6 Must-Sees While Sailing the Danube River

The Danube is the second longest river in Europe but trails no other when it comes to riverside destinations. Flowing through and past 10 countries, the river travels from the west coast of Germany and pours out into the Black Sea just east of Romania, touching a handful of popular tourist cities along the way. Our Danube river cruises will introduce you to historic landmarks, architectural feats, mouth-watering dishes, and much more.

If you’re planning a cruise, no other expedition will provide an experience as scenic and diverse as the Danube, and these 6 must-sees will show you why:

Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary

Referred to as “Paris of the East”, and one of the most beautiful cities across all of Europe, Hungary’s capital, Budapest is most notably known for its multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Upon docking, you’ll have an endless choice of sites to see; from the museums and palaces of Castle Hill, to the Budapest Opera house, to the iconic Chain Bridge linking together Budapest. Regardless of which landmarks you decide to explore, make sure you don’t miss out on the traditional cuisine, trademarked by their national dish; Hungarian Goulash.

The Lennon Wall in Prague, Czech Republic

If you appreciate architecture, you’ll be awestruck by the unique structures around the city of Prague. During your segway tour around the city, you’ll be introduced to two particularly admirable structures. The first, the Spanish Synagogue, lines its ceiling and walls with colorful mosaics giving it a vibe unique from your typical European Cathedral. The Dancing House, known technically as the Nationale-Nederlanden building, earned its nickname from the twisting walls and asymmetrical rooms derived from its deconstructivist architectural style. Before setting sail once again, make sure to leave your mark on the city by signing your name on the Lennon Wall; a graffiti-covered wall filled with lyrics and artwork inspired by the Beatles legend.

Stift Melk in Melk, Austria

Continue your expedition of the Austrian landscape as you venture into the wine-growing region of the country. Overlooking the town is the Stift Melk, a Benedictine monastery perched atop a hill. From its walls you can see the fields of the Wachau; a picturesque valley containing vineyards that produce some of Europe’s finest white wines. Don’t take our word for it though, taste them for yourself at one of the regions 200+ wineries.

Bratislava Castle in Bratislava, Slovakia

A mix of medieval and modern, the small capital city of Bratislava provides an authentic insight into the Slovakian culture. While its economic region boasts a more modern infrastructure, and the old town region of Bratislava highlights the historic and artful aspects of the city. The pedestrian-only area is most known for its lively bars and street cafes, which fill the plazas with music, dancing, and exuberance day or night. Carry on through the town as you explore the Mirbach Palace, whose walls are lined with classic artwork. Lastly, journey to the structure where the city began; Bratislava Castle. The castle, situated on the hill overlooking the old town, is so massive that a trip there could entertain your entire stay. Headlined by the Slovak National Museum of History, take some time to further indulge yourself into the culture of the region by learning its story.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral of Passau in Passau, Germany

Lying at the intersection of the Danube, Ilz, and Inn rivers, Passau, Germany is appropriately known as the Three Rivers City. During your walking tour around the city, you’ll take in the scenery of cobblestone streets lined with markets and restaurants. If you’re in the mood for an uphill hike, you’ll find yourself at the front door of the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th century fortress whose walls hold a museum, open-air theater and eateries. Continue your architectural adventure at St. Stephen’s Cathedral of Passau, where you can find the world’s largest Cathedral organ. If you’re lucky, you’ll even have the chance to hear it’s 17,000 pipes sing unforgettable hymns.

Medieval-City of Regensburg, Germany

As you step off the ship, you’ll step into a medieval-style city filled with food, drink, and entertainment. Possessing a mixture of Gothic, Roman, and Romanesque-style architecture, a walk through the Old City will guide you on a scenic tour through narrow alleyways, past churches, and into authentic town squares. Delve deeper into the lively Germanic culture as you tour the local breweries for a taste of what truly makes Regensburg unique. As your time in Germany comes to an end, spend your night taking in the Bavarian entertainment as bands recount traditional folk music. Do so while you indulge yourself in a classic German dish, accompanied by a pitcher of one of the region’s world-famous beers.

Here, we’ve only listed six of the many cities that you may land during your sail across the Danube and must-sees during your visit. Whether you land in Durnstein, Linz, or elsewhere on your cruise, one thing is for sure; your trip across the Danube will be an unforgettable experience. Book yours today!