Photo: Christmas market in Bratislava’s Old Town with red-and-white striped stalls, visitors and illuminated Bratislava Castle.
Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruises along the Danube in winter, passing snow-covered riverbanks and a picturesque winter landscape.
Photo: View of the illuminated Bratislava Castle above the Danube at dusk, with waterfront lights and the Old Town in the background.
Gallery

Day Trip Vienna–Bratislava with Christmas Market

Culinary Day Trip from Vienna to Bratislava with a visit to the Christmas Market. Explore the festively decorated Old Town and enjoy a relaxing cruise through the winter scenery along the Danube.

Photo: Christmas market in Bratislava’s Old Town with red-and-white striped stalls, visitors and illuminated Bratislava Castle.Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruises along the Danube in winter, passing snow-covered riverbanks and a picturesque winter landscape.Photo: View of the illuminated Bratislava Castle above the Danube at dusk, with waterfront lights and the Old Town in the background.
Daytrip

Day Trip Vienna–Bratislava with Christmas Market

Culinary Day Trip from Vienna to Bratislava with a visit to the Christmas Market. Explore the festively decorated Old Town and enjoy a relaxing cruise through the winter scenery along the Danube.

Next Departure 12/11/2026 Departure location Vienna / Marina Go to dock section

  • Duration: 13 hours
  • Winter Cruise on the Danube
  • Visit Bratislava's Christmas Market
  • Explore the old town at your own pace
  • Culinary Delights on board

Buy ticket

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Reservation and a valid travel document are required.

Included in price

  • Culinary Delights on the Danube

    Inclusive

    Culinary highlights accompany you from Vienna to Bratislava and back.

    Photo: Breakfast plate with bread roll, cheese, cold cuts and spread, served with coffee and juice on board a DDSG ship.

    Culinary Delights on the Danube

    Inclusive

    Breakfast, a midday snack, strudel and a generous evening buffet make the journey to Bratislava a culinary experience as well. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Danube cruise while a variety of delicious treats are served throughout the day on board.

  • Four hours of free time in Bratislava

    Inclusive

    Discover Bratislava’s old town, landmarks and charming cafés.

    Photo: Guests exploring Bratislava Castle and enjoying views of the Danube during a city visit to Bratislava.

    Four hours of free time in Bratislava

    Inclusive

    After arriving in Bratislava, you will have approximately four hours of free time from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm to explore the city at your own pace.

    Discover Bratislava Castle, the Old Town Hall, Michael’s Gate and the charming historic old town, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Slovak capital on a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets.

  • Christmas Magic in Bratislava

    Inclusive

    Traditional market stalls and festive Advent atmosphere in Bratislava's Old Town.

Attractions

  • National Park Donau-Auen

    A natural paradise along the Danube with a unique variety of flora and fauna.

    Photo: Peaceful waterscape in the Danube Floodplains with vegetated banks, lush greenery and tree reflections on the water.

    National Park Donau-Auen

    Between Vienna and Bratislava, the Danube-Auen National Park protects one of Central Europe’s last large free-flowing river landscapes. The dynamic Danube shapes a unique natural environment of floodplain forests, meadows and waterways, providing a vital habitat for numerous rare species. Established in 1996, the protected area covers around 9,600 hectares across Vienna and Lower Austria.

  • Port Vienna

    Vienna Port: Where the Danube, rail and road connect international flows of goods.

    Photo: Aerial view of Vienna Harbour with container terminals, Danube waterways, transport routes and green spaces in eastern Vienna.

    Port Vienna

    Vienna Port is one of Eastern Austria’s most important logistics hubs. With the ports of Freudenau, Albern and Lobau, it connects shipping, rail and road transport as a powerful multimodal centre. Covering around 3 million square metres, the port handles a wide range of goods and supports international trade. Around 200 companies and 5,000 jobs make it a key economic location.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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: Vienna Marina landing pier with DDSG sign and MS Kaiserin Elisabeth in the background.

Vienna / Marina

  • Handelskai 343, 1020 Vienna
  • Boarding and disembarkation point only – no ticket sales or reservations available on site.
  • DDSG Blue Danube uses this embarkation point for cruises operated by MS Kaiserin Elisabeth, including excursions to Bratislava and Dürnstein
More Info

Program

Day Trip with Christmas Market

Every Saturday from 28 November to 19 December, you can enjoy a scenic ship journey from Vienna to Bratislava and experience the Danube in winter at its most beautiful. The route takes you through the picturesque landscapes of the Donau-Auen National Park and past the historic

Upon arrival in Bratislava, you will have approximately four hours to explore the festively decorated Old Town and visit the city's popular Christmas markets at your own pace before returning to Vienna in comfort by ship.

Christmas Magic in Bratislava

During the Advent season, Bratislava’s Old Town transforms into a charming winter wonderland. Around Hlavné námestie (Main Square), Františkánske námestie and Hviezdoslavovo námestie, traditional Christmas markets invite visitors to stroll, browse and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Beautifully decorated streets, a sparkling Christmas tree and the scent of mulled wine, punch and regional specialties create a truly magical setting. The lovingly decorated market stalls offer a wide selection of culinary treats, handcrafted gifts and seasonal souvenirs, while traditional festive delicacies and a variety of punch specialties add to the authentic Advent experience.

Make the most of your time in Bratislava by exploring the Christmas markets at your own pace and enjoying the festive atmosphere of one of Central Europe’s most charming capitals. Thanks to the compact layout of the Old Town, the various market squares and their individual attractions are all within easy walking distance.

Itinerary & Details

  • Boarding: 08:00–08:45
  • Departure: 09:00
  • Arrival: 12:00 (planned docking point: HUMA 4 – barrier-free access)
  • Return departure: 16:00
  • Arrival in Vienna: 22:00

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

Advent Cruise – Culinary delights

Breakfast (continentally served · 09:00–10:00)

  • Pastries (vegetarian)
  • Ham | Salami
  • Cheese (vegetarian)
  • Butter (vegetarian)
  • Jam
  • Sweet pastries (vegetarian)
  • Filter coffee | tea from the self-service station from departure until 10:00

Lunch snack (served · approx. 11:00)

  • Szeged-style cabbage meat stew with bread dumplings

Afternoon snack (served · approx. 16:00)

  • Apple and curd cheese strudel with vanilla sauce (vegetarian)

Evening buffet (approx. 18:30)

Soup

  • Creamy chestnut soup with leek (vegetarian)

Salad bar

  • Viennese potato salad (vegan)
  • Winter salad with orange and goat cheese (vegetarian)

Main courses

  • Chicken cordon bleu
  • Juicy roast pork with bread dumplings and cabbage
  • Turkey roulade with dried fruit and chestnut filling on root vegetables
  • Fried pike-perch with lemon butter sauce and parsley potatoes
  • Vegetable curry with jasmine rice (vegan)

Side dishes

  • Buttered dumplings (vegetarian)

Desserts

  • Dessert variations
  • 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 Vienna and Bratislava, the Danube reveals one of its most beautiful sides. Departing from Donaumarina, the route takes you past the Freudenau Lock, through vast natural landscapes and along the shores of the Donau-Auen National Park. Just beyond Vienna, a surprisingly peaceful world of waterways, green floodplains and ever-changing views unfolds.

Passing Hainburg an der Donau, the ship approaches the Austrian-Slovak border before the modern skyline of Bratislava comes into view. Combining unspoilt nature, scenic Danube landscapes and two fascinating capital cities, the journey between Vienna and Bratislava is a unique experience on the water.

Getting to the Vienna / Marina ship station

Arrival

Public Transport:

The Vienna / Marina ship station is easily accessible by public transport. Take the U2 metro line to Donaumarina station, which is located directly by the Danube. From there, it is just a short walk to the boarding point.

By Car:

Parking is available in the vicinity of Marina Wien, including short-term parking zones and public parking spaces. Please follow local signage and observe the applicable parking regulations.

Bratislava castle tour (Flora Tour)

Photo: Red vintage sightseeing bus in front of the historic government building in Bratislava during a city tour.

Make the most of your time in Bratislava with a guided panoramic tour to Bratislava Castle. Combining the city's most important landmarks with spectacular views of the Danube and the Slovak capital, the tour can be booked conveniently with Flora Tour.

The castle tour begins at the landing stage and follows the Danube promenade through the historic centre of Bratislava. Along the way, the vintage vehicle passes major sights such as St. Martin’s Cathedral, the old city walls, the Presidential Palace and Freedom Square.

