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The Danube River
 About the Danube River
Overview
From the Black Forest of Germany to the Black Sea, the Danube is a vital lifeline
that pulses through the heart of Central and Eastern Europe. The Danube is not only
Europe's second longest river-more than twice the length of the Rhine and nearly
three and a half times the length of the Rhône-but it flows through ten different
countries and more than a dozen languages are spoken on its banks. Imagine the variety
in food, architecture and history that goes with each of these languages and cultures.
Enjoy an intriguing, panoramic view of two thousands years of European history as
you travel along the lyrical "Blue Danube."
Fast Facts
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Countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria,
Moldova, Ukraine
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Source: Black Forest, Germany
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Mouth: The Black Sea
- Length: 1,777 miles
Geography
The Danube River has been used as an important means of transportation for commerce
and military operations for nearly 2,000 years because it is the only major European
river that flows west to east. The Danube rises in Germany's Black Forest and flows
through the heartland of Austria, first forming the border of Austria and Slovakia,
and then Slovakia and Hungary. Leaving Hungary, it runs through Croatia and Serbia
to form the boundary between Serbia and Romania and then the Romania and Bulgaria
border. The mighty Danube brushes the edge of Moldova and Ukraine before finally
emptying into the Black Sea.
The Upper Danube is home to four capital cities-Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and
Belgrade-more than any other river in the world. Downstream from Belgrade, the Danube
enters the Iron Gates, a great natural corridor through the Carpathian Mountains
and Balkan Mountains. It then spills into the plains of the ancient Roman province
of Wallachia. Flooding has been a problem there since Roman times and still is.
Due to the floods, no major cities have been developed on the Danube downstream
of Belgrade. Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is 50 miles uphill from the Danube,
well protected from rising water in the spring.
History
Over the centuries, the Danube has been one of the most significant cultural and
historic boundaries in Europe. In the early Middle Ages (3rd Century A.D.), the
full length of the river formed the northern border of the Roman Empire. It remained
intact as late as 454 A.D. when the Goths, Huns, Slavs, and other groups crossed
the Danube in order to invade the crumbling Empire.
The Roman legacy established the importance of the river as a medieval trade route,
explaining why so many crucial trade and transportation centers can still be found
along its shore today. The waters of the Danube also form a critical militaristic
and spiritual lifeline. It was the major connection between Europe and the East,
providing a pathway for crusaders to charge into Byzantium and the Holy Land.
The trade corridor along the Danube gave rise to two major empires, the Austrian
and Hungarian, which merged under Austria in the early 19th century. The Danube
then served as a link between the industrial centers of Germany (Austrian Empire)
and the agricultural areas of the Balkan Peninsula (Ottoman Empire). It also served
as a critical cultural border. To this day, Romania (north of the river) and Bulgaria
(south) reflect their respective and separate histories with Romania having a Romance
language and Bulgaria demonstrating key historic affinities in architecture and
religion with the Ottoman Turks.
Both the commercial and military value of the Danube are still recognized today.
Many treaties have been signed to try to keep one country from having too much control
over the river. Today the Danube is still a major transportation route, with more
than 3,500 ships passing through its delta each year. Extensive navigation is made
possible by various dredging of canals and channels often constructed with inter-country
cooperation for the benefit of all the nations that border this essential waterway.
Highlights
As the Danube leaves the cover of German''s Black Forest, it trolls through the
pristinely-preserved medieval town of Regensburg. This bustling university
town boasts ancient treasures like the Porta Praetoria-the north gate to the ancient
Roman fortress, Castra Regina, built in 179 A.D. During the holidays, Regensburg
shines bright with its Christmas market lighting up the historic market square.
Farther downstream, Passau, Austria, is a gem of a city located at the confluence
of the rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. Cobblestone streets lead the way to St. Stephen's
Cathedral, which houses the world's largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.
Continuing along, the village of Grein offers excellent photo opportunities,
with its turreted houses lining the main square in the shadow of its idyllic castle
perched high on a bluff. Situated in the rolling green hills of the Wachau Valley,
Melk is home to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest
and most intriguing monasteries. Step out onto the monastic terrace to look out
over the Danube and take in the mesmerizing view of the sweeping countryside.
