Cruises Austria : Offers and promotions 2026 - 2027

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Austria cruises: A guide to choosing the right one

An Austria cruise follows the Danube, linking palaces, vineyards, abbeys, and cities rich in art.

You might start the day on deck facing the Wachau hills, then step ashore in Vienna for its cafés, imperial façades, and music before continuing to Linz or the gateway to Salzburg.

The destination’s appeal lies less in spectacle than in its graceful pace: cruising slowly, walking through historic centers, tasting a local white wine, then returning aboard with the river in the background.

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Austria

Austria, Germany

Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Krems, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

2 other departures

MS Maxima

5 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

12/11/2027

from

$ 567

On-board meals included

Other departures:

07-15 Dec 2027

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Austria, Germany

Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Krems, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

NickoVision

5 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

04/01/2027

from

$ 567

On-board meals included

Other ports of embarkation:

Passau

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Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria

Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Passau

On-board meals included

3 other departures

Viktoria

6 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

12/17/2027

from

$ 685

On-board meals included

Other departures:

27 Nov 2027

02-12 Dec 2027

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Austria, Germany

Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Krems, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

1 other departures

NickoVision

5 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

11/29/2026

from

$ 699

On-board meals included

Other ports of embarkation:

Passau

Other departures:

03 Dec 2026

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Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria

Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Passau

On-board meals included

5 other departures

MS Maxima

6 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

10/22/2027

from

$ 803

On-board meals included

Other departures:

25 Mar 2027

06 May 2027

31 Aug 2027

Other departures

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Capital Cities Along the Danube (port-to-port cruise)

Itinerary : Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Bratislava, Vienna

On-board meals included

35 other departures

MS Vivaldi

5 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Budapest

11/13/2026

from

$ 978

River Cruises leaders

On-board meals included

Other departures:

28 Oct 2026

01-05-09-17-21-25-29 Nov 2026

07-11-15 Dec 2026

Other departures

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Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany

Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Passau

On-board meals included

CELINA

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

12/21/2027

from

$ 1,004

On-board meals included

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Austria, Hungary, Slovakia

Itinerary : Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Bratislava, Vienna

On-board meals included

19 other departures

MS Douce France

5 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Budapest

11/16/2026

from

$ 1,155

River Cruises leaders

On-board meals included

Other departures:

31 Oct 2026

08-12-20 Nov 2026

02-10 Dec 2026

Other departures

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Germany, France, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia

Itinerary : Passau, Ybbs, Vienna, Budapest, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, Melk, Passau

On-board meals included

6 other departures

MS BELVEDERE

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Passau

03/29/2027

from

$ 1,182

On-board meals included

Other departures:

10-31 May 2027

07 Jun 2027

09-16-30 Aug 2027

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Germany, Austria, Slovakia

Itinerary : Passau, Linz, Emmersdorf, Durnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

1 other departures

Amadeus Imperial

7 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

12/22/2027

from

$ 1,206

On-board meals included

Other departures:

22 Dec 2026

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Germany, Austria, Slovakia

Itinerary : Passau, Linz, Emmersdorf, Durnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

Amadeus Riva

7 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

12/22/2027

from

$ 1,206

On-board meals included

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Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria

Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Passau

On-board meals included

NickoVision

6 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

09/11/2027

from

$ 1,265

On-board meals included

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Germany, France, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria

Itinerary : Passau, Ybbs, Vienna, Budapest, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, Melk, Passau

On-board meals included

8 other departures

NickoVision

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

11/01/2027

from

$ 1,359

On-board meals included

Other departures:

19-26 Apr 2027

17 May 2027

07-28 Jun 2027

Other departures

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Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Germany

Itinerary : Passau, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna, Melk, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

1 other departures

MS BOLERO

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

12/28/2027

from

$ 1,359

On-board meals included

Other departures:

28 Dec 2026

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Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany

Itinerary : Passau, Melk, Vienna, Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Krems, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

1 other departures

NickoVision

9 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

12/26/2027

from

$ 1,549

On-board meals included

Other departures:

26 Dec 2026

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Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany

Itinerary : Passau, Melk, Vienna, Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Krems, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

MS Maxima

9 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

12/26/2026

from

$ 1,695

On-board meals included

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Germany, Austria, Slovakia

Itinerary : Passau, Linz, Emmersdorf, Durnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

Amadeus Nova

7 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

12/22/2026

from

$ 1,738

On-board meals included

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The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

