Dazzling Upper & Lower Danube: Nuremberg to the Iron Gates

Nuremberg is a city with a rich history that spans both medieval times and the 20th century. Its medieval old town is surrounded by 14th-century walls and features impressive Gothic architecture, including the Nuremberg Castle and the Church of St. Sebald, which date back to the 12th century. The city's medieval past is also evident in the beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, and historic fountains that can be found throughout the city. However, Nuremberg is also known for its dark Nazi history, as it was the site of major Nazi rallies during the 1930s. The rallies were highly choreographed events designed to showcase the strength and unity of the Nazi Party and its followers. They featured parades of uniformed Nazi Party members, military displays, and speeches by Nazi leaders, including Adolf Hitler. Today, Nuremberg serves as a reminder of its complex past. While the city's medieval history can be seen in its architecture and landmarks, visitors can also learn about its role in the rise of the Nazi Party by visiting the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, designed by Nazi architect Albert Speer. Despite its troubled history, Nuremberg is a vibrant and diverse city that embraces its past while looking towards the future.

Nuremberg is a city with a rich history that spans both medieval times and the 20th century. Its medieval old town is surrounded by 14th-century walls and features impressive Gothic architecture, including the Nuremberg Castle and the Church of St. Sebald, which date back to the 12th century. The city's medieval past is also evident in the beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, and historic fountains that can be found throughout the city. However, Nuremberg is also known for its dark Nazi history, as it was the site of major Nazi rallies during the 1930s. The rallies were highly choreographed events designed to showcase the strength and unity of the Nazi Party and its followers. They featured parades of uniformed Nazi Party members, military displays, and speeches by Nazi leaders, including Adolf Hitler. Today, Nuremberg serves as a reminder of its complex past. While the city's medieval history can be seen in its architecture and landmarks, visitors can also learn about its role in the rise of the Nazi Party by visiting the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, designed by Nazi architect Albert Speer. Despite its troubled history, Nuremberg is a vibrant and diverse city that embraces its past while looking towards the future.

Why has there been a hunting lodge called Ratibor in the Franconian town of Roth since 1535? Because its margrave builder financed it with the income from his Silesian estates. It is and remains the jewel in the crown of a town with a thousand years of history. The lanes between the castle and the market square are lined with architectural monuments, including the late-Gothic town church and the 400-year-old Riffelmacherhaus, one of the most beautiful half-timbered houses in Franconia.

In the Middle Ages, Regensburg was one of the most important cities in the Holy Roman Empire and served as the site of numerous imperial diets (assemblies). During the Reformation, it played a significant role as a meeting place for Catholic and Protestant leaders who attempted to reconcile their differences. This effort ultimately failed, leading to the Thirty Years' War, which devastated much of Europe. In the 19th century, Regensburg became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria, and its economy flourished as a center of trade and industry. Regensburg is known for its stunning architecture, including the Gothic-style St. Peter's Cathedral and the historic Stone Bridge, which dates back to the 12th century. Today, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A Bavarian Museum showcases the region's unique cultural heritage through an extensive collection of artifacts, artwork, and historical objects displaying everything from the area's early settlement and development to its modern-day traditions and customs. Another popular attraction in Regensburg is the historic Wurstkuchl, also known as the Sausage Kitchen. Located on the banks of the Danube River, this restaurant has been serving up traditional Bavarian sausages since the 12th century. According to local legend, the Sausage Kitchen was founded by a group of boatmen who would stop there for a hearty meal after a long day's work on the river. Today, the same sausages that have been served for centuries are on offer, along with a cold beer.

The city sits at the confluence of three rivers and had therefore military importance. The fortress Veste Oberhaus now houses the museum and the Dom features a great organ.

Austria’s third largest city and famous for its baroque styled Main Square, beautiful old town center, great shopping, the Schloss Museum and the Mariendom which can hold 20.000 worshippers.

Melk’s main attraction is the abbey, where Benedictine monks still live and dedicate their work to culture and education. Another highlight close by is the Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand Museum auf Castle Artstetten.

In Vienna walk in the footsteps of famous composers like Mozart or Strauss, visit one of over one hundred museums, visit Palaces, listen to great music in the famous Opera House, watch the Lipizzaner horses train at the Spanish Riding School.

In Vienna walk in the footsteps of famous composers like Mozart or Strauss, visit one of over one hundred museums, visit Palaces, listen to great music in the famous Opera House, watch the Lipizzaner horses train at the Spanish Riding School.

Budapest has much to offer like the Castle Garden Bazaar, the Fisherman’s Bastion or Mathias Church. There are plenty of highlights to explore or guests can choose to relax in one of the many hot springs spas the city is famous for.

Budapest has much to offer like the Castle Garden Bazaar, the Fisherman’s Bastion or Mathias Church. There are plenty of highlights to explore or guests can choose to relax in one of the many hot springs spas the city is famous for.

The port of Mohács, in Hungary, serves as a vital transportation hub connecting the region to other parts of Europe. This bustling port facilitates both commercial and leisure ships. The port holds historical significance tied to the Battle of Mohács, which led to this part of Hungary being under Ottoman control for many years. This port serves as a reminder of Hungary's complex and rich history.

Novi Sad is a university town and the local says that there is always a festival or concert going on. That may be the reason why Novi said received the titles Youth Capital of Europe 2019 und European Capital of Culture 2022.

The Serbian capital city has much to offer; the fortress is a testament of Belgrade’s importance through history. Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum or learn more about former Yugoslavia via the museum of the same name. Explore on foot or by bike.

The Danube has often forced the small town on the Serbian bank to relocate - in the past because of flooding, and more recently because the Iron Gate power station has changed the river landscape. The magnificent natural setting of the Derdap National Park, which surrounds the town, remains unimpressed. Nearby, archaeologists have unearthed a sensation: Sculptures, weapons and tools up to 9,000 years old bear witness to an advanced Stone Age civilisation - Lepenski Vir, one of the oldest settlements in Europe.

One of Bulgaria's oldest towns nestles like a crescent on the banks of the Danube, dominated by the imposing medieval fortress of Baba Vida. It offers a glimpse into its eventful history - and a view of the enchanting river landscape. Vidin is a city of architectural diversity - ancient traces of the Thracians and Romans, Bulgaria's second largest cathedral, magnificent Ottoman buildings and an unadorned socialist heritage. An enchanting journey through time.

The Ottomans built the Clock Tower in the centre of the city in 1771 as a watchtower. They ruled the strategically important city on the Danube for a long time, and the ruins of the 14th-century fortress still bear witness to its eventful past. It was not until the 19th century that the tower began to tell the time. Back then, Giurgiu was known throughout Europe to wealthy globetrotters because the legendary Orient Express stopped here. Now crusaders are discovering the border town. A 2.2-kilometre-long bridge over the Danube connects it to Ruse on the Bulgarian bank.