Best Trip to Germany, Austria and Hungary on the Danube

The best trip to Germany, Austria and Hungary is to take a 7-day river cruise on the Danube River.  Specifically, a seven-day cruise will take you to visit Budapest, Vienna, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg and other towns in Bavaria.   In addition, you can take optional excursions to see towns such as Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart in the Bavarian Alps, or Munich, the capital of Bavaria.   There you can easily visit the Black Forest. You will get to see some medieval castles or even the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.  

In addition, extensions to the 7-day cruise can take you to Prague in the Czech Republic.  For more information about Prague, please see our separate post on Prague.

Also, you can even take a longer cruise from Nuremberg across the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal to visit places like Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim and Miltenberg on the Main River. And, eventually you can travel to the Rhine River to Koblenz and Cologne, and all the way to Amsterdam.

Why Take a Trip to Germany, Austria and Hungary?

If you are planning a trip of a lifetime, there are many reasons to consider Germany, Austria, and Hungary as a great trio of countries to visit. Specifically, you will see some amazing places and have some great food experiences.  You can explore the cultural gems of Central Europe, from Bavaria to Budapest, and indulge in cuisine and culture with a dinner or a Mozart concert.  By visiting this trio of countries, you can also visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.

Hungary

In Hungary, you can delve into a tour of the country’s essential cultural highlights such as the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Jewish Quarter, the Matthias Church, and the Hungarian Parliament building. You can also enjoy a Danube excursion, taking you to the lesser-known but equally mesmerizing towns of Esztergom, Visegrád, and Szentendre.  Hungarian culture and traditions are some of the best-preserved in Europe. They go back to the old days, and as a tourist, it is very interesting to attend events and festivals.

Austria

We loved our short visit to Austria’s capital city, Vienna. The wealth of the Hapsburg Empire was on display throughout the city. Vienna has everything from a vibrant and eclectic nightlife to great shopping and plenty of architectural landmarks to visit. As you would expect, the impact of beautiful classical music is felt throught Austria, with famous composers like Mozart and Beethoven calling it home. We were in awe of the Habsburg Empire grand palaces and elegant buildings.

Germany

The German towns are also very historic and, despite heavy damage during World War II, you will find many restored to their pre-war condition.  We found Passau and Regensburg to be particularly romantic quaint villages.  But unfortunately Nuremberg was a little less romantic despite its reputation as the former capital of the Holy Roman Empire.  The role the city played in the rise of the Nazi’s was historically important, but left you with less than a positive feeling about the town. 

Trip to Germany, Austria and Hungary – Why take a River Cruise?

Whether you are traveling with a travel companion or not, river cruises are a great way to meet new people.  We love the intimacy of the small river cruises, because of the small number of passengers, along with activities that mix passengers among one another, we have always found that we end up meeting a great group of new friends.  Fellow group members usually come from all over the world and introduce us to many different cultures and experiences.  

We like a river cruise because they also offer some days that give you a fair amount of free time to explore cities on your own.  It’s also an introduction to places you find you want to return. This can be really helpful if you want to visit a local restaurant or take a short scenic drive on a romantic road into the countryside.  However, many days you will have plans for the entire day leaving you with limited free time. 

Another great reason to take a river cruise is that they operate like a country club and you just charge everything to your room while you are on board. Of course, at the end of the cruise you need to pay up, but unlike many of the Central European restaurants, they will take all US credit cards, including American Express.  If you want more information cruising in general, please see our post on Cruise Choices.

Our Trips to Germany, Austria and Hungary on the Danube

Cos took his first cruise to the Christmas Markets in December of 2016. Both Cos and Robin went again in the fall of 2023 on a combined cruise on the Danube, the Main and The Rhine. The longer 14-day cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam faced a low-water issue, forcing our embarkation to be relocated further down the river. In addition, this same low water issue required us to change boats between Passau and Nuremberg. We must admit it was somewhat surreal as we boarded the new boat with the exact same room number. While this caused a bit of a disruption, our cruise company, Viking, handled it well. Consequently, we had little alteration to our original plans.