Itinerary : Vienna, Melk, Durnstein, Bratislava, Kalocsa, Budapest, Esztergom, Vienna

On-board meals included

21 other departures

Beethoven

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Melk

08/25/2026

from

$ 1,745

River Cruises leaders

On-board meals included

Other departures:

18 Aug 2026

10-24-31 May 2027

07-21-28 Jun 2027

Other departures

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Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria

Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Emmersdorf, Passau

On-board meals included

Amadeus Nova

7 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

12/29/2027

from

$ 1,809

On-board meals included

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Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria

Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Emmersdorf, Passau

On-board meals included

Amadeus Riva

7 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

12/29/2027

from

$ 1,809

On-board meals included

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Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Germany

Itinerary : Passau, Emmersdorf, Durnstein, Vienna, Budapest, Esztergom, Bratislava, Hainburg, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

4 other departures

Amadeus Nova

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

04/02/2027

from

$ 2,111

On-board meals included

Other departures:

16 Apr 2027

23 Jun 2027

01-22 Aug 2027

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Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania

Itinerary : Passau, Emmersdorf, Durnstein, Vienna, Budapest, Esztergom, Bratislava, Hainburg, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

Amadeus Riva

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

10/14/2027

from

$ 2,171

On-board meals included

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Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Germany

Itinerary : Passau, Emmersdorf, Durnstein, Vienna, Budapest, Esztergom, Bratislava, Hainburg, Linz, Passau

On-board meals included

Amadeus Imperial

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Passau

10/11/2027

from

$ 2,171

On-board meals included

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Christmas on the Danube (port-to-port cruise)

Itinerary : Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna

On-board meals included

2 other departures

MS Vivaldi

6 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Budapest

12/22/2026

from

$ 2,217

River Cruises leaders

On-board meals included

Other departures:

22-28 Dec 2027

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Austria, Slovakia, Hungary

Itinerary : Vienna, Melk, Durnstein, Bratislava, Kalocsa, Budapest, Esztergom, Vienna

On-board meals included

8 other departures

MS Douce France

8 d

Ocean view Stateroom

Melk

08/18/2026

from

$ 2,231

River Cruises leaders

On-board meals included

Other departures:

25 Aug 2026

22-29 Jun 2027

06-13-20-27 Jul 2027

Other departures

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Tips for choosing your cruise in Austria

1. Choose your region

Vienna & the urban Danube : The classic choice for combining a river cruise with imperial palaces, museums, historic cafés, concerts, and walks through a capital that is easy to explore.
Wachau Valley : The most iconic stretch for cruising, with Melk, Dürnstein, Krems, terraced vineyards, Baroque villages, and protected landscapes.
Linz, Upper Austria & Salzburg : An appealing way to add variety to your itinerary, with a creative city on the Danube, excursions to Salzburg, and a more relaxed atmosphere than Vienna.
Major Danube itineraries : Austria is often part of cruises linking Passau, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, or Belgrade for a broader journey through the heart of Central Europe.

2. Choose your cruise style

Accessible, culture-focused river cruises : CroisiEurope, Nicko Cruises, or Luftner Cruises suit travelers seeking a well-paced Danube itinerary with classic ports, a friendly atmosphere, and a good balance between cruising and sightseeing.
Comfortable, well-paced river cruises : AMA Waterways or Celebrity River Cruises offer greater comfort, varied excursions, carefully prepared cuisine, and a seamless experience between Vienna, the Wachau, and the major Danube capitals.
More refined, escorted journeys : Rivages du Monde or Voyages d’Exception may be worth considering depending on the program, with a stronger cultural focus, lectures, French-speaking guidance, and a more leisurely pace.

Top experiences for your cruise in Austria

Vienna lends an Austria cruise its most imperial character, with architecture, music, cafés, museums, and walks along grand boulevards.

Ringstrasse

Walk past Vienna’s grand buildings to see the Opera House, Parliament, and museums, all part of the capital’s elegant cityscape.

Schönbrunn

Take time to explore the palace, gardens, and sweeping views that best convey Austria’s imperial heritage.

Grinzing

Extend your port call in a more local setting, with wine taverns, hills, and a relaxed Viennese atmosphere.

Schönbrunn

Combine the palace, gardens, and outdoor spaces for an outing that is easy to enjoy with children.

