Donaueschingen

Donaueschingen is a town in the Schwarzwald-Baar district in Baden-Württemberg, where the Brigach and Breg rivers converge to formally begin the Danube. The historic center sits on the edge of the eastern Baar plateau, surrounded by forests and rolling hills.

The settlement was first recorded as Esginga in 889 and developed into a regional center under the Fürstenberg family. In 1283, Heinrich von Fürstenberg received brewing rights from Rudolf von Habsburg, strengthening the economic role of the settlement.

The name comes from its location on the Eschach, an older term for the Brigach river. Visitors today see the princely buildings and the marked spring in the castle park, which symbolizes the start of Europe's longest river.

The town sits at the junction of several railway lines and connects to larger cities via the A864 motorway. Those on foot can easily reach the castle park and the marked Danube spring in the center.

The Fürstenberg Library preserves original scores of five Mozart operas, giving researchers insight into historical performance practice. The music festival, held since 1921, has hosted premieres of major works in contemporary classical composition.

Location: Schwarzwald-Baar district

Location: Donaueschingen GVV

Elevation above the sea: 677 m

Shares border with: Villingen-Schwenningen

Website: https://donaueschingen.de

GPS coordinates: 47.95342,8.49593

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:56