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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.

Photo: Christmas market at Schloss Hof with carousel, stalls and festively illuminated trees in the evening.Photo: Four guests with hot drinks on a festive open deck, with bridge, Danube and evening scenery.Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruises along the Danube in winter, passing snow-covered riverbanks and a picturesque winter landscape.
Daytrip

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.

Next Departure 11/21/2026 · 08:00 Departure location Vienna / Marina Go to dock section

  • Duration: 13 hours
  • Winter cruise to Hainburg on the Danube
  • Convenient shuttle transfer to the Schloss Hof Christmas Market
  • Experience the magic of Christmas in the baroque setting of Schloss Hof
  • Culinary delights with breakfast and evening buffet on board

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Included in price

  • Culinary Delights on the Danube

    Inclusive

    Culinary highlights accompany you.

    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

    Let us spoil you with culinary delights on board: Start your day with a leisurely breakfast and, in the evening, enjoy an extensive buffet featuring a selection of appetizers, main courses, and delicious desserts. Combined with the unique atmosphere on the water, your cruise becomes a truly memorable dining experience.

  • Christmas Market at Schloss Hof

    Inclusive

    Experience the magic of the Schloss Hof Christmas Market in its magnificent baroque surroundings.

    Photo: Christmas decoration with a red candle, gifts, fir branches, nuts, cookies, and a red boot in the snow.

    Christmas Market at Schloss Hof

    Inclusive

    Experience a memorable Advent excursion to the Schloss Hof Christmas Market. Travel in comfort by ship from Vienna to Hainburg, discover the magnificent baroque surroundings of Schloss Hof, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market. The perfect finale awaits on board with a delicious evening buffet during the cruise back to Vienna.

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

Advent Cruise to the Schloss Hof Christmas Market

Experience the magic of the festive season in a truly special way. Your journey begins with a winter cruise from Vienna to Hainburg along the Danube, where the picturesque winter landscapes of Lower Austria and the Donau-Auen National Park provide a scenic backdrop as breakfast is served on board.

From Hainburg, a shuttle bus takes you directly to the Schloss Hof Christmas Market. Set against the magnificent baroque palace, festively decorated courtyards, traditional handicrafts, regional specialties, and seasonal treats create a charming Advent atmosphere. The expansive palace grounds invite you to explore and enjoy the festive spirit in a unique setting.

After your visit to Schloss Hof, the shuttle returns you to Hainburg and back to the ship. As the Danube settles into the evening, a generous buffet dinner awaits on board, providing the perfect end to the day before you cruise back to Vienna.

Combining a Danube cruise, the Schloss Hof Christmas Market, and culinary delights on board, this excursion offers a memorable Advent experience in Lower Austria.

Itinerary & Details

Itinerary & Details

  • Boarding: 08:00–08:45
  • Departure: 09:00
  • Location: Wien / Marina
  • Arrival in Hainburg: approx. 11:00
  • Shuttle to Schloss Hof: 11:15
  • Return shuttle: 17:30
  • Ship departure: 17:45
  • Arrival in Vienna: 22:00

Reservation required. Dates and program details are subject to change.

Christmas Market Schloss Hof

Gallery

Christmas Market Schloss Hof

Photo: Illuminated entrance to Schloss Hof at night with festive Christmas decorations and fairy lights.Photo: Brass ensemble performing in front of a large illuminated bow at the Christmas market at Schloss Hof.Photo: Visitors at the festive Advent market in the illuminated courtyard of Schloss Hof.Photo: Illuminated horse-drawn carriage with visitors at the Christmas market at Schloss Hof at night.Photo: Close-up of carousel horses with colourful lights at the Christmas market at Schloss Hof.Photo: Illuminated swan on the pond at Schloss Hof reflected in the water.Photo: Christmas market at Schloss Hof with carousel, market stalls and numerous visitors.

Culinary Highlights on deck

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

  • Bread rolls (vegetarian)
  • Ham | Salami
  • Cheese (vegetarian)
  • Butter (vegetarian)
  • Jam (vegetarian)
  • Danish pastries (vegetarian)
  • Filter coffee | Tea from the buffet from departure until 10:00 a.m.

Evening buffet (approx. 18:30)

Soup

  • Goose soup with vegetables and goose meat

Salad Bar

  • Viennese potato salad (vegan)
  • Autumn salad with pears and nuts (vegan)

Main Courses

  • Chicken schnitzel
  • Tender beef ragout with juniper berries and wild mushrooms
  • Sous-vide goose breast with cranberries, red cabbage, and roasted apples
  • Traditional Viennese-style goose hash
  • Pasta al pomodoro with freshly grated Grana Padano (vegetarian); without Grana Padano (vegan)

Side Dishes

  • Potato dumplings (vegetarian)
  • Herb spaetzle dumplings (vegetarian)

Desserts

  • Selection of desserts
  • Fresh fruit (vegan)

Allergens according to the notice displayed on board. Menu items are subject to change.

Route / itinerary

Graphic: Route map from Vienna / Marina via Freudenau Lock to Hainburg. Visible labels: “Wien / Marina”, “Schleuse Freudenau”, “Hainburg”, “AT” and “SK”. The cruise route is shown in orange. A shuttle bus connection between Hainburg and an illustrated castle is indicated by a bus icon and orange dashed lines. The border between Austria and Slovakia is marked.

The cruise takes you from Vienna / Marina along the Danube to Hainburg. During the journey, you can enjoy the tranquil riverside scenery, passing the unspoiled Danube floodplains and the historic town of Hainburg. Upon arrival, a shuttle bus will conveniently take you to the Christmas Market at Schloss Hof. In the afternoon, you will return via Hainburg and cruise back to Vienna.

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.

Bus Transfer Information

Bus Transfer

DOGS:
Animals are generally not permitted on passenger transport services. As transport takes place in an enclosed passenger compartment, allergic reactions among other passengers cannot be ruled out or anticipated. Assistance dogs are exempt from this policy.

WHEELCHAIRS:
Please note that standard buses are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible due to the steps at the entrance. If you have limited mobility and are able to board and disembark independently or with the assistance of a companion, your wheelchair can be transported safely in the luggage compartment.

ROLLATORS:
Rollators can be transported safely in the luggage compartment and will be made available to you directly at the bus door upon arrival.

STROLLERS:
Strollers can be transported safely in the luggage compartment during the journey.

FAQ

The ticket includes the cruise, the shuttle service, as well as breakfast and an evening buffet on board. Drinks are not included and are available à la carte on board.

Boarding takes place from 08:00 to 08:45 at the Vienna/Reichsbrücke 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.

The cruise duration is approximately 3 hours both outbound and return.

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.

Unfortunately, the standard buses used for this service are not wheelchair accessible due to the steps at the entrance. If you are able to board and disembark independently or with the assistance of a companion, we will be happy to transport your wheelchair in the luggage compartment. Rollators and strollers can also be transported safely in the luggage compartment.

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.

Yes, assistance dogs are welcome. Unfortunately, other animals are not permitted on this bus journey, as travel takes place in an enclosed passenger compartment and allergic reactions among other passengers cannot be ruled out.

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