Grinzing

Add a quieter break at the end of the day, with a village atmosphere on the edge of the capital.

Ringstrasse

Follow an easy route by tram or on foot to see the major monuments without turning the day into a marathon.

Grinzing

Share a glass of Austrian white wine at a heuriger to end the port call on a friendly note.

Ringstrasse

Start with the center’s main landmarks before heading to a historic café or a terrace near the Opera House.

Schönbrunn

Go up to the Gloriette to enjoy a wide view of the gardens and the city.

The Wachau is one of the loveliest stretches of the Austrian Danube, with vineyards, sunlit villages, hilltop ruins, and abbeys visible from the river.

Melk

Visit the Baroque abbey above the Danube, then head down to the village to experience the valley’s peaceful pace.

Dürnstein

Stroll through the blue-and-white lanes before looking up at the ruins associated with Richard the Lionheart.

Krems

Discover a city shaped by wine and heritage, with historic lanes, cellars, and walks beside the river.

Dürnstein

Enjoy a compact village that is pleasant to explore on foot, with shops, lanes, and easily accessible views across the valley.

Krems

Plan a gentler port call combining the historic center, a stop for a bite to eat, and an easy return to the ship.

Melk

Make the abbey the day’s major landmark; its scale, rooms, and position above the river make it especially engaging.

Krems

Take time to explore the cellars, lanes, and local wine venues for a more food- and wine-focused port call.

Melk

Pair an abbey visit with scenic cruising to enjoy the contrast between monumental architecture and vineyard landscapes.

Dürnstein

Climb to the ruins if time allows, then return to the village to taste a wine or a Wachau apricot specialty.

This part of Austria adds a different character to the journey, with a creative city, riverside architecture, and excursions into Salzburg’s musical world.

Linz

Discover a city that may surprise you, with Hauptplatz, Danube waterfront promenades, contemporary museums, and cafés in the center.

Salzburg

Head to Mozart’s city to stroll among Baroque lanes, squares, the Mirabell Gardens, and views of the fortress.

Mauthausen

Plan a more solemn, history-focused visit to understand an important chapter in Europe’s collective memory.

Salzburg

Plan an engaging excursion centered on gardens, lanes, and views of the old town.

Mauthausen

Approach the visit thoughtfully, especially with teenagers, as the site requires time and attention.

Linz

Combine a walk across the main square, a stroll along the waterfront, and an interactive museum to suit the day’s pace.

Mauthausen

Include this visit if your group wants a deeper port call centered on history and remembrance.

Linz

Mix the historic center, street food, a modern museum, and a waterfront break for a more contemporary port call than you might expect.

Salzburg

Enjoy a full day exploring the old town, cafés, and music, with a climb to scenic overlooks.

On longer cruises, Austria becomes a central stop between Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary, combining several capitals and river landscapes in one journey.

Passau

Start or end the journey in this city at the confluence of three rivers, where lanes and bell towers form a beautiful gateway to the Austrian Danube.

Bratislava

Enjoy a compact capital that is easy to explore from the port, with its castle, old town, and cafés.

Budapest

Make the river arrival a highlight, with Parliament, bridges, the Buda Hills, and evening lights.

Bratislava

Combine the climb to the castle, pedestrian streets, and a stop for a bite in a very accessible historic center.

Budapest

Enjoy a spectacular, immediately memorable port call with bridges, Parliament, and views from the riverbanks.

Passau

Plan an easy old-town walk, with the three rivers guiding your route.

Budapest

Save time for an evening cruise or outing, when the illuminated monuments reveal the river at its finest.

Passau

Start with views of the river confluences before heading into the center’s lanes and terraces.

Bratislava

Walk from the old town to the castle, then return to the bars and cafés near the Danube.

The best times for an Austria cruise

April - June (spring)

Weather & swimming

A very pleasant time on the Danube. Temperatures rise, cities are easy to explore, and color returns to the Wachau, with a more relaxed atmosphere than at the height of summer.

Expert advice

An excellent choice for a first Austria cruise, especially if you want to combine Vienna, Melk, and Dürnstein in comfortable sightseeing conditions.

July - August (summer)

Weather & swimming

A lively atmosphere and long days. Ports are bustling, terraces are full, and evening cruising is very pleasant, although heat and crowds can be more noticeable.

Expert advice

A good option if you enjoy lively cities and long days, but plan a manageable pace for Vienna and walking tours.

