The Danube is one of the longest rivers in Europe traversing more countries than any other river in the World. The 

Tour International Danubien (TID)

runs over a length of 2'082 kilometres or 1'301 miles from Ingolstadt, Germany to Silistra in Bulgaria, passing Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Serbia. Usually, several participants continue past the official end into Romania and all the way to the mouthing into the Black Sea. The TID is defined for kayaks, canoes and rowing boats. The use of motor boats is not allowed.

The TID has always had considerable international impact. From the beginning, one of the key objectives was to bring together people from different countries, to learn about their way of life, their culture and customs, regardless of political or religious beliefs and racial origins. Its aim is to promote friendship among participants and with the citizens of those places the TID is passing, thereby bringing forward friendship and peace between the people in the Danube-countries.

The decision making body of the TID is the so called "conference". During the annual meetings, decisions are made about the length of the sections, entry requirements, upcoming tasks or charter policy questions. The conference also decides about the distribution of TID awards. The official TID language is German for correspondence, records and meetings.

According to the charter, all TID participants should be given free camp sites, drinking water, free use of sanitary facilities and if required, first aid. The entry fees for the participants are different from country to country, but they still only just cover the organisers‘ expenses. The TID organisers in each country operate as nonprofits entities. Without exception they contribute their time free of charge - there are no paid TID employees.

TID participants are self-supporters. They must carry their luggage in their own boats, sleep in their tents and provide food for themselves. The camp sites are selected by the organisers also allowing for the availability of sanitary facilities and shopping possibilities. Sanitary facilities may be of varying quality, but drinking water is safe everywhere and basic food purchases can be made. Participants should be equipped to prepare their own food, as not all locations have restaurants or buffets. The host locations occasionally welcome the participants with a simple meal, which is a very pleasant treat after a tiring day.

 The participants have to meet certain physical and mental challenges. Regardless of the weather (heat, rain, strong winds), the daily sections are 40 to 65 km. Participants have to be prepared to paddle 6 or 7 consecutive days, spending 5 to 7 hours per day on the river. Due to safety reasons, it is forbidden to stay on the water after dark. Persons with diabetes, circulatory problems or those prone of bursitis or joint or muscle irritations and any other health problems should seek medical advice before entering.

Carefully selected good quality equipment is among the most important requirements. Other significant aspects of water touring can only be experienced in practical application, such as the selection of a good place to set up a tent, the placement of packages in the boat and last but not least efficient defence against mosquitoes.

 Usually, the TID starts on the last Saturday in June and ends during the last days of August. About 50 different camp sites are used and the entire tour takes about 65 days including 16 to 17 rest days. According to their registration, participants can start and finish the TID at any moment.

 Participants come from different professions and social backgrounds. They may be opera singers, preachers, workers, students or doctors, unemployed persons or 70 to 80 year old retirees. TID friends not only come from the Danube-countries, but from all over the World, e.g. France, Italy, Israel, Australia, Japan, Chile or North America. What counts on the river is the personality of the individual only.

 We welcome all water touring enthusiasts. For further information and registration please refer to: www.tour-international-danubien.org . Deadline for entry is at the end of April.

Please spread the word among your friends and join us on the river.