Hungary River Cruises 2023/2024

Hungary Travel Guide

Hungary River Cruises Things To Do

• 
  Budapest

  Regardless of whether you travel on a short or longer Hungary river cruise, seeing Budapest is a must-do destination. Budapest is a burgeoning food and beer capital – one that features "Ruins Bars" and the largest synagogue in Europe – a Moorish Revival styled building that was constructed from 1854 to 1859.

  Best Time to Visit

  A great time to see Budapest is during Oktoberfest when the city's beer fest is held in Kincsem Park. Shoulder season is the preferred travel time, or from March through May or September through November. At those times, the river cruise prices are lower as well as the temperatures.

   

  You Should Know

  If you are younger and more energetic, you may be interested in visiting a ruin bar (a romkocsma concept). Ruin bars represent makeshift pubs set up in run-down pre-war buildings that feature furniture from clearance sales. Szimpla Kert is one of the more iconic examples of the "ruin bar" idea. Budapest has the oldest subway in Continental Europe – an underground rail system that has been operating since 1896. The city offers free public transportation to travelers and locals 65+ years old. This includes the subway,above-ground trains, chair-lifts, the funicular, and boat trips for free.
• 
  Eger, Hungary

  Eger is a popular city to visit on in-country river cruises. The city, which sits in northern Hungary, is home to Eger Castle and Eszterhazy Karoly College. The tree-shaded Kossuth Lajos Street reveals much about this city's history with its old buildings and wrought-iron gate in front of the County Building. 

  Best Time To Visit

  Plan to visit Eger on a shorter river cruise from March through May or from September through November.

   

  You Should Know

  Eger Castle overlooks Eger and is located across the Eger River. The Istvan Dobo Castle Museum at the site features castle exhibits and a picture gallery. Eger red wines are popular wines, savored in Hungary and around the world.
• 
  Pecs, Hungary

  If you limit river cruise travel to Hungary, Pecs is a must-see location. You will have plenty of historic sites to view and restaurants to visit. The quiet town will lull you into its surreal atmosphere – an escape to a faraway time and place.

  Best Time To Visit

  You can enjoy Pecs at any time of the year, but it is best to go, from a cost standpoint, during the spring or fall.

   

  You Should Know

  The Basilica of St. Peter in Pecs features four towers and dates back to the 11th century. Three of the chapels—the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, the Chapel of St. Mary, and Mor Chapel feature the artwork of Bertalan Szekely. The top square in Pecs, the sloped Szechenyi ter, boasts large baroque buildings and is at the center of people-watching activities. The Zsolnay Fountain in the square displays an eosin glaze or a metallic and iridescent sheen that people either like or hate.
• 
  Bratislava, Slovakia

  Lying along the Danube River, the Slovakian capital is bordered by Hungary and Austria. Surrounded by the Little Carpathian Mountains and featuring cycling and hiking trails, the town is also known for its lively eateries and bars. Built in the 1700s, the pedestrian-only capital proves ideal for walking and seeing the sites up-close.

  Best Time To Visit

  Keep your calendar open for traveling from March through May or from September through November.

   

  You Should Know

  The tower of Michael's Gate is the only remaining medieval gate in the capital. To see a city view, climb to the top of the tower. The structure was built in the 14th century. Step back in time by strolling down peaceful, medieval Kapitulska Street. Visit Bratislava Castle, but skip the tour. Instead, see the view at the top.
• 
  Vienna, Austria

  Situated on the Danube River, the capital of Austria dates back to Roman times, when Romans founded the military camp of Vindobona. Today, the cityscape is defined by baroque buildings, most of which were created under the reign and influence of Maria Theresia (from 1740 to 1780) and Franz Joseph, who ruled from 1848 to 1916.

  Best Time To Visit

  According to U.S. News Travel, it is best to visit Vienna in the spring or fall when the crowds and temperatures are lower. 

   

  You Should Know

  The former imperial summer estate, Schloss Schonbrunn, features beautiful formal gardens and a zoo. The Hofburg, or Imperial Palace, on the grounds served as a home base for the Habsburgs over a span of 6 centuries. The baroque building, Belvedere Palace, contains Osterreichische Galerie. The gallery displays the largest representation of works by the Austrian artists, Oskar Kokoschka and Gustav Klimt. Prime landmarks include the gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the large Ferris wheel, located in the Prater (an old amusement park).
• 
  Wachau Valley

  A scenic vista along the Danube River, the Wachau Valley nestles between the towns of Melk and Krems and stretches 18 miles. The historic valley is known for its memorable wines and its outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit the Wachau Valley is during the spring or fall, or when you can see the vineyards and sights with fewer distractions. 

