Discover Aasen’s history and cycle routes

Aasen combines a long ecclesiastical history with traces of its past and a cycle route used both for everyday journeys and tourism. Those interested in historic sites and cycling will find a range of themes here to consider when choosing a destination.

Church history and earlier traces

St. Blasius Church in Aasen was first mentioned in 1124 and consecrated on 6 July 1747. These two dates mark different stages in its history: its first recorded mention and the consecration of the church in its present form. For travellers who like to explore historical developments through specific dates, this spans a considerable period of time.

Under the Zähringen dynasty, Aasen was a judicial and assembly site. This role adds another perspective on the town to its church history. Another trace of the past is the surviving castle site of the former castle of Aasen, located on a spur of a hill towards Heidenhofen. The relief on the wayside shrine in Aasen is also linked to a specific artist: it was created by Johann Hall. The church, castle site and wayside shrine represent different historical themes—from ecclesiastical history and the former castle to the attribution of a relief. Families who enjoy exploring history from several perspectives can choose their own focus here.

Cycling for everyday journeys and on tourist routes

The Donaueschingen–Aasen cycle route serves both everyday traffic and tourism, and connects to the Salt and Springs Route. This makes it more than just a leisure route: it is also used for everyday journeys. Its connection to the Salt and Springs Route adds a specifically named route network to this aspect. If cycling is an important part of your trip, you can take this information into account alongside Aasen’s historical themes.

Donaueschingen: a distinct focus on culture and landscape

In Donaueschingen itself, the source of the Danube and the Princely Fürstenberg Residence Palace are closely linked in the landscape: the source rises right beside the palace, which stands in an extensive park with mature trees, ponds and waterways. Prince Karl Egon III of Fürstenberg had the present structure around the Danube source built in 1875. The Danube Temple has stood at the point where the spring water flows into the Brigach since 1910; it was comprehensively restored in 2016.

St. Johann’s Church in Donaueschingen also adds a distinctive architectural touch. Built between 1724 and 1747 in the Bohemian Baroque style, it stands right beside the enclosed Danube source. At Karlsplatz, the Princely Fürstenberg Collections display minerals and fossils across around 2,500 square metres, a natural history collection with numerous specimens—mostly around 150 years old—and contemporary art. These varied offerings give families a choice of cultural themes.

Since 1921, the Donaueschingen Festival has showcased experimental forms of contemporary music and sound art. The internationally acclaimed festival of world premieres features orchestral and ensemble concerts, electronic performances and sound art. If you are interested in a specific event date, check the schedule before travelling. Museum Art.Plus in Donaueschingen offers guided tours and workshops for all ages alongside its exhibitions; check the current programme in advance.

For the general travel overview: Donaueschingen.