Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,3-propanediol by the hydrogenation of hydroxypropionaldehyde (HPA) in aqueous solution on a formed carrier catalyst in a solid bed, the concentration of HPA in the solution being from 5 to 100% by weight and hydrogenation being carried out at temperatures of from 30.degree. to 180.degree. C. and hydrogen pressures of from 5 to 300 bar and at a pH of from 2.5 to 6.5. The carrier catalyst is formed principally of titanium oxide on which platinum is applied in a finely divided form in a quantity of from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, based on the carrier.