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Vienna Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Vienna Cruises & boat tours

Vienna: Boat Cruise on the Danube Canal with Optional Lunch

1. Vienna: Boat Cruise on the Danube Canal with Optional Lunch

Embark on a boat trip along the Danube Canal through the historical and modern city of Vienna, once known as the “Vienna Water,” the “Vienna Arm," and the “Little Danube." Choose to indulge in a delicious lunch on the boat or enjoy the live commentary of a street art guide on Sundays. On this tour, see important buildings including the Uniqa Tower, the Urania Observatory, hotels and commercial buildings by Jean Nouvel, and the Media Tower by Hans Hollein. Take a look at the Schützenhaus by Otto Wagner, the Ringturm, the Rossauer Barracks, and the waste incineration plant of Spttelau designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Choose to enjoy a 2-course lunch or schnitzel dinner during your trip. Below the lock, the boat turns around and heads back to the starting point. Let the new Vienna and its countless graffiti art pieces and trendy areas enchant you as they pass by. On a Sunday you can choose to have a street art guide discuss the graffiti art pieces.

From Vienna: Full Day Trip to Hallstatt and Salzkammergut

2. From Vienna: Full Day Trip to Hallstatt and Salzkammergut

Depart Vienna and journey by bus into the Austrian Alps to explore the Unesco World Heritage Site of Salzkammergut, famous for its scenic lakes, limestone mountains and historic castles. Continue to the beautiful village of Hallstatt on the Hallstätter See and learn more about the development of the village and its salt production industry, dating back to prehistoric times.  Next, climb aboard a boat and cruise across the tranquil waters of the Hallstätter See (only in the summer). Get some free time to explore the village on your own before making your way back to Vienna.

Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour

3. Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour

Experience a romantic sightseeing tour by bus and boat from Vienna, introducing you to the beauty of the Wachau and Danube Valleys in Lower Austria. Visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk with a guide. In winter, enjoy lunch in place of the Danube boat trip. Explore the River Danube as it flows around picturesque villages and steep vineyards. Pass by many ancient castles testify to the former importance of the river. One of these is the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where, according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was kept imprisoned, and was eventually freed by his faithful minstrel Blondel. Then take a romantic boat trip along the legendary Danube (only in summer, in winter we offer you a lunch). In the old city of Krems, go to the heart of the Wachau wine-growing region, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural and agricultural history. Then, follow your guide to the Danube River town of Melk. Visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, one of Austria's most famous Baroque buildings and its cultural and spiritual center.

Vienna to Bratislava Tour by Bus and Boat

4. Vienna to Bratislava Tour by Bus and Boat

This day trip begins in the morning. Journey by modern bus to Bratislava, the beautiful capital city of Slovakia. Upon arrival, your tour guide will meet you and show you around the picturesque old town. Stroll around the city or enjoy shopping. After a fun day in Bratislava, head to the departure dock, Pontoon HUMA 6 at Razus Embankment, on time for your return trip. Experience high speeds on the water in the comfort of the air-conditioned catamaran. 

Vienna: 3.5-Hour Grand Danube River Cruise

5. Vienna: 3.5-Hour Grand Danube River Cruise

Experience Vienna on board the MS Wien and MS Vindobona ships. The MS Vindobona was lovingly designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and with its distinctive coloring is now one of the city’s attractions itself. Let the Viennese scenery pass by on the Great Danube Tour and enjoy “green Vienna” (route A) and “modern Vienna” (route B). This tour starts at the Vienna/City station at Schwedenplatz, passing the Urania observatory and continues through the ‘green heart’ of Vienna and the woods of the Prater area. Downstream from the Freudenau lock, the ship docks at the Marina Wien station. Following the shores of the Danube Island and past a grain silo that was converted into a hotel and a stadium, your tour continues to the Reichsbrücke station. From the Reichsbrücke or Marina Wien station onwards, see ‘modern Vienna’ with its Danube plateau skyline, Danube Tower, and Millenium Tower. Via the Nussdorf lock system, reach the Danube Canal, where you will experience ‘historic Vienna,’ as well as the interesting architecture of the The Hundertwasser District Heating Plant in Spittelau, the Roßau Barracks, Ringturm, the Urania observatory, and much more. The tour terminates in Vienna’s center at Schwedenplatz station.

Vienna: Scenic Canal Cruise with Apple Strudel

6. Vienna: Scenic Canal Cruise with Apple Strudel

Discover the wonders of Vienna from a different perspective on this idyllic cruise along the canal. The trip begins at Schwedenplatz and sets sail onto the Viennese Donaukanal. Watch as the lock below is turned and the boat turns around to continue the journey. As you glide along the water, soak up the sights that surround you and enjoy a delicious warm apple strudel and a hot drink. Choose between a melange, hot chocolate, or a tea, then find a seat to admire the view. On the tour, see a selection of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Uniqa Tower, Uranie Observatory, Jean Nouvel hotel and commercial building, the Schützenhaus by Otto Wagner, Ringturm, Roßauer Kaserne, Zaha Hadid House and the Spittelau waste incineration plant designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

From Vienna: Dürnstein and Wachau Cruise

7. From Vienna: Dürnstein and Wachau Cruise

Every Saturday & Sunday between July and September, you can have the opportunity to take a ride on the luxurious MS Kaiserin Elisabeth II, traveling from Vienna to the Wachau Valley. Enjoy the navigation and the beautiful view of the surrounding villages, meadows and forests as you sit back and relax. During your two-hour journey, you can stroll through Dürnstein and explore the quaint village. The ship has a well-equipped onboard restaurant which allows you to choose from a wide range of breakfasts, lunches, and snacks. All meals are freshly prepared for you on board and the emphasis is placed on regional cuisine.

