Schlogener Schlinge

Between Passau and Linz the Danube runs through the Bohemian Massif, and at Schlögen it meets granite hard enough to turn it: the river swings almost a hundred and eighty degrees, runs back on itself, and then turns again - a double loop cut into the rock over millions of years as the massif rose and the river held its course. The standard view is from the Schlögener Blick, a platform on the ridge above, reached by crossing on the small ferry and climbing about half an hour through forest, and it shows both bends at once. The Danube cycle path runs along the bank and most people arrive that way. Roman remains, including a fort and baths, have been excavated at Schlögen where the river narrows.

What you actually see

• A double river hairpin - the Danube turning back on itself twice in granite.
• The Schlögener Blick - the ridge platform showing both bends together.
• A river ferry - the small crossing to reach the viewpoint side.
• Roman remains - a fort and baths excavated at the narrows.

When to go

April to October. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The viewpoint needs a ferry crossing and about half an hour of climbing. The ferry runs seasonally and stops in high water. There is little at Schlögen itself beyond the cycle path stop.

Nearby

Passau is upstream in Germany; Linz is downstream.