Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube in Bratislava with the Apollo Bridge in the background, moored at the landing stage.
Photo: Two people holding glasses of sparkling wine on the open deck of a DDSG ship, with the Danube, a bridge and a flag in the background.
Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube, passing wooded riverbanks and the lush landscape of the Danube Floodplains.
Gallery

Cruise from Bratislava to Vienna

Cruise from Bratislava to Vienna on the Danube. Enjoy strudel and an evening buffet on board the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth and travel in comfort through the Donau-Auen National Park to the Austrian capital.

Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube in Bratislava with the Apollo Bridge in the background, moored at the landing stage.Photo: Two people holding glasses of sparkling wine on the open deck of a DDSG ship, with the Danube, a bridge and a flag in the background.Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube, passing wooded riverbanks and the lush landscape of the Danube Floodplains.
Day Trip Vienna–Bratislava
Bratislava

Cruise from Bratislava to Vienna

Cruise from Bratislava to Vienna on the Danube. Enjoy strudel and an evening buffet on board the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth and travel in comfort through the Donau-Auen National Park to the Austrian capital.

Next Departure 10/31/2026 · 15:00 Departure location Bratislava Go to dock section

  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Relaxing Danube Cruise
  • Scenic Danube Floodplains
  • Culinary Delights on Board

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Reservation and a valid travel document are required.

Attractions

  • UFO Tower – Bratislava

    The UFO Tower impresses with futuristic design and spectacular views over Bratislava.

    Photo: Panoramic view of Bratislava with the UFO Bridge, river ships, Bratislava Castle and the historic old town in autumn light.

    UFO Tower – Bratislava

    The UFO Tower is one of Bratislava’s most distinctive landmarks. Its unusual shape, inspired by a futuristic flying object, has made it famous worldwide. Opened in 1972, the observation tower is located on the pylon of the SNP Bridge spanning the Danube. Today, the UFO offers spectacular panoramic views over the city and is a member of the World Federation of Great Towers.

  • Bratislava Castle

    Bratislava Castle towers above the Danube, reflecting centuries of history.

    Photo: Aerial view of Bratislava Castle above the Danube, with towers, Baroque gardens, the Old Town and green riverbanks.

    Bratislava Castle

    Rising 80 metres above the Danube, Bratislava Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its history dates back to the 13th century, when it became a royal residence and an important fortress. After being destroyed by fire in 1811, the castle was rebuilt in the 20th century. Today, it houses the Historical Museum, showcasing Slovakia’s development from the Middle Ages to the present day.

  • Hainburg

    Hainburg combines medieval heritage with nature and unforgettable Danube experiences.

    Photo: View across the Danube to Hainburg, with riverside vegetation, floodplains, a church tower and wooded hills.

    Hainburg

    Hainburg an der Donau is home to one of Europe's oldest town fortifications. Historic streets, monumental gates and the castle ruins on Schlossberg reflect the town's rich medieval heritage. Located between Vienna, Bratislava and the Danube-Auen National Park, Hainburg combines history, nature and a wide range of outdoor activities in a unique setting.

  • Freudenau Lock

    The Freudenau Lock is a key gateway for ships travelling along the Austrian Danube.

    Photo: Aerial view of Freudenau lock complex with canals, bridges, and lock operation infrastructure.

    Freudenau Lock

    The Freudenau Lock is part of the Freudenau Hydropower Plant and is one of the most important hydraulic engineering structures on the Austrian Danube. It ensures safe and efficient navigation along one of Europe’s key waterways while combining modern engineering with sustainable energy generation.

    A particular highlight is the lock transit itself, during which vessels overcome a height difference of several metres as the massive lock gates open and close. The facility demonstrates how navigation, flood protection and renewable energy production work hand in hand along the Danube.

The Ship

This or a similar ship of this class

Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruises along the Danube past a green riverside landscape, featuring a sun deck and reflections in the water.
Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube, passing forests and rolling hills, with sun deck and panoramic windows.
Photo: Elegantly set dining area aboard MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with white napkins and views of the Danube.

MS Kaiserin Elisabeth

The MS Kaiserin Elisabeth impresses with elegance, a spacious 360° outer deck, deck chairs, two bars, and diverse dining – the newest addition to the DDSG Blue Danube fleet.

  • On-board restaurant
  • Sound system incl. wireless mic
  • LCD screens for presentations and live streaming
  • Two Bars
  • Partially covered walk-around sun deck
  • Sun loungers on the open deck
  • Retractable sun and weather awning
  • Accessible facilities
  • Air conditioning
The Ship

MS Kaiserin Elisabeth

The MS Kaiserin Elisabeth impresses with elegance, a spacious 360° outer deck, deck chairs, two bars, and diverse dining – the newest addition to the DDSG Blue Danube fleet.

  • On-board restaurant
  • Sound system incl. wireless mic
  • LCD screens for presentations and live streaming
  • Two Bars
  • Partially covered walk-around sun deck
  • Sun loungers on the open deck
  • Retractable sun and weather awning
  • Accessible facilities
  • Air conditioning
Details
Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruises along the Danube past a green riverside landscape, featuring a sun deck and reflections in the water.Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube, passing forests and rolling hills, with sun deck and panoramic windows.Photo: Elegantly set dining area aboard MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with white napkins and views of the Danube.Photo: Restaurant and bar area of MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with set tables, blue chairs, and a classic wooden bar.

