Vienna: Cruise and Schnitzel Tour

Discover Vienna from the Water with a Schnitzel in Hand

Imagine gliding along Vienna’s Danube and canal, taking in the city’s iconic sights without the hustle and bustle of street crowds. For a 3.5-hour journey, you’ll start at Schwedenplatz, a lively spot in the heart of Vienna, and cruise aboard one of two charming boats: the MS Vindobona or the MS Wien. Both vessels offer a relaxing setting, with the added bonus of freshly prepared Wiener Schnitzel, the city’s culinary classic, served onboard.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, we love the combination of scenic water views and authentic Viennese cuisine—a true taste of Vienna’s lifestyle. Second, there’s a special charm in passing through two locks, a brief but interesting process that adds to the uniqueness of the experience.

A possible consideration? The boats are older, with some reviews noting they could use an update, especially for outside comfort or clarity of commentary. Still, if you’re happy with a relaxed atmosphere and historic vessels, this won’t be a dealbreaker.

This experience is ideal for those who enjoy leisurely sightseeing combined with good food. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a break from busy city streets but still wish to see Vienna’s waterways, plus anyone eager to indulge in a classic dish while floating through the city.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic Waterway Views: Cruise along the Danube and Vienna canal, offering a different perspective of the city.
• Authentic Food Experience: Enjoy a freshly cooked Wiener Schnitzel of pork with parsley potatoes—delicious and hearty.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: The ships are designed for comfort, with outdoor decks and air conditioning.
• Cultural Insight: Pass through two locks, adding a touch of local engineering and navigation interest.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and reserve now with pay later options.
• Family Friendly: Free for children 0-9, and children 10-15 receive the same included services as adults.

A Detailed Look at the Vienna: Cruise and Schnitzel Tour

Starting Point and Booking

Your adventure begins at Schwedenplatz, a bustling hub easily reachable from central Vienna. You’ll redeem your voucher at the DDSG Blue Danube station, just a short walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a key detail for those navigating Vienna’s city center. The tours usually depart at 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, and 15:00, with durations around 3.5 hours.

Booking is straightforward, and the option to reserve now and pay later offers flexibility—an advantage if your plans are still flexible. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind if your schedule changes.

The Vessels and Journey

The tour is conducted aboard two different ships, each with its own charm. The MS Vindobona is a beautifully designed vessel, which is considered a sight in itself—adding a nostalgic, classic touch to your experience. It operates during the earlier and later afternoon departures. The MS Wien offers a large outdoor deck, perfect for those who love to stand outside and feel the breeze as you glide past Vienna’s landmarks.

Both ships are equipped with air conditioning, which is vital during warmer months or if you prefer a cooler interior. Although they are older vessels, reviews indicate they are well-maintained enough for a comfortable ride, especially if you’re okay with a bit of historic charm rather than pristine modernity.

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The Waterway and Lock Passages

As you cruise, you’ll traverse the Danube Canal and the great Danube, passing through two locks—each taking about 20 minutes. This might seem like a brief stop, but it’s a fun and visual demonstration of Vienna’s water management and engineering. As one reviewer noted, “we passed through two locks, which took about 20 minutes each,” adding a touch of local maritime intrigue to your trip.

Onboard Dining and Refreshments

The highlight for many is the freshly prepared Wiener Schnitzel, breaded and fried in butter lard—just as it’s made in traditional Viennese kitchens. The schnitzel is served with parsley potatoes, providing a hearty, comforting meal amid scenic views.

While the included meal is a standout, note that drinks aren’t included, so you should plan to purchase beverages onboard if desired. Reviewers have commented that drinks can be somewhat overpriced, so bringing your own water or wine could be a good idea.

Additional Food and Drink Options

You might also choose to indulge in premium coffee from Julius Meinl or sample some Austrian pastries, though these extras are paid separately. Many reviews mention that bringing your own snacks or drinks is practical, especially since some found the onboard offerings a bit pricey.

The Scenic Highlights

During the cruise, you’ll pass notable sights like Vienna’s historic bridges, waterfront palaces, and the city’s skyline with St. Stephen’s Cathedral looming in the distance. Although some reviews mention that “there isn’t a ton to see,” the views are still charming, especially on the outdoor decks.

The passage through locks also offers a rare chance to see this process up close, which is appreciated by those interested in local infrastructure. Several travelers found the entire route to be relaxing, with “beautiful scenery and very friendly staff,” as one reviewer put it.

The Atmosphere and Service

The crew on board is generally friendly and helpful, aiming to give you a laid-back experience. However, some reviews mention that the older boats could use a facelift and that audio commentary can be hard to hear or understand at times. The screens with visual info help, but don’t rely solely on the narration for insights.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for food lovers, waterway enthusiasts, and those seeking a comfortable, scenic break. Families with kids will appreciate that children under 10 ride free, and older children get the same meal options as adults. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace and want to experience Vienna from a different perspective.

The Value of the Experience

At $66 per person, this tour offers a good balance of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and hearty food. Considering the length and inclusions, it’s a reasonable way to enjoy Vienna without the crowds or hustle of city streets. The experience of passing through locks and enjoying a traditional Schnitzel in a scenic setting is quite unique, especially when compared to standard city tours or river cruises that focus only on sights.

While some might wish for more modern amenities or a wider variety of onboard food options, the overall value comes from the authentic atmosphere and delicious meal combined with a leisurely cruise through Vienna’s waterways.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits food and culture enthusiasts looking for a relaxed way to see Vienna from the water, particularly those who enjoy traditional Viennese cuisine. It’s also ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a break from walking around. If you’re after a more active or sightseeing-heavy experience, you might prefer a different boat tour with more extensive commentary or a focus on landmarks. But for those wanting a laid-back, scenic, culinary experience, this cruise hits the mark.

FAQs

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 0-9 ride for free, though food is paid separately. Kids aged 10-15 receive the same services as adults.

How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, including travel through two locks and scenic cruising.

Do I need to pay for drinks?
Yes, drinks are not included in the price. You can purchase beverages onboard, but reviews suggest they can be pricey—bringing your own might be wise.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suited to outdoor and indoor environments is best. If you plan to sit outside, consider layers or a light jacket, especially in cooler months.

Are the boats modern?
Not quite. Both vessels are older but are well-maintained. Some reviews mention they could benefit from updates, but they remain charming and functional.

Is the meal filling?
Absolutely. The Schnitzel of pork with parsley potatoes is hearty and well-prepared, enough for most appetites.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, and you can reserve with the option to pay later.

Final thoughts

The Vienna: Cruise and Schnitzel Tour offers a relaxing way to enjoy the city’s waterways while indulging in a classic dish. It provides a gentle mix of scenic views, cultural interest, and satisfying food—ideal for those wanting to see Vienna from a different angle without the rush. With friendly staff, authentic cuisine, and a leisurely pace, it’s a solid choice for couples, families, or anyone eager for a low-key, authentic Viennese experience.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic cruise with the bonus of traditional food and a taste of Vienna’s water-based charm, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for the older vessels and plan accordingly for drinks and weather. It’s an experience that combines sightseeing, good eating, and relaxation, making it a memorable part of your Vienna trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: