Battles & Campaigns · 1809
Battle of Eckmühl
Eggmühl, Bavaria, Germany
What happened
After the fighting at Abensberg, Davout and Charles clashed near Eckmühl on 21 April. The next day the Austrians advanced, but Napoleon's fast march north brought reinforcements, and French troops took the bridge at Eckmühl. Charles ordered a retreat toward Ratisbon.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a French victory, though not a decisive one. It let Napoleon regain the initiative and became the turning point of the 1809 campaign.
What came next
The Austrians escaped across the Danube at Ratisbon, which the French stormed the next day. Napoleon then marched on Vienna.
Did you know?
Napoleon reportedly called the moves leading up to Eckmühl the finest he ever made.
Timeline
- 20 April 1809Battle of Abensberg.
- 21–22 April 1809Battle of Eckmühl.
- 23 April 1809Battle of Ratisbon.
- 5–6 July 1809Battle of Wagram.