The Danube Heights

The Danube Heights are the range of hills starting to the east of Passau in eastern Lower Bavaria, where the Rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. These give Passau its soubriquet, the city of the three rivers. Although the route is almost entirely in Austria, the type of walking complements our other riverside walking holidays along the Rhine, the Neckar and the Altmühl.

This is an area of ancient granite rolling hills, partly forested and partly open, offering wonderful views down on the river below, across to the alps to the south, and to the southern Czech hills in the north.

There are many highlights to walking in this area. Cultural monuments include the cathedrals in Passau and Linz (European Capital of Culture in 2009) and the famous monastery at Engelhartszell, as well as a number of castles looming high over the valley.

The natural beauties of the area include the dramatic Danube bend at Schlögern, where the granite forces the river to double back on itself. There are also nature reserves to enjoy.

The walker on the heights above the river enjoys dramatic views not available to cyclists down below!

A special attraction of this walk are the apple and pear orchards, which in the right season offer preshly pressed juice to the thirsty walker. Some of these have just a few tables set up in the orchard, others offer a place with almost the character of a small pub. You can always expect to find homemade snacks as well.

The route of our walk mainly follows the southern bank of the Danube. Since 2009 much work has been undertaken to ensure that views are not restricted by undergrowth and that route finding is easy, with plenty of waymarks.