Aasen: Church history and cycle path

Aasen combines traces of history with a cycle path that serves both everyday traffic and tourism. St. Blasius, the surviving castle site and Aasen’s former role as a court and meeting place each add a different emphasis. If you are considering Aasen as a destination, these topics can help you decide whether to focus on local history or cycling.

Church, castle site and former role of the village

The church of St. Blasius in Aasen was first mentioned in 1124 and consecrated on 6 July 1747. The dates mark different historical milestones: an early mention and a later consecration date. The village’s former political role also extended beyond church life: under the Zähringers, Aasen was a court and meeting place. Church history and a former public function thus represent two distinct aspects of the village’s history.

The surviving site of Aasen’s former castle lies on a mountain spur in the direction of Heidenhofen. Unlike the dates associated with St. Blasius, this former castle site draws attention to its location. The wayside shrine in Aasen also offers its own cultural and historical connection: its relief was made by Johann Hall. The church, castle site and wayside shrine therefore each offer a different point of reference—from historical dates and location to the attribution of a relief.

A cycle path for everyday travel and tourism

The Donaueschingen–Aasen cycle path serves both everyday traffic and tourism, and connects to the Sole- und Quellenroute (Salt and Springs Route). Its purpose is therefore not exclusively touristic: everyday traffic is explicitly included as well. Its connection to the Sole- und Quellenroute adds another named route to the cycling options. For choosing what interests you, this is a different focus from the historical sites: the cycle path is primarily about its use and route connections.

Culture and landscape in the wider destination of Donaueschingen

The wider destination of Donaueschingen offers additional cultural and landscape-related themes. They form a distinct part of planning your trip and complement Aasen’s local highlights with the source of the Danube, the palace, collections, music and cycling routes.

The source of the Danube rises directly beside the Princely Fürstenberg Residence Palace in the palace park. Prince Karl Egon III of Fürstenberg had the current structure around the spring built in 1875. The Danube Temple has stood since 1910 at the point where water from the source of the Danube flows into the Brigach; it was extensively restored in 2016. The source and the temple thus mark different points of historical interest in the landscape.

The Residence Palace stands beside the source of the Danube in an extensive park with old trees, atmospheric ponds and waterways. The palace grounds invite you to take a stroll. Donaueschingen Palace is considered one of the most significant residences of the Belle Époque in Germany. The town church of St. Johann also stands directly beside the enclosed source of the Danube. It was built in the Bohemian Baroque style from 1724 to 1747. The year 1747 also appears in connection with St. Blasius in Aasen, as its consecration date; for St. Johann, it marks the end of the construction period.

At Karlsplatz in Donaueschingen, the Princely Fürstenberg Collections display minerals and fossils, a natural history collection with numerous specimens—most of them around 150 years old—and contemporary art across some 2,500 square metres. The range of themes thus extends from natural history to contemporary art. Since 1921, the Donaueschingen Festival has showcased experimental forms of contemporary music and sound art and is recognised worldwide as a festival of world premieres. Its programme includes orchestral and ensemble concerts as well as electronic performances and sound art.

Museum Art.Plus offers guided tours and workshops for all ages alongside its exhibitions. If you are planning a tour or workshop, check the latest dates before your trip.

Donaueschingen is also a starting point for cycling trips: the Danube Cycle Path begins there. From Donaueschingen, cyclists can explore the first 300 kilometres of the Danube; the first two days of cycling follow the young river through natural surroundings. This is another cycling highlight of the wider destination, alongside the Donaueschingen–Aasen cycle path and its connection to the Sole- und Quellenroute.

For the wider travel overview: Donaueschingen.