Rivers, forests and cake – hiking the DonauWellen in Germany

A DonauWellen is a delicious traditional German cake with cherries and chocolate icing, but it’s also the same name given to the hiking trails in the Donaubergland region. The DonauWellen translates as DanubeWaves, referring to the constant ups and downs of the landscape. On both sides of the Danube River, the white limestone rocks stand out against the green surrounding forest. Where the trees thin out, you look down into idyllic valleys, small towns and, of course, the flowing Danube.

In this Collection, we present all six DonauWelle hiking routes, which take you across magnificent Alb plateaus and to the so-called Swabian Grand Canyon. In some places, you look down on the river from more than 100 metres (328 ft) before descending close to the water’s edge again. This makes sure the hikes are varied. Along the way, you can try a delicious DonauWelle cake at one of the traditional inns.

In the Lippach Valley, a side valley of the Danube, you follow old shepherds’ paths past small springs and wells that would once have served as drinking spots for sheep. The unique landscape here is peppered with magnificent vantage points and fairytale castles. The rock faces drop steeply down to the river, creating a stunning canyon. Cycling along the Danube reveals this unique natural spectacle. In spring and summer, the river completely ebbs away so you can walk along the riverbed and keep your feet dry.

With its rugged rocks and winding paths, the Eichfelsen panoramic loop takes you into the heart of the Upper Danube Nature Park. The Klippeneck trail offers you ever-changing views over the Danube Valley, the Alb Ridge and the Black Forest. On the Kraftstein circular, you explore fragrant heaths and overgrown ruins that are wonderful places to rest and enjoy the scenery.

As nature also needs a break sometimes, the Donaubergland’s premium and quality trails are closed from November to April. Walking on the trails in wet, snowy and icy conditions is strongly discouraged for safety reasons. The information boards at the relevant hiking car parks are taken down and the trails are not maintained in winter.