When to Take a River Cruise to Visit Hungary, Austria and Germany

The best time to visit Hungary is during the spring and autumn months from April to May and from September to October.  During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it a great time to explore the country’s landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.

In Germany, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April and May) and fall (September and October). During these months, the weather is mild and occasionally cool, and there are fewer crowds.  However, if you want to experience Germany’s famous Christmas markets, you should plan your trip for December.

In Austria, the tourist season runs roughly from May through September. Summer has its advantages: the best weather, snow-free alpine trails, very long days (light until after 9:00pm), and the busiest schedule of tourist fun.  Summer visitors should note, however, that three Viennese institutions — the Boys’ Choir, state opera, and Spanish Riding School — are on summer vacation.

Trip to Germany, Austria and Hungary – Should You Go On a Guided Tour?

We have found that one of the best ways to enjoy your trip to Germany, Austria and Hungary is to take guided tours.  Specifically, the River Cruises hire a local guide in each city to make your trip more enjoyable and educational.  The tour guide is often someone who is a history expert and is always a local expert.  The tour manager is usually someone you can work with to plan unique requirements. For example, if you are have limited walking ability, usually they have options to accommodate your circumstances.

If you want to visit cities on your own, or you would like another activity not offered on your cruise, then we would suggest you use Get Your Guide or Viator to help you find a tour that meets your needs. We have used both the cruise tours as well as the outside agencies and have had great results with both.

Places to Visit in Hungary, Austria and Germany on the Danube River

Below are some of the places we visited on our trip to Germany, Austria and Hungary during our river cruise on the Danube River.

Visit Hungary

Budapest – Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a popular tourist destination known for its unique architecture, Roman-style hot baths, and multinational history. Buda and Pest are located on opposite banks of the River Danube.  Buda’s residential architecture and hilly terrain dominate one side of the river, while Pest has more of a downtown vibe. Budapest has a rich history, gorgeous architecture, world-class cuisine and a vibrant nightlife. It’s definitely worth a visit! It is also a short drive or short cruise up the river to the Austrian Border where you will continue your journey through the former Habsburg Empire.  For more information about the details of these sights please see our Budapest, Vacation in Hungary Post.

Sights to See in Budapest

1. Chain Bridge: This iconic bridge connects Buda and Pest.
2. Buda Castle: This castle is located on Castle Hill in Buda and offers a panoramic view of the city.  Also, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses several museums.
3. Ruin Bars: These bars are located in abandoned buildings and courtyards in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest. Consequently, their unique decor, cheap drinks, and lively atmosphere are a draw for both tourists and locals. We enjoyed an evening with a tour guide who brought us to several bars.
4. Thermal Baths: Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, which are fed by natural hot springs. Specifically, the most famous ones are Gellért Baths, Széchenyi Baths, and Rudas Baths.
5. Street Art: Budapest is developing a strong Street Art Scene. For details please see our Love Graffiti Art Post.
6. The Hungarian Parliament Building is the largest building in Hungary and one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest.  Hungarian architect Imre Steindl designed this building in a Gothic Revival style. 
7. The Shoes on the Riverbank – This memorial honors the Jews who were killed by the Arrow Cross militia during World War II. The victims were ordered to take off their shoes before they were shot and fell into the river. There was something intensely disturbing to see these shoes, the last personal items before death lined up along the river .

Visit Austria – Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, classical music, and vibrant coffee culture.  Vienna has an excellent quality of life and, not surprisingly, has a long list of reknown residents.  The city is also famous for its surprisingly vast green areas and cosmopolitan cuisine. The oldest university in Austria is the University of Vienna, founded in 1365.

Vienna has served as the capital of the Austro-Hungarian empire and has become the subject of great folklore and romanticized fables itself.  While many locals will be ready to point out that Viennese culture isn’t all about Sisi and Franz-Josef, there’s no doubt that to millions abroad, these stories of aristocratic romance are what makes Vienna a truly magical, unique place. The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace is worth a visit.

