The Wachau is known for its unique landscape, historic towns and picturesque villages. A Wachau boat trip on the Danube is the perfect way to explore this region and experience its beauty up close. There is a boat trip from Vienna to the Wachau or from Krems or Melk.
We take a day for a Danube boat trip from Melk to Krems and back. You can do as we did and let the vineyards and castles of the Wachau pass by on a boat trip. Our ship leisurely passes the castles and vineyards along the route. This gives us lots of ideas about which places we can visit in the Wachau. We then visited some of the places where our ship docked along the way Road trip looked at in more detail during a press trip as a travel blogger. We discovered a number of sights and culinary experiences that we recommend to you here. You can also see these places on your boat trip if you break the boat trip in these places. You only need to bring one thing with you: time and leisure to enjoy this beautiful region on the Danube.
Imagine you are on board a ship and gliding along the Danube. The fresh air blows around you and you have a breathtaking view of the vineyards and castles along the river. We enjoyed this ourselves a few years ago on a boat tour through the Wachau from Melk to Krems. A boat trip on the Danube in the Wachau is not only a relaxed way to enjoy the landscape, but also an informative and entertaining tour where you can learn a lot about the history and culture of the region.
Ship docks and sights in the Wachau
We invite you to discover the Wachau on the ship. Experience the picturesque places along the Danube and enjoy the unique atmosphere that can only be found on a ship. The boat trips are equally suitable for young and old and offer something for every taste. Whether a romantic trip for two or a fun family tour, a boat trip in the Wachau is an unforgettable experience.
Wachau shipping
During the cruise on the Danube you will experience a breathtaking landscape characterized by mountains, hills and vineyards. You will pass towns and villages, each with their own story to tell. During the boat trip you will also discover many sights. The Wachau is known for its numerous castles and palaces that sit majestically on the banks of the Danube. You see vineyards that produce some of the best wines in Austria.
Book your Wachau boat trip here:
A boat trip is a great way to experience all of these sights and enjoy the beauty of the Wachau. It's a relaxed and fun way to explore the region and learn about its history and culture. We recommend that you book a boat trip in the Wachau.
Boat trip from Krems on the Danube
You can book the boat trip on the Danube, for example, from Krems via Dürnstein to Melk. You have the choice to book a Wachau boat trip with or without food. The route takes you past the city, among other things Dürnstein with its blue church tower and the ruined castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.
Wachau boat trip from Melk
A boat trip on the Danube through the Wachau is also possible from Melk. Ships from both banks of the Danube cast off below the rock on which Melk Abbey rises. It is either the excursion boats that navigate the Danube in the direction of Krems. Or you can see river cruise ships that cover longer distances on the river. A Danube Wachau boat trip is definitely a nice experience.
Wachau boat trip from Vienna
Another way to experience the Wachau is a boat trip from Vienna to the Wachau or a day trip that combines a bus and boat trip through the Wachau. You also have the choice of combining your Wachau excursion with a boat trip and wine tasting.
From Vienna to the Wachau
Wachau boat trip with overnight stay
On our trips through the Wachau, we also saw Wachau Cruises again and again. These are river cruise ships with which you can take longer river trips on the Danube. These are available with different durations, ranging from 4-18 days. This is usually a boat trip from Passau through the Wachau to cities further away along the Danube. There are even river cruises that travel from Passau to the mouth of the Danube. We haven't done a Danube cruise yet. But on our river cruise from Lyon to the Camargue along the Rhône we experienced how pleasant such a boat trip on the river can be.
Wachau boat trip with overnight stay
You can take a Wachau Cruise from Engelhartszell near Passau via Linz through the Wachau to Vienna, Bratislava or other cities on the Danube. You can, for example book such a cruise here*.
Boat trips for special occasions
Would you like to celebrate a special occasion like New Year's Eve or the solstice celebration in a very unique way? Then you should consider one of the special boat trips in the Wachau! During these special boat trips you will experience the beauty of the Wachau in a completely new way and at the same time you can celebrate the occasion appropriately. The cruises are perfect for couples, groups of friends or families and offer an unforgettable experience. For example, celebrate New Year's Eve on the ship and enjoy the spectacular fireworks over the Danube. Or experience the mystical atmosphere of the midsummer celebrations on a special boat trip.
Tips for a successful boat trip in the Wachau
If you are planning a boat trip in the Wachau, there are a few important things to consider in order to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Here are some tips that can help you make your trip an unforgettable experience:
- Dress in comfortable clothing and pack a jacket, as it's often a bit cooler on the water.
- Remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses as you will be spending a lot of time in the sun on the ships deck. A sun hat also protects against the sun.
