{"id":59447,"date":"2023-04-17T17:13:38","date_gmt":"2023-04-17T16:13:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/?p=59447"},"modified":"2025-04-18T09:42:56","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T08:42:56","slug":"boat-tours-river-trips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/boat-tours-river-trips\/","title":{"rendered":"Boat tours and river trips"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/boattripssmall.jpg\" alt=\"View of the Danube\" class=\"wp-image-59446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/boattripssmall.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/boattripssmall-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Vienna is one of the great cities on the Danube river. So no surprise to find a few boat tours and excursions available to visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Local trips take in the Danube and its city centre arm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direct connection to Bratislava by ship<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wetland tours also available<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many services are seasonal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Most leave from a very central location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/vienna-river-cruises-l205281\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_RiverCruises\" rel=\"sponsored\">river experience<\/a>* in\/from Vienna<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See also:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/mapsgeography\/the-danube\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5019\">Where is the Danube?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/tours-overview\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"59926\">Tours in Vienna<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Jump to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#danube\">Danube &amp; Donaukanal tours<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#bratislava\">Bratislava<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#lobau\">Lobau wetlands<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bonus: <a href=\"#alte\">Alte Donau<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bonus: <a href=\"#donauinsel\">Donauinsel<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bonus: <a href=\"#VR\">VR boat ride<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Danube &amp; beyond<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/boattripdanube.jpg\" alt=\"View of the Danube in Vienna\" class=\"wp-image-59449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/boattripdanube.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/boattripdanube-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Danube close to where it leaves the city)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since one of Europe&#8217;s longest rivers passes through it, you&#8217;d imagine Vienna full of local boat tours and river trips. That&#8217;s not quite the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fault lies with geography, I suspect. The Danube actually <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/mapsgeography\/the-danube\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5019\">flows to one side<\/a>, crossing the city away from the central areas where most of the visitor action takes place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>European river cruises, of course, stop off for shore excursions, but many local boat experiences involve a more central stretch of river known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/donaukanal\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"34106\">Donaukanal<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/schemerlbruecke.jpg\" alt=\"The Schemerlbr\u00fccke\" class=\"wp-image-47619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/schemerlbruecke.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/schemerlbruecke-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Donaukanal is pretty sizeable, too, and passes some notable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/donaukanal-architecture\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"34218\">architectural highlights<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This channel breaks off from the Danube where the latter enters Vienna, curves along the edge of the old town, then rejoins the main river on the other side of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With that in mind, here some popular alternatives for enjoying trips on the water in Vienna\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"danube\">Danube &amp; Donaukanal<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/bluedanuberiverboat.jpg\" alt=\"Boat on the Donaukanal\" class=\"wp-image-45582\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/bluedanuberiverboat.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/bluedanuberiverboat-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(One of the DDSG boats)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The DDSG Blue Danube service has various options on good-sized ships with onboard catering. The choice at any one time depends on the season. Typical examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Simple trips around the Donaukanal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Longer options that also take in the Danube in Vienna<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Special day trips outside of Vienna to locations such as D\u00fcrnstein (where England&#8217;s King Richard I once languished in prison)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Themed trips on the river such as a cruise with live Viennese music<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the shorter DDSG services depart from the main landing stage on the Donaukanal opposite Schwedenplatz at the edge of the old town (Franz-Josefs-Kai 2), but boarding locations depend on the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2192 More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/ddsg-blue-danube.at\/\">Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Copa Cruise<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/copacruise.jpg\" alt=\"Small ferry on the Danube river\" class=\"wp-image-82414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/copacruise.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/copacruise-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Copa Cruise ferries folk around a section of the Danube; press photo \u00a9 Stadt Wien\/Christian F\u00fcrthner)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the warmer months, the city offers a ferry trip between four stations around the Donauinsel: an island that runs much of the length of the Danube where it flows through Vienna (see Bonus 2 below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This Copa Cruise electric catamaran runs Fridays, weekends and public holidays and calls in at CopaBeach, Floridsdorfer Br\u00fccke, Nordbr\u00fccke, and Jedleseer Br\u00fccke. Tickets are inexpensive (\u20ac3 for an adult single in 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2192 More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wien.gv.at\/umwelt\/gewaesser\/donauinsel\/faehre-copacruise.html\">Website<\/a> (German)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><em>Ad:<\/em><br><\/div><div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-content-type=\"venue\" data-content-ids=\"205281,206741\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"DA_RiverCruises\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bratislava\">Bratislava &amp; back<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/boattripbratislava.jpg\" alt=\"Landing stage for river trips between Vienna and Bratislava\" class=\"wp-image-59444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/boattripbratislava.