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Wachau Solstice Cruise | MS Austria

Experience the Wachau Summer Solstice aboard the MS Austria and enjoy one of the most atmospheric evenings of the year on the Danube. Along the Wachau Valley, traditional bonfires illuminate the riverbanks while spectacular fireworks light up the unique scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage region.

Photo: Fireworks above the Danube in the Wachau at night, illuminated villages, ships and a full moon in the sky.Photo: Large bonfire burning at night, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers, with sparks rising into the starry sky.Photo: Four people enjoying fondue at a set table in a ship lounge with wine glasses and warm lighting.
Wachau Theme Cruise

Wachau Solstice Cruise | MS Austria

Experience the Wachau Summer Solstice aboard the MS Austria and enjoy one of the most atmospheric evenings of the year on the Danube. Along the Wachau Valley, traditional bonfires illuminate the riverbanks while spectacular fireworks light up the unique scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage region.

  • Duration: 4.25 hours
  • Spectacular bonfires and fireworks along the Wachau Valley
  • Unique views of the Summer Solstice celebrations from the ship
  • A fine selection of culinary delights on board
  • Festive evening cruise aboard the MS Austria

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Included in price

  • Live musik on board

    Inclusive

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

  • Moments of culinary indulgence

    Inclusive

    Experience delightful moments on board with exquisite cuisine and special culinary highlights.

Attractions

  • Wachau region

    Wachau – a UNESCO World Heritage with vineyards, castles and picturesque towns along the Danube.

    Photo: Panoramic view of the Wachau with vineyards, the Danube, a passing ship and Weißenkirchen against wooded hills.

    Wachau region

    Rolling vineyards, historic castle ruins and charming villages line the Danube as it flows through the Wachau. Between Melk and Krems, this UNESCO World Heritage region combines nature, culture and culinary delights. Discover Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen or Spitz and enjoy the region’s unique landscape on a cruise along the Danube.

The Ship

This or a similar ship of this class

Photo: MS Austria on the Danube, red-and-white excursion ship cruising past a riverside landscape with trees and blue sky.
Photo: Bright dining room aboard a Danube ship with set tables, blue upholstered chairs and panoramic windows.
Photo: Bright restaurant area aboard MS Austria with set tables, blue armchairs and large panoramic windows.

MS Austria

Since 2024, MS Austria has been inviting guests to discover the Wachau from the water. It also serves as an exclusive charter venue, providing the perfect setting for special moments.

  • On-board restaurant
  • Decorative illuminated waterfall
  • Covered sun deck
  • Sound system incl. wireless mic
  • Flat-Screens in All Three Salons
  • Video system with live camera
  • Accessible main deck
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Kids' Play Area
The Ship

MS Austria

Since 2024, MS Austria has been inviting guests to discover the Wachau from the water. It also serves as an exclusive charter venue, providing the perfect setting for special moments.


  • On-board restaurant
  • Decorative illuminated waterfall
  • Covered sun deck
  • Sound system incl. wireless mic
  • Flat-Screens in All Three Salons
  • Video system with live camera
  • Accessible main deck
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Kids' Play Area
Details
Photo: MS Austria on the Danube, red-and-white excursion ship cruising past a riverside landscape with trees and blue sky.Photo: Bright dining room aboard a Danube ship with set tables, blue upholstered chairs and panoramic windows.Photo: Bright restaurant area aboard MS Austria with set tables, blue armchairs and large panoramic windows.Photo: View from the stern of a Danube ship with Austrian flag and helm wheel, with the Danube, bridge and green riverbanks in the background.

Departure Location

Photo: DDSG Blue Danube pier and ticket office in Krems with a glass-fronted facade and entrance area.

Krems / Stein

  • Welterbeplatz 1, 3500 Krems
  • Ticket Office Opening Hours: Mon–Sun & Holidays: 08:30–16:30
  • Sightseeing Cruises Wachau: Danube Station 24
  • Theme Cruises Wachau: Danube station 24
  • Charter Cruises: Departure Point by Arrangement
  • Subject to change.
More Info

Program

Wachau Summer Solstice Celebration on the Danube

As the Wachau celebrates the shortest night of the year, thousands of lights, glowing bonfires, and spectacular fireworks transform the banks of the Danube into an unforgettable spectacle. Experience the traditional Wachau Summer Solstice celebrations from the water and enjoy a unique perspective on one of the region’s most cherished events.

As the illuminated UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley drifts by, live music on board provides the perfect soundtrack to a memorable summer evening. A carefully curated menu featuring selected culinary delights adds to the experience, creating the ideal setting to relax and enjoy the celebrations.

Surrounded by historic towns, terraced vineyards, and the impressive bonfires lining the Danube, this special cruise offers an atmospheric blend of Wachau tradition, regional culture, fine dining, and breathtaking views.

Itinerary & Details

Itinerary & Details

  • Boarding: 18:30–19:15
  • Cruise: 19:30–23:45
  • Location: Krems / Stein (Danube Stage No. 24)
  • Ship: MS Austria
  • Included: Cruise, aperitif with a 3-course menu & live music

Schedule and programme details are subject to change.

Culinary Delights

Aperitif

  • Riesling Sparkling Wine

Couvert

  • Truffled Potato Spread / Chives / Wachau Bread Roll

Menu

  • Yellow Vegetable Gazpacho
    "Kimchi" Butterhead Lettuce / Bouchot Mussels / Dried Apricot / Almond Rouille
  • Suckling Pig & Asparagus
    Braised Cheek and Fillet with Tullnerfeld Asparagus, Potato Mille-Feuille, Mixed Mushrooms and Pepper Sauce
  • Valrhona Manjari Soufflé – Medium Rare
    Flambéed Apricot / Marzipan Fondant

Subject to change.

On-board catering

On-board catering

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.

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.

Entertainment & Live music

Photo: Black-and-white portrait of a singer holding a microphone during a live performance.

Die Zuckerbäcker

The greatest Austropop hits, captivating live music and a fantastic atmosphere: Harald Passler brings unforgettable Austrian classics to the stage, turning the evening into a memorable musical experience. Sing along, celebrate and enjoy the night with us!

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 price includes the cruise on the Danube, culinary delights, as well as live music and show act. Drinks are not included and are available à la carte on board.

Please have your booking confirmation or e-ticket ready when boarding. The digital version on your smartphone is sufficient – no printed copy is required.

Yes. Your seats are reserved on board. Our crew will guide you upon boarding.

If you have any allergies, intolerances or special dietary requirements, please contact the catering team on board. They will be happy to inform you about the available options.

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.

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.

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 individual travellers and groups:

  • Free cancellation up to 20 weeks before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee from 20 weeks before departure
  • 75% cancellation fee from 8 weeks 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