Main-Danube Canal
Photo: Janericloebe, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Main-Danube Canal (Main Donau Kanal) also known as the Europakanal ("Europe Canal") or the Rhein-Main Donau Kanal (abbreviated RMD) is mostly in Franconia (Upper and Middle Franconia) and partly in Bavaria (Lower Bavaria and two short stretches in Upper Palatinate). It links the Danube with the Main, a tributary of the Rhine, and thus the Black Sea to the North Sea. Its official end to end length is 170.71 km.
UnderstandThis canal was constructed starting in the 1960s and was opened along its full length in 1992.
PrepareThe easiest ways to experience the whole length of the canal is booking a cruise that goes through its entire length or taking a bike trip along the path of the canal.
Get inThe Canal links the Main river near Bamberg in Upper Franconia with the Danube near Kelheim in Lower Bavaria. The former is served by numerous regional trains and even the occasional ICE.
GoThis itinerary starts in the north at Bamberg even though it can naturally be done in both directions. As mentioned above, Bamberg is far easier to get to than Kelheim.
Stay safeThere are signs on the paths next to the canal that "entering them is on your own risk" and you should rather not fall into the water, as it may be difficult to get out, but other than that you should be safe.
Go nextObviously as this canal links Main and Danube, you can head on along those rivers if you have a watercraft or explore Upper Franconia or Lower Bavaria respectively.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Main-Danube Canal" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Janericloebe, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons