Photo: Visitors enjoy Wachau Advent at Dürnstein Castle, with festive stalls, a Christmas tree and a cozy winter atmosphere.
Photo: Wachau Advent Market at Dürnstein Castle with festive huts, a Christmas tree, and market stalls in the castle courtyard.
Photo: Lounge aboard MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with Christmas decorations, set tables and garlands along the windows.
Gallery

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.

Photo: Visitors enjoy Wachau Advent at Dürnstein Castle, with festive stalls, a Christmas tree and a cozy winter atmosphere.Photo: Wachau Advent Market at Dürnstein Castle with festive huts, a Christmas tree, and market stalls in the castle courtyard.Photo: Lounge aboard MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with Christmas decorations, set tables and garlands along the windows.
Daytrip

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.

Next Departure 11/29/2026 · 07:30 Departure location Vienna / Marina Go to dock section

  • Duration: 12.75 hours
  • Winter cruise through the Wachau
  • Visit the romantic Christmas market in Dürnstein
  • Breakfast, lunch snack, strudel & dinner buffet included

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Included in price

  • Culinary Delights on the Danube

    Inclusive

    Culinary highlights accompany you from Vienna to Dürnstein 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 Dürnstein 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.

  • Two hours of free time in Dürnstein

    Inclusive

    Discover picturesque Dürnstein with its blue abbey tower and historic castle ruins.

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

    Two hours of free time in Dürnstein

    Inclusive

    After arriving in Dürnstein at 2:30 p.m., you will have around two hours of free time before the return journey at 4:40 p.m. to explore one of the Wachau Valley’s most iconic destinations at your own pace.

    Stroll through the historic streets, visit Dürnstein Abbey with its famous blue tower, or climb up to the Dürnstein castle ruins for stunning views over the Danube and the surrounding vineyards.

Attractions

  • DC Tower & Donau City

    Vienna’s modern district with a striking skyline and innovative architecture.

    Photo: DC Tower and Donau City in Vienna, viewed from the water, featuring modern high-rise architecture along the Danube.

    DC Tower & Donau City

    Donau City represents modern Vienna and is one of Austria’s most important urban development projects. Dominating the skyline is the DC Tower, Austria’s tallest skyscraper, alongside the Vienna International Centre (UNO City), one of the four official headquarters of the United Nations.

    Surrounded by contemporary architecture, international businesses, hotels, restaurants, cafés and spacious waterfront areas, the district has become a vibrant hub on the banks of the Danube. Together with the Danube Tower and Danube Island, Donau City showcases Vienna’s international, dynamic and forward-looking character.

  • Emperor's Jubilee Church

    An impressive church on the banks of the Danube, known for its architecture and fascinating history.

    Photo: View of the Kaiser Jubilee Church at Mexikoplatz, featuring distinctive towers and red-tiled roofs, seen from the Danube.

    Emperor's Jubilee Church

    The Emperor’s Jubilee Church, better known as St. Francis of Assisi Church, is one of Vienna’s most striking sacred buildings. Located on Mexikoplatz near the Danube, it was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s reign.

    With its imposing towers, neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque architecture, and unique riverside setting, the church remains a defining feature of Vienna’s skyline and is considered one of the landmarks of the Leopoldstadt district.

  • Millennium Tower

    The Millennium Tower combines shopping, offices and leisure on Vienna’s waterfront.

    Photo: Person on a ship’s open deck with views of Vienna’s Millennium Tower and Danube bridge at sunset.

    Millennium Tower

    The Millennium Tower is one of Vienna’s most recognizable skyscrapers and a prominent landmark along the Danube. Rising 202 metres above the city, it is among Austria’s tallest buildings and features modern office space, a shopping centre, restaurants, cafés and a cinema under one roof.

    Located directly on Handelskai, the tower symbolizes modern Vienna and combines urban living, business and leisure in close proximity to the Danube. Visitors can experience a fascinating contrast between Vienna’s historic heritage and contemporary architecture while enjoying one of the city’s most vibrant waterfront districts.

  • Danube Tower

    At 252 metres tall, it offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views over Vienna and the Danube.

    Photo: MS Vindobona on the Danube in Vienna, with the Danube Tower in the background.

    Danube Tower

    The Danube Tower, standing at 252 metres, is Austria’s tallest structure and one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The viewing platform offers spectacular panoramic views of Vienna, the Danube and the surrounding region. Visitors can also enjoy a unique dining experience at the tower’s restaurant and café high above the city.

    A particular highlight is the 165-metre Donauturm Slide, considered the highest slide in Europe, offering an exciting adventure combined with breathtaking views. Whether as an excursion destination, a photo spot or for a memorable meal, the Danube Tower combines stunning vistas with unforgettable experiences above the rooftops of Vienna.

