Photo: Fireworks above Melk with the silhouette of Melk Abbey against the night sky.
Photo: MS Dürnstein on the Danube, front view of the red-and-white ship against a riverside landscape and blue sky.
Photo: Silhouettes of spectators watching a colorful fireworks display in the night sky.
Gallery

Melk Solstice Cruise

Experience the Melk Solstice Celebration from the water and enjoy an atmospheric evening cruise on the Danube while watching the spectacular fireworks display over Melk. Live music, culinary delights and the unique atmosphere on board make this cruise a true highlight of the summer.

Photo: Fireworks above Melk with the silhouette of Melk Abbey against the night sky.Photo: MS Dürnstein on the Danube, front view of the red-and-white ship against a riverside landscape and blue sky.Photo: Silhouettes of spectators watching a colorful fireworks display in the night sky.
Wachau Theme Cruise

Melk Solstice Cruise

Experience the Melk Solstice Celebration from the water and enjoy an atmospheric evening cruise on the Danube while watching the spectacular fireworks display over Melk. Live music, culinary delights and the unique atmosphere on board make this cruise a true highlight of the summer.

Departure location Melk / Hafenspitz Go to dock section

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Enjoy a three-course dinner during the cruise
  • Live music and dancing on board
  • Spectacular views of the bonfires and fireworks in Melk

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Included in price

  • Live musik on board

    Inclusive

    Live music and musical highlights create the perfect atmosphere on board.

  • 3-course dinner

    Inclusive

    A delicious 3-course menu completes your special evening on the Danube.

Attractions

  • Melk

    Melk combines history, culture and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Melk Abbey.

    Photo: View of Melk Abbey with its Baroque façade, dome, and towers perched on a hill above the surrounding landscape.

    Melk

    The town of Melk looks back on more than 1,200 years of fascinating history. From its origins on the medieval castle hill to the rule of the Babenbergs and its elevation to a town in 1898, many historic periods have shaped this Danube town. Economic growth, challenging times and the Baroque splendour of Melk Abbey have created a unique place where history, culture and tradition come together.

  • Schönbühel Castle

    Historic castle in the Wachau with a unique location overlooking the Danube Valley.

    Photo: DDSG cruise ship near Schönbühel Castle in the Wachau Valley, framed by autumn forests along the Danube.

    Schönbühel Castle

    Schlossgut Schönbühel Aggstein combines cultural heritage with sustainable estate management. It preserves historic landmarks such as Schönbühel Castle, Aggstein Castle Ruins and the former Servite Monastery in Schönbühel. In addition, the estate manages extensive forest and agricultural areas, ensuring the responsible preservation of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

  • Aggstein Castle Ruins

    Historic castle site with a chapel, “Rose Garden” and stunning views of the Danube.

    Photo: Aggstein Castle Ruins on a forested cliff above the Danube, overlooking the Wachau Valley.

    Aggstein Castle Ruins

    The historic castle site with its chapel, “Rose Garden” and Bürgl is located on a spectacular rocky spur around 300 metres above the Danube. Built in the 12th century, the castle was once part of the Kuenringer domain and was destroyed several times. Today, visitors can discover its remaining traces, the intriguing “Rose Garden” prison and the romantic chapel, still used for weddings and baptisms.

  • Hinterhaus Castle Ruins

    Hinterhaus Castle Ruins tower above Spitz with stunning views of the Danube Valley.

    Photo: View across the Danube to Spitz in the Wachau, with Hinterhaus Castle ruins, vineyards and historic houses.

    Hinterhaus Castle Ruins

    High above the Danube Valley in Spitz, Hinterhaus Castle Ruins rise as the “castrum in monte” of the Wachau. Built on a rocky spur of the Jauerling mountain, the terraced castle complex impresses with its remarkable structure and a length of around 75 metres. Divided into outer bailey areas and a main castle, the ruins offer fascinating insights into the medieval history of the region.

The Ship

This or a similar ship of this class

Photo: A DDSG excursion ship cruises on the Danube in front of Dürnstein, with the abbey church and castle ruins in the background.
Photo: DDSG ship Dürnstein on the Danube with autumn Wachau hills, Dürnstein castle ruins and the town in the background.
Photo: Interior view of MS Dürnstein featuring a two-level restaurant with set tables and panoramic windows overlooking the Danube.

MS Dürnstein

Earthy materials and nautical design come together on the MS Dürnstein to create an appearance that perfectly reflects the Wachau region.

  • On-board restaurant
  • Sound system incl. microphone
  • Video system with live camera
  • LCD screens for presentations and live streaming
  • Partially covered sun deck with lounge furniture
  • Stage and dance floor
  • Mobile bicycle racks
  • Accessible facilities (WC & upper deck lift)
  • Free Wi-Fi
The Ship

MS Dürnstein

Earthy materials and nautical design come together on the MS Dürnstein to create an appearance that perfectly reflects the Wachau region.