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/boattripbratislava-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The landing stage is clearly marked with a strong hint concerning the destination)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Twin City Liner catamaran has regular scheduled services that travel out to Bratislava along the Danube and back again. The capital of Slovakia is only about 55km (c.34 miles) from Vienna as the crow flies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey takes about 75 minutes with on-board drinks, snacks and meals available. The service runs throughout the year, but operates a reduced timetable in the colder seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the warmer months, an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/vienna-attractions-c60335\/tickets-for-bratislava-day-trip-from-vienna-by-bus-and-boat-p1003712\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_RiverCruises\" rel=\"sponsored\">organised day tour<\/a>* to Bratislava actually uses the catamaran to return to Vienna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ship also leaves from the main Donaukanal landing stage at Schwedenplatz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2192 More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.twincityliner.com\/\">Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lobau\">The Lobau wetlands<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/boattriplobau1.jpg\" alt=\"Boat to the Lobau at its landing stage on the Donaukanal\" class=\"wp-image-61902\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/boattriplobau1.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/boattriplobau1-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Boarding point and boat for local wetland tours)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The protected <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wien.gv.at\/umwelt\/wald\/erholung\/nationalpark\/\">Lobau wetlands area<\/a> is part of the Donau-Auen National Park that lies on the northern side of the Danube and spans the city border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you might imagine, the park provides a rich habitat for plant and animals (including beavers, though these seem to turn up in a lot of places now. I half expect to see one in the bathroom in the morning).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Municipal bus lines get you close enough to walk into the area, which has a visitor centre open on selected days during the warmer seasons at Dechantweg 8 in the 22nd district. But the city also has a waterborne alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Vienna National Park boat offers half-day excursions that take you out to the Lobau for a guided walking tour, then return you to the city centre afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that these trips only run on selected days from late spring to autumn. I&#8217;m not sure how much English is involved, as this is more of a service for locals. You book a place by telephone or email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The boat leaves from the Donaukanal, close to the Salztorbr\u00fccke bridge and not far from the Schwedenplatz jetty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2192 More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wien.gv.at\/umwelt\/wald\/erholung\/nationalpark\/freizeit\/boot.html\">Website<\/a> (German)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alte\">Bonus 1: the Alte Donau<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/altedonauboathire.jpg\" alt=\"Boat hire on the Alte Donau\" class=\"wp-image-51121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/altedonauboathire.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/altedonauboathire-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Boat hire facilities on the Alte Donau lake)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Surprisingly, Vienna also has its very own giant lake: the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/alte-donau-old-danube\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"50700\">Alte Donau<\/a> (a part of the Danube that became isolated after water regulation measures).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The &#8220;Old Danube&#8221; has riverside walks, restaurants, public bathing areas, and (drum roll) various watersport facilities that include boat hire, sailing courses, paddleboard rental, and similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"donauinsel\">Bonus 2: The Donauinsel<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/donauinsel2.jpg\" alt=\"Tree damaged by beavers\" class=\"wp-image-62578\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/donauinsel2.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/donauinsel2-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(You get beavers on the Donauinsel, too)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A huge island (with subway connections) runs along most of the Danube within the Vienna city limits, essentially splitting the river in two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/donauinsel\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"62574\">Donauinsel (literally Danube Island)<\/a> has numerous recreational facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the stretch of the Danube that passes along the island&#8217;s northern edge is known as the Neue Donau. This hosts a fair few watersports, because flood regulation measures block off the ends most of the time and effectively create a long lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"VR\">Bonus 3: a VR boat ride<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/sisiamazingjourney2.jpg\" alt=\"Sisi Amazing Journey sign\" class=\"wp-image-51234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/sisiamazingjourney2.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/sisiamazingjourney2-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The VR ride also takes you places boats don&#8217;t normally go)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally&#8230;should you wish a boat trip without having to leave dry land, then consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/sisi-amazing-journey\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"51237\">Sisi&#8217;s Amazing Journey<\/a> in the very centre of town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This indoor experience includes a 5D VR boat ride in the company of none other than Empress Elisabeth. I found it rather fun.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vienna is one of the great cities on the Danube river. So no surprise to find a few boat tours and excursions available to visitors. Jump to: The Danube &amp; beyond (The Danube close to where it leaves the city) Since one of Europe&#8217;s longest rivers passes through it, you&#8217;d imagine Vienna full of local [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":59446,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-59447","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-entertainment","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59447","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59447"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":82416,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59447\/revisions\/82416"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59446"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}