Danube Cruises Linz: Unforgettable Boat Tours

The Danube is Austria’s longest river and offers some of Europe’s most beautiful waterways in Linz. A Danube cruise in Linz opens up entirely new perspectives on Upper Austria’s capital of culture. From relaxed panoramic cruises to culinary indulgence tours – the possibilities are wonderfully varied and delight thousands of visitors year after year.

Whether you want to admire the historic old town from the water or enjoy a romantic evening cruise – a Danube cruise in Linz offers something for every taste. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the most beautiful routes, practical tips and how to plan your boat trip perfectly.

Danube Cruises in Linz - The Most Popular Routes

Danube cruises in Linz cover various attractive routes, each with its own highlights. The classic city cruise takes you past the most important sights of the Danube metropolis.

Panoramic City Cruise Along Linz’s Old Town

The most popular route of the Linz Danube cruise starts at Donaupark and leisurely follows the historic old town. During the roughly 50-minute cruise, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of:

• The imposing Linz Castle on the Schlossberg
• The baroque Trinity Church with its striking dome
• The modern Ars Electronica Center on the opposite bank
• The railway bridge and the new Danube bridge
• The lively Hauptplatz with the Old Town Hall

Danube Cruise to the Schlögener Schlinge

A special highlight of the Linz Danube cruise is the day trip to the famous Schlögener Schlinge. This spectacular river bend is one of Upper Austria’s most beautiful natural wonders.

The trip takes about 3-4 hours each way and takes you through the picturesque Danube landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass small villages and can admire the unspoilt nature of the Danube floodplains.

💡 Tip: Book this tour on a clear day for the best photos of the Schlögener Schlinge.

The Best Providers for Danube Cruises in Linz

Several well-known shipping companies offer Danube cruises in Linz with different specialities. Choosing the right provider depends on your personal preferences and the experience you’re after.

Wurm + Köck - The Traditional Choice

Wurm + Köck is the most established provider of Danube cruises in Linz, with over 180 years of experience. The company operates modern passenger ships featuring:

• Air-conditioned interiors and spacious outdoor decks
• On-board catering with regional specialities
• Wheelchair-accessible boarding
• Audio guides in several languages

The fleet includes various types of vessels, from cosy excursion boats to elegant event ships for special occasions.

DDSG Blue Danube - The Modern Choice

DDSG Blue Danube focuses on modern technology and comfort for its Linz Danube cruises. Their ships feature:

• Panoramic windows for the best views
• Wi-Fi on board
• Modern washroom facilities
• Children’s play corners on selected ships

Danube Cruises in Linz - Prices and Booking Tips

The cost of a Danube cruise in Linz varies depending on the route, season and chosen service. A thorough price overview will help you plan your trip effectively.

Pricing by Cruise Type

City cruises (50-60 minutes):

• Adults: 15-22 euros
• Children (6-15 years): 8-12 euros
• Family ticket (2+2): 45-55 euros
• Seniors (65+): 13-18 euros

Day trips to the Schlögener Schlinge:

• Adults: 45-65 euros
• Children: 25-35 euros
• Family packages: 120-150 euros

Themed cruises and events:

• Culinary cruises: 35-85 euros
• Concert cruises: 40-90 euros
• New Year’s Eve cruises: 80-150 euros

Money-Saving Tips for Danube Cruises in Linz

1. Take advantage of early-bird discounts: Many providers offer 10-15% off for bookings made up to 4 weeks in advance
2. Group rates: Discounted terms are usually available for groups of 10 or more
3. Combo tickets: Combining with other Linz attractions often saves 20-30%
4. Choose the off-season: April/May and September/October offer better prices
5. Book online: Booking directly through providers’ websites is usually cheaper than through intermediaries

💡 Tip: The Linz Card often includes discounts for Danube cruises in Linz and other attractions.

Danube Cruises in Linz - The Best Themed Trips

In addition to the classic panoramic cruises, Danube cruises in Linz offer numerous themed trips that make your experience truly special.

Culinary Danube Cruises

Enjoy Upper Austrian cuisine during your Danube cruise in Linz. Dinner cruises combine sightseeing with culinary highlights:

• Traditional Danube cruise with lunch: A 3-course menu featuring regional specialities
• Evening indulgence cruise: A 4-course dinner at sunset
• Wine-tasting cruises: Tastings of Upper Austrian wines with matching nibbles
• Sunday brunch cruises: A relaxed start to the day with a generous buffet

Cultural and Musical Cruises

The Linz Danube cruise regularly becomes a floating concert stage:

• Jazz cruises: Live music from local and international artists
• Operetta evenings: Classic entertainment in an elegant setting
• Folk music cruises: Traditional Austrian folk music
• DJ cruises: Modern beats for a younger crowd

Seasonal Highlights

Spring (March-May):

• Easter cruises with special family programmes
• Blossom cruises through the awakening Danube landscape

Summer (June-August):

• Longer evening cruises into the late hours
• Fireworks cruises for special occasions

Autumn (September-November):

• Grape harvest cruises with tastings
• Autumn leisure cruises through the colourful Danube floodplains

Winter (December-February):

• Advent cruises with mulled wine and gingerbread
• New Year’s Eve cruises with fireworks over Linz

Practical Tips for Your Danube Cruise in Linz

A well-planned Danube cruise in Linz becomes an unforgettable experience. These practical pointers will help you prepare perfectly.

