Danube Gorge, Altbayern Travel Guide

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Experience Bavaria's natural wonder: the Danube Gorge, with towering cliffs and the historic Weltenburg Abbey.

The Danube Gorge, also known as Weltenburg Narrows, is a stunning natural reserve in Bavaria, Germany, characterized by towering limestone cliffs carved by the Danube River. This narrow valley, stretching 5.5 kilometers, offers breathtaking views and is home to the historic Weltenburg Abbey.

A brief summary to Danube Gorge

Asamstraße 22, Kelheim, Weltenburg, 93309, DE
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Danube Gorge.

Take a boat trip through the gorge for the best views of the towering cliffs and surrounding landscape.
Visit Weltenburg Abbey and sample the famous Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel beer.
Explore the hiking trails connecting Kelheim and Weltenburg for an active way to experience the gorge.
Check the boat schedule in advance, as trips are available between March and November.
Consider visiting the Liberation Hall in Kelheim, a 19th-century structure commemorating Bavaria's liberation.

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Explore Danube Gorge on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Danube Gorge, mapped for you.

Getting There

Boat

From Kelheim, take a boat tour to Weltenburg Abbey through the Danube Gorge. Boats depart regularly from Kelheim between March and November. Check the Schifffahrt Kelheim website for the current schedule. A one-way trip takes approximately 40 minutes, allowing you to admire the stunning scenery. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk at the Kelheim departure point. One way tickets are around €9, round trip is approximately €13.
Car

Drive to the village of Weltenburg (Asamstraße 2, 93309 Kelheim, Germany). Parking is available in the visitor parking lot in the village. From the parking lot, follow the trail along the river for approximately one kilometer (15 minutes) to reach Weltenburg Abbey. Parking fees vary, so bring cash. Note that vehicle access to the monastery is restricted to monks, guesthouse visitors, and delivery vehicles.
Public Transport

From Regensburg, take a bus to Kelheim and then change to another bus service to Weltenburg. Alternatively, take a train to Saal (Donau) and then a bus to Kelheim. From Kelheim, you can take bus lines 5 and 10 to Weltenburg. From mid-March to the end of October, a boat connection from Kelheim to the monastery is also available. Bus fares vary depending on the route, but expect to pay a few euros for each leg of the journey.

Discover more about Danube Gorge

The Danube Gorge, or Weltenburger Enge in German, is a captivating natural monument located near Kelheim in Lower Bavaria. This narrow section of the Danube Valley has been recognized as a nature reserve and geotope, attracting visitors with its dramatic landscape and historical significance.Formed during the Upper Jurassic period, the gorge features imposing limestone cliffs that rise up to 80 meters on either side of the river. The Danube River, cutting through these ancient rocks, creates a unique and picturesque environment. The area is not only a haven for nature lovers but also a site of geological importance, showcasing formations rich in fossils.King Ludwig I of Bavaria first designated the area as a natural monument in 1840, recognizing its exceptional beauty. Since then, the Danube Gorge has received numerous accolades, including the European Diploma in 1978 and recognition as one of Bavaria's most beautiful geotopes in 2002. In 2006, it was listed among Germany's 77 outstanding national geotopes.The gorge is also home to Weltenburg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with a rich history dating back to the 7th century. The abbey, situated on a peninsula within the Danube Gorge, is renowned for its Baroque architecture and its claim as the oldest monastic brewery in the world, dating back to 1050. Visitors can explore the abbey, sample its famous beer, and enjoy the scenic views of the Danube.The Danube Gorge offers a variety of activities, including boat tours, hiking trails, and cycling paths. Boat tours provide a unique perspective of the towering cliffs and lush forests along the river. Hiking trails connect Weltenburg with Kelheim, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area.