. Hardly any other city in the world has to offer such an enchanting combination of magnificent architecture, world-famous museums and theaters and beautiful green spaces. No wonder, the entire city center of Vienna is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vienna is known worldwide for its palaces of emperors, kings and nobles, such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere and the Hofburg. But the city's many churches, especially the landmark St. Stephen's Cathedral, are also worth a visit. Museum visitors come at the numerous world-class museums in the city, such as the Albertina, the Museum of Art History and the Museum Leopold anyway fully at their expense..

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

Melk has acquired a beautiful name: the gateway to the Wachau. Anyone approaching the historic town on the Danube will discover Melk Abbey perched high above the river very early on. The abbey is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth a visit in all seasons. The impressive Baroque ensemble has been cared for by the monks of the Benedictine order since the year 1089. Culture, faith and science are united in the magnificent rooms of the monastery.

Melk is an Austrian town situated on the River Danube. Located west of Vienna, the town is mostly famous for its 11th Century Melk Abbey, a magnificent monastery built high above the town. Melk Abbey is the largest example of Baroque architecture in the Wachau Valley, with the valley itself awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2000. Its steep terraced vineyards mean vinters cultivate with traditional manual practices and the springtime sees this unique landscape covered in apricot tree blossoms. Strolling around the streets of Melk Old Town, visitors will find the Town Hall Square, the Main Square, the old Post Office, now a local museum, Old Abbey Tavern, and Kremser Strasse. River cruises, self-guided walking tours and cycle tours are also extremely popular around Melk, as the Wachau Valley offers unique landscape to be explored and enjoyed. Art festivals and Baroque music is celebrated each year with the Melk Baroque Days, an international festival.

Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen's Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce.