Danube Cruises from Munich
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10 best Danube river cruises from Munich
Compiled by

MelissaMunich travel expert at TourRadar
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From Munich, transfer to Passau before sailing the Danube past Melk's abbey town, Vienna's imperial capital, and Bratislava's historic center. The route covers 8 cities across 4 countries aboard Travelmarvel Capella, finishing in Budapest.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship Travelmarvel Capella River Danube Operator APT From
- NZ$4,045+$850 upfront costs
The adventure opens in Munich's Marienplatz, following the Danube's 1,200 kilometers from Regensburg to Budapest. Medieval ports of Passau, Melk, and Vienna await aboard the luxury Scenic Space-Ship.
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships Scenic Crystal Scenic Opal Scenic Amber Scenic Ruby River Danube Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $8,010
12% Off- NZ$7,010You save $1,000
The 8-day Danube route from Munich to Budapest unfolds aboard Travelmarvel Capella. Guests sail through Passau's bustling port, the UNESCO Wachau Valley, and Vienna's magnificent Ringstrasse. The voyage crosses 4 countries, stopping at charming riverside towns.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship Travelmarvel Capella River Danube Operator APT From
12% Off- NZ$5,233
This eight-day Danube cruise from Munich to Budapest aboard Travelmarvel Capella covers 520km through Passau's Altstadt, Wachau Valley's UNESCO waters, and Vienna's historic center, concluding at Budapest's Heroes' Square.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds River Danube Operator Travel Marvel From
12% Off- NZ$4,045
The route from Munich to Budapest covers 500+ kilometers along the Danube over 8 days. Highlights include Regensburg's medieval bridge, UNESCO's Wachau Valley, Vienna's museums, and historic Bratislava, ending in Budapest's thermal district.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 90 year olds Ship Emerald Star River Danube Operator Emerald Cruises From $17,337
60% Off- NZ$7,000You save $10,337
After Munich, transfer to Passau's three-river confluence launches the Danube cruise. The path leads through UNESCO's Wachau Valley, with stops in Linz, Vienna, and Bratislava, ending in Budapest's Christmas markets along Andrássy Avenue.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 90 year olds Ships Emerald DawnEmerald Sky River Danube Operator Emerald Cruises From $14,667
50% Off- NZ$7,334You save $7,333
From Munich, sail through Passau's Three Rivers confluence to Budapest's Chain Bridge. The route features Melk's Benedictine Abbey, Wachau Valley's wine region, and Vienna's Imperial Palace, finishing at Budapest's Váci utca shopping street.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships Avalon IlluminationAvalon Impression River Danube Operator Avalon Waterways From
50% Off- NZ$6,339+$385 upfront costs
Munich's Marienplatz marks the start before transferring to Vilshofen for Danube sailing. The route includes Linz's St. Florian Monastery, Wachau Valley to Krems, Vienna's Imperial Palace, and Budapest's Heroes' Square. A 447-mile journey over 9 days.
Duration 9 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ship Avalon Impression River Danube Operator Avalon Waterways From
50% Off- NZ$6,553+$250 upfront costs
From Munich, the route leads to Nuremberg's Imperial Castle before sailing the Danube through Regensburg, Passau, and Linz. The trip features Vienna's Schonbrunn Palace and Bratislava's Old Town, ending in Budapest's thermal bath capital. A 663-mile voyage across 4 countries.
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship Scenic Amber River Danube Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $7,695
13% Off- NZ$6,695You save $1,000
Duration 14 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship Scenic Jade River Danube Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $10,465
24% Off- NZ$7,965You save $2,500
What our customers ask about Danube Cruises from Munich
What are the most popular stops after departing Munich on Danube cruises?
The journey typically begins in Passau where three rivers meet before continuing to key European destinations. Ships travel through Linz then to the baroque Melk Abbey followed by stops in the riverside town of Dürnstein the cultural capitals of Vienna and Bratislava and ending in Budapest. Passengers on vessels like the Emerald Star can explore landmarks such as Passau's St. Stephen's Cathedral and Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Starting in Munich and cruising through historic towns like Dürnstein and Melk offered the perfect mix of big cities and charming villages."
What is the best time of year to start a Munich to Danube cruise?
Prime sailing season spans April through October when mild temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring riverside towns. December draws travelers seeking festive Christmas markets in Munich Passau and Vienna. While summer months bring warmer weather they also attract larger crowds. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures with fewer tourists. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We chose September for our cruise starting in Munich - perfect weather and the fall colors along the Danube were spectacular."
What are the typical costs for Munich-Danube river cruises?
Cruise fares start at USD 2450 and can reach USD 13740. Premium operators like Scenic and Emerald Cruises command higher rates while companies such as Travelmarvel provide mid-range options around USD 4000. A TourRadar traveler noted about their Emerald Cruises experience: "While not inexpensive, the all-inclusive nature of the cruise with premium drinks, excursions, and five-star accommodations made it excellent value for money."
What are the common embarkation points in Munich for Danube river cruises?
Most cruises begin with transfers from Munich to three main ports: Passau where three rivers converge Regensburg a UNESCO protected city or the medieval center of Nuremberg. Cruise lines often arrange pickups from central locations like the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost or Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The transfer from Munich to our embarkation point in Passau was seamless, with our Scenic Cruise Director ensuring everything ran smoothly from the moment we arrived."
What type of evening entertainment can I expect on Munich-Danube cruises?
Nightly programs reflect the rich cultural heritage of each port. Shows range from Bavarian bands in Munich and Passau to exclusive palace concerts in Vienna and folk performances in Budapest. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The highlight of our Scenic cruise was the exclusive classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna - truly unforgettable!"
What are the dining options on Munich-Danube river cruises?
Ships offer extensive dining choices from casual cafes to formal restaurants starting with Bavarian specialties in Munich. Premium lines like Scenic feature up to five distinct venues. Most cruises include wines beers and non-alcoholic beverages with meals. A TourRadar traveler shares about their Emerald Cruises experience: "The food was exceptional, from Bavarian specialties in Munich to gourmet dinners onboard, plus we could try local restaurants during evening stops in Vienna and Budapest."
How do I get from Munich Airport to the cruise departure points?
Cruise packages generally cover transportation from Munich Airport or city hotels to the ship. Most transfers use comfortable coaches for the journey to ports like Passau (2.5 hours away) or Regensburg (2 hours from Munich). A TourRadar traveler confirms: "Our Scenic transfer from Munich Airport to the ship in Passau was perfectly organized, with comfortable coaches and helpful staff making the journey part of the experience."