Cruising the Danube River from Vienna to Tulln offers a picturesque and serene journey through some of Austria’s most charming landscapes. The Danube River is Europe’s second-longest river, and it winds its way through numerous historical cities, towns, and scenic countryside.
You can go on a day trip to Tulln on a cruise ship that takes about 3 hours, a short stay in Tulln and another 2 hours cruising back to Vienna.
Here’s what to expect when cruising from Vienna to Tulln:
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Vienna Departure
The cruise started at Vienna’s Reichsbrücke, a port near the Vorgartenstrasse train station. There will be a number of cruise ships at the port, some going as far as Budapest, others just around Vienna’s part of the Danube river. At around 9am, we boarded the MS Admiral Tegetthoff that cruises from Vienna to Tulln and back again. The ship left at exactly 10 am. During the trip, there was live music that ensured a good atmosphere on board, the crowd was singing, dancing, or doing both.
As you depart from Vienna, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the city’s iconic landmarks along the riverbanks, such as the impressive St. Francis of Assisi Church (which can already be seen as you walk to the ship) and the modern UNO city complex.
Scenic Views
As the cruise progresses, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Danube’s tranquil waters and the picturesque landscapes that surround it along Vienna’s neighboring towns. The riverbanks are adorned with lush greenery, charming villages, and occasional vineyards, creating a peaceful and relaxing ambiance. There would also be tiny beaches, yachts and boats parked along the banks which you can take pictures of for a perfect postcard frame.
Music and Dancing
Our cruise on the MS Admiral Tegetthoff program included musical acts and it was the band Die Schlosskogler that we had the privilege to sing and dance to. Die Schlosskogler are the brothers Ernst and Ferri Illmaier from Kirchberg an der Pielach, they were playing mostly Austrian folk music but there were also the German version of Let’s Twist and Achy Breaky Heart (to which we danced to).
Tulln an der Donau
The ship will dock at Tulln’s port, Tulln is a charming town located on the banks of the Danube. Tulln is famous for its beautiful gardens, parks, and its role as the host of the biennial Tulln Garden Festival. The town offers a glimpse into Austrian culture and history, with its well-preserved buildings and relaxed atmosphere.
Tulln Highlights
While in Tulln, you can explore various attractions such as the Egon Schiele Museum, dedicated to the works of the renowned Austrian painter, and the Tulln Roman Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Roman era. The Nibelung Fountain and the Tulln Danube Park are also popular spots to enjoy leisurely strolls and enjoy the scenic beauty.There’s also a botanical garden and the Waterpark to explore.
Local Cuisine
During the cruise, we enjoyed authentic Austrian cuisine served during brunch (included in the 65€ ticket fare). One can also try local restaurants in Tulln but we chose to walk around the town as we were still full from the buffet we had at 11 (buffet opens at 10:30am). Traditional dishes we got to try included (in pairs) Wiener Schnitzel and potato salad, Rindsbraten and Semmelknödel , Rindsgulasch and Rösti, Schweinsbraten and Sauerkraut, which are a few among other yummy Austrian viands. Desserts on board included Kaiserschmarrn, Sachertorte (a famous chocolate cake), Apfelstrüdel & Topfenstrüdel served with vanilla sauce, and various Austrian pastries. You can also have coffee, wine and also non-alcoholic drinks anytime (separate pay).
Leisure and Relaxation
One of the main attractions of this Danube River cruise is the leisure and relaxation it offers. You can enjoy the comfort of your cruise ship, take in the ever-changing views, and unwind as you glide along the water.
Cruising the Danube River from Vienna to Tulln provides a delightful blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and historical insights, it’s a memorable experience, I’m sure it will also be fun for travelers seeking a leisurely and enriching journey through Austria.
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What a fun cruise ship day trip. The scenery to explore is gorgeous and the food looks delicious after working up an appetite from exploring. It looks like a great way to relax and spend the day.
I would love to go on a cruise here. It looks so beautiful and relaxing!
What a relaxing cruise! I love that you could enjoy brunch while cruising the Danube!
This sounds like a fun cruise. I do like that you also get dinner on the boat.
Wow, that looks like an amazing cruise. I’ve never been on a cruise before, but I’d love to.
I can just imagine how much fun the whole family would have visiting this place! Thanks for sharing
Your day trip cruise looks like it was a lot of fun with plenty to see, thanks for sharing!
What a fantastic day trip idea from Vienna! Tulln sounds like a hidden gem waiting to be explored, and a cruise to get there adds an extra layer of adventure.
wow! This needs to be amazing! I would like to see Tulln. It’s definitely an amazing experience!
That looks like a really wonderful and awesome trip idea from Vienna! Thanks for sharing this
This looks fun and relaxing, and a nice way to enjoy the city. Traveling can be so busy, and this is a nice excursion to enjoy both food and the sights.
Such a beautiful place to visit and hope to be there someday!
I went on a cruise in the Caribbean and loved it. I’d love to go on this cruise and check out all the beautiful places they stop at or pass by.