Gallery

Grand Danube River Cruise – Route A

Experience Vienna's Green and Innovative Side: This cruise takes you along the Danube and the Danube Canal, combining modern architecture, innovative urban development and green recreational areas in one unique journey.

Photo: MS Vindobona on Vienna’s Danube Canal, with the Urania Observatory in the background.Photo: DDSG Blue Danube ship MS Wien on the Danube with Danube Island, Donau City, DC Tower and Danube Tower in the background.Photo: Three people with drinks on a ship's open deck. The Danube Canal, a bridge and waterfront buildings are visible in the background.

Grand Danube River Cruise – Route A

Experience Vienna's Green and Innovative Side: This cruise takes you along the Danube and the Danube Canal, combining modern architecture, innovative urban development and green recreational areas in one unique journey.

Next Departure 10/02/2026 · 08:30 Departure location Vienna / Schwedenplatz Go to dock section

  • Duration: approx. 2 hours
  • Discover Modern Architecture
  • Experience Vienna's Innovative Side
  • Enjoy Green Spaces Along the Waterfront

Buy ticket

Loading...

Due to the current low water levels on the Danube, Section A of the Grand Danube River Cruise is suspended until further notice. As an alternative, Section B continues to operate as usual. Thank you for your understanding.

Optional Extras

These can be selected against a surcharge during the purchase process.

  • Lunch

    Enjoy a relaxing lunch break on the Danube with a two-course menu of your choice.

    Photo: People having a business lunch at a set table in a ship’s onboard restaurant.

    Lunch

    Sit back and enjoy a relaxing cruise while creating your own two-course menu. Choose either a starter and a main course, or a main course and a dessert, according to your taste.

    Autumn & Winter Menu

    14 September 2026 to 31 December 2026

    • Pumpkin cream soup with croutons (vegetarian) or Kaiserschmarrn (shredded Austrian pancake) with plum compote (vegetarian)
    • Beef ragout with herb dumplings or Cheese spaetzle with crispy fried onions (vegetarian)
  • Schnitzel

    Discover Vienna while enjoying a true classic of Viennese cuisine.

    Photo: Breaded chicken schnitzel served with potato salad, lingonberries and a lemon wedge on a white plate.

    Schnitzel

    Experience Vienna from the water and savour one of the city's most beloved culinary specialties. As the Danube and Vienna’s riverside landmarks glide past, enjoy a golden-breaded chicken schnitzel served with traditional potato salad and cranberries. A relaxing way to combine sightseeing on the Danube with authentic Viennese flavour.

  • Aperol Free Flow

    Summer vibes on the Danube with unlimited Aperol Spritz and fresh bruschetta.

    Photo: Multiple filled Aperol Spritz glasses on a tray, ready to be served to guests.

    Aperol Free Flow

    Sit back and enjoy true dolce vita moments on the Danube. With the Aperol Free Flow combo ticket, you can enjoy unlimited Aperol Spritz served by the glass throughout the entire cruise. A portion of bruschetta per person is also included. The perfect combination of sunny river views, relaxed indulgence and Italian flair on board.

    Please note that alcoholic beverages are served on board to guests aged 18 and over only. Proof of age may be requested at any time.

  • Prosecco Free Flow

    Sparkling indulgence on the Danube with unlimited Prosecco.

    Photo: Two people enjoying a glass of prosecco on a ship’s open deck overlooking the Danube.

    Prosecco Free Flow

    Turn your Danube cruise into a sparkling experience. With Prosecco Free Flow, you can enjoy unlimited glasses of Prosecco throughout the entire cruise.

    Sit back, relax and admire the passing riverside scenery while being served directly at your seat by our on-board service team. The perfect way to savour special moments in style while cruising along the Danube.

    Prosecco of the house brand served by the glass is included in this offer. Service is available exclusively on board and only during the cruise. Additional beverages can be ordered at an extra charge.

    Alcohol is served to guests aged 18 and over only. Proof of age may be requested.

Attractions

  • Urania Observatory

    A Vienna landmark featuring an observatory, Art Nouveau architecture and views of the Danube Canal.

    Photo: MS Vindobona on Vienna’s Danube Canal, with the Urania Observatory in the background.

