Vienna: Cruise and Schnitzel Tour

If you’re exploring Vienna and want a different perspective than just wandering the streets, the Cruise and Schnitzel Tour offers a relaxing way to see the city from the Danube while enjoying a classic Viennese dish. This 3.5-hour experience combines a scenic boat ride through Vienna’s waterways with a hearty, freshly prepared Wiener Schnitzel, making it a popular choice for visitors who value both authentic cuisine and picturesque views.

What immediately draws us to this tour is the opportunity to relax on a beautiful ship with outdoor decks, and the chance to taste a pork schnitzel, breaded and fried to perfection. The idea of passing through locks and cruising along the Danube adds a touch of adventure that sets this outing apart from typical land-based sightseeing. However, one thing to consider is that the tour doesn’t include drinks, so it’s worth planning to bring your own or purchase beverages on board.

This tour suits travelers looking for a leisurely, family-friendly activity that combines scenic water views with a taste of Austrian cuisine. It’s also perfect for those who might want a break from walking tours or crowded museums, offering a peaceful way to enjoy Vienna’s waterways. If you’re seeking an authentic, culinary-infused perspective of the city, this cruise delivers.

Key Points

• Scenic Vienna views from a comfortable boat cruising along the Danube and through locks.
• Authentic Wiener Schnitzel of pork, freshly cooked on board, paired with parsley potatoes.
• Flexible schedule with multiple departure times, including options in the morning and afternoon.
• Family friendly with free cruise for children under 10 and included services for ages 10-15.
• No included drinks, so bring your own or plan to purchase beverages separately.
• Authentic experience with knowledgeable staff and a charming, if slightly aged, ship.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at Schwedenplatz, a lively and central Vienna location just a short walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You’ll need to redeem your voucher at the DDSG Blue Danube boat station, where charming restaurant ships await. The departure times are spread throughout the day—most notably at 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, and 15:00—which gives you flexibility depending on your itinerary.

The ships, MS Vindobona and MS Wien, are both air-conditioned and equipped with outdoor decks for better sightseeing. The MS Vindobona is a historic vessel that has become a sightseeing highlight itself, while the MS Wien offers a large outdoor space, perfect for enjoying the scenery.

The trip includes passing through two locks—an interesting engineering feature that adds some motion and a bit of the local navigation process. According to reviews, this part takes around 20 minutes each, which some travelers might find a tad slow but still fascinating, especially if you appreciate seeing how the locks work.

The Cruise Experience

Once onboard, the crew welcomes you warmly, and the atmosphere is relaxed. As you glide through the waterways, you’ll pass notable sights and enjoy commentary in both English and German. While some reviews mention that the audio can be hard to hear at times, screens displaying visuals help keep everyone up to date with what they’re seeing.

The cruise primarily explores the Vienna Danube Canal and the larger Danube River, providing views of the city’s riverside architecture, bridges, and natural scenery. The route is designed to be leisurely rather than packed with stops, focusing on the water experience. You’ll also pass through two locks, which many find quite interesting—expect a 20-minute passage each time, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the process.

The Food: Schnitzel and More

One of the main highlights is the freshly prepared Wiener Schnitzel of pork, served with parsley potatoes. The breading is crisp, fried in butter lard, and offers a satisfying, hearty taste. Multiple reviews praise the schnitzel, with comments like “the schnitzel was excellent” and “really nice and recommended.” It’s straightforward, traditional, and generous.

You can also opt for premium coffee from Julius Meinl or indulge in Austrian pastries, although these are paid separately. The meal is served during the cruise, allowing you to enjoy your food with scenic views—an authentic touch that makes dining on the water feel like a true Viennese ritual.

Drinking and Extras

While the cruise includes the meal, drinks are not included in the ticket price. This means you’ll want to either bring your own beverages or purchase them onboard. The reviews mention that drinks can be somewhat overpriced, which is common on similar boat tours. So, plan accordingly if you want to toast your experience or cool down on a warm day.

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The Overall Experience: Pros and Cons

What travelers love:
Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and attentive staff who make the trip smooth and enjoyable. The scenic views along the waterways and passing through locks are frequently praised, with one reviewer noting, “We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. It was both informative and interesting.” The delicious schnitzel consistently earns high marks, making the meal a true highlight.

What could be better:
Some travelers mention that the boats are a bit old and in need of a facelift, which can detract from the overall ambiance. Others found that the audio commentary was sometimes hard to hear, especially if seated outside or further from speakers. The route itself is somewhat limited in scope, with some wishing for more to see along the way. The overpriced drinks can also be a downside if you’re on a budget.

Value for Money

At around $66 per person, this tour offers a good balance of scenic cruising and hearty dining. It’s not the cheapest activity in Vienna, but the experience of floating through the city’s waterways while enjoying a traditional meal adds a special touch. For families, the free cruise for children 0-9 makes it even more appealing, provided they’re willing to pay separately for food.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic, and culinary experience, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a slower pace, want to avoid crowded streets, or are simply curious about how Vienna’s waterways look from the water.

This cruise is perfect for travelers wanting a peaceful break from city walking and eager to see Vienna from a different angle. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a leisurely afternoon with good food and scenic views. Those with an interest in authentic Austrian cuisine will appreciate the freshly made schnitzel, while water lovers will enjoy passing through locks and watching the city drift by.

It’s especially suited for visitors with limited time who want a compact yet fulfilling experience—combining sightseeing, tradition, and relaxation — all in one trip.

The Vienna: Cruise and Schnitzel Tour offers a charming way to experience the city’s waterways while indulging in a beloved local dish. Though the boats are a bit aged, the scenic views, friendly crew, and tasty meal make up for it. It’s a comfortable, family-friendly outing that balances sightseeing with culinary tradition, making it a worthwhile addition to any Vienna itinerary.

If you cherish authentic experiences and enjoy a relaxed pace, this cruise delivers. Just remember to plan for drinks and perhaps bring a jacket if you’re sensitive to outdoor breezes. For those seeking a calm, scenic, and tasty journey, this tour is a solid choice that offers genuine value and memorable moments.

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 0-9 can join the cruise for free, though they must pay separately for the meal. Children aged 10-15 receive the same included services as adults.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers the cruise itself and a serving of Wiener Schnitzel of pork with parsley potatoes. Drinks are not included.

Are the ships air-conditioned?
Yes, both vessels, MS Vindobona and MS Wien, are air-conditioned, making the experience comfortable regardless of the weather.

How long is the cruise?
The round trip lasts about 3.5 hours, including cruising through locks and scenic water passages.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at Schwedenplatz, at the DDSG Blue Danube boat station, within a short walk of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

How do I redeem my voucher?
You need to present your voucher at the boat station at Schwedenplatz to board the ship.

What are the departure times?
Most departures occur at 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, and 15:00, but check availability for your preferred date.

Can I bring my own drinks onboard?
Yes, since drinks are not included, you can bring your own or purchase them separately on the ship.

Is the route scenic?
Yes, you’ll pass through locks, scenic waterways, and views of Vienna’s riverside architecture, making for memorable photo opportunities.

What if it rains?
Since some parts of the cruise are outdoors, it’s advisable to bring a raincoat or umbrella. The ships are equipped with indoor spaces as well.

This Vienna cruise with schnitzel combines the best of water-based sightseeing and hearty Austrian cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed day or a different way to see Vienna, it’s an experience that offers both scenic beauty and authentic flavor.

You can check availability for your dates here: