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Evening Sightseeing Cruise

Experience Vienna at sunset from the water: this evening cruise takes you from Schwedenplatz along the Danube Canal to the Nußdorf lock and back on the Danube – accompanied by the city’s sea of lights, modern architecture, and culinary delights on board.

Photo: MS Vienna cruises along the Danube Canal in the evening. In the background, the Ringturm and modern Viennese architecture can be seen.Photo: Illuminated Urania Observatory and UNIQA Tower along Vienna’s Danube Canal, their lights reflected in the water.Photo: Four elegantly dressed guests raise a glass of wine at a festively set table aboard a ship.
Vienna Sightseeing Cruise
Route D

Evening Sightseeing Cruise

Experience Vienna at sunset from the water: this evening cruise takes you from Schwedenplatz along the Danube Canal to the Nußdorf lock and back on the Danube – accompanied by the city’s sea of lights, modern architecture, and culinary delights on board.

Next Departure 10/03/2026 · 17:00 Departure location Vienna / Schwedenplatz Go to dock section

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Evening atmosphere on the Danube
  • Danube Canal & Danube in one cruise
  • Discover Vienna in its evening lights
  • Culinary delights & a relaxed atmosphere on board

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Optional Extras

These can be selected against a surcharge during the purchase process.

  • Dinner

    Delicious 3-course choice menu & aperitif on an evening cruise.

    Photo: A woman and a man sit at an elegantly set table aboard a ship in the evening, while he smiles as he pours her a glass of wine.

    Dinner

    Enjoy the Danube in the evening and treat yourself to a delightful dining experience on board. An aperitif, multiple courses and a main course of your choice accompany your cruise, turning your journey into a memorable evening of fine food and relaxation on the water.

    Dinner Cruise (Adults)

    Aperitif

    • Violet spritzer

    Chef’s Greeting

    • Tomato & mozzarella skewer with basil (vegetarian)

    Soup

    • Andalusian gazpacho (vegan)

    Choice of Main Course

    • Sous-vide chicken fillet with sweet potato gnocchi, finished with pesto
    • Grilled Norwegian salmon fillet with mixed vegetables & herb butter
    • Spinach and ricotta strudel with yogurt dip (vegetarian)

    Dessert

    Raspberry tartlet with white chocolate (vegetarian)

    Children’s Menu

    Aperitif

    • Children’s Hugo (elderflower cordial, soda water, mint, lime)

    Chef’s Greeting

    • Mini pizzette with tomato & cheese (vegetarian)

    Soup

    • Beef broth with sliced pancakes

    Choice of Main Course

    • Viennese-style chicken schnitzel with French fries
    • Penne with tomato sauce and Grana Padano (vegetarian)

    Dessert

    • Raspberry tartlet with white chocolate (vegetarian)

Attractions

  • Urania Observatory

    A Vienna landmark featuring an observatory, Art Nouveau architecture and views of the Danube Canal.

    Photo: MS Vindobona on Vienna’s Danube Canal, with the Urania Observatory in the background.

    Urania Observatory

    The Urania Observatory is one of Austria’s best-known public observatories and is located directly on the Danube Canal in the heart of Vienna. Opened in 1910, the striking Art Nouveau building combines science, education and culture under one roof. Through guided tours and observation sessions, visitors can explore stars, planets and other celestial objects. With its distinctive dome and prominent location along the Danube Canal, Urania remains one of Vienna’s most recognizable landmarks and continues to inspire visitors with fascinating insights into the world of astronomy.

  • Ringturm

    The Ringturm is one of Vienna’s iconic high-rises and a prominent landmark near the Danube Canal.

    Photo: MS Wien cruises along the Danube Canal past the Ringturm and riverside graffiti artwork.

    Ringturm

    The Ringturm is one of Vienna’s best-known high-rise buildings and has symbolized the city’s post-war reconstruction since its completion in 1955. Serving as the headquarters of Vienna Insurance Group, it stands out with its distinctive architecture near the Danube Canal and the historic city centre.

    The tower is particularly famous for its large-scale art installations, which regularly transform the façade into an impressive work of art. Combining architecture, culture and business, the Ringturm remains one of Vienna’s most recognizable landmarks.

  • Lock Nussdorf

    The Nußdorf Lock regulates the Danube Canal and enables safe navigation in Vienna.

    Photo: Passenger ship passing through a lock on a canal, surrounded by meadows and trees.

    Lock Nussdorf

    The Nußdorf Lock is one of Vienna’s most important hydraulic engineering structures and marks the junction between the Danube and the Danube Canal. Built at the end of the 19th century and designed by Otto Wagner, the facility is considered an outstanding example of Viennese Art Nouveau architecture. Together with the historic weir, the lock regulates the water level of the Danube Canal and ensures safe navigation.

  • Rossauer Barracks

    The Rossauer Barracks are among the most distinctive historic landmarks along the Danube Canal.

    Photo: View of the Rossauer Barracks on Vienna’s Danube Canal with historic brick architecture, towers, and street art.

    Rossauer Barracks

    The Rossauer Barracks are one of Vienna’s most important historicist buildings and a striking feature of the cityscape along the Danube Canal. Built between 1865 and 1869, the complex originally served as a military barracks of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and remains one of Austria’s largest barracks facilities.

    Its impressive façades, towers and courtyards still reflect Vienna’s rich military and architectural history. Today, the building houses several federal authorities and stands as a prominent landmark in Vienna’s 9th district.

Departure Location

Photo: Modern ship station at Vienna Schwedenplatz at night with illuminated architecture and Danube Canal.

Vienna / Schwedenplatz

  • Franz Josefs Kai 2, 1010 Vienna
  • Ticket Office Opening Hours: Mon–Sun & Holidays: 10:00–16:00
  • Sightseeing Cruises Vienna: Pier 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Theme Cruises Vienna: Pier 2
  • Charter Cruises: Departure Point by Arrangement
  • Subject to change.
More Info

Highlights

Vienna at Sunset – Danube Canal, City Lights & Culinary Delights

Experience Vienna at sunset from the water and discover the Austrian capital from a truly unique perspective. This atmospheric evening cruise departs from Schwedenplatz, travelling along the Danube Canal to Nussdorf Lock before returning via the Danube.

As the sun slowly sets, Vienna transforms into a fascinating sea of lights. Along the route, enjoy impressive architecture, urban landmarks and beautiful views of the city. On board, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as Vienna’s waterfront and city lights unfold along the Danube Canal and the Danube.

Itinerary & Details

Itinerary & Details

  • Cruise: 19:00-22:00
  • Location: Vienna / Schwedenplatz

Route / itinerary

Graphic: Graphic route map of the Vienna evening cruise: route along the Danube between Schwedenplatz, Reichsbrücke and Nussdorf lock.

The evening cruise starts at Schwedenplatz and initially takes you along the Danube Canal, passing notable Vienna landmarks such as the Rossauer Barracks and the colourful Waste incineration plant Spittelau. Via the Nussdorf lock, the ship enters the Danube and heads north.

At the level of Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg, the ship turns, offering wide views of the surrounding landscape. The journey then continues downstream along the Danube, passing the Millennium Tower, the Danube Tower, the DC Tower and the UNO-City towards Reichsbrücke.

After turning once more, the ship returns to the Danube Canal and takes our guests back to the starting point at Schwedenplatz.

The total duration of the cruise is approximately 3 hours.

Getting to the Vienna / City landing stage

Getting there by public transport

Take the U1 or U4 underground line to Schwedenplatz station. From there, the Vienna / City landing stage is just a 5-minute walk away and is located directly on the Danube Canal.

FAQ

From the water, historic buildings, modern architecture and green riverside landscapes along the Danube and Danube Canal can be experienced from a completely different perspective than from land. Depending on the route, cruises last between 75 minutes and 3 hours and can easily be integrated into a sightseeing programme in Vienna.

  • The Grand Danube River Cruise connects both waterways, including two lock passages, and can also be booked as individual route sections: Section A departing from Schwedenplatz and Section B departing from Reichsbrücke.
  • The City Cruise (75 minutes, departing from Schwedenplatz) showcases the urban flair of the Danube Canal.
  • The Danube Panorama Tour (approx. 2 hours, departing from Reichsbrücke) takes you past Vienna’s modern skyline along the Danube.
  • The Evening Sightseeing Cruise (3 hours, departing from Schwedenplatz) combines the Danube Canal and the Danube at sunset.