   

  You Should Know

  Take a day excursion during a port stopover at Krems, and cycle or hike through the Wachau Valley. Krems is a town also known for its wine tastings. In addition, you can cycle from Krems to the town of Melk during an offshore excursion - a journey of about 20 miles. Bike along either side of the Danube River. The north bank features more villages while the south bank is less crowded.
• 
  Durnstein, Austria

  Another town near the Wachau Valle, Durnstein is a charming and friendly stopover. The river town is full of history and culture. Durnstein is where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned by Austria's king. You can access the ruins from town, although you will face a somewhat steep climb. If you want to forego the climb, you can see the sites of the town up-close, including historic monuments, wine houses, and colorful buildings.

  Best Time To Visit

  Plan to visit Durnstein when the weather is balmier, or from March to May or September through November.

   

  You Should Know

  While you won't see much if you visit the ruins of Castle Durnstein, the site's position, high atop a hill, will give you a great view of the town below. Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned at the site from December 1192 to March 1193. Walking along the Danube River in Durnstein allows you to escape to another time and see some of the town's memorable historic sites, including the Stift Durnstein monastery's church tower. The gothic and baroque styled monastery was built between 1400 and 1700.
• 
  Linz, Austria

  The capital of Upper Austria, central Linz, is frequently included on Hungary river cruises from Vienna to Budapest or vice versa. The city's mix of stunning architecture, historical structures, and green space offers visitors a chance to see a large number of interesting sites.

  Best Time To Visit

  You will be rewarded with sunshine, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds if you plan a shoulder season visit from March through May or from September to November.

   

  You Should Know

  The Austrian architect, Johann Michael Pruner, managed much of the construction of Linz in the early part of the 1700s. The Trinity Column, at the time, was erected in the main square – celebrating the fact that Linz had been spared of the plague. Situated 75 miles west of Linz, Braunau am Inn was the birthplace of a tyrannical dictator, Adolph Hitler, who spent a large part of his childhood in Linz. Hitler, who was born in 1889, moved to Vienna from Linz in 1907.

Hungary River Cruise Packages

• Spring - March to May - Good Season

  While most tourists can set some time aside to river cruise in the summer, you will experience better pricing in the spring. However, in some cases, springtime rains can lead to flooding, which, in turn, can lead to switches in transport. If boats cannot pass through the locks, you may have to go by bus.

• Summer - June to August - High Season

  During the summer, the ports can be hot and crowded. However, on a more positive note, you also have more daylight hours to see the attractions, or cycle and hike. When you travel during the summer, wear lightweight clothing that is breathable or wicks away moisture. A light jacket or sweater is useful when riding on air-conditioned buses. 

• Fall - September to November - Best Season

  Probably the best time to go on a Hungary River Cruise is during the fall. At that time, the water levels are not too low or high and the temperatures, while cool, make travel easier. A number of festivals are held during the early fall, which lends to a celebratory atmosphere.

Hungary River Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are Hungary River Cruises?

  Hungary river cruises are exciting European river cruises that run along the Danube River. Most of the cruises are designed for 7 days and include the ports of Budapest, and the Austrian cities and towns of Vienna, Linz, Durnstein, and, on some lines, Slovakia's capital, Bratislava. Some of the tours lead to Prague or Amsterdam. If you want to river cruise within the borders of Hungary, take a river cruise that includes the Hungarian cities of Eger and Pecs.

• What’s Included on Hungary River Cruises?

  Luxury or all-inclusive Hungary river cruises offer the best in river cruise amenities. Not only do some staterooms include balconies, but you can also enjoy meals, including drinks and beverages, free of charge. In addition, activities onboard and off-board the river cruise ship are part of the river cruise package. Unlike ocean cruise journeys, river cruises enable you to see a new port each day.

• What’s the Best River Cruise for a Hungary River Cruise?

  The best river cruise for a Hungary river cruise depends on where you plan to travel and the length of the river cruise journey. If you travel past Budapest and Hungary, you should choose a river cruise line, such as Viking River Cruises, which features tour escorted journeys and a large variety of Hungary river cruise trips. JayWay Travels provides cruise trips inside of Hungary.

• How Much Do Hungary River Cruises Cost?

  What you will pay for a Hungary river cruise will depend on the length of the river cruise and the time of year you plan to go. You will also have to factor in the type of river cruise, and whether it is all-inclusive or self-guided. On average, expect to pay $200 per person per day for lower-priced river cruises, and about $500 per person per day for luxury sailings.