Itinerary & Details
- Boarding: 19:00–19:30
- Cruise: 19:45–23:15 PM
- Location: Dürnstein
- Ship: MS Wachau
- Included: Cruise, buffet with aperitif & live music
Dates and programme details are subject to change.
Wachau Theme Cruise
Wachau Solstice Cruise | MS Wachau
Wachau Theme Cruise
Wachau Solstice Cruise | MS Wachau
Experience the Wachau Summer Solstice from the heart of the Wachau Valley. Aboard the MS Wachau, enjoy spectacular views of bonfires, fireworks, and the festively illuminated riverbanks along the Danube.
Departure location Dürnstein Go to dock section
- Duration: 3.5 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 Wachau
Buy ticket
Included in price
Live musik on board
InclusiveLive music and musical highlights create the perfect atmosphere on board.
Moments of culinary indulgence
InclusiveExperience 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.
The Ship
This or a similar ship of this class
MS Wachau
With her classic lines and elegant atmosphere, MS Wachau is one of Austria’s most iconic excursion vessels, inviting guests to enjoy unforgettable moments on the Danube.
- On-board restaurant and wine lounge
- Sound system incl. mic
- Air conditioning
- LCD screens for presentations
- Partially covered sun deck
- BBQ station on the sun deck
- Dance floor
- Lounge sofas on the upper deck
- Accessible restroom & accessible aft sun deck
Departure Location
Dürnstein
- Donaulände, 3601 Dürnstein
- Ticket Office Opening Hours: Mon–Sun & Holidays: 10:00–16:30
- Sightseeing Cruise Wachau: Danube station 20
- Theme Cruises Wachau: Danube station 20
- Subject to change.
Departure location Dürnstein Go to dock section
- Duration: 3.5 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 Wachau
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
Culinary Delights
Couvert
- Raw milk butter, herb cream cheese,
freshly baked bread and rolls
Buffet
- Homemade antipasti, basil pesto
Mozzarella and tomato skewers - Smoked salmon & pickled herring rolls with organic egg and honey mustard sauce
- Kaiserschinken ham, cured bacon, honeydew melon and Styrian horseradish
- Summer vegetable velouté
Croutons
Main Courses
- Grilled chicken leg in pepper cream sauce with rice and sautéed vegetables
or
- Viennese schnitzel from Ötscherblick pork with Waldviertel lingonberries, mixed salads and dressings
or
- Beef Bourguignon
Beef fillet tips with root vegetables and Topfen spaetzle
or
- Steamed hake fillet with saffron fennel gnocchi
or
- Ricotta tortellini with chanterelles à la crème, young leaf spinach, goat cheese and caramelised walnuts
Dessert
- Chocolate cake with cocoa mocha sauce and berry compote
or
- Classic tiramisu
or
- Apricot almond cake and apple strudel
or
- Kaiserschmarren (Austrian shredded pancake) with apricot compote
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
Plus Two
PlusTwo is a dynamic young duo with a passion for authentic and captivating music. Their versatile repertoire spans the genres of soul, pop, funk and jazz, creating a diverse and entertaining musical experience.
Using creative live elements such as a loop station, beatboxing and percussion, they recreate the sound of a full band and create a unique atmosphere. Look forward to summer vibes, memorable melodies and irresistible grooves that invite you to relax, enjoy and be inspired.
Route / itinerary
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.