Danube from River to Route: An Analysis on Slow and Cultural Tourism Development of the German Danube Cycling Path

The paper analyses the process by which the historical and cultural landscape of a river has been transformed into a tourist project, a resource open to anyone wishing to undertake a travel experience and discovery of the territory. In particular, the case study of the Danube Cycling Path in Germany is considered, by describing its main historical characteristics and the contemporary regeneration. The analysis demonstrates the richness and the opportunities in terms of cultural and historical heritage of a path along such a relevant natural resource, but also the need to plan and design an accurate strategy to develop slow tourism projects. As a matter of fact, the research emphasizes the collaborative efforts of federal, state and local authorities, with reference to the different public and private actors involved in the complex management and maintenance of the Danube Cycling Path.