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Krems River Cruises

About 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 UNESCO World Heritage Site, owing to its history as well as timeless natural appeal. Once almost equal in size to Vienna, modern-day Krems in north-eastern Austria is much more modest in scale compared to the country’s neighbouring capital – but no less historic and picturesque. The town was once home to Martin Johann Schmidt, perhaps the most prominent artist and draughtsman of the Austrian late Baroque style, who was heavily influenced by the work of Rembrandt. His warm, lively style of painting found its way into many churches and monasteries of Lower Austria and became popular with people of all social classes at the time. Schmidt lived predominantly in Stein, just outside the centre of Krems. Fittingly, the two centres are now connected by the outstanding Art Mile of Krems.

Exploring Krems

Krems is a real must for art lovers and wine lovers alike, being renowned for the affordable, world-class standard wine which is served in local heurigen eateries, and as the main producer of marillenschnaps (apricot brandy). The celebrated Art Mile of Krems stretches from the old town centre to medieval area Stein, spoiling visitors for choice with a total of 28 museums, concert venues, wine bars and restaurants – with the Artothek, Kunsthalle Krems, Weinstadt museum and the Caricature Museum standing out as particular points of interest. Kunsthalle Krems doesn’t hold a permanent exhibition, so it’s pot luck as to the type of art you’ll see when there but as many tickets are typically offered to give you access to one or more of the town’s other museums. The aforementioned Caricature Museum is one museum often included in this arrangement and is one of the city’s most popular offering an absorbing overview of the history of cartoons and satire in Austria.

Krems also offers rich pickings for history fans, with the towering Steiner Tor medieval town gates, being one of the most noted attractions. They are unmistakable thanks to their pointed turrets and date all the way back to 1480. Indeed, Krems’ Old Town offers a wealth of pleasing period architecture and its cobblestoned streets and taverns offer visitors a great look into Austria’s past. The Parish Church is a particular architectural favourite and built in a similar style to the town gates.

Several miles out of Krems are the ruins of Hinterhaus and Durnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned by Duke Leopold V following the Third Crusade and visits to these historic structures are often the focus of a number of river cruise excursions when in port. It’s Durnstein which is perhaps the most popular of these, owing to its fascinating historical pedigree.

Exploring Krems

As discussed, Krems is the perfect place for wine-lovers, so be sure to take time out to sample a glass (or two) while in the city. You're sure to find both the flavour and price very agreeable.

Krems Itineraries

Vienna

Oktoberfest & Danube Delights

2 sailing dates September 2024 to October 2024
9 Nights From Munich, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Bratislava

Autumn Colours Of The Danube

1 sailing date November 2023
10 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to Budapest, Hungary
Saga River Cruises logo CALL
Regensburg

Vienna to Nuremberg

1 sailing date October 2022
7 Nights From Vienna, Austria to Germany , Nuremberg
Uniworld River Cruises logo CALL
Passau

Danube Holiday Markets Passau to Budapest

2 sailing dates December 2023 to December 2024
7 Nights From Passau, Germany, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Uniworld River Cruises logo FROM £3699pp
Bratislava

Magna On The Danube from Budapest

38 sailing dates October 2023 to December 2025
7 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to Germany , Vilshofen
AmaWaterways logo FROM £1839pp
Vienna

Dazzling Danube Holiday - Budapest to Regensburg

1 sailing date December 2022
11 Nights From Budapest, Hungary to , Regensburg
Crystal Cruises logo CALL
Vienna

Danube Delights - Budapest to Munich

2 sailing dates October 2023
7 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to , Munich

New incredible savings on 2023 European River Cruises - available for a limited time only! Includes flights & overseas transfers!

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £1499pp
Vienna

Discover the Treasures Of The Danube

6 sailing dates April 2024 to September 2024
15 Nights From Bucharest, Romania to , Munich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £5259pp
Krems

Scenic Gems Of The Danube from Budapest

6 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
7 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to Austria , Vienna, Austria
Saga River Cruises logo CALL
Vienna

Scenic Gems Of The Danube from Vienna

5 sailing dates March 2024 to October 2024
7 Nights From Vienna, Austria, Austria to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Saga River Cruises logo CALL
Linz

Christmas and New Year on the Danube

1 sailing date December 2024
14 Nights From Vienna, Austria, Austria to Vienna, Austria
Saga River Cruises logo CALL
Giurgiu

Discover the Treasures Of The Danube - Bucharest t

1 sailing date October 2023
15 Nights From Bucharest, Romania to , Munich
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Vienna

Classic Prague & Christmas the Danube Prague to Bu

1 sailing date November 2023
10 Nights From Prague, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £4939pp
Budapest

Christmas time on the Danube - Munich to Budapest

1 sailing date November 2023
7 Nights From Munich, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
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Munich

Christmas Markets on the Danube-Budapest to Munich

1 sailing date December 2024
7 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to , Munich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2439pp
Prague

Classic Prague & Christmas Markets on the Danube

1 sailing date December 2024
10 Nights From Prague, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3059pp
Bratislava

Christmas Markets on the Danube & Classic Prague

1 sailing date December 2024
10 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to , Prague
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2829pp
Regensburg

Christmas Markets on the Danube-Munich to Budapest

1 sailing date December 2024
7 Nights From Munich, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2669pp
Bratislava

Danube Delights - Budapest to Munich

18 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
7 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to , Munich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £1759pp
Passau

Danube Delights Munich to Budapest

18 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
7 Nights From Munich, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £1949pp

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