Donauwörth

Donauwörth, a captivating city in Bavaria, Germany, rests at the strategic meeting point of the Danube and Wörnitz rivers. Local lore suggests the town was founded by two fishermen on the Ried island, an area that still offers a pleasant retreat with cafés and a local museum. The city is a notable stop along Germany's scenic "Romantic Road," a route celebrated for its picturesque towns and cultural significance.

With a population under 20,000, Donauwörth presents a compact and easily explorable historic core. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, colorful facades, and the unique geographical setting where two rivers intertwine contribute to its distinct character. Donauwörth invites visitors to slow their pace and immerse themselves in its long story and local rhythms.

Beyond its visual appeal, Donauwörth serves as a center for various activities. From exploring ancient city gates and churches to enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding Bavarian-Swabian Danube-Ries district, the city offers a blend of historical exploration and outdoor enjoyment.

## From Fishing Settlement to Free Imperial City Donauwörth's origins trace back to the 10th century as a fishing settlement on the Ried island in the Wörnitz River. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Danube and Wörnitz rivers quickly elevated its importance, especially along the trade route between Augsburg and Nuremberg. By the 12th century, Donauwörth had grown into a town, protected by the now-vanished Mangoldstein Castle.

The town was granted city rights in 1193 and became a significant port on the Danube in Swabia, serving as a crucial transshipment point for salt. Donauwörth flourished as a "Free Imperial City" within the Holy Roman Empire from 1301 to 1607, directly accountable to the emperor rather than a local duke. This period saw considerable economic growth and the construction of its main street, Reichsstrasse, which became a commercial center.

## Religious Strife and Wars Donauwörth's history is marked by religious conflicts. The city adopted the Reformation in 1555. However, in 1606, an incident where the Protestant majority prevented Catholic residents from holding their annual Markus procession escalated into a riot. This event, and the subsequent efforts by Maximilian I of Bavaria to reestablish Catholicism, contributed to the tensions that ultimately helped precipitate the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648). During this devastating war, Donauwörth was stormed by Gustavus Adolphus in 1632 and captured by Ferdinand III in 1634.

Another significant military engagement occurred near Donauwörth during the War of the Spanish Succession. In 1704, the Battle of Schellenberg took place, where John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, led his forces against the French army. The defeat of the Bavarian forces near Donauwörth led to the city losing its privileges as an independent town, and it was annexed to Bavaria in 1714.

## Modern Donauwörth Despite heavy bombing raids in April 1945 that destroyed 75 percent of the town, Donauwörth has been rebuilt, preserving its historic old town. Today, it remains a "Große Kreisstadt" (major district town) and continues to be a lively center where history and modern life intertwine.

Begin your exploration on the Reichsstrasse, Donauwörth's main street, which once served as an imperial route between Nuremberg and Augsburg. This street is lined with impressive patrician houses and leads to the Fuggerhaus, a 16th-century Renaissance building that now houses regional government offices. Its intricate carvings and painted facade are a testament to the wealth of the Fugger banking family.

At the top of Reichsstrasse stands the Liebfrauenmünster (Minster of Our Lady), a Gothic parish church constructed between 1444 and 1467. In warmer months, you can ascend its tower for an expansive view of the city and the surrounding Bavarian countryside. Nearby, the Holy Cross Monastery Church, a classic example of late Baroque architecture, dates from the early 18th century and holds a relic believed to be a fragment of the True Cross.

Cross over to the Ried Island, a pedestrianized area between the arms of the Wörnitz River. Here, you'll find the local museum, which focuses on 19th-century inhabitants. The Rieder Tor, one of the city's original four gates, houses the Town History Museum, offering insights into Donauwörth's past as a Free Imperial City. For a unique cultural experience, visit the Käthe Kruse Doll Museum, showcasing the work of the renowned dollmaker whose creations are now collector's items. Do not miss the Donauspitz, the park at the confluence of the Danube and Wörnitz rivers, offering a peaceful spot to observe the meeting of the two waterways.

The ideal time to visit Donauwörth for warm-weather activities is from late June to late August, when temperatures average highs of 25°C (77°F). July is typically the warmest month and also receives the most sunshine, with around 8.1 hours per day. While July is also the wettest month, with an average of 3.1 inches of rain, the comfortable temperatures generally make it a good time for outdoor exploration. If you prefer slightly cooler weather, May and September also offer pleasant conditions. Winters are cold, with January being the chilliest month, averaging a low of -2°C (28°F).

Donauwörth is easily accessible by train, with its railway station located southwest of the city center. It serves as an important junction with connections to major cities in all directions. For those flying, Munich, Nuremberg, and Memmingen airports are all relatively close. The city center is best explored on foot, allowing you to appreciate its historic streets and riverside areas.

The Städt. Tourist-Information Donauwörth, located in the historic town hall on Rathausgasse, is an excellent starting point for visitors. They can provide information on attractions, offer self-guided walking tour leaflets, and assist with accommodation. Several cafés and restaurants are available, particularly on the Ried Island and along Reichsstrasse, offering a variety of dining options. Parking is available, with options like the parking garage at Münster (Schustergasse) being free to use.