Float through the Wachau wine region to Dürnstein, known for the magnificent
baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade. Above town are the ruins of the castle
where England's King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192.
Vienna, Austria's capital, is next. The “City of Music” inspired the creative
genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg
Empire, the city has much to offer-the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna
Opera House, and the majestic Ring Boulevard, to name just a few. Visitors can waltz
their way down shop-lined streets, savor the sounds of an orchestral concert, or
delight in a Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café.
Sail on through the picturesque Austrian views before heading to the heart of Hungary.
Spanning both banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe's liveliest
and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and
Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left.
The massive hilltop castle complex with Fisherman's Bastion and the Matthias Church
is among the many sights of Budapest that impress and excite.
South of Budapest, the quiet town of Kalocsa, Hungary, was founded by St.
Stephen in 1009. The Archbishop's Palace and the Kalocsa Cathedral are must-see
sights in this town that is most known for paprika and folklore art.
The Danube winds away from Hungary and through the city of Novi Sad, Serbia.
Steeped in history, the hilltop Petrovaradin Fort affords dramatic views of the
Danube. On to Serbia's capital, Belgrade, situated at the confluence of the
Danube and Sava Rivers. Full of lively pedestrian areas and imposing cathedrals
and fortresses, Belgrade is a riveting study in contrasts.
The Danube flows away from Belgrade, through rustic hills lined with stunning Roman
fortresses, and through the dramatic gorge of the Iron Gates. This narrow
and formerly very dangerous passage divides Europe's Alps in the northwest from
the Carpathians in the southeast and forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania.
Downstream, Bulgaria's most ancient and breathtaking treasures can be found a short
drive away from the Danube. Veliko Târnovo, situated on three hills surrounding
the Yantra River, is a natural fortress with stone houses clinging to its steep
slopes. The historic village of Arbanassi is nearby, featuring the well-known
Etnographic Museum and intricately designed frescoes in its Church of the Nativity.
Silestra is a key port city-essential to Bulgaria's thriving agricultural
industry. A short distance away, the resort town of Varna sits on the shores
of the Black Sea. Its storied past comes to life as you walk through Roman baths
and marvel at the Gold of Varna, an archaeological wonder.
Bucharest, Romania's lively capital, is only a short drive from the shores
of the Danube. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained it the name "Paris
of the East." Enjoy people-watching in the Royal Palace Square, the scene of riots
in 1989 which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The Royal Palace
now houses the National Art Museum and is filled with priceless examples of Eastern
European art.
Cruiser Profile
The Danube River is the epitome of “East meets West,” or rather “West meets East.”
Travelers who want to be exposed to a wide range of new cultures and experiences
will soak up the sites along this sprawling waterway. History-, art- and music-lovers
will all find the objects of their desires along these waters. The Danube also boasts
a unique mix of urban and rural sites. Explorers who appreciate dramatic natural
scenes and also delight in the bustle of the world's great cities will see the best
of both worlds as they cruise down this mighty European river.
Did You Know?
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The Danube Delta was first declared a nature reserve in 1938 by the Council of Ministers
and recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1992. The area is home to 12
habit types, 300 bird species and 45 freshwater fish species.
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The Danube is mentioned in the title of a famous waltz by Austrian composer Johann
Strauss, “An der schönen, blauen Donau” (On the Beautiful Blue Danube), composed
as Strauss was traveling down the Danube River. This piece is well known across
the world and is also used widely as a lullaby.
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Another famous waltz about the Danube is “The Waves of the Danube” by the Romanian
composer Ion Ivanovici (1845–1902), and the work took the audience by storm when
performed at the 1889 Paris Exposition.
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The German tradition of landscape painting, the Danube school, was developed in
the Danube valley in the 16th century.
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The Parliament House in Bucharest is the world's largest parliament building at
a whopping 3.55 million square feet.
- The Blue Danube was the name of the first nuclear weapon of the British army.
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