    Urania Observatory

    The Urania Observatory is one of Austria’s best-known public observatories and is located directly on the Danube Canal in the heart of Vienna. Opened in 1910, the striking Art Nouveau building combines science, education and culture under one roof. Through guided tours and observation sessions, visitors can explore stars, planets and other celestial objects. With its distinctive dome and prominent location along the Danube Canal, Urania remains one of Vienna’s most recognizable landmarks and continues to inspire visitors with fascinating insights into the world of astronomy.

  • Kunst Haus Wien

    The Kunst Haus Wien delights visitors with unique architecture and contemporary art.

    Photo: Hundertwasser’s Kunst Haus Wien with its distinctive façade, green roofs and colorful window frames.

    Kunst Haus Wien

    KunstHausWien is one of Vienna’s most distinctive museums and is closely associated with the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The remarkable building, known for its curved lines, colourful façades and green spaces, is home to the Hundertwasser Museum and the world’s largest permanent collection of the artist’s works.

    In addition, the museum hosts changing exhibitions on contemporary art, photography, environmental topics and sustainability. KunstHausWien is one of Vienna’s most popular cultural attractions and offers a unique insight into Hundertwasser’s creative vision.

  • 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.

  • Gasometer

    The Gasometers showcase Vienna’s industrial heritage and contemporary urban life.

    Photo: Aerial view of Vienna’s Gasometers with brick towers, glass domes, and surrounding residential and commercial buildings.

    Gasometer

    The Gasometers are among Vienna’s most remarkable landmarks and a prime example of successful urban redevelopment. Originally built in the late 19th century as gas storage tanks, the four impressive brick towers played an important role in the city’s industrial history. During an extensive revitalisation project, the historic façades were preserved while the interiors were transformed into a modern district featuring apartments, shops, restaurants, offices, event spaces and a cinema.

The Ships

This or a similar ship of this class

Departure Location

Photo: Modern ship station at Vienna Schwedenplatz at night with illuminated architecture and Danube Canal.

Vienna / Schwedenplatz

  • Franz Josefs Kai 2, 1010 Vienna
  • Ticket Office Opening Hours: Mon–Sun & Holidays: 10:00–16:00
  • Sightseeing Cruises Vienna: Pier 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Theme Cruises Vienna: Pier 2
  • Charter Cruises: Departure Point by Arrangement
  • Subject to change.
More Info

Route / itinerary

Graphic: Graphic representation of Section A of the Grand Danube Tour in Vienna. The cruise starts at Schwedenplatz, follows the Danube Canal, continues onto the Danube and ends at Reichsbrücke. The direction of travel is indicated by a blue route line with an arrow.

The route begins at Schwedenplatz and follows the Danube Canal downstream, passing landmarks such as the Urania and the Kunst Haus Wien.

After passing through the Freudenau Lock, the cruise continues on the Danube alongside Danube Island to the Vienna / Reichsbrücke landing stage. Along the way, passengers can enjoy views of modern landmarks such as the DC Tower, the Kaiser Jubilee Church and other highlights along Vienna’s waterways.

From the Reichsbrücke, Route B can be taken to continue the cruise back to Schwedenplatz and discover even more landmarks along the Danube and the Danube Canal.

Discover Even More of Vienna from the Water

Photo: MS Vindobona on the Danube Canal in Vienna, with the Spittelau district heating plant and green riverbanks in the background.

The Complete Grand Danube River Cruise

Why experience only half of Vienna?

This route offers just a glimpse of Vienna's waterways. With the Complete Grand Danube River Cruise, you'll discover the Danube and the Danube Canal in all their diversity and experience the highlights along Vienna's waterways, modern architecture, historic landmarks and green riverside landscapes in a single cruise.

FAQ

From the water, historic buildings, modern architecture and green riverside landscapes along the Danube and Danube Canal can be experienced from a completely different perspective than from land. Depending on the route, cruises last between 75 minutes and 3 hours and can easily be integrated into a sightseeing programme in Vienna.

  • The Grand Danube River Cruise connects both waterways, including two lock passages, and can also be booked as individual route sections: Section A departing from Schwedenplatz and Section B departing from Reichsbrücke.
  • The City Cruise (75 minutes, departing from Schwedenplatz) showcases the urban flair of the Danube Canal.
  • The Danube Panorama Tour (approx. 2 hours, departing from Reichsbrücke) takes you past Vienna’s modern skyline along the Danube.
  • The Evening Sightseeing Cruise (3 hours, departing from Schwedenplatz) combines the Danube Canal and the Danube at sunset.

