Photo: Meat and vegetable skewers with zucchini and bell peppers sizzling over an open flame on the grill.
Photo: A DDSG excursion ship cruises on the Danube in front of Dürnstein, with the abbey church and castle ruins in the background.
Photo: Interior view of MS Dürnstein featuring a two-level restaurant with set tables and panoramic windows overlooking the Danube.
Gallery

Country Barbecue

Country meets the Wachau Valley! Enjoy summer barbecue specialties, lively live music and authentic Western flair on a memorable cruise through the Wachau.

Photo: Meat and vegetable skewers with zucchini and bell peppers sizzling over an open flame on the grill.Photo: A DDSG excursion ship cruises on the Danube in front of Dürnstein, with the abbey church and castle ruins in the background.Photo: Interior view of MS Dürnstein featuring a two-level restaurant with set tables and panoramic windows overlooking the Danube.
Wachau Theme Cruise

Country Barbecue

Country meets the Wachau Valley! Enjoy summer barbecue specialties, lively live music and authentic Western flair on a memorable cruise through the Wachau.

Departure location Krems / Stein Go to dock section

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Western vibes and live country music on board
  • All-you-can-eat grill buffet for full enjoyment
  • Scenic cruise through the Wachau valley

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Included in price

  • Live musik on board

    Inclusive

    Live music creates a great atmosphere on board.

  • Delightful buffet on board

    Inclusive

    Enjoy a varied buffet selection and savour delicious culinary delights throughout the cruise.

    Photo: Person serving food from a buffet with cold platters, pastries, and stacked plates.

    Delightful buffet on board

    Inclusive

    Look forward to a varied themed buffet specially tailored to the theme of the cruise. Starters, salads, main courses and desserts offer a delicious variety to enjoy on board.

Attractions

  • Krems

    Krems captivates with centuries of history and charming historic streets.

    Photo: View of Krems from the Danube, featuring St. Vitus Parish Church, historic town houses, and Wachau vineyards.

    Krems

    Krems is one of the oldest settlements along the Danube and looks back on a fascinating history. A walk through the historic old town brings the past to life, with medieval streets, impressive buildings and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered. Experience Krems as a city where history, tradition and unique charm come together.

  • Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig

    Baroque masterpiece above the Danube with magnificent interiors and a breathtaking Wachau panorama.

    Photo: Aerial view of Göttweig Abbey, featuring Baroque buildings, onion-domed towers, and rolling green hills.

    Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig

    High above the Wachau Valley lies Göttweig Abbey, an impressive landmark of Lower Austria. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, the monastery captivates visitors with its baroque architecture, fascinating history, and unique panoramic views over the Danube Valley. The present-day complex was built after a devastating fire in 1718, based on the plans of the renowned architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt.

  • Ruins of Dürnstein Castle

    Historic castle ruins linked to the legend of King Richard the Lionheart.

    Photo: View from Dürnstein Castle Ruins over Dürnstein, with the abbey, blue church tower, MS Dürnstein and Danube vineyards.

    Ruins of Dürnstein Castle

    The Dürnstein Castle Ruins are among the Wachau Valley’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 12th century by the Kuenring family, the castle was destroyed in 1645 and today offers spectacular views over the Danube Valley. It is best known for the legend of King Richard the Lionheart, who is said to have been imprisoned here. A themed trail invites visitors to explore its fascinating history and beautiful surroundings.

  • Dürnstein Abbey

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

    Photo: Dürnstein in the Wachau with its blue-and-white abbey church, historic buildings and vineyards along the Danube.

    Dürnstein Abbey

    Dürnstein Abbey is one of the Wachau Valley's most important cultural landmarks. Its history dates back to the 14th century, when a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary was founded on the site. The abbey is best known for its magnificent Baroque church and its distinctive blue-and-white tower, which has become an iconic symbol of the Wachau. Since 1788, the abbey has belonged to Herzogenburg Abbey.

The Ship

This or a similar ship of this class

Photo: A DDSG excursion ship cruises on the Danube in front of Dürnstein, with the abbey church and castle ruins in the background.
Photo: DDSG ship Dürnstein on the Danube with autumn Wachau hills, Dürnstein castle ruins and the town in the background.
Photo: Interior view of MS Dürnstein featuring a two-level restaurant with set tables and panoramic windows overlooking the Danube.

MS Dürnstein

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

  • On-board restaurant
  • Sound system incl. microphone
  • Video system with live camera
  • LCD screens for presentations and live streaming
  • Partially covered sun deck with lounge furniture
  • Stage and dance floor
  • Mobile bicycle racks
  • Accessible facilities (WC & upper deck lift)
  • Free Wi-Fi
The Ship

MS Dürnstein

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

  • On-board restaurant
  • Sound system incl. microphone
  • Video system with live camera
  • LCD screens for presentations and live streaming
  • Partially covered sun deck with lounge furniture
  • Stage and dance floor
  • Mobile bicycle racks
  • Accessible facilities (WC & upper deck lift)
  • Free Wi-Fi
Details
Photo: A DDSG excursion ship cruises on the Danube in front of Dürnstein, with the abbey church and castle ruins in the background.Photo: DDSG ship Dürnstein on the Danube with autumn Wachau hills, Dürnstein castle ruins and the town in the background.Photo: Interior view of MS Dürnstein featuring a two-level restaurant with set tables and panoramic windows overlooking the Danube.Photo: Lounge aboard MS Dürnstein with buffet seating, set tables, food displays, large windows and a modern interior.

