Creative lifestyles can be experienced in dynamic urban centers along the Danube, such as Linz, Bratislava or Belgrade, that offer a lot to young visitors and to the young at heart.
The Serbian capital Belgrade has long been considered the “Berlin of Southeast Europe” given its unique urban vibe, young population and the lively nightlife. But also smaller cities such as Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, Linz in Austria or the Bavarian city of Ingolstadt are centers of a creative scene that allow interesting visits. Linz was the cultural capital of Europe and was named City of Media Arts in December 2014 by UNESCO, therefore becoming a member of the Creative Cities Networks (UCCN).
Belgrade, a city of almost two million habitants, enjoys a growing popularity as a hip destination for city breaks. Thanks to the reputation as a party metropolis, plenty of people follow the call of the city, not only due to low prices but also because of the broad cultural offer and the many entertainment opportunities. Characteristic of Belgrade are bars, restaurants and clubs called „Splavs“, on ships on both the Danube and the Sava river. Further upstream in the Northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, a group of enthusiastic students founded the EXIT Music Festival in the year 2000, during the breakup of Yugoslavia. In 2013 it has been elected Best European Festival at the EU Festival Awards. Novi Sad is a candidate for European Capital of Culture in 2021.
David Guetta live @ EXIT Magic Festival 2016 in Novi Sad – Grand Opening
Bratislava is both an important center for services and high-tech as well as a point of attraction for global companies in the IT and media industry. Given that it is a university city with lots of students, many young and creative people reside here. In the tri – border region of Slovakia, Hungary and Austria, fans of water sports have plenty of options. Near Bratislava the biggest water sports center along the entire Danube can be found, where surfing or action water sports such as rafting are possible. It is easy to access the city with the Twin City Liner, a high-speed catamaran; Bratislava and Vienna are connected via the Danube by daily regular schedule.
The Ars Electronica Center (AEC), also known as the “museum of the future”, was re-opened in Linz when the city was European Capital of Culture. Tomorrow’s technologies are presented here. With the recently obtained UNESCO title City of Media Arts, Linz was honored as a brand for creativity and innovation. From the city it is just a quick walk to the Danube. Near the AEC, the Lentos Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art can be found right on the banks of the Danube, forming together the avantgarde heart of the city.
Likewise, the idyllic city of Ingolstadt at the Bavarian Danube offers multifaceted lifestyle and leisure options. The Ingolstadt Village, a big design outlet center with boutiques of designer labels from Germany and the entire world, has been established here. The Audi Forum is a company-owned museum and event location in an architecturally sophisticated setting. Ingolstadt is also home to the Museum of Concrete Art, the only museum of its kind in Germany.
Audi Late Light Show – Projection Mapping on Audi Forum Ingolstadt
City trips along the Danube can be easily combined with nature-oriented and active vacations as the urban centers are connected to biking routes such as the Danube Bike Trail, as well as hiking trails. That is precisely their charm, with endless possibilities to combine a “Town – Country – River” experience in one trip.
For more information about these cities along the Danube fueled by a spirit of creativity, please visit:
Ingolstadt (Bavaria, Germany): ingolstadt-tourismus.de
Linz (Upper Austria, Austria): linztourismus.at
Bratislava (Capital of Slovakia): visitbratislava.com
Novi Sad (Vojvodina, Serbia): novisad.travel
Belgrade (Capital of Serbia): tob.rs
Source: Mascontour / DCC – Danube Competence Center
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