- Plan your cruise in advance to ensure you choose the best route and time to experience the Wachau.
- Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local wines and specialties on board and enjoy the view of the picturesque landscape.
- Find out the departure and arrival times in advance and plan your arrival accordingly to avoid unnecessary stress.
We recommend that you follow these tips to make your boat trip in the Wachau an unforgettable experience.
How you can make your boat trip in the Wachau interesting
If you plan to spend a whole day on your boat trip in the Wachau, then you can make one or two stops along the way at one of the ship piers to look at the sights near the Danube. Here are some tips:
- Look at those City of Krems at. It's definitely worth a visit.
- Join a guided tour Dürnstein Abbey and find out more about the importance of this monastery.
- Take a hike to the Dürnstein castle ruins and enjoy the view of the Danube.
- Enjoy the wine region around Spitz on a walk to monastery courtyard.
- Or take a hike to the Red Gate.
- visits Melk Abbey and its abbey gardens.
What else you can do in the Wachau
The Wachau has so much more to offer than just boat trips, and we would like to give you some recommendations for other activities you can do in the Wachau.
One of the most popular activities is undoubtedly visiting the many wine villages that lie along the Danube in the Wachau. Here you can enjoy local wines and delicacies and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Another must is visiting the many castles and palaces in the region, including the Durnstein Castle, the Aggstein ruins and the Melk Abbey, which is also known as the “Austrian Baroque Jewel”. It's also worth seeing Gottweig Abbey near Krems.
If you like hiking or cycling, the Wachau offers many opportunities for outdoor activities. One of the most popular routes is the Wachau World Heritage Trail, which takes you along the Danube and through vineyards and forests.
- Hiking tips for the Wachau You can also find it at Wachau Inside.
- Cycling tours through the Wachau recommends komoot.
Finally, you should not miss the many cultural events and festivals in the region, such as the Wachau Apricot Festival and the famous Danube Festival.
- The current Events in the Wachau shows you Lower Austria Tourism.
We invite you, to explore the Wachau in a whole new way on your cruise.
Booking and contact
We hope that we were able to inspire you to take a boat trip in the Wachau! If you now want to book a ride, you have a number of options. You can book directly on the websites of the respective providers that we presented to you in our article. There you will find all information about departure times, routes and prices.
Another option is to book through travel agencies or online travel portals such as Get your Guide. These often offer special offers and combination packages that, in addition to the boat trip, can also include other activities and tours in the Wachau.
If you would like to support us, you can also use our affiliate links to make your booking. This means we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
We wish you a lot of fun on your boat trip and hope that you will enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the Wachau to the fullest!
And finally ...
Regardless of whether you are planning a Wachau boat trip from Krems, Melk or Vienna, or whether you would like to experience an overnight boat trip from Passau, the Wachau has so much to offer.
During a boat trip through the Wachau you will experience the wonderful landscape with all its charm and beauty. You will see pretty towns and villages, admire mountains and hills and enjoy the Danube river in all its glory. Use our affiliate links to book your boat trip easily and conveniently. We are sure that you will have an unforgettable time and will experience the beauty of the Wachau in a whole new way.
Questions and answers:
Can I also buy food and drink on the boat trip in the Wachau?
Yes, on most ships there is a gastronomy with various dishes and drinks. Some ships also offer special tastings of regional wines and specialties.
Is it better to book a boat trip in the Wachau in advance or can I buy tickets spontaneously on site?
It is advisable to book the cruise in advance as places are often limited and popular departure times can fill up quickly. However, tickets can also be bought spontaneously on site, provided there are still places available.
Can I also take children on the boat trip in the Wachau?
Yes, children are very welcome on the boat trips in the Wachau. Many ships have special offers and discounts for families.
How long does a boat trip from Krems to Melk take?
A boat trip from Krems to Melk usually takes about 2,5 to 3 hours, depending on which ship and which route you choose.
Can I take a dog with me on the boat trip in the Wachau?
Yes, many ships allow dogs, provided they are leashed and under control. However, it is advisable to clarify this in advance with the respective provider.
Have you ever taken a Danube boat trip in the Wachau?
What were your most beautiful impressions? Did you particularly like something? Is there anything other travelers should know. Share your experiences with us in a comment. We appreciate it, and our readers appreciate your tips.
Do you know anything else?
- Experience the Wachau in autumn
- Wachau Hotels on the Danube for your wine journey through the Wachau
- Discover the Wachau Austria for connoisseurs
Source Donau Wachau Schifffahrt: own research on site
Text Schifffahrt Wien Wachau: © Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Pixabay
Video: © Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