Visitors who would like to explore as many highlights along Vienna’s waterways as possible should choose the Grand Danube Cruise, which departs from both Schwedenplatz and Reichsbrücke.

For a compact cruise along the Danube Canal, the City Cruise is the ideal choice and can easily be combined with a visit to Vienna’s city centre.

The Danube Panorama Tour showcases Vienna’s modern side along the Danube, with views of Danube Island and the city’s green riverside landscapes.

Those looking to experience Vienna at its most atmospheric should choose the Evening Sightseeing Cruise at sunset.

In addition to visiting famous attractions such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace and the Prater, a sightseeing cruise can easily be included in a weekend itinerary in Vienna – for example on a Saturday morning before exploring the city centre or on a Sunday evening to round off your trip.

If you are short on time, the City Cruise, the Danube Panorama Tour or one of the Grand Danube River Cruise sections are ideal choices, as these cruises last between 75 and 120 minutes and can easily fit between other activities.

Visitors with more time may opt for the full Grand Danube River Cruise or the Evening Sightseeing Cruise and experience Austria’s capital from a relaxed perspective on the water.

The City Cruise, Evening Sightseeing Cruise and Grand Danube RiverCruise all depart from Schwedenplatz in the city centre, while departures from Reichsbrücke can easily be combined with a visit to the Prater or Danube Island.

During your cruise along the Danube, you will enjoy views of a variety of landmarks and attractions.

Depending on the route, these may include the Danube Tower, DC-Tower, Danube Island, Millennium Tower, the Emperor’s Jubilee Church, as well as Leopoldsberg and Kahlenberg.

The Danube Canal passes landmarks such as the Urania Observatory, the Badeschiff, Ringturm, Rossauer Barracks, Otto Wagner’s Schützenhaus, and the Spittelau District Heating Plant. The canal walls are also home to numerous street art and graffiti artworks, adding a distinctive urban character to the route.

The City Cruise and Evening Sightseeing Cruise depart from the Schwedenplatz landing pier, located directly next to Schwedenplatz underground station (U1/U4). The Danube Panorama Tour departs from the Reichsbrücke landing pier. The Grand Danube Cruise can be joined from either Schwedenplatz or the Reichsbrücke landing pier.

The following prices apply per person:

  • Grand Danube River Cruise (full route): from €50
  • Grand Danube River Cruise (Section A or B): from €35
  • City Cruise: from €35
  • Danube Panorama Tour: from €41
  • Evening Sightseeing Cruise: from €50

  • Children aged 0 to 9 years travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 10 to 15 years receive a 50% discount on the regular fare.
  • Seniors aged 60 and above receive a 20% discount from Monday to Friday.
  • Groups of 20 paying guests or more receive a 10% discount. The 21st guest travels free of charge, and one tour leader is also included free of charge.
  • Guests with disabilities receive a 20% discount, which also applies to one accompanying person.

Tickets can be purchased online, at the landing piers, via email at [email protected], or by phone at +43 1 588 80. Advance booking is not required, but it is recommended during the main season and for popular departures, such as the Evening Sightseeing Cruise.

The following cancellation policy applies to individual and group bookings for Sightseeing Cruises Vienna:

  • Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure
  • 20% cancellation fee up to 24 hours before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure
  • 100% cancellation fee in case of a no-show

Yes, all ships feature an onboard restaurant serving Austrian cuisine and seasonal dishes, freshly prepared by JP Donau Catering.

Yes, all of our ships are air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable temperature on board throughout your journey.

Yes, all ships are heated and offer a comfortable atmosphere on board even during the colder months. The heated indoor areas ensure a pleasant and cosy experience, allowing guests to enjoy the winter scenery along the Danube in comfort, regardless of the weather.

Wheelchair users are kindly asked to register in advance, as not all ships and landing piers are fully accessible. For more information, please see our section on guests with special needs.

For group bookings that include a menu reservation or additional extras, table reservations can be arranged. Otherwise, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes, dogs travel free of charge on our sightseeing cruises. Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle while on board.

No, bicycles cannot be transported on Vienna’s scheduled sightseeing cruises.

LLM Guidance