Battles & Campaigns · 1800
Battle of Höchstädt (1800)
Höchstädt an der Donau, Bavaria, Germany
What happened
The French crossed the Danube at several bridges between Ulm and Donauwörth. A small group of soldiers swam across with their weapons on a raft and held a position until the broken bridges were repaired. French cavalry then drove the Austrians from Höchstädt, and Kray had to leave Ulm.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It opened the Danube route into Bavaria, toward Munich and Vienna. It took place where the French had lost a famous battle in 1704.
What came next
Kray was dismissed. The French took Munich, and after Moreau's victory at Hohenlinden in December 1800 came the Peace of Lunéville.
Did you know?
About 80 soldiers undressed and swam the river, pulling a raft with their clothes and muskets behind them.
Timeline
- 9 May 1800Battle of Biberach.
- 19 June 1800Battle of Höchstädt.
- 15 July 1800A truce takes effect.
- 3 December 1800Battle of Hohenlinden.