The Danube

The queen of Europe's rivers, the Danube is rich in history and enveloped in an aura of legend and myth.

From the mountains of the Black Forest the Danube makes its way through cliffs and surges down wild and romantic gorges to flow by mighty castles, palaces and monasteries, framed by the enchanting landscapes and Baroque splendor along its banks. The German poet Friedrich Hölderlin called the Danube a refreshing, melodious river, sometimes foaming with high spirits, at other times dreaming serenely. No other river in the entire world has inspired so many poets, musicians and painters to create masterpieces, along no other river can such a tremendous variety of scenery, historic cities, magnificent architecture and cultural treasures be found.

An artery of trade and communication running through the heart of Europe, the Danube links peoples and nations on its long journey from west to east. Art and music accompany the route of the great river until the melody reaches a gentle climax in a rustling sea of reeds: the Danube delta, one of the last paradises for man and nature.