We followed our guide through many of the historical portions of the city. Starting at the Vienna Opera House, she shared that the price of purchasing reserved seats was at 310 Euros (about $320 US) versus the less expensive standing option of 20 Euros. What a great way for students with limited budgets to partake in this rich musical experience!

She also told the story of Hitler’s desire to enter art school, and their rejection of his application (twice). As we turned to the famous balcony where he addressed the mass at the Schönbrunn Palace, we wondered how history may have been different had he been accepted to art school. It was a sobering thought.

Music and Coffee

Specifically, if you enjoy classical music, you should plan to visit one of Vienna’s many concert halls or even attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera House.  And if you’re a coffee lover, you can explore Vienna’s vibrant coffee culture by visiting one of its many traditional coffeehouses.  We had a wonderful break with special Viennese coffee and sweets at Sluka which was a favorite recommended by our guide. The views and statues through the city are impressive.

The bunny below sits on top of a portable snack vendor’s stall and is famous for serving champagne and snacks throughout the day and night. Many who attend the opera spill into the street to have a quick glass of bubbly before heading back.

Some of the top-rated tourist attractions in Vienna include:

• Schönbrunn Palace: The royal residence of the Habsburgs, which nowadays serves as a prime tourist destination and one of Vienna’s most heavily visited spots.
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral: A stunning Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Vienna’s city center 
• Belvedere Palace: A baroque palace complex that houses an art museum with works by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.
• The Hofburg: A former imperial palace that now houses several museums, including the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is very impressive.

Also, Vienna is a great place for shopping as Robin found out on her tour through the shopping district. The jewelry was gorgeous. Even the H & M was in an upscale building.

Visit Austria – Melk Abbey

There isn’t a lot to see in Melk. However, one hidden gem is the Melk Abbey. It is a wonderful Benedictine Abbey known for its Baroque style. It is a classic baroque building and has a magnificent chapel. Also, a great view of the city. Today there are approximately 900 students, lugging their backpacks with brand new pcs. In addition to watching the stream of students, we visited the Imperial Staircase and Corridor, the huge Marble Hall filled with treasured artifacts.

The Abbey Church is simply breathtaking but our favorite was the library, with stacks and stacks of antique books and hidden doors to the windows outside. And, once you finish your tour, you are rewarded with a stroll through the garden in Abbey Park.

Visit Austria – Salzburg

Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria. Accordingly, it is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.  It is also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most famous composers in history with a colorful personal life as well. Anyone who saw Amadeus understands this!

In addition, if you’re interested in history and culture, you can explore Salzburg’s rich history by visiting one of its many museums or attending a classical music concert.  And if you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music,” you can visit several filming locations from the movie around Salzburg.

Some of the top-rated tourist attractions in Salzburg include:

• Hohensalzburg Fortress: A medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the city and houses several museums.
• Mozart’s Birthplace: The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and work.
• Mirabell Palace and Gardens: A baroque palace and garden complex that has been featured in several movies and TV shows.
• Getreidegasse: A historic shopping street that features several traditional shops and boutiques.

Visit Austria – Summary

Lonely Planet, a popular travel guidebook publisher, recommends the following places to visit in Austria:

1. Schloss Ambras Innsbruck: A Renaissance palace with beautiful gardens, located on a hill.
2. Staatsoper Vienna: A neo-Renaissance concert hall and Vienna’s foremost opera and ballet venue.
3. Schloss Hellbrunn: A summer palace built in the early 17th century by Markus Sittikus, a prince-archbishop with a wicked sense of humor.
4. Stephansdom Vienna: Vienna’s Gothic masterpiece and pride and joy.
5. Festung Hohensalzburg Salzburg: A 900-year-old clifftop fortress, one of the biggest and best-preserved in Europe.
6. Eisriesenwelt Salzburg & Salzburgerland: The world’s largest accessible ice caves, spanning 30,000 sq meters and 42km of narrow passages.
7. MuseumsQuartier Vienna: An ensemble of museums, cafes, restaurants, and bars inside former imperial stables designed by Fischer von Erlach.
8. Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Vienna: The Hofburg’s Kaiserliche Schatzkammer containing secular and ecclesiastical treasures (including devotional images and altars) .

