The short answer: A classic Danube river cruise sails from Passau via Linz, the Wachau Valley, Vienna and Bratislava to Budapest, and some itineraries start in Regensburg or Nuremberg. Ships usually stay three to eight hours in each port, enough for a guided walk past the main sights. The season runs from spring to fall, plus Advent cruises to the Christmas markets.
Key Ports and Sights
On its way to the Black Sea, the Danube flows through more capital cities than any other river in the world. The popular stretch between Bavaria and Hungary alone includes three of them: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
Regensburg and Passau
Regensburg, with its medieval old town and Stone Bridge, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Passau, the City of Three Rivers where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet, is often the start or end port and delights with Italian Baroque and St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Linz
The capital of Upper Austria offers a grand Baroque main square, the New Cathedral and the Pöstlingberg hill. Linz is also the starting point for full day trips to Salzburg or Český Krumlov.
Wachau Valley
The valley between Melk and Krems is the scenic highlight of the trip: Melk Abbey, Dürnstein, vineyard terraces and apricot orchards. Many ships dock in Melk, Dürnstein or Krems.
Vienna
In the former imperial capital ships often stay longer, sometimes overnight. St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, the Ringstrasse and Schönbrunn top the list.
Bratislava and Budapest
Slovakia's capital surprises with a compact old town and its castle above the river. Budapest, with its Parliament, Castle District and Chain Bridge, is a grand finale, especially when you sail in at night.
How Much Time Do You Need?
- 2 to 3 hours: a compact old town walk with the highlights, ideal in Passau, Linz, Dürnstein or Bratislava.
- 4 to 5 hours: a walk plus a viewpoint, a tasting or a museum, for example in Vienna or Budapest.
- Full day: excursions into the countryside, such as Salzburg, Český Krumlov or Devín Castle.
Best Time to Go
April to October is peak season. In spring the apricot trees bloom in the Wachau, in summer the evenings on deck are long and warm, and in fall the vineyards turn golden at harvest time. From late November until just before Christmas, Advent cruises are popular. High or low water can change the schedule, and your guide will adapt the program flexibly.
Shore Excursion Tips
- Watch the all aboard time: Always leave a buffer. A local guide knows the shortcuts and gets you back on time.
- Bring your passport: Even within the Schengen area you need a valid passport.
- Mind the currency: Germany, Austria and Slovakia use the euro, Hungary uses the forint, and cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Go private: With your own guide you travel in a small group, set your own pace and see places off the main routes.
Explore with a Guide
DonauGuides offers licensed, local guides in every major port who time your excursion to your ship's schedule. Popular tours:
- Highlight-Tour Passau
- Linz Highlight-Tour: Hauptplatz, Altstadt und Mariendom
- Highlights der Wachau
- Wien-Highlights: Hofburg, Stephansdom und Graben
- Bratislava Highlight-Tour: Burg, Altstadt und Krönungsweg
- Budapest Highlights: Burgviertel, Parlament und Kettenbrücke
Shore Excursion FAQ
Can I go ashore without booking the cruise line's excursions?
Yes. You can explore on your own or book a private guide who meets you at the ship and brings you back in time.
Where do the ships dock?
In most cities the docks are close to downtown. Vienna and Budapest have several docks, and the exact location is listed in your daily program.
What if the ship arrives late?
A private guide can adjust the start time and program at short notice. Just tell us your ship's name and port times when you book.
Are there excursions for families or active travelers?
Yes. In many ports we offer family tours, bike rides and hikes, for example up the Pöstlingberg in Linz or on the World Heritage Trail in the Wachau.
Plan Your Shore Excursions
Know your itinerary and port times? Book your shore excursions directly or contact us and we will put together a program for your cruise. More about the Danube in Lower Austria at Danube Lower Austria.