Austria and Germany River Cruises
Ever fancied cruising between Austria and Germany? Danube cruises are the way. Visit Vienna, Wachau Valley, and Bavaria's towns, maybe reaching Regensburg or Nuremberg. These cruises mix Austrian elegance with German history, wine regions with beer culture. You'll explore Christmas markets if timing's right, taste regional food and see Central Europe from peaceful river perspectives.
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William • traveled in September
Cruise was excellent. Staff were friendly and helpful. Food was excellent. All told a very pleasant experience. Would have no hesitation in booking another Cruise with Amawaterways through Tourradar. Sarah and William Leonard
Magnificent Europe 2026 Start Amsterdam, End Budapest (16 destinations) - K
Kendall • traveled in August, 2025
Julia, our cruise director was fantastic. She arranged a wheelchair and a classical music concert in Vienna, both of which were exactly what my dad needed! The accommodations were satisfactory, and the food was wonderful. We wished we had longer to tour the cities, but understand the cruise has a schedule!
Classical Danube (Passau - Budapest - Passau) MS Fidelio
10 best river cruises through Austria and Germany
Compiled by
MelissaAustria and Germany travel expert at TourRadar
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Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $10,090
50% Off- US$5,045You save $5,045
The luxurious S.S. Beatrice sails Austria and Germany's waterways. Melk Abbey's grandeur, Wachau Valley's wineries, and Vienna's imperial heritage come alive. Gourmet dining and elegant accommodations enhance visits to UNESCO sites and medieval towns.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,499
20% Off- US$5,999You save $1,500
Austria and Germany's scenic waters unfold aboard Emerald Star-Ship. Admire Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, climb Dürnstein Castle ruins, and see three converging rivers in Passau. Bavarian culture comes alive through local sausage tastings and traditional band performances.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From
20% Off- US$5,620
Start at Budapest's Castle Hill and make your way to Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, then walk through Regensburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town with a traditional brewery tasting. The route includes a stop at Dürnstein's iconic blue church in the Wachau Valley and a tour of Würzburg's baroque Residence before reaching the Rhine. Sail aboard the AMADEUS Aurea, which has 12 balcony suites and 67 panoramic cabins, with stops in Passau, Bamberg, and Cologne.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
20% Off- US$4,516
Premium ships glide through Austria and Germany's scenic routes. The journey includes Vienna's Opera House, UNESCO-listed Melk Abbey, medieval Dürnstein, and wraps up with Vilshofen's exclusive Oktoberfest celebration.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
20% Off- US$3,899+$250 upfront costs
Duration 7 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
20% Off- US$3,298+$165 upfront costs
Duration 9 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
20% Off- US$4,177+$165 upfront costs
What our customers ask about Austria and Germany River Cruises
What are the best times of year to take an Austria and Germany river cruise?
River cruises run from April through October along the waterways of Austria and Germany. Spring months (April-May) offer pleasant temperatures and riverside flowers. Summer (June-August) provides long daylight hours ideal for sightseeing in cities like Vienna and Budapest. Fall cruises (September-October) let travelers see autumn foliage and wine harvests in places like the Wachau Valley. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We had perfect weather in October for exploring charming medieval towns like Dürnstein and enjoying the fall colors along the Danube."
What are the most popular ports and destinations visited on Austria and Germany river cruises?
Key stops include Vienna where travelers can visit Schönbrunn Palace Passau located where three rivers meet and Melk known for its Benedictine Abbey. The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley wine region draws visitors throughout the season. Ships dock at historic towns like Dürnstein Regensburg with its preserved medieval center and Linz. According to a TourRadar traveler review: "The variety of ports was excellent - from grand cities like Vienna to charming small towns like Melk. The Wachau Valley scenery was absolutely stunning from the ship's deck."
What's included in the dining experience on Austria and Germany river cruises?
The dining program focuses on regional dishes made with local ingredients. Scenic Cruises provides five distinct restaurants ranging from casual spots to upscale dining rooms with complimentary wine and beer. Local food experiences often feature Austrian coffee and pastries Bavarian sausage tasting in Regensburg and wine sampling in Wachau Valley. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The food was exceptional - we enjoyed everything from traditional Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna to fresh-baked pretzels in Bavaria paired with regional wines."
What type of accommodations can I expect on an Austria and Germany river cruise?
Ships like S.S. Maria Theresa and Scenic Crystal provide accommodations from standard rooms to premium suites equipped with panoramic windows or balconies. Rooms come with private bathrooms temperature control and entertainment systems. The Scenic Crystal offers butler service and features convertible balcony windows. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "Our Panorama Suite on the Scenic Crystal was spacious and beautifully appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows that transformed into an open-air balcony."
What are the unique cultural experiences offered on Austria and Germany river cruises?
Each region provides local cultural activities onboard and on land. Programs include wine tasting at venues like Schloss Gobelsburg concerts at Vienna's Musikverein and guided tours of Melk Abbey a UNESCO site. Seasonal events range from Oktoberfest in Vilshofen to winter Christmas markets. A TourRadar traveler highlighted "The exclusive evening at a traditional Heuriger wine tavern in Vienna and the private organ concert at Passau's St. Stephen's Cathedral were unforgettable experiences."
How much does an Austria and Germany river cruise typically cost?
Cruise fares range from 2430 USD to 11180 USD per person based on the cruise line cabin choice and travel dates. Premium operators like Scenic and Uniworld command higher rates but include more services while companies like Lueftner Cruises offer mid-range options. An 8-day Danube voyage on Scenic starts at 9590 USD per person whereas Lueftner's similar route begins at 2430 USD. A TourRadar traveler noted "While not inexpensive the all-inclusive nature of our Scenic cruise made it good value for the experience provided."