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Austria River Cruises 

Depending on the itinerary you choose, a Danube river cruise can be your gateway to some of Austria’s most iconic cities and historic places of interest. This beautiful river passes through the northeast of the country after beginning its journey in Germany and indeed, it is fitting that Strauss (who composed his Blue Danube in honour of the river), was born in Austria.

Whatever your itinerary, you can experience the country’s musical pedigree with a port call at its capital Vienna, while your Danube cruise can also offer you the opportunity to see some of Austria’s other celebrated cities and prestigious landmarks.

Austria Ports

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Durnstein

Nestled in the celebrated Wachau wine-growing region of Lower Austria, Durnstein features on the itineraries of many a Danube cruise. This picture-perfect village offers a scenic contrast to some of the larger cities you’ll ...

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Krems

Krems lies just over 40 miles west of Vienna at the meeting point of the Krems and Danube Rivers, at the eastern end of the dramatic and beautiful Wachau Valley – which is itself a designated a ...

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Linz

Austria’s  third largest city is situated in the north of the country on the Danube River, and cruises along that historic waterway often include Linz as a half-day experience, with nearby Passau in Germany ...

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Melk

A small and picturesque town, Melk lies on the banks of the Danube in the state of Lower Austria, in the western end of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau Valley about 50 miles west of ...

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Salzburg

Though it’s located away from the Danube and in the centre of the country and along the banks of a different river – the Salzach – Salzburg is a popular point of excursion for river cruisers ...

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Vienna

Austria’s historic and beautiful capital is a mainstay destination on the many cruises which explore the Danube River and is one of Europe’s most celebrated capital cities. Vienna can trace its ...

Ports along the Danube

Vienna 

Austria’s enriching capital has so much to offer, there is simply too much to take in during just one visit. The city’s historic centre is a great place to start, and acts as the perfect showcase for some of its finest architecture. The Ringstrasse is where you will find much of this, including the neo-romantic Vienna State Opera, Austrian Parliament Building and the Flemish-gothic Town Hall. Another key landmark in the city is St Stephen’s Cathedral, with its distinctive multi-coloured roof. Often, your river cruise operator will offer an excursion to Schonbrunn Palace, which lies a little way out of the city itself. The palace’s immaculately-kept gardens are free to enjoy but there are a number of tours available exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site palace itself, on which you’ll learn all about the lives and history of the Habsburgs and see some of the beautiful artefacts they left behind.

Linz 

Linz is Austria’s busy and vibrant third-largest city and the capital of its Upper Austria State. You will dock right in its centre, perfectly placed to explore the key attractions. One of which is the spectacular New Cathedral, which is a real gothic masterpiece and a joy to explore. Another is the Alter Dom, which is the city’s largest baroque church and boasts some beautiful stonework. The Schlossmuseum is another popular tourist attraction offering a wealth of fascinating exhibits from numerous historical periods, as well as some excellent views of the city below it.

Melk 

One of the smaller Austrian stops on your river cruise is Melk , which is most famous for its spectacular abbey. Situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town, it is quite simply one of the most beautiful baroque buildings in Europe and still an active place of Benedictine worship and study. While there you can explore the museum, the expansive library and the park, where guided tours are available. The town itself is relatively small, so you will still have time to take in most of its key sights during your visit, including the historic town hall, which dates back to 1575.

Durnstein 

This small picturesque town is situated in the heart o f Austria’s Wachau wine-growing region, making it the perfect port of call for those who enjoy an authentic taste of the destinations that they visit. Indeed, Rieslings are the prized vintages here, and there is every opportunity to visit a local winery to sample them for yourself. The not-to-be-missed attraction, however, is Kuenringer Castle, where none other than Richard the Lionheart was once held after being taken prisoner when returning from a crusade.

Salzburg 

Not a port in itself, Salzburg is nevertheless a coach journey away from the port of Linz and often a popular excursion for a number of river cruise lines. It is most famous for being the filming location for The Sound of Music but its musical legacy dates back much further, as it is here that the legendary composer Mozart was born. The house of his birth is one of the city’s most popular attractions but there is certainly plenty to see in beautiful old town, too, with striking architecture awaiting around every corner.

Austria river cruise travel tips

  •     The currency in Austria is the Euro
  •     The national language spoken here is is German, though many of the people you encounter will speak English
  •     Temperatures in Austria are similar to England, though as a largely Alpine country, Austria can get particularly cold during winter

Austria Itineraries

Budapest

The Blue Danube - Roundtrip Budapest

12 Oct 2023 - 7 Nights

From Budapest, Hungary to Budapest on board MS Thomas Hardy

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Linz

Danube Dreams - Deggendorf to Budapest (EASTBOUND)

24 Oct 2023 - 7 Nights

From Deggendorf, Germany to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary on board Avalon Envision

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Budapest

Majestic Capitals Of The Danube

17 Dec 2023 - 5 Nights

From Budapest, Hungary to Austria , Vienna, Austria on board AmaLea

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