Danube Cruises from Passau

What our customers ask about Danube Cruises from Passau

• What is the typical length of river cruises starting in Passau along the Danube?

  Danube river cruises from Passau range from 5 to 16 days. The most common choice is a 7-8 day journey. Vessels like the AMADEUS Riva and S.S. Maria Theresa take passengers through multiple countries along the river. The 8-day Classical Danube Cruise connects Passau to Budapest while longer trips such as the 16-day Beautiful Blue Danube route extends to Belgrade and the Danube Delta. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The 8-day cruise was the perfect length to see the highlights while maintaining a relaxed pace."

• What are the most popular destinations visited on Danube cruises starting in Passau?

  Ships departing Passau stop at key European cities along the Danube. Vienna welcomes visitors with its palaces and museums while Budapest showcases its Parliament building and Chain Bridge. The UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley offers scenic river views. Most routes include Melk's Benedictine Abbey Bratislava's historic center and Linz, home of the traditional Linzer Torte. Many travelers choose pre-cruise stays at the Hotel Residenz Passau or Art Hotel Passau. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The boat was beautiful and the food was excellent stopping at amazing cities along the Danube."

• What time of year is best for starting a Danube cruise from Passau?

  The main sailing season from Passau runs April through October. July through September brings the warmest weather and biggest crowds. Fall visits to the Wachau Valley coincide with grape harvest season. December attracts visitors for Christmas market cruises in Vienna Bratislava and Budapest. Hotels like IBB Hotel Passau City Centre and Hotel Weisser Hase Passau fill quickly in high season. A TourRadar traveler noted: "September was perfect - not too hot or crowded and we got to see beautiful fall colors along the Danube."

• What are the key landmarks to visit when starting a Danube tour in Passau?

  Passau's main sites include St. Stephen's Cathedral which houses Europe's largest cathedral organ the Old Town Hall and the meeting point of three rivers: the Danube Inn and Ilz. Tour groups often take guided walks through the Old Town to see Baroque buildings and waterfront paths before boarding. Many guests choose the Hotel Residenz Passau or Art Hotel Passau for pre-cruise stays. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The walking tour of Passau was excellent - seeing where the three rivers meet and visiting the cathedral were definite highlights before we started our cruise."

• Which hotels are commonly used the night before cruise departure in Passau?

  Central Passau offers several pre-cruise hotel options. The Hotel Residenz sits near St. Stephen's Cathedral while the IBB Hotel Passau City Centre provides easy access to both train station and cruise docks. Other choices include the Art Hotel on the Inn River and Hotel Weisser Hase in Old Town. These properties are selected for their location near boarding points and tourist sites. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We stayed at Hotel Residenz before our cruise and loved being able to explore the old town on foot before boarding."

• How do I get to Passau to start my cruise?

  Passau connects to Munich International Airport by train or car with travel time around 2 hours. Direct trains run from major German and Austrian cities to Passau's central station. The cruise docks sit within walking distance of the Hauptbahnhof. Many cruise companies provide transfers from Munich Airport. Trains depart Munich for Passau every hour. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The train ride from Munich was comfortable and scenic plus the cruise dock was just a short walk from Passau's station."