Danube river

The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe after the Volga in Russia. It flows through Central and Southeastern Europe, originating in the Black Forest in Germany and emptying into the Black Sea via its delta in Romania. This great river once served as the border of the Roman Empire. In the 21st century, the Danube connects ten European countries, either flowing through them or forming their borders. The river originates in Germany and flows southeast, stretching 2,850 km and passing through or bordering Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine. Four capital cities are located on its banks: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade. The Danube’s drainage basin covers an area of 817,000 km², encompassing nine additional countries. The longest tributary of the Danube is the Breg River, which originates in Furtwangen im Schwarzwald. The river’s name derives from the point where it flows into the palace park in Donaueschingen. The Danube has long been an important trade route in Europe. Today, its navigable stretch is 2,415 km long. The river is connected to the North Sea via the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, which links the Danube at Kelheim with the Main at Bamberg. The Danube is also an important source of hydropower and drinking water. Its basin is home to various species of fish, including pike, zander, catfish, burbot, tench, carp, sturgeon, salmon, and trout. In the delta and lower reaches of the river, one can find European sea bass, mullet, and eel. Cities and villages Germany Donaueschingen Möhringen an der Donau Erbach Ulm Neu-Ulm Günzburg Donauwörth Ingolstadt Kelheim Regensburg Straubing Deggendorf Passau Austria Linz Krems an der Donau Tulln an der Donau Vienna Slovakia Bratislava Komárno Štúrovo Hungary Mosonmagyaróvár Esztergom Visegrád Szentendre Budapest Dunaújváros Mohács Croatia Vukovar Ilok Serbia Apatin Bačka Palanka Novi Sad Sremski Karlovci Zemun Belgrade Pančevo Veliko Gradište Golubac Donji Milanovac Kladovo Bulgaria Vidin Lom Kozloduy Oryahovo Nikopol Belene Svishtov Ruse Tutrakan Silistra Romania Orșova Drobeta-Turnu Severin Calafat Corabia Cernavodă Hârșova Brăila Galați Sulina Moldavia Giurgiulești Ukraine Reni Izmail Kilia Vilkovo Tourism There are many important natural and tourist attractions along the Danube. Among them are the Wachau Valley in Austria, the Danube Auen National Park, Gemenc in Hungary, the Upper Danube Nature Park in Germany, Kopački Rit in Croatia, the Iron Gates in Serbia and Romania, as well as the Danube Delta and the Srebarna Nature Reserve in Bulgaria. Cruises and tourist trips along the Danube also play an important role. In addition to the popular route between Vienna and Budapest, some ships sail from Passau (Germany) to the Danube Delta and back. During peak season, more than 70 cruise ships operate on the river, and sections free of traffic can only be explored by canoe or boat. The Danube is of immense cultural and historical significance to the region. Its breathtaking sights and well-developed infrastructure attract many tourists. Austria records more than 14 million overnight stays and about 6.5 million visitor arrivals each year. The banks of the Danube in Budapest are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They can be seen on numerous city tours. See also France travel guide Spain travel guide Catalonia travel guide Pyrenees travel guide The post Danube river first appeared on All PYRENEES.