Visit Germany

Traveling on the Danube River takes you past three historic cities: Passau, Regensburg and Nuremburg. You can also take a side excursion to the Capital and largest city in Bavaria – Munich. To the left, you see our local guide educating us on the sections of Germany. To be frank, she very much reminded us of Mrs. Doubtfire; it was hard to erase that image throughout the tour. She was passionate about her city and we were caught up with her passion.

Passau

Passau is a city located in Lower Bavaria, Germany, also known as the Dreiflüssestadt (“City of Three Rivers”) as the river Danube is joined by the Inn from the south and the Ilz from the north. It has a population of approximately 50,000, of whom about 12,000 are students at the University. The University is renowned in Germany for its institutes of economics, law, theology, computer science and cultural studies.

Our day started with dense fog which greatly distressed our guide. She was desperate to have us see the castle on the hill, but it was nothing but a big cloud. Later that day, we were rewarded with a clear view of the building. She also pointed out the executioner’s place below, but we thought it looked more like a big guy with a motorized scooter.

Passau is a charming and picturesque town that boasts so much to discover in the way of art and architecture, great places to eat and drink as well as fantastic places to party, shop, stroll and relax. While it is modest in size, we found it to be delightful. We had unbelievably rich hot chocolate (not hot cocoa!) complete with marshmallows. Later, we sat at an outdoor cafe and enjoyed the shoppers walking by with their purchases. We had a few ourselves.

Here are some reasons why you should visit Passau:

• Unique Geographic Location: Passau is located on a small peninsula framed by the flows of Danube, Inn, and Ilz. The three rivers not only serve as natural borders to how far the city can grow but also create the distinctive atmosphere inherent only to Passau. 
• Rich and Vibrant History: Passau has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The city was an important trading center for centuries, especially for Bohemian salt, central Europe’s ‘white gold’.
• Beautiful Old Town: Passau’s old town is a beautiful place to explore. It is stacked atop a narrow peninsula that jabs its sharp end into the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. 
• A Medieval Fortress: Veste Oberhaus is a medieval fortress that overlooks Passau from a hilltop.  It offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
• Excellent Local Cuisine: Passau has excellent local cuisine that you can enjoy in one of its many restaurants.  Some popular dishes include Bavarian-style roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut or schnitzel with potato salad.

Regensburg

Regensburg is a city located in the southeastern part of Germany, in the state of Bavaria . It is situated at the confluence of the Danube, Naab, and Regen rivers.  Regensburg has a population of over 150,000 inhabitants and is the fourth-largest city in Bavaria after Munich, Nuremberg, and Augsburg. Regensburg’s sausage factory is on the river by the old bridge. No matter when we walked by the sausage building, people were drinking beer and eating their sausages. It is over a hundred years old. It is well known and quite a tourist attraction. Of course we had to try them.

UNESCO World Heritage Recognition

In addition, Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. The city boasts over 1,000 well-preserved monuments that testify to its history as a trading center and its influence on the region. Here are some reasons why you should visit Regensburg:

• Rich History: Regensburg has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The city was an important trading center for centuries, especially for luxury goods coming in and going out as far as China and India. Our guide went into great detail about the Romans versus Germanic tribes battles. It sounded vicious.
• Beautiful Architecture: Regensburg is one of the most picturesque cities in Germany. The number one postcard-worthy view is right where the Old Town meets the New via one of the connecting bridges. Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque churches are scattered throughout but essentially connected by what once was a town hall.  Most of the blue, orange, yellow houses you see were built in the 12th and 13th centuries.
• Cultural Significance: Regensburg is home to many museums and galleries that showcase its rich cultural heritage.  Some popular ones include the Regensburg Museum of History, Kepler Museum, and Kunstforum Ostdeutsche Galerie.
• Picturesque Scenery: Regensburg is located at the confluence of three rivers: Danube, Naab, and Regen.  This unique location provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• Excellent Local Cuisine: Regensburg has excellent local cuisine that you can enjoy in one of its many restaurants. Some popular dishes include Bavarian-style roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut or schnitzel with potato salad.