September - October (fall)

Weather & swimming

One of the loveliest seasons on the Austrian Danube. Wachau vineyards turn golden, temperatures often remain comfortable, and the region takes on a more food- and wine-focused atmosphere.

Expert advice

A very good choice for travelers who want to combine scenery, wine, heritage, and cruising at a quieter pace.

November - December (Christmas markets)

Weather & swimming

A festive winter atmosphere. Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, and the Danube cities come alive with lights, markets, concerts, and holiday traditions.

Expert advice

Choose this season if you want a more cultural, seasonal cruise. The days are short, but the atmosphere ashore can be especially memorable.

Season	Weather & swimming	Expert advice
April - June (spring)	A very pleasant time on the Danube. Temperatures rise, cities are easy to explore, and color returns to the Wachau, with a more relaxed atmosphere than at the height of summer.	An excellent choice for a first Austria cruise, especially if you want to combine Vienna, Melk, and Dürnstein in comfortable sightseeing conditions.
July - August (summer) A lively atmosphere and long days. Ports are bustling, terraces are full, and evening cruising is very pleasant, although heat and crowds can be more noticeable. A good option if you enjoy lively cities and long days, but plan a manageable pace for Vienna and walking tours.
September - October (fall)	One of the loveliest seasons on the Austrian Danube. Wachau vineyards turn golden, temperatures often remain comfortable, and the region takes on a more food- and wine-focused atmosphere.	A very good choice for travelers who want to combine scenery, wine, heritage, and cruising at a quieter pace.
November - December (Christmas markets)	A festive winter atmosphere. Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, and the Danube cities come alive with lights, markets, concerts, and holiday traditions.	Choose this season if you want a more cultural, seasonal cruise. The days are short, but the atmosphere ashore can be especially memorable.

Austria cruise hotspots

In Austria, the main cruise highlights are concentrated along the Danube: capitals and villages, vineyard landscapes, hilltop abbeys, and cultural ports of call that are easy to explore on foot.

Vienna

For the Ringstrasse, the Opera House, historic cafés, Schönbrunn, and the atmosphere of a cultural capital.

Linz

For a more contemporary port call featuring the spacious main square, museums, waterfront promenades, and local life along the Danube.

Salzburg

For a baroque, music-filled excursion through historic lanes and gardens, with views of the fortress.

Vienna

For the Ringstrasse, the Opera House, historic cafés, Schönbrunn, and the atmosphere of a cultural capital.

Linz

For a more contemporary port call featuring the spacious main square, museums, waterfront promenades, and local life along the Danube.

Salzburg

For a baroque, music-filled excursion through historic lanes and gardens, with views of the fortress.

Dürnstein

For its lanes, blue bell tower, vineyards, and ruins above the river.

Krems

For its historic center, cellars, and role as a gateway to the Wachau.

Spitz

For the atmosphere of a wine-growing village, with hillsides, historic houses, and views of the Danube.

Dürnstein

For its lanes, blue bell tower, vineyards, and ruins above the river.

Krems

For its historic center, cellars, and role as a gateway to the Wachau.

Spitz

For the atmosphere of a wine-growing village, with hillsides, historic houses, and views of the Danube.

Melk Abbey

For the view of the Danube, the baroque facades, and the spectacular setting above the valley.

Dürnstein ruins

For sweeping views over vineyards, village rooftops, and bends in the river.

Budapest from the Danube

For combined itineraries, with Parliament and illuminated bridges at the end of the day.

Melk Abbey

For the view of the Danube, the baroque facades, and the spectacular setting above the valley.

Dürnstein ruins

For sweeping views over vineyards, village rooftops, and bends in the river.

Budapest from the Danube

For combined itineraries, with Parliament and illuminated bridges at the end of the day.

Viennese cafés

For a quintessentially Austrian break with coffee, a pastry, and a historic setting.

Wachau wines

To taste Grüner Veltliner or Riesling in a region closely connected to the river.

Apricot specialties

To sample one of the flavors most closely associated with the Wachau in jams, liqueurs, and desserts.

Viennese cafés

For a quintessentially Austrian break with coffee, a pastry, and a historic setting.

Wachau wines

To taste Grüner Veltliner or Riesling in a region closely connected to the river.

Apricot specialties

To sample one of the flavors most closely associated with the Wachau in jams, liqueurs, and desserts.

