Donaueschingen is located between the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb, right near the source of the Danube.
The Brigach River flows through Donaueschingen and to the east of the city joins the Breg to form the Danube.
The Danube with 2860 km is the second longest waterway in Europe after the Volga River and is navigable.
Known throughout history as one of the frontiers of the Roman Empire, the Danube flows within the borders of ten European countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine.
Its catchment area, however, includes nine other countries such as Switzerland, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia.
Through its course it passes through various capitals such as Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade.
When it comes to the true origin of the Danube, three sources are the focus of the discussion:
- Breg spring near Furtwangen: It is located at an altitude of 1078 m above sea level. Since the Breg is not only the longest spring river (46 km), but also the most water-rich in the Danube, hydrographically its source is considered the true source of the Danube.
- Brigach spring: Together with the Breg, it forms the second most important source river. However, the Brigach is shorter and contains less water than the Breg, which is why it is not considered a main source according to hydrological criteria.
- The symbolic source of the Danube in Donaueschingen: In the park of Donaueschingen Castle there is one of the most beautiful and famous springs in Germany with a marble fountain from the nineteenth century.
Sailing along the Danube, the numbers indicating the kilometers are placed in descending order. Km 0 of the river is located in Sulima, near the delta, and from there it goes up.
In Europe, river signaling is normally signaled from source to mouth. Since the Danube has several sources, it is easier and safer to number backwards, in order to avoid erroneous indications for sailors and unpleasant city discussions in the Black Forest.