Vienna: 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise

8. Vienna: 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise

Pass the romantically lit shores and enjoy the excellent service of the on-board restaurant. Varied menus that are always freshly prepared on the ship provide culinary highlights. Come aboard the 'Dream Ship' and let your mind wander. The cruise starts at Schwedenplatz, just a few steps from the city center. Exchange your voucher for a ticket at the shipping station (after the checkpoint directly at the ship). The friendly crew of MS Wien is pleased to welcome you on board. The evening cruise leads past the lively bustle on the banks of the Danube Canal. Pass the Nussdorf lock and experience how the ship overcomes the dammed-up elevation and approaches the sunset on the Danube. Menu (April-October) : Greetings from the kitchen Sparkling Wine with Aperol Crostini with mozzarella, tomato, pesto, and rucola Soup Consommé with chervil sliced pancakes and carrots Main Courses (choose 1) Pork fillet with oyster mushrooms and basil gnocchi Salmon steak with vegetables, herbs, and broccoli-potato soufflé Brie baguette patties with chives, yogurt, and green salad (Vegetarian) DessertCoffee cream with bitter orange and almond pastry Childrens Menu Greetings from the kitchenGrünschnabel (green banana and orange juice) Soup Consommé with sliced pancakes Main CourseChicken filet with basil gnocchi Dessert Small apple strudel with vanilla ice cream

From Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

9. From Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

Experience the stunning beauty of Wachau Valley and sample its white wines on a guided day trip from Vienna. Hop on a river cruise down the Danube from Spitz to Melk. Visit Melk Abbey and Weissenkirchen. Stop at a family-run tavern in Dürnstein to taste liqueurs, wines, and local delicacies. Start the trip from Vienna and travel in a van through narrow countryside roads into the heart of the Wachau Valley. Accompanied by your driver/guide, learn about wine-making and the fascinating history and culture of the region. Taste a variety of the valley’s dry and fruity whites and sample other local delicacies like apricot jams and liqueurs. In summer, take a boat ride on the Danube River from Spitz to Melk to soak up the beauty of the Wachau Valley. During winter, take a guided tour of the beautiful Melk Abbey. Once in Dürnstein, enjoy free time to explore the medieval town and its colorful architecture. Learn about the castle where Richard the Lionhearted was once held prisoner. Finally, visit a heuriger, a traditional family-run Austrian wine tavern, for wine tasting.

Vienna: Danube River Cruise w/ optional Viennese Specialties

10. Vienna: Danube River Cruise w/ optional Viennese Specialties

Enjoy the Viennese scenery on this Danube River cruise with shorter and longer options available as well as the opportunity to try some typical Viennese cuisine. Admire 'modern Vienna' and 'green Vienna' as a part of the longer tour option or simply discover 'modern Vienna' on the shorter cruise. Enjoy views of ‘modern Vienna’ with the Danube plateau skyline, Danube Tower, and Millennium Tower. Travel via the Nussdorf lock system to reach the Danube Canal. Admire the architecture of the Hundertwasser-designed heating plant in Spittelau, the Roßau Barracks, and Ringturm. Make a short stop at the Vienna/City station at Schwedenplatz. Here, the shorter tour comes to an end. If you have selected the longer option, continue toward the green heart of Vienna and the woods of the Prater area. Sail downstream from the Freudenau Lock, past the shores of Danube Island, and past a grain silo that has been converted into a hotel and a stadium. Then, return to Reichsbrücke, where the extended tour comes to an end.

Frequently asked questions about Vienna Cruises & boat tours

What are other things to do than Cruises & boat tours that are worth visiting in Vienna?

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Which Vienna Cruises & boat tours are taking additional COVID-19 precautions?

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Other Sightseeing Options in Vienna

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What people are saying about Vienna

Overall rating

3.8 / 5

based on 898 reviews

I enjoyed my tour to Hallstatt from Vienna. They took us to a self-service brunch and dinner place that was delicious and I thought the time we were in Hallstatt was enough to explore the beautiful little town. My only suggestion would be to hit the funicular/skywalk first and then visit the town to save yourself time and beating the crowd once you arrive. The drive to Hallstatt was beautiful as well. Highly recommend this tour if you would like to visit Hallstatt from Vienna!

Very nice experience, the boat was really nice and clean. The service impeccable and the food good as well.

So beautiful and informative! This made my trip to Austria one of THE best trips I’ve ever taken.

Amazing, peaceful and pleasant cruise across the Danube canal. I really recommend it!

It was a pleasure to have breakfast on Christmas day .