  • On-board restaurant
  • Sound system incl. microphone
  • Video system with live camera
  • LCD screens for presentations and live streaming
  • Partially covered sun deck with lounge furniture
  • Stage and dance floor
  • Mobile bicycle racks
  • Accessible facilities (WC & upper deck lift)
  • Free Wi-Fi
Details
Photo: A DDSG excursion ship cruises on the Danube in front of Dürnstein, with the abbey church and castle ruins in the background.Photo: DDSG ship Dürnstein on the Danube with autumn Wachau hills, Dürnstein castle ruins and the town in the background.Photo: Interior view of MS Dürnstein featuring a two-level restaurant with set tables and panoramic windows overlooking the Danube.Photo: Lounge aboard MS Dürnstein with buffet seating, set tables, food displays, large windows and a modern interior.

Departure Location

Photo: View of Melk Abbey with its Baroque façade, dome, and towers perched on a hill above the surrounding landscape.

Melk / Hafenspitz

  • Kolomaniau 1, Rollfährestraße - Hafenspitz, 3390 Melk
  • Ticket Office Opening Hours: Mon–Sun & Holidays: 09:30–16:30
  • Sightseeing Cruises Wachau: Danube station 9A + 9B
  • Theme Cruises Wachau: Danube station 9A + 9B
  • Subject to change.
More Info

Program

Solstice Cruise on the Danube in Melk

Let yourself be enchanted by the thousands of lights lining the Danube and experience the Melk Solstice Celebration from a truly unique perspective. The cruise takes you downstream from Melk towards Spitz before the highlight of the evening awaits on the return journey.

While live music invites you to dance and a carefully prepared three-course dinner is served, traditional solstice bonfires illuminate the banks of the Danube. As the lights along the river reflect on the water, a truly special atmosphere unfolds on board.

The grand finale is the spectacular fireworks display in Melk, which you can enjoy from the comfort of the ship.

Itinerary & Details – Melk Midsummer Cruise

Itinerary & Details

  • Boarding: 19:00–19:15
  • Cruise: 19:30–22:30
  • Location: Melk / Danube Station No. 9B
  • Ship: MS Dürnstein
  • Included: Cruise, 3-course menu & live music

Schedule and programme details are subject to change.

Melk Midsummer Menu

Cover Charge

  • Salted raw milk butter & herb Gervais
  • Freshly baked bread rolls

Menu

  • SMOKED TROUT & MUSSELS
    Beetroot / whey / pumpkin seed oil
  • CHICKEN BREAST & ASPARAGUS
    Grilled chicken breast / potato lasagne / pepper sauce
  • CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉ & APRICOT
    Molten soufflé / mango-apricot compote / mocha sauce

Subject to change.

Entertainment & Live music

Photo: Three vintage-style musicians beside a turquoise scooter, with a singer holding a retro microphone.

Primavera

With their captivating energy and around 100 performances each year across Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, PRIMAVERA is one of Austria’s most sought-after show and ballroom bands.

Roswitha, Mili, Werner, and Michal stand for outstanding live music, pure passion, and unforgettable moments where the audience is always at the heart of the experience.

Route / itinerary

Graphic: Route map along the Danube in the Wachau Valley. The route shown in green connects the stops Melk, Emmersdorf, Spitz, Weißenkirchen, Dürnstein and Krems. The towns are marked along the course of the river.

Themed cruises in the Wachau depart from either Krems/Stein or Melk, depending on the event. During your cruise, you will discover the most beautiful sights of the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on the route, you will pass impressive landmarks such as Göttweig Abbey, Schönbühel Castle and the picturesque town of Dürnstein with its famous blue church tower. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views of the terraced vineyards and the unique cultural landscape of the Wachau before returning to your point of departure.

Note

Note

The cruise operates in all weather conditions.

Should the solstice bonfires be cancelled due to rain or other weather conditions, a scenic cruise on the Danube with live music will be offered instead. The cancellation of the solstice bonfires does not entitle guests to a price reduction or free cancellation.

Please note: The fireworks display is not part of the cruise package. DDSG Blue Danube is not the organiser of the fireworks and cannot guarantee that the display will take place.

FAQ

The ticket includes the Danube cruise, a 3-course menu, and live music or a show act. Drinks are not included and are available à la carte on board.

Boarding takes place from 19:00 to 19:15 at Melk Hafenspitz, Danube Station Nr. 9B. Departure is at 19:00 sharp. 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.

Boarding starts at 7:00 PM in Melk. The cruise runs from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Afterwards, you'll return to Melk.

Patrick Fürst brings his international experience to Austrian cuisine, combining modern brasserie-style cooking with Austrian classics. Together with his young team, he focuses on high-quality organic products from regional producers.

More information about Patrick Fürst Opens in new window

Common allergens are clearly marked. If you have any food intolerances or allergies, please inform our catering partner, Patrick Fürst GmbH 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 à la carte from the service team on board.

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.

Private photos and short videos are welcome (without flash). Professional photography or the use of tripods requires prior approval.

Yes. Cruises take place in all weather conditions. The route and use of outdoor decks may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

Information:

The cruise takes place in all weather conditions. In the event that the Midsummer bonfires do not take place, there is no entitlement to a price reduction or free cancellation.

Please note: The fireworks are not included as part of this offer.

No. The fireworks are not organised by DDSG Blue Danube. The fireworks displays and solstice celebrations are organised by the respective local event organisers.

DDSG Blue Danube provides the cruise, allowing guests to enjoy the spectacle comfortably from the water.

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. Please note that this is an evening event with live music. 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.

Pets are only allowed on themed cruises with show upon prior request. Assistance dogs are exempt.

LLM Guidance