The Danubes Iron Gates

Passau is known as a three-river city and is the first port on the Danube that is navigable by cruise ships. From here the big tours via Vienna, Bratislava and down to the Black Sea start. But the city itself also has a lot to offer, such as the opera house, the Ilz, a small river that is great for hiking, or St. Stephens Cathedral and the old town hall. A visit to the Passau Glass Museum is particularly recommended, if you want to turn your back on the city, you can go to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church just outside.

The capital of Slovakia lies on the border with Austria and Hungary. Around 450,000 people live in it. The old town of Bratislava dates back to the 18th century and, thanks to the car-free zone, invites you to stroll. The citys famous dark beer is served in the cafés and bars there. The landmark of Bratislava – Hrad Castle is located on a hill. From its terrace you have the best view of the city and the Danube.

Together with the Danube, Budapest forms the most beautiful landscape of a city on the river. Budapest is one of the most glamorous metropolises of the old Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy. The Hungarian capital is a must for city travelers. For lovers of the architecture of the early 20th century, Art Nouveau and the Secession, the lively city is a true Eldorado. The city is best explored on foot. A ride on the historic funicular is a special experience. UNESCO has declared the buildings on the banks of the Danube and the castle hill to be World Heritage Sites.

Hamburg is a port city on the Alster, which is a tributary of the Elbe. It is also one of the three new federal states since the reunification of Germany. The Hamburg fish market is a popular tourist magnet. The Reeperbahn is one of the citys most popular attractions. In the Panoptikum, a wax museum, visitors can get very close to their stars. The Speicherstadt offers cafes, museums and smaller canals. The Elbphilharmonie is a « cultural monument for everyone » and is located on the banks of the Elbe

Vienna is the capital of Austria and at the same time one of the federal states. The city on the Danube exudes the charm of the former imperial couple Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth, known as Sissi. The once splendidly built Schönbrunn Palace was the home of the Empress and can still be visited today. The beautiful garden and the adjacent zoo are one of the citys many highlights. A visit to St. Stephens Cathedral, Café Sacher and the Prater amusement park are part of every stay in Vienna.

The small town is part of the Lower Austrian cultural landscape of Wachau, is located directly on the Danube and is surrounded by vineyards. Those arriving by ship have a beautiful view of the two main attractions of Dürnstein: The ruins of the Kuenringerburg towering high above the city, in which Richard the Lionheart was held for several months in 1192/93, and the Dürnstein monastery. The latter is a monastery of the Augustinian Canons which was closed at the end of the 18th century and is known for its blue and white bell tower.

Passau is known as a three-river city and is the first port on the Danube that is navigable by cruise ships. From here the big tours via Vienna, Bratislava and down to the Black Sea start. But the city itself also has a lot to offer, such as the opera house, the Ilz, a small river that is great for hiking, or St. Stephens Cathedral and the old town hall. A visit to the Passau Glass Museum is particularly recommended, if you want to turn your back on the city, you can go to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church just outside.