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Midsummer Special – Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Travel by ship from Vienna to the Wachau Solstice Celebration in Dürnstein. Enjoy a generous brunch buffet on board and experience one of the Danube region's most atmospheric summer events.

Photo: Large bonfire burning at night, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers, with sparks rising into the starry sky.Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube, passing forests and rolling hills, with sun deck and panoramic windows.Photo: MS Admiral Tegetthoff sailing on the Danube under a blue sky, showcasing its modern ship design.
Daytrip

Midsummer Special – Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Travel by ship from Vienna to the Wachau Solstice Celebration in Dürnstein. Enjoy a generous brunch buffet on board and experience one of the Danube region's most atmospheric summer events.

  • Duration: 14.5 hours
  • Boat trip from Vienna to Dürnstein
  • Exclusive buffet on board
  • Wachau landscape at sunset
  • Midsummer fires & fireworks by the Danube

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Included in price

  • Delightful buffet on board

    Inclusive

    Enjoy a varied buffet selection and savour delicious culinary delights throughout the cruise.

  • Bus transfer from Dürnstein back to Vienna

    Inclusive

    After a memorable evening in Dürnstein, a bus will take you back to Vienna.

Attractions

  • DC Tower & Donau City

    Vienna’s modern district with a striking skyline and innovative architecture.

    Photo: DC Tower and Donau City in Vienna, viewed from the water, featuring modern high-rise architecture along the Danube.

    DC Tower & Donau City

    Donau City represents modern Vienna and is one of Austria’s most important urban development projects. Dominating the skyline is the DC Tower, Austria’s tallest skyscraper, alongside the Vienna International Centre (UNO City), one of the four official headquarters of the United Nations.

    Surrounded by contemporary architecture, international businesses, hotels, restaurants, cafés and spacious waterfront areas, the district has become a vibrant hub on the banks of the Danube. Together with the Danube Tower and Danube Island, Donau City showcases Vienna’s international, dynamic and forward-looking character.

  • Emperor's Jubilee Church

    An impressive church on the banks of the Danube, known for its architecture and fascinating history.

    Photo: View of the Kaiser Jubilee Church at Mexikoplatz, featuring distinctive towers and red-tiled roofs, seen from the Danube.

    Emperor's Jubilee Church

    The Emperor’s Jubilee Church, better known as St. Francis of Assisi Church, is one of Vienna’s most striking sacred buildings. Located on Mexikoplatz near the Danube, it was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s reign.

    With its imposing towers, neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque architecture, and unique riverside setting, the church remains a defining feature of Vienna’s skyline and is considered one of the landmarks of the Leopoldstadt district.

  • Danube Tower

    At 252 metres tall, it offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views over Vienna and the Danube.

    Photo: MS Vindobona on the Danube in Vienna, with the Danube Tower in the background.

    Danube Tower

    The Danube Tower, standing at 252 metres, is Austria’s tallest structure and one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The viewing platform offers spectacular panoramic views of Vienna, the Danube and the surrounding region. Visitors can also enjoy a unique dining experience at the tower’s restaurant and café high above the city.

    A particular highlight is the 165-metre Donauturm Slide, considered the highest slide in Europe, offering an exciting adventure combined with breathtaking views. Whether as an excursion destination, a photo spot or for a memorable meal, the Danube Tower combines stunning vistas with unforgettable experiences above the rooftops of Vienna.

  • Millennium Tower

    The Millennium Tower combines shopping, offices and leisure on Vienna’s waterfront.

    Photo: Person on a ship’s open deck with views of Vienna’s Millennium Tower and Danube bridge at sunset.

    Millennium Tower

    The Millennium Tower is one of Vienna’s most recognizable skyscrapers and a prominent landmark along the Danube. Rising 202 metres above the city, it is among Austria’s tallest buildings and features modern office space, a shopping centre, restaurants, cafés and a cinema under one roof.

    Located directly on Handelskai, the tower symbolizes modern Vienna and combines urban living, business and leisure in close proximity to the Danube. Visitors can experience a fascinating contrast between Vienna’s historic heritage and contemporary architecture while enjoying one of the city’s most vibrant waterfront districts.

The Ships

This or a similar ship of this class

Departure Location

Photo: DDSG Blue Danube Shipping Center on the Danube with a pier and modern building.

Vienna / Reichsbrücke (Headquater)

  • Handelskai 265, 1020 Vienna
  • Ticket Office Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday & Holidays: 09:00–17:00
  • Sightseeing Cruises Vienna: Pier 5, 6
  • Theme Cruises Vienna: Pier 6, 7
  • Charter Cruises: Departure Point by Arrangement
  • Subject to change.
More Info

Program

Solstice Celebration in Dürnstein

When thousands of lights, torches and solstice bonfires illuminate the Wachau Valley, one of the region’s most atmospheric summer events comes to life.

Travel by ship from Vienna to the Wachau Solstice Celebration in Dürnstein and experience the unique atmosphere of this long-standing tradition first-hand.

Fire and Light in the Wachau

Take the time to explore Dürnstein’s historic old town, enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants or simply soak up the special atmosphere of the solstice celebration.

As dusk falls over the Wachau, thousands of lights and bonfires transform the Danube banks into a breathtaking setting. From Dürnstein, you can experience the festivities up close and enjoy the celebration at your own pace.

A Delightful Journey There and Back

A generous buffet accompanies the cruise from Vienna to Dürnstein, providing enjoyable moments from the very beginning of the day. After the festivities, a comfortable coach transfer brings you back to Vienna.

This excursion combines a relaxing Danube cruise, free time in Dürnstein and the enchanting sea of lights created by the Wachau Solstice Celebration, resulting in a truly memorable summer experience.