Getting There and Parking

Most Danube cruise ships in Linz depart from Donaupark. Getting there is straightforward whether by public transport or by car.

By public transport:

• Tram line 1 or 2 to the "Hauptbahnhof" stop, then a 5-minute walk
• Bus line 27 direct to "Donaupark"
• About a 15-minute walk from Hauptplatz along the Donaulände

By car:

• Donaupark car park: 200 spaces, 2 euros/hour
• Passage multi-storey car park: 10 minutes’ walk away, covered
• Free parking on Industriezeile (15-minute walk)

What to Bring

• Weather protection: Even in nice weather, it can get windy on the water
• Sunglasses and sun protection: Reflection off the water intensifies UV exposure
• A camera: For the spectacular views of Linz
• Warm clothing: It gets particularly chilly on evening cruises

💡 Tip: Check the weather forecast in advance and dress accordingly. It’s usually 2-3 degrees cooler on the water than on land.

Danube Cruises in Linz with Kids - Family Fun on the Water

A Danube cruise in Linz is a perfect family experience that delights children and adults alike. Many providers cater specifically to families.

Family-Friendly Facilities

Modern Danube cruise ships in Linz offer numerous amenities for families:

• Baby-changing rooms with full facilities
• High chairs in the restaurant
• Play corners with age-appropriate toys
• Childproof barriers on the outdoor decks

Special Family Programmes

Pirate cruises: Themed cruises with treasure hunts and pirate stories turn a Linz Danube cruise into an adventure for little sailors.

Fairy tale cruises: Professional storytellers entertain the children with exciting stories throughout the cruise.

Craft cruises: Creative workshops on board where children can create maritime artworks.

Family Discounts

1. Family tickets: Usually cheaper than individual tickets
2. Children up to 5 years: Often free
3. Sibling discounts: Reduced rates from the second child onwards
4. Birthday children: Free cruise on their birthday (with many providers)

The Best Time to Take a Danube Cruise in Linz

Danube cruises in Linz generally run from March to November, with each season having its own particular charm.

Peak Season (May to September)

Advantages:

• Longest cruise times and widest choice of routes
• Warm weather for spending time on the outdoor decks
• All ships and services available
• Evening cruises running late into the night

Disadvantages:

• Higher prices
• More tourists, especially at weekends
• Reservations often necessary

Off-Season (March/April and October/November)

Advantages:

• Better prices for Danube cruises in Linz
• Less crowded, more relaxed atmosphere
• Beautiful light in spring and autumn
• Spontaneous bookings often possible

Disadvantages:

• Limited cruise times
• Weather can be unpredictable
• Not all themed cruises available

Winter Season (December to February)

Danube cruises in Linz are very limited in winter, but the few available trips have a special charm:

• Advent cruises with a festive atmosphere
• New Year’s Eve cruises as the highlight of the year
• Cosy, heated interiors
• Unique winter landscapes

💡 Tip: For the best combination of weather, prices and availability, May, June, September and October are recommended.

📍 Discover more: Explore more recommendations for Linz on our city page.

Conclusion - A Danube Cruise in Linz as an Unforgettable Experience

A Danube cruise in Linz gives you the unique opportunity to experience Upper Austria’s capital from a completely new perspective. Whether it’s a relaxed panoramic cruise, a culinary indulgence trip or an exciting themed cruise – the variety on offer leaves nothing to be desired.

The key takeaways for your perfect Danube cruise in Linz:

1. Route variety: From short city cruises to full-day trips to the Schlögener Schlinge
2. Pricing: Early booking and the off-season save money
3. Family-friendly: Special programmes and discounts for children
4. Seasonal: May to October offers the best selection
5. Variety of themes: Cuisine, music and cultural events enrich the experience

Plan your Danube cruise in Linz in good time and check out the current offers from the various providers. This way, your trip on the Danube will become an unforgettable highlight of your visit to Linz.

Frequently Asked Questions about Danube Cruises in Linz

How long does a typical Danube cruise in Linz last? A standard panoramic cruise lasts about 50-60 minutes. Day trips to the Schlögener Schlinge can take 6-8 hours, while themed cruises usually last 2-3 hours.

Are the ships used for Danube cruises in Linz wheelchair-accessible? Most modern ships are wheelchair-accessible and have wheelchair ramps as well as accessible washroom facilities. Check the specific facilities when booking.

Can you go on a Danube cruise in Linz in bad weather? Yes, all ships have enclosed, heated interiors with panoramic windows. However, cruises may be cancelled in extreme weather conditions for safety reasons.

Is parking available at the departure point for the Danube boat trip in Linz? Around 200 parking spaces are available at Donaupark (chargeable). Alternatively, you can use the nearby car parks or arrive by public transport.

Do you need to book tickets for the Danube boat trip in Linz in advance? During peak season and for themed cruises, advance booking is recommended. For standard round trips in the off-season, spontaneous bookings are often possible too.