Time to swim the Danube
From the Black Forest to the Black SeaWhy the Danube?
1. The ultimate long-distance adventure
At 2,850 km, the Danube is the longest river in Europe that can be swum in its entirety. Currents, barrages, and weather make each stage unique. Crossing ten countries makes the adventure challenging and combines physical excellence with cultural diversity.
2. A new dimension of extreme swimming
After the Rhine and the Elbe, the Danube sets a new benchmark in Joseph's sporting career. 50 km every day, changing conditions, enormous distances – a personal milestone that only a few have mastered so far.
3. A strong signal for environmental protection and a spirit of adventure
The Danube is ecologically and economically significant. With this project, Joseph aims to raise awareness of water conservation and inspire people to take up extreme sports.
Joseph Hess is a passionate long-distance swimmer and has already successfully completed several impressive swimming projects. After completing his doctorate at Chemnitz University of Technology in 2020, he took over as head of the university's accelerator program. At the same time, he prepared intensively for his great Rhine adventure, which he successfully completed in 2022. He now lives and works as a sales manager in Berlin and is planning his next big project for 2026: swimming the entire length of the Danube.
Dr. Günther Pipp
CEO der
St.Gallen Business School
“Anyone who swims against the tide with their business ideas must be able to crawl well. With this in mind, we wish you all the best for this exciting project, Dr. Hess. Don't forget what you learned from us: managers who find themselves in deep water should seek solid ground beneath their feet.”
Prof. Dr. Uwe Götze
Prorektor für Transfer
und Weiterbildung
Once again, I am impressed by Dr. Hess's thirst for adventure. I think it's great how he manages to combine endurance swimming with scientific commitment. I wish Joseph all the best and good luck on his journey down the Danube."
Uwe Bauch
Vorstandsvorsitzender community4you AG
“It takes more than talent and skill to create something extraordinary. As a start-up consultant, Dr. Hess knows from his professional experience how important determination, ambition, passion, and character are. I am convinced that he has what it takes—the necessary hardware and software, so to speak—to conquer the Danube!”
Joseph has already conquered two of Europe's largest rivers – in 2017, he swam 620 kilometers down the Elbe, and in 2022, he even mastered the entire length of the Rhine, covering 1,300 kilometers. Immerse yourself in his epic journey and experience the adventure of swimming the Elbe up close in the following video documentary!
Accompanying research institutes
TU Chemnitz
As head of the Department of Sports Medicine/Biology, Prof. Schulz conducts research into swimming using sports physiology studies.
Universität Leipzig
As head of the Sports Psychology Department, Prof. Elbe is examining the project from the perspective of motivation and volition.
Wasser 3.0 gGmbH
In the Danube project, Wasser 3.0 gGmbH is investigating the pollution of the river with microplastics and trace substances. Innovative analysis methods are being used to identify sources of pollution and develop approaches for removal—for a cleaner Danube.
“Life should not be a journey to the grave undertaken with the intention of arriving there in a beautiful and well-preserved body. On the contrary, one should skid to the finish line with locked wheels in a cloud of smoke, completely worn out, totally exhausted, and shout loudly, ‘Wow! What a trip!’”
Hunter S. Thompson