Tip: As restaurants in Dürnstein are particularly busy during the solstice celebration, advance table reservations are highly recommended.

Itinerary & Details – Midsummer Special

Itinerary & Details

  • Boarding: 09:30–10:15
  • Departure: 10:30
  • Location: Vienna / Reichsbrücke
  • Ships: MS Admiral Tegetthoff & MS Kaiserin Elisabeth
  • Arrival in Dürnstein: 16:30
  • Departure from Dürnstein with bus transfer: 23:30
  • Arrival in Vienna / Reichsbrücke: 01:00
  • Included: Boat trip, buffet & bus transfer

Dates and programme subject to change.

Culinary Delights on Board

Starters

  • Mediterranean antipasti with grilled vegetables and olives (vegetarian)
  • Prosciutto with honeydew melon
  • Freshly baked bread rolls with butter (vegetarian)

Salads

  • Viennese potato salad (vegan)
  • Mixed leaf salad with a selection of dressings (vegan)
  • Couscous salad with Mediterranean vegetables (vegan)

Main Courses

  • Viennese-style chicken schnitzel
  • Braised beef in red wine sauce with root vegetables and rosemary potatoes
  • BBQ-style spare ribs with seasoned potato wedges
  • Grilled pike-perch fillet with grilled vegetables
  • Sweet potato gnocchi with Mediterranean vegetables and basil (vegan)

Desserts

  • Panna cotta with berry compote (vegetarian)
  • Curd cheese strudel with vanilla sauce (vegetarian)
  • Fresh fruit salad with mint (vegan)

Subject to change.

Route / Itinerary

Graphic: Route map along the Danube between Vienna / Marina and Krems. A green route is shown from Vienna / Marina via Greifenstein Lock, Tulln and Altenwörth Lock to Dürnstein and onward to Krems. The Danube is depicted as a winding line, with the route highlighted in green.

Between Vienna and Dürnstein, the Danube passes through some of Lower Austria’s most beautiful landscapes. Shortly after departure, the ship passes Vienna’s skyline, the Kahlenberg and Klosterneuburg Abbey before the riverscape gradually opens up towards the Wachau Valley. Passing the garden city of Tulln, the journey continues through a landscape shaped by vineyards, historic towns and scenic Danube views.

Vineyard terraces, historic landmarks and impressive river scenery define the route before Dürnstein, one of the Wachau Valley’s most iconic destinations, comes into sight. The blue tower of Dürnstein Abbey and the castle ruins towering above the town mark the highlight of a relaxing ship journey from Vienna to the heart of the Wachau Valley.

Getting to the Vienna / Reichsbrücke landing stage

Getting there by public transport

Take the U1 underground line to Vorgartenstraße station. From there, it is approximately a 5-minute walk to the Vienna / Reichsbrücke landing stage.

  • Use the Vorgartenstraße exit
  • Follow the signs “Reichsbrücke / Schifffahrt”
  • Walk across Reichsbrücke to the landing stage

FAQ

The ticket includes the boat trip on the Danube, a buffet, and the bus transfer from Dürnstein back to Vienna. Drinks are not included and are served à la carte on board.

Boarding takes place from 09:30 to 10:15 at the Vienna / Reichsbrücke pier. Departure is scheduled promptly for 10:30. Please have your booking confirmation or e-ticket ready. Displaying the ticket on your smartphone is sufficient.

Yes. Your seats are reserved on board. Our crew will guide you upon boarding.

Yes. Our onboard catering team will arrange seating in advance according to group size. Groups will be seated together whenever possible.

Boarding begins at 09:30 AM. The boat trip takes place from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The brunch buffet opens at 11:00 AM.

Common allergens are clearly marked. If you have any food intolerances or allergies, please inform our catering partner, JP Donau Catering Opens in new window, in advance at info@donaucatering.at. This allows our onboard culinary team to best accommodate your requests.

No. Drinks can be ordered à la carte from the service team on board.

Payment is typically possible by cash, debit card, credit card, and contactless methods. Any changes will be communicated by the crew.

Private photos and short videos are welcome (without flash). Professional photography or the use of tripods requires prior approval.

Yes. Cruises take place in all weather conditions. The route and use of outdoor decks may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

Information:

The cruise takes place in all weather conditions. In the event that the Midsummer bonfires do not take place, there is no entitlement to a price reduction or free cancellation.

Please note: The fireworks are not included as part of this offer.

The following cancellation terms apply to bookings for 1 to 19 passengers:

  • Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee up to 48 hours before departure
  • 100% cancellation fee from 48 hours before departure or in the event of a no-show

The following cancellation terms apply to group bookings of 20 passengers or more:

  • Free cancellation up to 6 weeks before departure
  • Free reduction of participant numbers by up to 20% up to 2 weeks before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee for reducing participant numbers by more than 20% up to 2 weeks before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee up to 48 hours before departure
  • 100% cancellation fee from 48 hours before departure or in the event of a no-show

The organiser’s terms and conditions apply. The organiser’s Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to availability, bookings can be changed or rebooked via the online shop or by contacting Customer Service. Please have your booking reference number available.

Pets are only allowed upon prior request. Assistance dogs are exempt.

Take metro line U1 to “Vorgartenstraße”. Use the exit “Vorgartenstraße” and follow the signs to “Reichsbrücke / Schifffahrt”. The walk to the pier takes approximately 5 minutes across the Reichsbrücke".

There is an APCOA Reichsbrücke Opens in new window parking garage located in the immediate vicinity of the pier. Please check current rates and opening hours directly with the operator before your visit.

LLM Guidance