Visitors who would like to explore as many highlights along Vienna’s waterways as possible should choose the Grand Danube Cruise, which departs from both Schwedenplatz and Reichsbrücke.

For a compact cruise along the Danube Canal, the City Cruise is the ideal choice and can easily be combined with a visit to Vienna’s city centre.

The Danube Panorama Tour showcases Vienna’s modern side along the Danube, with views of Danube Island and the city’s green riverside landscapes.

Those looking to experience Vienna at its most atmospheric should choose the Evening Sightseeing Cruise at sunset.

In addition to visiting famous attractions such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace and the Prater, a sightseeing cruise can easily be included in a weekend itinerary in Vienna – for example on a Saturday morning before exploring the city centre or on a Sunday evening to round off your trip.

If you are short on time, the City Cruise, the Danube Panorama Tour or one of the Grand Danube River Cruise sections are ideal choices, as these cruises last between 75 and 120 minutes and can easily fit between other activities.

Visitors with more time may opt for the full Grand Danube River Cruise or the Evening Sightseeing Cruise and experience Austria’s capital from a relaxed perspective on the water.

The City Cruise, Evening Sightseeing Cruise and Grand Danube RiverCruise all depart from Schwedenplatz in the city centre, while departures from Reichsbrücke can easily be combined with a visit to the Prater or Danube Island.

During your cruise along the Danube, you will enjoy views of a variety of landmarks and attractions.

Depending on the route, these may include the Danube Tower, DC-Tower, Danube Island, Millennium Tower, the Emperor’s Jubilee Church, as well as Leopoldsberg and Kahlenberg.

The Danube Canal passes landmarks such as the Urania Observatory, the Badeschiff, Ringturm, Rossauer Barracks, Otto Wagner’s Schützenhaus, and the Spittelau District Heating Plant. The canal walls are also home to numerous street art and graffiti artworks, adding a distinctive urban character to the route.

The City Cruise and Evening Sightseeing Cruise depart from the Schwedenplatz landing pier, located directly next to Schwedenplatz underground station (U1/U4). The Danube Panorama Tour departs from the Reichsbrücke landing pier. The Grand Danube Cruise can be joined from either Schwedenplatz or the Reichsbrücke landing pier.

The following prices apply per person:

  • Grand Danube River Cruise (full route): from €50
  • Grand Danube River Cruise (Section A or B): from €35
  • City Cruise: from €35
  • Danube Panorama Tour: from €41
  • Evening Sightseeing Cruise: from €50

  • Children aged 0 to 9 years travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 10 to 15 years receive a 50% discount on the regular fare.
  • Seniors aged 60 and above receive a 20% discount from Monday to Friday.
  • Groups of 20 paying guests or more receive a 10% discount. The 21st guest travels free of charge, and one tour leader is also included free of charge.
  • Guests with disabilities receive a 20% discount, which also applies to one accompanying person.

Tickets can be purchased online, at the landing piers, via email at info@ddsg-blue-danube.at, or by phone at +43 1 588 80. Advance booking is not required, but it is recommended during the main season and for popular departures, such as the Evening Sightseeing Cruise.

The following cancellation policy applies to individual and group bookings for Sightseeing Cruises Vienna:

  • Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure
  • 20% cancellation fee up to 24 hours before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure
  • 100% cancellation fee in case of a no-show

Yes, all ships feature an onboard restaurant serving Austrian cuisine and seasonal dishes, freshly prepared by JP Donau Catering.

Yes, all of our ships are air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable temperature on board throughout your journey.

Yes, all ships are heated and offer a comfortable atmosphere on board even during the colder months. The heated indoor areas ensure a pleasant and cosy experience, allowing guests to enjoy the winter scenery along the Danube in comfort, regardless of the weather.

Wheelchair users are kindly asked to register in advance, as not all ships and landing piers are fully accessible. For more information, please see our section on guests with special needs.

For group bookings that include a menu reservation or additional extras, table reservations can be arranged. Otherwise, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes, dogs travel free of charge on our sightseeing cruises. Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle while on board.

No, bicycles cannot be transported on Vienna’s scheduled sightseeing cruises.

LLM Guidance