In Donaueschingen, the source of the Danube, princely architectural heritage and the start of the Danube Cycle Path come together. So when planning your trip, it’s worth first asking what you want to focus on: a walk between the spring and the palace gardens, culture in collections and churches, or the start of a longer cycling trip.
Danube Spring and Palace Gardens
The Danube Spring rises right beside the princely palace in the palace gardens. The Danube Temple has stood since 1910 at the point where its water flows into the Brigach; it was extensively restored in 2016. The spring’s present-day design also has its own history: Prince Karl Egon III of Fürstenberg had it built in 1875. Here, the spring itself, its architectural design and the temple at the confluence are all in one place.
The Princely Fürstenberg Residence Palace lies beside the Danube Spring in an extensive park. Old trees, ponds and waterways define the grounds, which invite you to take a stroll. If you’d like to combine nature and architectural history, this makes for a focus of its own during your stay, without the need for a more extensive itinerary.
Residence, Church and Collections
Donaueschingen Palace is considered one of Germany’s most significant Belle Époque residences. St. John’s Town Church offers a different architectural accent: it was built in the Bohemian Baroque style from 1724 to 1747 and stands right beside the enclosed Danube Spring. Together, the two buildings bring different periods and styles into a short walk through the town centre: the Belle Époque residence and the Baroque church by the spring.
At Karlsplatz, the Princely FĂĽrstenberg Collections display minerals and fossils, a natural history collection and contemporary art across around 2,500 square metres. The natural history holdings include numerous specimens, most of which are around 150 years old. The combination of natural history, art and minerals offers a different way to explore Donaueschingen than a walk through the park and townscape.
Museum Art.Plus offers guided tours and workshops for all ages alongside its exhibitions. If you’d like to include these activities in your travel plans, check the latest dates before your visit. The Donaueschingen Festival of Music also adds a distinctive cultural note: this internationally renowned festival of world premieres features orchestral and ensemble concerts, electronic performances and sound art. Since 1921, the festival has championed experimental forms of contemporary music and sound art. If you’re planning your trip around the festival, check the relevant dates in advance.
Walks, Cycling Trips and Brewery Tours
The palace gardens invite you to take a stroll; for cyclists, Donaueschingen is the starting point of the Danube Cycle Path. From here, they can explore the first 300 kilometres of the Danube. The first two days of cycling follow the young river through natural surroundings. This information can help you choose between a stay focused on the spring, palace and culture and setting off on a longer cycling trip. If you’re planning to cycle the route, check the tour details before you set off, as stage information may change.
Another way to add a theme to your visit is to take a guided tour of the FĂĽrstenberg Brewery in Donaueschingen. Visitors learn more about the well-known FĂĽrstenberg beer. Check in advance whether a tour is available on your travel dates.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Aasen, Unterkirnach, Schönwald in the Black Forest, Furtwangen in the Black Forest, Schonach in the Black Forest, Triberg in the Black Forest, Niedereschach, Tuningen.
Back to the main travel guide: Schwarzwald-Baar District.