What our customers loved:

Austria cruise must-sees

Cruise the Wachau between Melk and Dürnstein

The Wachau often stands out as the most memorable stretch of an Austria cruise. Travelers love watching vineyards, villages, bell towers, and Melk Abbey pass by from the ship’s deck, with the sense of crossing both a cultural landscape and a natural setting.

Experience Vienna through cafés, palaces, and music

Vienna appeals because a single port call offers so much: the Opera House, Ringstrasse, Schönbrunn, historic cafés, and sometimes an evening concert. Travelers appreciate this cultural richness as well as the ease of moving from a monument to a more relaxed break.

Stop in Linz before heading to Salzburg

Linz often surprises travelers with how much it has to offer. Its center, waterfront, and more contemporary atmosphere bring a different energy, while an excursion to Salzburg adds a musical and baroque dimension to the Danube journey.

Hidden gems off the beaten path

Stop at Grinzing for a glass of Viennese wine

In Vienna, Grinzing offers a way to look beyond the capital’s imperial image. Travelers enjoy its wine-growing village atmosphere, heuriger taverns, hills, and the chance to end the port call with a glass of local wine in a relaxed setting.

Climb to the Dürnstein ruins above the vineyards

In Dürnstein, the walk to the ruins offers a different perspective on the Wachau. Travelers appreciate the short climb and its reward: views over the Danube, village rooftops, and vineyard-covered slopes, for an experience that goes beyond simply strolling the lanes.

Sample Wachau apricot specialties in a village

In the Wachau, apricots are one of the small details travelers readily remember. Whether in jam, liqueur, dessert, or local pastry form, they offer an unpretentious break rooted in the valley, especially in Krems, Spitz, or Dürnstein.

Learn more about your Austria cruise

Memories of imperial times

Austria's major cities, including Vienna, Linz and Graz, are brimming with renowned historic sites and monuments, as well as a vibrant nightlife and artistic scene. For example, a streetcar ride around the Ring will take you to Vienna's landmarks, including the remarkable Stephansdom, or Schönbrunn Palace, Austria's equivalent of the Palace of Versailles. One of the castle's rooms features traditional Hungarian costumes, a reminder of the country's privileged status in imperial times. The Museum of Fine Arts was also created to commemorate this period, providing a unique exhibition space where you can admire ancient works from the Habsburg dynasty on the one hand, and Egyptian art on the other.

Graz, on the other hand, 180 km from Vienna, is home to the Murinsel, a shell-like colossus floating on the Mur River, thanks to New Yorker Vito Acconci. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to do in Vorarlberg, Austria's smallest and westernmost Länder. It was in this beautiful region of the Alps that one of the scenes in "James Bond Quantum of Solace" was filmed. In addition, Austria's forests stretch from the Tyrol to the Wienerwald, providing idyllic, challenging slopes for the more athletic. All routes are adapted to the level and endurance of walkers. For example, Tyrol's Eagle Route suggests 126 stages, each of which can be completed in one day. Or visit the Hohe Tauern National Park in Salzburg, where you'll find not only ibex and golden eagles, but also the Krimml Falls, which spill over 380 meters.

In terms of culture, Austria is undoubtedly one of the cradles of classical music on the international scene, with Mozart, Schubert and Strauss. So it's impossible to leave Vienna without a visit to the famous Opera House. And don't forget to take home Demel's famous "Sacher Torte" chocolate-apricot cake, or "Mozartkugeln" praline-filled chocolate balls, which are world-renowned pastries.

When to visit Austria ?

There are two main tourist seasons in Austria: the summer season from May to October, and the winter sports season from December to April. Generally speaking, the country has a moderate Central European climate. But you can expect temperature variations depending on altitude. If you're coming for winter sports, but don't want to miss the peak season, choose the fortnight of December. This is also the time of year when cultural events are scheduled in regional capitals. If you're a fan of hiking and discovering the great outdoors, come in May or October.

Cruises Austria : Offers and promotions 2026 - 2027

Austria cruises: A guide to choosing the right one

Tips for choosing your cruise in Austria

1. Choose your region

2. Choose your cruise style

Top experiences for your cruise in Austria

The best times for an Austria cruise

Austria cruise hotspots

What our customers loved:

Austria cruise must-sees

Hidden gems off the beaten path

Learn more about your Austria cruise

Memories of imperial times

When to visit Austria ?

Boats on Austria

Useful links