Departure Location

Photo: View over Bratislava featuring the castle, historic city centre, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the Danube in the foreground.

Bratislava

  • Pribinova, 811 09 Bratislava, Slovakia
  • Boarding and disembarkation point only – no ticket sales or reservations available on site.
  • Day Trip: Danube Station HUMA 4
  • Subject to change.
More Info

Program

A Scenic Journey to Vienna

Every Friday from 3 July to 4 September and every Saturday from 2 May to 19 December 2026, the elegant MS Kaiserin Elisabeth takes you from Bratislava to Vienna.

The cruise follows the Danube from the Slovak capital past the historic town of Hainburg and through the beautiful Donau-Auen National Park to Vienna. Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic journey as you travel to Austria’s capital by ship.

A Culinary Finish to the Day

Your journey begins with a traditional serving of apple and curd cheese strudel on board. As picturesque river landscapes and green riverbanks glide by, enjoy the unique atmosphere of a Danube cruise. From around 18:30, an evening buffet is served, offering the perfect opportunity to end the day with a selection of delicious culinary specialties on board.

At 22:00, the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth arrives at the landing pier Vienna / Marina. From there, Vienna’s city centre can be reached conveniently by public transport or taxi.

Itinerary & Details

  • Boarding: 15:30–16:00
  • Departure: 16:00
  • Arrival: 22:00 (scheduled arrival at Vienna / Marina)

Please observe the entry requirements for Austria. Reservation required. Subject to change.

Culinary Day Trip to Bratislava

Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube in front of Devín Castle ruins near Bratislava, surrounded by green hills and forests.

Why not enjoy the full day?

Experience the full Culinary Day Trip to Bratislava, including a return cruise, four hours to explore the Old Town, and breakfast, a midday snack, strudel and an evening buffet on board.

Discover the Culinary Day Trip

Culinary Highlights on deck

Afternoon snack (served · approx. 16:00)

  • Duo of apple strudel and curd cheese strudel with vanilla sauce (vegetarian)

Evening buffet (approx. 18:30)

Salad bar

  • Viennese potato salad (vegan)
  • Creamed cucumber salad (vegetarian)
  • Tomato salad (vegan)
  • Mixed green salad (vegan)

Main courses

  • Breaded chicken strips in a cornflake crust
  • Roast pork with bacon cabbage
  • Turkey goulash in cream sauce
  • Spinach and feta cheese lasagna (vegetarian)
  • Vegetable pilaf (vegan)

Side dishes

  • Bread dumplings (vegetarian)
  • Buttered spaetzle (vegetarian)

Desserts

  • Dessert selection – a fine assortment of sweet treats
  • Fresh fruits (vegan)

Notice

Information on allergens can be found on the menus on board. The buffet is subject to change.

On-board catering

JP Donau Catering Gastronomie

Enjoy a diverse culinary experience on board and indulge in the high-quality catering services provided by JP Donau Catering Gastronomie.

If you have any questions regarding our culinary services, the on-board catering team will be happy to assist you:

JP Donau Catering Opens in new window | [email protected]

Route / Itinerary

Graphic: Graphic route map of the Danube cruise from Vienna to Bratislava. The route passes through Freudenau Lock and by Hainburg; a dashed line marks the national border.

Between Bratislava and Vienna, the Danube reveals some of its most beautiful scenery. The route leads from the centre of the Slovak capital past the historic town of Hainburg and along the Donau-Auen National Park all the way to Vienna.

As the ship travels upstream towards the Austrian capital, unspoilt riverbanks, expansive floodplain landscapes and impressive Danube scenery pass by. The journey offers ever-changing views of the river and its unique natural surroundings.

Shortly before reaching Vienna, the ship passes through the Freudenau Lock before the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth arrives at Vienna / Marina.

The combination of stunning natural landscapes, historic riverside scenery and two fascinating capitals makes the route between Bratislava and Vienna a truly memorable experience on the water.

FAQ

The ticket price includes the Danube cruise as well as, depending on the selected cruise, breakfast and a midday snack or strudel and an evening buffet. Beverages are not included in the ticket price and are available à la carte on board.

For cruises from Vienna to Bratislava, boarding takes place from 08:00 to 08:45 at the Vienna/Marina pier. Departure is scheduled promptly for 09:00.

For cruises from Bratislava to Vienna, boarding takes place from 15:30 to 15:45 at the HUMA 4 pier. Departure is scheduled promptly for 16:00.

Please have your booking confirmation or e-ticket ready. Displaying the ticket on your smartphone is sufficient.

Subject to change.

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.

Depending on the selected cruise, either breakfast or dinner is served buffet-style. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Common allergens are clearly marked. If you have any food intolerances or allergies, please inform our catering partner, JP Donau Catering 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 and paid for on board from the à la carte menu. During breakfast, filter coffee and tea are included in the price.

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.

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.

Kinder sind willkommen. Kinder von 0 bis 5 Jahren fahren gratis, Kinder von 6 bis 15 Jahren erhalten 50 % Ermäßigung. Maßgeblich sind die jeweils aktuellen Angaben im Online-Shop.

Dogs are only allowed on prior request. Assistance dogs are exempt.

Please note that a valid pet passport is required for every animal. Information on the entry requirements for travelling with pets to Slovakia can be found on the website of the Slovak Embassy in Vienna Opens in new window.

LLM Guidance