River Cruises from Nuremberg to Budapest
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10 best River cruises from Nuremberg to Budapest
Compiled by

MelissaNuremberg travel expert at TourRadar
- Festive Season on the Legendary Danube 2025
- The Legendary Danube 2025
- Grand Christmas & New Year's (2025) (Nuremberg to Budapest, 2025)
- Delightful Danube (2025) (Budapest to Nuremberg, 2025)
- Danube Christmas Markets with Nuremberg
- Blue Danube (Nuremberg - Budapest) (8 destinations)
- Blue Danube (Nuremberg - Budapest) (9 destinations)
- Danube in Depth 2026 - 10 Days (from Nuremberg to Budapest)
- Delightful Danube (2025) (Nuremberg to Budapest, 2025)
- The Legendary Danube 2026
Medieval Nuremberg welcomes you with Europe's oldest Christmas market before an 8-day cruise to Budapest via Regensburg and Passau. The journey features Vienna's Habsburg Palace and Hungarian Heroes' Square, complemented by panoramic suite accommodations on premium Avalon vessels like the Imagery II.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$9,303+$346 upfront costs
The Avalon Imagery II carries you from Nuremberg's Main-Danube Canal through medieval Regensburg and baroque Passau to Budapest. This 8-day cruise spans 8 cities across 3 countries, with highlights including Vienna's Imperial Palace and Melk's Benedictine Abbey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$6,587+$346 upfront costs
This 13-day cruise aboard S.S. Beatrice covers 106 miles of Main-Danube Canal from Nuremberg to Budapest. Highlights include Christmas Eve in medieval Regensburg, Salzburg's Sound of Music locations, and tours of Budapest's Parliament, plus visits to Passau, Dürnstein, and Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace.
Duration 13 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $15,099
30% Off- NZ$10,569You save $4,530
The grand voyage starts in Nuremberg with a Faber-Castell factory tour, followed by 8 days sailing to Budapest aboard S.S. Beatrice. The route winds through Main-Danube canal, showcases Regensburg's UNESCO heritage, and ends at Budapest's St. Stephen's Cathedral, offering luxury riverview staterooms and gourmet dining.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
30% Off- NZ$5,999+$379 upfront costs
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,405
11% Off- NZ$8,405You save $1,000
Blue Danube (Nuremberg - Budapest) (8 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Amadeus Provence is a fabulous vessel. The accommodations and meals on board were fantastic.”
Dexter, traveled in February
Your 8-day voyage aboard the luxurious AMADEUS Cara takes you from Nuremberg's Renaissance district to Budapest's Parliament. The 1,200km Danube journey includes stops at Regensburg's UNESCO old town, Melk's Baroque abbey, and Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
11% Off- NZ$5,243
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $4,194
15% Off- NZ$3,565You save $629
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $7,925
32% Off- NZ$5,425You save $2,500
Departing from Nuremberg's historic port, this 8-day cruise to Budapest's grand riverfront takes you through the magnificent Schlögener Schlinge loop. You'll visit Regensburg's UNESCO heritage sites and Vienna's Belvedere Palace, while the S.S. Beatrice provides elegant accommodation through three countries.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range 16 to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $8,099
20% Off- NZ$6,479You save $1,620
The Legendary Danube 2026
31 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved the Danube cruise. Views were incredible. If you're a history buff, you shouldn't miss the Danube from Buda Pesh to Prague.”
Coside, traveled in September
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
20% Off- NZ$6,752+$380 upfront costs
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Nuremberg to Budapest
What would a typical day-by-day itinerary look like on a Nuremberg to Budapest river cruise?
The journey starts in Nuremberg where you board your ship on day 1. On day 2 you'll explore Nuremberg's old town and famous castle. Day 3 takes you to Regensburg's medieval center, while day 4 is spent in Passau admiring its baroque buildings. Day 5 brings you to Melk Abbey and through the beautiful Wachau Valley wine region. You'll spend day 6 in Vienna exploring palaces and museums. On day 7 you reach Budapest where you can soak in thermal baths and wander Castle Hill before departing on day 8. One TourRadar traveler said: "The itinerary was perfectly paced with a great mix of organized activities and personal time to explore."
What are the main stops and highlights between Nuremberg and Budapest on a river cruise?
Your journey on the Danube starts in Nuremberg, where you'll see the medieval old town and Imperial Castle. Next comes Regensburg's historic center (a UNESCO site), followed by Passau with its impressive St. Stephen's Cathedral. You'll visit the grand Melk Abbey, cruise past vineyards in the Wachau Valley, explore Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, and end in Budapest to see its Parliament building and Castle Hill. TourRadar travelers often mention that "varied excursions and knowledgeable local guides who bring each destination's history and culture to life."
What is the typical length of a river cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest?
Most cruises run for 8 days, though some extend to 13 days. You'll travel through Germany, Austria and Hungary, stopping in cities like Regensburg, Passau, Melk and Vienna. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Everything was wonderful - from the comfortable rooms to the professional staff and fascinating destinations. The local guides made these places come to life."
What's the average tour length for river cruises from Nuremberg to Budapest?
Most trips last 8 days, which gives you enough time to see the best spots along the Danube without feeling rushed. You'll stay on comfortable ships like the AmaSonata, which has rooms with balconies and great river views. The cruise takes you through Germany, Austria, and Hungary, with guided tours at places like Melk Abbey and Budapest's Castle Hill. TourRadar travelers say "the 8-day length is perfect for experiencing the highlights of the Danube without feeling rushed."
What are the most common destinations between Nuremberg and Budapest?
Your cruise stops at several interesting cities along the Danube. You'll see Regensburg's old medieval town, then Passau where three rivers meet. The route takes you through the pretty Wachau Valley to Melk Abbey, then on to Vienna where you can visit the Opera House and Schönbrunn Palace. After a stop in Bratislava, you'll reach Budapest to explore both sides of the city. One TourRadar traveler noted: "the stop in Vienna was a highlight, especially the evening classical concert and the visit to Schönbrunn Palace."
What is the average distance for a river cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest?
The total trip covers 425 miles (684 kilometers) along the Danube. From Nuremberg to Regensburg, you'll travel 106 miles (171 kilometers) on the Main-Danube Canal. Then it's another 151 miles (243 kilometers) through the Wachau Valley to Vienna, and finally 168 miles (270 kilometers) to Budapest. TourRadar travelers often mention that "the distance is perfectly planned with scenic cruising during daylight hours and overnight sailing to maximize sightseeing time."