Nuremberg 

Nuremberg is an historic medieval city located in the German state of Bavaria.  This city offers medieval walls, ancient castles, gingerbread cookies, Gothic churches, and more. The city has done an excellent job in preserving the historic city walls.  You will find the best section of walls on the west side of the Old Town, near the huge Spittlertor. The Germanic National Museum has a massive collection of German art and culture in the country. The superb Toy Museum in Nuremberg, one of the world’s best, is a pleasant attraction for youngsters of all ages – and adults.

If you love history, you would find Nuremberg to offer a rich background.  The city was once home to many famous artists and scientists such as Albrecht Dürer and Martin Behaim. You can visit one of the most important imperial castles of the Holy Roman Empire, the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg. Located high on a cliff over the city, it is well fortified. While very crowded when we visited, nevertheless, we greatly enjoyed the castle and its views from the high hill. While there, we saw two impromptu weddings, something that seemed a little odd with all the tourists but the brides and grooms seemed to be happy.

Nuremberg is also famous for its culinary delights. Try one of their famous gingerbread cookies or enjoy their local cuisine by eating and drinking with all your senses. We stopped for refreshments outside on a beautiful sunny day, only to find that it was an Asian restaurant. Oh, well, the beer was good. So was the sushi.

Munich 

Munich is undoubtedly the most beautiful and lively city in the country. It is Bavaria’s Capital.  The German city has appealing architecture, great breweries, and fascinating museums. Large parks, delicious German food, and jam-packed beer halls add charm to this gorgeous place. While home to the largest science and technology museum globally, there are many tourist attractions.  Popular destinations include legendary beer hall Hofbräuhaus München, Nymphenburg Palace, and the iconic English Garden. To see more about Munich, please see our post on Germany.

By Taking a River Cruise, Are You Missing Other Important Cities?

If you want to learn more about Germany, including other places on the Rhine River or in other parts of the country, please visit our Post on Planning a Trip To Germany.  

 If you just want a brief introduction to the four biggest cities in Germany see below:

Berlin: Known for its historical associations, internationalism, and tolerance this capital city has a vibrant nightlife, countless cafes, clubs, pubs, street art, and a plethora of museums, palaces, and other historic monuments. You can also see the remains of the Berlin Wall.

Hamburg: Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city and has a rich maritime history. It is home to Europe’s second-largest port and has many canals that run through the city center. Hamburg has many museums, galleries, theaters, and concert halls that showcase its cultural heritage. Some of the popular tourist attractions are Miniatur Wunderland, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, and St. Michael’s Church.

Cologne: Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities and has a rich cultural heritage. It is famous for its stunning cathedral that took over 600 years to complete. Cologne has many museums that showcase its history and culture.  Some of the popular tourist attractions are Cologne Cathedral, Museum Ludwig, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Frankfurt: Frankfurt is Germany’s financial capital and has a rich cultural heritage. It has many museums that showcase its history and culture. Frankfurt is also famous for its skyline that features many skyscrapers. Some of the popular tourist attractions are Städel Museum, Goethe House & Museum, and Palmengarten. The Frankfurt Airport is also a welcoming place where many people will beging their tour of the region.  We wish we could have stopped in Frankfurt, but we just sailed by around 5:30 in the morning.

Trip to Germany, Austria and Hungary: Canal that Connects the Danube to the Main and Rhine Rives

If you wish to extend your river cruise to see more of Germany then you will find yourself on the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. It is located in Bavaria, Germany and runs from Nuremberg to Kelheim. The canal connects the Main and the Danube rivers across the European Watershed, providing a navigable artery between the Rhine delta (at Rotterdam in the Netherlands), and the Danube Delta in south-eastern Romania. The canal is 171 kilometers (106 miles) long and has 16 locks. The maximum boat length is 190 meters (623 feet), maximum boat beam is 11.45 meters (38 feet), and maximum boat draft is 4 meters (13 feet). Finally, in 1992, he canal was finished.