River cruises on the Danube
River cruises on the Danube are enjoying great popularity—and for good reason. Offering a perfect combination of comfort, majestic landscapes, and countless indescribable cultural highlights, a river cruise on the Danube provides an ideal way to leave everyday life behind while discovering historic metropolises and natural wonders.
The Danube
With a total length of approximately 2,850 kilometers, the Danube is the second-longest river in Europe. Its source lies in the Black Forest in Germany, where the two headstreams, the Breg and Brigach, unite at Donaueschingen to form the Danube.
On its journey to the sea, the Danube flows through or touches a total of ten countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova (which has a riverbank access of only about 450 meters), and Ukraine (in the Danube Delta region).
This makes the Danube the most international river in the world. A particularly exciting feature is that it passes through four national capitals: Vienna (Austria), Bratislava (Slovakia), Budapest (Hungary), and Belgrade (Serbia).
Popular Ports for Danube River Cruises
River cruises on the Danube are characterized by an impressive variety of capitals and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Several ports are visited particularly frequently, offering travelers an extraordinary cultural program:
Tulcea (Romania)
This port is considered the gateway to the Danube Delta. From here, travelers often explore the sprawling biosphere reserve by smaller boats, famous for its pelican colonies and pristine nature.
Passau (Germany)
Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” it is the central starting point for most Danube cruises. This is where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet. The baroque old town and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the world’s largest cathedral organ, are absolute must-sees before setting sail.
Linz (Austria)
A former European Capital of Culture, Linz offers an exciting mix of modern art (Ars Electronica Center) and historical charm. It is also an ideal starting point for excursions to nearby Salzburg.
Vienna (Austria)
A highlight of any trip is the Austrian capital. The city beckons with imperial splendor, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the famous Viennese coffee house culture.
Bratislava (Slovakia)
The capital of Slovakia sits directly on the riverbanks. It is well worth strolling through the old town and discovering the striking castle perched high above the Danube.
Budapest (Hungary)
Anyone lucky enough to experience the arrival into Budapest at night will be truly impressed. The illuminated Parliament Building and the Chain Bridge create a sight that no one forgets quickly.
Belgrade (Serbia)
Belgrad is located at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube. The massive Kalemegdan Fortress offers an impressive view over the river landscape.
Why Choose a River Cruise on the Danube?
A cruise on the Danube combines relaxation and European history in a unique way. Your river cruise ship carries you to magnificent residences and through untouched nature parks. While the picturesque Wachau Valley or the steep cliffs of the “Iron Gates” pass you by, you can enjoy first-class service and regional cuisine on board—from Viennese Schnitzel to Hungarian Goulash.
Join us…
Numb fingers, a gray sky, and really just the desire for a warm room. My excursion to Weltenburg Abbey started with dampened expectations and the desire for a hot coffee.
Spending the pre-Christmas season on board a river cruise ship – why not? Visiting Christmas markets in various cities and spending the next night in a floating hotel – a great experience for us. We took a Christmas river cruise on the BELVEDERE by nicko cruises.
The selection of river cruise ships is vast. We traveled aboard the MS Belvedere by nicko cruises to take a closer look at what she has to offer. With her glass front and a wellness area located directly in the bow, the ship offers features that are hard to find on other vessels.