The Danube is Europe’s second largest river and is located in Center and Eastern Europe. Floating through 10 countries, the Danube crosses four capital cities before it plunges into the Black Sea, creating to amazing Danube Delta.

The river flows through many cities, making it a difficult task to just choose a handful to write about. The article lists charming cities to visit, from source to the mouth.

Sigmaringen

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Located in Southern Germany, Sigmaringen is one of the popular stops on the Danube River Bike Trail. Sigmaringen is well known for its castle, the seat of the principality of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen . While you are here, make sure to visit the upper Danube River Valley, between Singmaringen and Tuttlingen as the limestone hills make a perfect material for the Danube to cut through.

Ulm

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Located in Bavaria, Ulm is home to the highest church steeple in the world (161.53m). It is the home town of Albert Einstein and offers some interesting things to do. The cathedral is the main landmark, while the Fishermen’s Quarter is the scenic old part of the town. Come here before the winter holidays to experience the interesting Christmas Market.

Regensburg

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Located in Bavaria, Regensburg is one of the oldest German towns, having been founded by the Romans in 179 A.D. The old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , very popular for the cathedral and the stone bridge. Luckily, Regensburg was one of the cities which was largely undamaged in the Second World War.

Passau

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Located in Lower Bavaria, Passau stands on the confluence of three rivers: Inn, Ilz and Danube. The city stands on the Danube Bike Trail and is the start of one of the most traveled stretches, which ends in Vienna. While tourism here focuses on the three rivers, the Cathedral and the Old City are also important sights.

Linz

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Located in the center of Europe, Linz is the third largest city in Austria. With a large old town and charming castle, the city offers the visitor quite a lot things to do. A variety of festivals keep you busy , as well.

Vienna

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The capital of Austria, Vienna is also the country’s largest city. Its historical center is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and offers a lot of places to visit. The river doesn’t pass through its center, but you can still see it skirting the edges of the town. The Danube Bike Trail passes by as well. Come before the winter holidays to check out the famous Christmas Market located in front of the Town Hall. And don’t forget to stroll on Ring Street.

Bratislava

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The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city, with its historical area easily handed on foot. The Danube Promenade offers a lovely place to slow down and enjoy the views. Take a boat on the river and stop at Devin Castle. Within the city limits, the Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral and The Blue Church are all well worth your time.

Esztergom

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Located on the border between Slovakia and Hungary, Esztergom is home to the biggest church in Hungary. There is also a lovely castle to check out and a variety of museums.

Visegrád

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Located to the north of Budapest, Visegrád’s castle can be easily spotted from the train station, as it stands across the Danube. There are three fortification systems here: the upper castle, the lower castle and the Royal Palace. On a hill overlooking the Danube there’s also the ruins of a Roman military camp.

Szentendre

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Located only 19km from Budapest, Szentendre (Saint Andrew) is a charming town which attracts visitors for its picture perfect streets and many art galleries. It can be easily visited as a day trip from the capital, even on a bike, as the route is incredibly scenic. Seven churches, along with the Hungarian Open Air-Museum and the Marzipan Museum will also keep you busy here.

Budapest

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The capital of Hungary, Budapest literally tells the tale of two cities, as the Danube cuts through it. The Pest side, with its Parliament and Central Market , is complemented by the Buda side, with its amazing Buda Castle, Fishermen Bastion and super vantage points from the Citadella. Chain Bridge links the two sides and is only one of the bridges in Budapest. Come here before the winter holidays to enjoy the scents and sounds of the Christmas Markets.

Vukovar

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Located in Croatia, Vukovar has had an unfortunate history. Completely devastated in the 1990’s during the war in the former Yougoslavia. The main Catholic Cathedral and the Serbian Orthodox Church are well worth your time. A walk on its streets is indeed a history lesson.

Novi Sad

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Located between Budapest and Belgrade, Novi Sad is a compact city which can easily be tackled on foot. The Ptrovaradin Fortress, located on the right bank of the Danube is the main sight in the city and is home to an interesting museum. The Old Town Hall, as well as some churches are well worth your time.

Belgrade

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The capital of Serbia, Belgrade literally means “White City”. The city center is compact enough to be tackled on foot, with the Kalemegdan-Belgrade Fortress being the highlight of your visit. Nowadays, it serves as the capital’s central park but the fortress walls still exist. Some palaces, charming squares and a lot of churches will also keep you busy during your visit here.

Drobeta Turnu Severin

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Located in Oltenia, Drobeta Turnu Severin stands on the Danube, below the Iron Gates. Near the city, the remains of Trajan’s Bridge – built by Apollodor of Damascus, the largest in the Roman Empire, can still be found. The remains of the Roman caster are also still visible. Another important landmark is the Water Castle, which now houses several art and culture exhibitions.

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Vidin

Located on the border between Bulgaria and Romania, Vidin is currently the poorest city in the European Union. However, it is a beautiful town and has a lot of historical sites to check out. The city is home to two very well preserved medieval fortresses: Baba Vida and Kaleto. Museums and a lot of churches will also keep you busy during your visit.

Sulina

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Located very close to the Black Sea, Sulina is the last town through which the Danube passes through. It is right in the Danube Delta and is a great choice if you want to explore both the natural reserve and spend some time on the beach.

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