Period
Pre-season: 28.03.–24.04.2026
Post-season: 05.10.–01.11.2026



Experience the unique beauty of the Wachau on a Danube cruise. Pass picturesque vineyards, historic towns and remarkable cultural landmarks as you discover the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley from a unique perspective.
Date, time & extras in the purchase process
Due to the current low water levels in the Wachau, not all scheduled cruises can currently operate. The available connections can be selected above. Thank you for your understanding.
These can be selected against a surcharge during the purchase process.

Experience the Wachau while enjoying a multi-course Captain’s Menu on board.

Experience the Wachau’s scenic Danube landscape and Austrian cuisine with a single ticket.

Taste the Wachau’s finest wines on board.

Regional breakfast delights with Wachau specialties on board.

Baroque architecture and the iconic blue-and-white tower define Dürnstein Abbey.

Historic castle in the Wachau with a unique location overlooking the Danube Valley.

Melk combines history, culture and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Melk Abbey.

Historic castle site with a chapel, “Rose Garden” and stunning views of the Danube.
This or a similar ship of this class



Earthy materials and nautical design come together on the MS Dürnstein to create an appearance that perfectly reflects the Wachau region.



With her classic lines and elegant atmosphere, MS Wachau is one of Austria’s most iconic excursion vessels, inviting guests to enjoy unforgettable moments on the Danube.



Since 2024, MS Austria has been inviting guests to discover the Wachau from the water. It also serves as an exclusive charter venue, providing the perfect setting for special moments.






Date, time & extras in the purchase process
Pre-season: 28.03.–24.04.2026
Post-season: 05.10.–01.11.2026
25.04.–04.10.2026: daily
* For the last tour in each direction, a change of ships is required to continue the journey.






Few experiences showcase the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley better than a cruise on the Danube.
Between Krems / Stein, Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen, Spitz, Emmersdorf and Melk / Hafenspitz, the ships MS Dürnstein, MS Austria and MS Wachau operate along one of Europe’s most scenic stretches of the Danube.
Whether you choose a short journey between two Wachau towns or a grand cruise through the entire valley, a Danube cruise offers unique views of vineyards, historic town centres and remarkable cultural landmarks.
The Danube is lined with numerous cultural and historical highlights. Among the most famous are Dürnstein Abbey and the Dürnstein Castle Ruins, Schönbühel Castle, Aggstein Castle Ruins and Melk Abbey.
Passing steep terraced vineyards and picturesque villages, you will experience the Wachau from a perspective that can only be enjoyed from the water.
For an even more enjoyable experience, your cruise can be complemented with selected culinary offers.
From regional specialities and classic dishes served on board to wine tastings and the exclusive Captain’s Menu, a variety of optional culinary experiences are available to enhance your time on the Danube.
We kindly ask for your understanding that the consumption of food and beverages brought on board is not permitted. A wide range of food and beverages is available on board for your enjoyment.
Those looking to discover the Wachau with maximum flexibility can easily combine a cruise with a cycling tour along the Danube. Bicycles can be transported on all scheduled cruises for €3.00, while children's bicycles are charged €1.50.
This allows you to explore the region’s most beautiful places both on the water and on two wheels, creating a personalised journey through the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley.

From Krems via Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen, Spitz and Emmersdorf to Melk, the route leads through the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau.
Along the Danube, terraced vineyards, picturesque towns, historic abbeys, castles and ruins await, together with some of Lower Austria’s most famous landmarks.
Discover highlights such as Melk Abbey, Schönbühel Castle, the Dürnstein Castle Ruins, Aggstein Castle Ruins and the Wachau Nose.
With several piers along the route, the Wachau’s most beautiful destinations can be explored with ease, making it the perfect choice for a day trip, a scenic cruise or a relaxing journey through the Danube Valley.
Learn more about cruises through the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley and discover the Danube from a unique perspective.

A wide range of discounts, reduced fares and exclusive partner offers are available for Danube cruises in Vienna and the Wachau Valley.
Guests can choose between the Great Wachau Cruise, the Small Wachau Cruise and short-distance cruises connecting selected towns along the Danube.
The Great Wachau Cruise covers the longest routes through the Wachau between Krems, Emmersdorf and Melk. The Small Wachau Cruise focuses on selected sections between Krems, Spitz and Melk.
Wachau cruises depart from and stop at the piers in Krems/Stein, Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen, Spitz, Emmersdorf and Melk. Depending on the selected route, passengers can board and disembark at different locations along the Danube.
Along the route, you will pass famous landmarks such as Melk Abbey, Schönbühel Castle, the Dürnstein Castle Ruins, picturesque vineyard terraces and historic towns in the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau.
The duration depends on the selected route. Guests can choose between full round trips, selected sections of the Wachau and shorter cruises between individual towns.
Depending on the booked route, passengers can board and disembark at the available piers in Krems/Stein, Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen, Spitz, Emmersdorf and Melk.
Advance booking is recommended, especially during weekends, public holidays and the peak travel season.
The following cancellation policy applies to individual and group bookings for Sightseeing Cruises Wachau:
Yes, all ships feature an onboard restaurant offering a selection of food, snacks and beverages during the cruise.
The consumption of food and beverages brought on board is not permitted. A wide range of food and beverages is available on board for your enjoyment.
Yes, bicycles are welcome on all Wachau cruises. Bicycle transport costs €3.00 per bicycle and €1.50 per children's bicycle.
Bicycle transport cannot be booked online and is only available on site. Bicycle spaces on board are limited. Groups are advised to enquire in advance.
Yes. The Wachau is one of Austria’s most popular cycling destinations. By combining a Danube cruise with a bike ride, you can explore the region flexibly by ship and bicycle.
Yes, dogs travel free of charge. A leash and muzzle are required at all times while on board.
Information about the accessibility of our ships and piers can be found on our page for passengers with special needs. Wheelchairs must be registered in advance.
Yes, all ships operating on the Wachau routes have air-conditioned indoor areas.
For group bookings that include a menu reservation or additional extras, table reservations can be arranged. Otherwise, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching between Krems and Melk. It is renowned for its terraced vineyards, historic towns, castles, monasteries and unique cultural landscape along the Danube.