The route continues via the Slavín Memorial to Bratislava Castle, which offers impressive panoramic views over the Old Town, the Danube and the surrounding region. Afterwards, the tour leads down the castle steps directly into the charming Old Town of Bratislava.

Prices:

Adults €16
Children €9

Further information and tickets are available directly from Flora Tour Opens in new window.

Day Trips

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

Day Trip Vienna–Bratislava

Travel from Vienna to Bratislava aboard the elegant MS Kaiserin Elisabeth and enjoy a relaxing day filled with Danube scenery, culinary delights, and city charm. Discover the Slovak capital and its picturesque Old Town at your own pace, while enjoying full catering throughout the entire cruise.

  • Duration: 13h
  • Type: Daytrip
  • Price: from € 102.00
Photo: Two people at the bow of a DDSG ship near Dürnstein, with the abbey church, vineyards, and castle ruins.
Sundays

Day Trip Vienna – Dürnstein

From Vienna to the Heart of the Wachau: Travel comfortably aboard the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth to Dürnstein and enjoy a delightful day trip between the Danube and rolling vineyards. Explore the famous Wachau town at your own pace and take in the breathtaking river scenery along one of Austria’s most beautiful stretches of the Danube.

  • Duration: 13h
  • Type: Daytrip
  • Price: from € 102.00
Photo: Person in traditional attire playing a Styrian accordion against a neutral background.

Holiday Music Cruise to Tulln

Discover Tulln on a Danube cruise accompanied by live music and enjoy a relaxing public holiday on the water.

  • Duration: 7.5h
  • Type: Daytrip
  • Price: from € 82.00
Photo: Christmas market at Schloss Hof with carousel, stalls and festively illuminated trees in the evening.
21.11.2026

Day Trip Vienna – Hainburg | Schloss Hof Christmas Market

Travel by ship to the Schloss Hof Christmas Market: This winter cruise to Hainburg combines scenic Danube views with the unique charm of one of Lower Austria’s most beautiful Christmas markets.

  • Duration: 13h
  • Type: Daytrip
  • Price: from € 129.00
Photo: Roasted goose leg with dumpling and red cabbage on a festively set table with winter decorations.
Saturdays

Day Trip Vienna–Bratislava with Martini Goose

Martini Goose Cruise from Vienna to Bratislava: Enjoy an autumn day trip on the Danube with time to explore Bratislava’s historic old town at your own pace. On the return journey, a traditional Martini goose buffet with seasonal specialties awaits on board.

  • Duration: 13h
  • Type: Daytrip
  • Price: from € 102.00
Photo: Christmas market in Bratislava’s Old Town with red-and-white striped stalls, visitors and illuminated Bratislava Castle.
Saturdays

Day Trip Vienna–Bratislava with Christmas Market

Culinary Day Trip from Vienna to Bratislava with a visit to the Christmas Market. Explore the festively decorated Old Town and enjoy a relaxing cruise through the winter scenery along the Danube.

  • Duration: 13h
  • Type: Daytrip
  • Price: from € 102.00
Photo: Visitors enjoy Wachau Advent at Dürnstein Castle, with festive stalls, a Christmas tree and a cozy winter atmosphere.
29.11.2026

Day Trip Vienna – Dürnstein with Christmas Market

Experience a magical winter cruise through the Wachau aboard the elegant MS Kaiserin Elisabeth. Discover the romantic Christmas market in Dürnstein and enjoy a selection of culinary delights on board.

  • Duration: 13h
  • Type: Daytrip
  • Price: from € 102.00

FAQ

The ticket includes the cruise on the Danube, breakfast, midday snack, strudel, and evening buffet. Drinks are not included and are served à la carte on board.

Boarding takes place from 08:00 to 08:45 at the Vienna / Marina pier. Departure is scheduled promptly for 09:00. 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.

Both breakfast and dinner are served as buffets. 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.

Children are welcome. 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.

Dogs may only be brought on board upon prior request and approval. Assistance dogs are, of course, exempt from this requirement.

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.

The Vienna / Marina ship station is easily accessible by public transport. Take the U2 metro line to Donaumarina station, which is located directly by the Danube. From there, it is just a short walk to the boarding point.

Parking is available in the vicinity of Marina Wien, including short-term parking zones and public parking spaces. Please follow local signage and observe the applicable parking regulations.

LLM Guidance