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Grand Danube River Cruise – Route B

Experience Vienna's Modern and Historic Side: This cruise takes you along the Danube and the Danube Canal, passing modern architecture, iconic landmarks and historic buildings along Vienna’s waterways.

Photo: MS Wien on the Danube in Vienna in front of the Kaiser Jubilee Church, with passengers on board and on the sun deck.Photo: Person on a ship’s open deck with views of Vienna’s Millennium Tower and Danube bridge at sunset.Photo: MS Vindobona on the Danube in Vienna, with the Danube Tower in the background.

Grand Danube River Cruise – Route B

Experience Vienna's Modern and Historic Side: This cruise takes you along the Danube and the Danube Canal, passing modern architecture, iconic landmarks and historic buildings along Vienna’s waterways.

Next Departure 10/01/2026 · 14:00 Departure location Vienna / Reichsbrücke (Headquater) Go to dock section

  • Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
  • Discover Vienna's Skyline
  • Experience Historic Landmarks
  • Explore the Danube & Danube Canal

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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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

The Ships

This or a similar ship of this class

Departure Location

Photo: DDSG Blue Danube Shipping Center on the Danube with a pier and modern building.

Vienna / Reichsbrücke (Headquater)

  • Handelskai 265, 1020 Vienna
  • Ticket Office Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday & Holidays: 09:00–17:00
  • Sightseeing Cruises Vienna: Pier 5, 6
  • Theme Cruises Vienna: Pier 6, 7
  • Charter Cruises: Departure Point by Arrangement
  • Subject to change.
More Info

Route / itinerary

Graphic: Graphic representation of Route B of the Grand Danube River Cruise in Vienna. The cruise starts at Reichsbrücke, follows the Danube upstream, continues into the Danube Canal and ends at Schwedenplatz. The direction of travel is indicated by a purple route line with an arrow.

The route begins at Reichsbrücke and continues upstream on the Danube, passing modern landmarks such as the Danube Tower, the DC Tower and Millennium City.

After passing through Nussdorf Lock, the cruise continues along the Danube Canal. Along the way, passengers can enjoy views of distinctive buildings and historic landmarks, including the Schemerl Bridge, the Waste incineration plant Spittelau, Otto Wagner’s Schützenhaus clubhouse and the Rossau Barracks.

The cruise ends at Schwedenplatz in the heart of Vienna. From there, Route A can be taken to continue the journey and discover even more highlights 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