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Donau Altwasser Tegernheim

Bavaria  >  Germany

Natural Danube oxbow near Tegernheim with reedbeds, shallow waters and riparian forest. Good for herons, Common Kingfisher and migrating birds.

Added* by Thomas Jungbauer
Most recent update 27 January 2026
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Description

The Danube oxbow near Tegernheim is a quiet floodplain landscape with still backwaters, shallow channels, reedbeds, wet meadows, shrubs, and riparian woodland, creating a rich mosaic of habitats.

In winter, the Danube near Regensburg hosts resting Smew and Goosander, along with Eurasian Wigeon and Common Goldeneye. Common Pochard and Tufted Duck are also common. Scarcer visitors include Whooper Swan, Greater White-fronted Goose and Tundra Bean Goose, and on very rare occasions Lesser White-fronted Goose. Careful scanning of shrubs may reveal Great Grey Shrike, while Hen Harrier is sometimes seen hunting overhead. From time to time White-tailed Eagle can fly by.

With the first warm days of spring, waders such as Eurasian Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, and Common Snipe appear. In April and May, numbers increase and are joined by Western Marsh Harrier, Osprey, and European Honey-buzzard. From mid-April onward, Common Tern and Garganey become increasingly frequent on the water.

The site is especially attractive for its tranquility, seasonal bird diversity, and excellent opportunities to observe waterbirds and raptors at close range in a natural setting.

Details

Access

Donau Altwasser Tegernheim is located directly south of the town of Tegernheim. By car: From Regensburg, drive east on the B8 toward Tegernheim. Park in the village and walk to the Danube floodplain. Click on the P in the map for directions.

Public transport: Regular buses from Regensburg city center to Tegernheim (about 15–20 minutes). From the Tegernheim Gasthaus Federl bus stop (1), cross the village and walk or cycle to the oxbow along riverside paths.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , River , Lake , Mud flats , Agriculture , Reedbeds , Pond , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Flat , Wet

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Winter

Best time to visit

Spring , Autumn

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

In addition to bird watching, the area also offers cultural attractions.

Walhalla is a striking neoclassical monument above the Danube, modeled after a Greek temple and offering panoramic views over the river valley. It commemorates notable figures from German-speaking history and culture.

Donaustauf is a small historic town on the Danube, known for its medieval castle ruins perched above the river. The town serves as the gateway to Walhalla and is a pleasant stop with river views and walking paths.

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