The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe and the only major river on the continent that flows from west to east. It passes through ten countries—more than any other river in the world.
Our journey begins in Linz at Danube kilometer 2135 and takes us to kilometer 0 in Sulina, covering a distance of 2135 km through nine countries: Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldava, Ukraine and Romania. The artists on board, most of whom grew up along the Danube and live on its shores, have a deep connection to the river, which is reflected in their work.
Markus Luger has been dedicated to shipbuilding since childhood and made a name for himself as the co-founder and designer of the high-speed ferry Donaubus. He holds a captain’s license and gained several years of professional experience in cargo shipping in Germany.
Christine Pavlic has been working for many years as an artist on the theme of „water surfaces as public space“ and developed, among other things, a water bicycle. She worked for four years as a boat operator at Donaubus and will begin training new captains at the Shipaholics maritime school in 2025.
Stephan Roiss recently obtained his 10-meter license and has already contributed dramatic works to the „Kulturbaden“ project for Linz09, for which Gigi Gratt composed the music.
Gratt has been working as a boat operator at Donaubus for many years, combining his nautical expertise with musical creativity.
The Danube serves as both a symbolic and real connection, bringing together the diverse cultures and communities along its course. It is not just a dynamic geographical thread but also a source of inspiration that fosters cultural and democratic exchange while also inviting ongoing reflection on ecological issues.