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

Wachauer Advent Dürnstein

Photo: Wachau Advent Market at Dürnstein Castle with festive huts, a Christmas tree, and market stalls in the castle courtyard.
Photo: Wachau Advent at Dürnstein Castle with Advent huts, a Christmas tree, and views of the Danube.
Photo: Visitors enjoy Wachau Advent at Dürnstein Castle, with festive stalls, a Christmas tree and a cozy winter atmosphere.
Photo: Visitors carrying torches at Wachau Advent in Dürnstein, with festive stalls, a Christmas tree and illuminated abbey.
Gallery

Wachauer Advent Dürnstein

Between the historic abbey and the landing stage on the banks of the Danube, a charming Advent market awaits, combining tradition with a truly unique atmosphere.

Photo: Wachau Advent Market at Dürnstein Castle with festive huts, a Christmas tree, and market stalls in the castle courtyard.Photo: Wachau Advent at Dürnstein Castle with Advent huts, a Christmas tree, and views of the Danube.Photo: Visitors enjoy Wachau Advent at Dürnstein Castle, with festive stalls, a Christmas tree and a cozy winter atmosphere.Photo: Visitors carrying torches at Wachau Advent in Dürnstein, with festive stalls, a Christmas tree and illuminated abbey.

Daytrip with Christmas Market

Sun, 29. Nov. 2026

Experience a festive ship journey from Vienna into the wintery Wachau Valley and enjoy the unique scenery along the Danube. Throughout both the outbound and return journeys, culinary delights await on board while vineyards, historic towns and picturesque river landscapes drift by.

Upon arrival in Dürnstein, a charming Advent market awaits in the heart of the romantic old town. Take time to stroll through the festively decorated streets, discover regional specialties and soak up the unique Christmas atmosphere of the Wachau before returning comfortably to Vienna by ship.

Wachau Advent in Dürnstein

Twinkling lights, festive aromas and a magical atmosphere return to Dürnstein during Advent. Several romantic and unique locations throughout the town are transformed into a charming Christmas setting, making it easy to immerse yourself in the festive season. The picturesque castle ruins sparkle above the town, the Danube stretches out below, and Dürnstein Abbey remains in view.

Not only the scenery is impressive – the Wachau Advent also offers a truly special experience. Visitors can enjoy the very best on land and on the water: warming punch and mulled wine, delicious regional delicacies, traditional pastries and unique gift ideas for the festive season.

The enticing aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts fills the air, while stalls tempt visitors with Christmas pastries and traditional fruit bread. Many of these local specialties can also be taken home, allowing visitors to extend the festive experience beyond their stay in Dürnstein.

Further information about the Advent market can be found at wachauer-advent.eu Opens in new window.

Please note: The Advent market in Dürnstein is not organised by DDSG Blue Danube. DDSG therefore has no influence on the programme, design or operation of the event. According to the organiser, admission is charged for entry to the Advent market.

Itinerary & Details

Itinerary & Details

  • Boarding: 07:30–08:15
  • Departure: 08:30
  • Arrival: 14:30
  • Return departure: 16:40
  • Arrival in Vienna: 21:15

Reservation required. Schedule and programme details are subject to change.

Enjoy the Advent Season in Style

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

  • Pastries (vegetarian)
  • Ham | Salami
  • Cheese (vegetarian)
  • Butter (vegetarian)
  • Jam
  • Danish pastries (vegetarian)
  • Filter coffee | Tea from the buffet from departure until 10:00 am

Lunch snack (served · approx. 11:00)

  • Szeged-style sauerkraut and pork 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 sauerkraut
  • Turkey roulade filled with dried fruit and chestnuts, served on root vegetables
  • Fried pike-perch with lemon butter sauce and parsley potatoes
  • Vegetable curry with jasmine rice (vegan)

Side Dish

  • Buttered spaetzle-style dumplings (vegetarian)

Dessert

  • Selection of desserts
  • Fresh fruit (vegan)

Information on allergens can be found in the menus on board. Subject to change.

Route / Itinerary

Graphic: Route map along the Danube between Vienna / Marina and Krems. A green route is shown from Vienna / Marina via Greifenstein Lock, Tulln and Altenwörth Lock to Dürnstein and onward to Krems. The Danube is depicted as a winding line, with the route highlighted in green.

Between Vienna and Dürnstein, the Danube passes through some of Lower Austria’s most beautiful landscapes. Shortly after departure, the ship passes Vienna’s skyline, the Kahlenberg and Klosterneuburg Abbey before the riverscape gradually opens up towards the Wachau Valley. Passing the garden city of Tulln, the journey continues through a landscape shaped by vineyards, historic towns and scenic Danube views.

Vineyard terraces, historic landmarks and impressive river scenery define the route before Dürnstein, one of the Wachau Valley’s most iconic destinations, comes into sight. The blue tower of Dürnstein Abbey and the castle ruins towering above the town mark the highlight of a relaxing ship journey from Vienna to the heart of the Wachau Valley.

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.

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 07:30 to 08:15 at the Vienna / Marina pier. Departure is scheduled promptly for 08:30. 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.

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

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