CITIES & CASTLES

Nuremberg is an independent city in Bavaria, not far from Furth. The medieval architecture that runs through the entire city is still recognizable today. The old city walls and the Imperial Castle tell of days long gone. Nuremberg is famous for its Christmas market. The Christ child heralds the Advent and Christmas market season.

Kelheim is the administrative town of the district of the same name on the Danube. The small town in Lower Bavaria has about 17 000 inhabitants and offers its citizens a varied programme of leisure, culture, sports and education. The town is situated between Regensburg and Ingolstadt at the mouth of the Main-Danube Canal, where the old canal harbour dating from 1846 can be admired as a monument to earlier architecture. The nearby Altmühltal valley and the Danube breakthrough is very scenic and is where you will find the Benedictine abbey Kloster Weltenburg.

Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, the oldest city along the Danube and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the 12th century, is a masterpiece of medieval engineering with its 16 arches. St. Peter’s Cathedral is widely considered Bavaria’s best Gothic architectural work. The Old Town’s Neupfarrplatz square is a cross section of history - it was once a thriving Jewish quarter, a bustling marketplace and the site of Nazi book burnings

Located in Germany at the confluence of three rivers, as the river Danube is joined by the Inn from the south and the Ilz from the north, the Bavarian town of Passau has a charm that attracts tourists from far and wide. Passau is an exciting tapestry of old and new – a place that is modern and welcoming with many ancient traditions. The town can trace its roots back to the 2nd century AD when it was established as a colony of the Roman Empire. Pretty little lanes and beautiful squares, Passau has much to discover in the way of art and architecture, great places to eat and drink as well as fantastic places to party, shop, stroll and relax.

Melk is the gateway to Wachau. Anyone who approaches the historic city on the Danube will soon discover Melk Abbey, which towers high above the river. The abbey is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and is worth a visit in all seasons. The impressive baroque ensemble has been looked after buy the monks of the Benedictine order since 1089. Culture, faith and science come together in the magnificent rooms of the monastery.

Set along the Danube and surrounded by vineyards, the small town of Dürnstein welcomes visitors with stunning river views. From the boat, its highlights come into focus, the striking Kuenringerburg Castle ruins perched above the town and the beautiful baroque Dürnstein Abbey.

Sitting on the majestic Danube River, Vienna is one of the most cultural cities in Europe. Austria's capital has long been Europe's spiritual home of classical music. The heritage of famous composers seems to exude from the streets that are packed with magnificent architecture reflecting the grandeur of the imperial Hapsburgs. Must-see attractions include the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, City Hall and the Vienna State Opera. Don't forget to sample the Viennese cuisine. Be sure to try Vienna's famous Sacher Torte chocolate cake. Naschmarkt on the edge of Vienna's old town is a true foodie paradise! At around 5km long, it is the largest inner-city market and one of the most popular attractions.

Sitting on the majestic Danube River, Vienna is one of the most cultural cities in Europe. Austria's capital has long been Europe's spiritual home of classical music. The heritage of famous composers seems to exude from the streets that are packed with magnificent architecture reflecting the grandeur of the imperial Hapsburgs. Must-see attractions include the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, City Hall and the Vienna State Opera. Don't forget to sample the Viennese cuisine. Be sure to try Vienna's famous Sacher Torte chocolate cake. Naschmarkt on the edge of Vienna's old town is a true foodie paradise! At around 5km long, it is the largest inner-city market and one of the most popular attractions.