Departure Location

Photo: DDSG Blue Danube pier and ticket office in Krems with a glass-fronted facade and entrance area.

Krems / Stein

  • Welterbeplatz 1, 3500 Krems
  • Ticket Office Opening Hours: Mon–Sun & Holidays: 08:30–16:30
  • Sightseeing Cruises Wachau: Danube Station 24
  • Theme Cruises Wachau: Danube station 24
  • Charter Cruises: Departure Point by Arrangement
  • Subject to change.
More Info

Program

Wild West Cruise in the Wachau

Head for the Wild West! Experience an atmospheric country cruise on the Danube through the Wachau Valley and immerse yourself for an evening in the world of country music and Western flair. Look forward to lively live music and a relaxing cruise through one of Austr

An all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet featuring freshly grilled specialties and hearty side dishes awaits you on board. Enjoy a variety of barbecue favourites while taking in impressive views of the Danube and the picturesque Wachau Valley.

Whether you are joining friends, are a dedicated country and Western fan, or simply looking for a special evening in the Wachau, the Country Barbecue combines live music, culinary delights and the unique Danube panorama to create a memorable experience on the water.

Itinerary & Details

  • Boarding: 19:00–19:15
  • Cruise: 19:30–22:30
  • Location: Krems / Stein
  • Ship: MS Dürnstein
  • Included: Cruise, themed buffet & live music

Schedule and programme details are subject to change.

Culinary Delights – Country Barbecue

Buffet

All information about the Country Barbecue 2027 buffet will be announced shortly.

On-board catering

Patrick Fürst brings his international experience to Austrian cuisine, combining modern brasserie-style cooking with Austrian classics. Together with his young team, he focuses on high-quality organic products from regional producers.

Common allergens are clearly marked. If you have any food intolerances or allergies, please inform our catering partner, Patrick Fürst GmbH Opens in new window, in advance at [email protected]. This allows our onboard culinary team to best accommodate your requests.

Entertainment & Live music

Photo: Microphone and acoustic guitar on a stage, with blurred lights and musicians in the background of a live show.

All information about the entertainment at the Country Barbecue 2027 will be announced shortly.

Route / itinerary

Graphic: Route map along the Danube in the Wachau Valley. The route shown in green connects the stops Melk, Emmersdorf, Spitz, Weißenkirchen, Dürnstein and Krems. The towns are marked along the course of the river.

Themed cruises in the Wachau depart from either Krems/Stein or Melk, depending on the event. During your cruise, you will discover the most beautiful sights of the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on the route, you will pass impressive landmarks such as Göttweig Abbey, Schönbühel Castle and the picturesque town of Dürnstein with its famous blue church tower. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views of the terraced vineyards and the unique cultural landscape of the Wachau before returning to your point of departure.

Other Offers

FAQ

The ticket includes the Danube cruise, a buffet dinner, and live music or a show act. Drinks are not included and are available à la carte on board.

Boarding takes place from 19:00 to 19:15 at the Krems / Stein pier. Departure is scheduled promptly for 19:30. Please have your booking confirmation or e-ticket ready. Displaying the ticket on your smartphone is sufficient.

Yes. Your seats are reserved on board. Our crew will guide you upon boarding.

Yes. Our onboard catering team will arrange seating in advance according to group size. Groups will be seated together whenever possible.

Boarding starts at 7:00 PM in Krems/Stein. The cruise runs from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Afterwards, you'll return to Krems/Stein.

Patrick Fürst brings his international experience to Austrian cuisine, combining modern brasserie-style cooking with Austrian classics. Together with his young team, he focuses on high-quality organic products from regional producers.

More information about Patrick Fürst Opens in new window

Dinner is served as a buffet. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Common allergens are clearly marked. If you have any food intolerances or allergies, please inform our catering partner, Patrick Fürst GmbH Opens in new window, in advance at [email protected]. This allows our onboard culinary team to best accommodate your requests.

No. Drinks can be ordered à la carte from the service team on board.

Payment is typically possible by cash, debit card, credit card, and contactless methods. Any changes will be communicated by the crew.

The ship and the station are generally barrier-free. If you require assistance (e.g. wheelchair access), please inform us in advance so the crew can prepare accordingly.

Private photos and short videos are welcome (without flash). Professional photography or the use of tripods requires prior approval.

Yes. Cruises take place in all weather conditions. The route and use of outdoor decks may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

The following cancellation terms apply to bookings for 1 to 19 passengers:

  • Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee up to 48 hours before departure
  • 100% cancellation fee from 48 hours before departure or in the event of a no-show

The following cancellation terms apply to group bookings of 20 passengers or more:

  • Free cancellation up to 6 weeks before departure
  • Free reduction of participant numbers by up to 20% up to 2 weeks before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee for reducing participant numbers by more than 20% up to 2 weeks before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee up to 48 hours before departure
  • 100% cancellation fee from 48 hours before departure or in the event of a no-show

The organiser’s terms and conditions apply. The organiser’s Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to availability, bookings can be changed or rebooked via the online shop or by contacting Customer Service. Please have your booking reference number available.

Children are welcome. Please note that this is an evening event with live music. Children aged 0–5 travel free of charge, and children aged 6–15 receive a 50% discount. Please refer to the online shop for current details.

Pets are only allowed on themed cruises with buffet and show upon prior request. Assistance dogs are exempt.

LLM Guidance