# Boat through the Wachau between Krems and Melk

A DDSG cruise on the Danube from Krems to Melk in about three hours, with stops at Dürnstein and Spitz; from €34.50, March to November.

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/austria/lower-austria/wachau/things-to-do/krems-melk-boat · Revisado: 2026-11-11

Dónde: Wachau

### What it is

The Wachau is the stretch of the Danube between Krems and Melk: about 35 km of river among terraced vineyards, apricot orchards, winegrowers' villages and ruined castles, with Melk Abbey at the end. From the water you understand all of it. The DDSG Blue Danube boats run the scheduled cruise between Krems and Melk from March to November. Upriver, towards Melk, the journey takes about three hours; downriver, with the current, it is faster.

The most practical way is to do it in one direction and return by bike on the Donauradweg or by train.

### Timetable 2027

Low season: from 20 March to 23 April and from 4 October to 1 November.

High season: from 24 April to 3 October.

On Saturday 19 June 2027 there are no regular cruises; the company publishes replacement departures.

From Krems to Melk:

StopMS Dürnstein (daily)MS Austria (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays)

Krems/Stein10:1511:00

Dürnstein10:4511:30

Weißenkirchen—11:50

Spitz11:4512:30

Melk/Hafenspitz13:2014:05

For the Melk–Krems direction, check the company's timetable. When the Danube is low, DDSG changes timetables: check the notices on its website before going.

### Prices and reservations

The cruise costs from €34.50 per person; the exact price depends on the day, the time and the extras you choose when buying. A bicycle pays €3 (€1.50 for a child's) and is only handled at the landing stage, not online. Dogs travel free, on a lead and muzzled.

You can buy online, at the ticket offices, by post or by telephone (+43 1 588 80-500). The company recommends booking at weekends, on public holidays and in high season. Cancellation is free up to 14 days before.

### Eating on board

Each boat has a restaurant. You may not bring your own food or drink on board. There are paid extras: captain's menu, schnitzel, wine tasting or Wachau breakfast.

### Getting to the landing stages

Krems/Stein: Welterbeplatz 1, in the Stein district. Krems has a direct train to Vienna.

Melk/Hafenspitz: Kolomaniau 1, beside the Rollfährestraße. The ticket office is open from 9:30 to 16:30. From here you climb to Melk Abbey.

### With children and bikes

It is a comfortable plan with children of any age: they can move around the deck and get off at a village halfway. With a bike, the boat has racks: boat to Melk in the morning and cycle back downriver to Krems.

## Paso a paso

### Departure · Krems/Stein
The landing stage is at Welterbeplatz 1. Buy your ticket at the ticket office (from 8:30 to 16:30) or online.

### 30 min · Dürnstein
The abbey's blue tower and the ruin of Richard the Lionheart's castle.

### Weißenkirchen and Spitz
Villages of vineyards and apricots. You can get off and take a later boat.

### End · Melk
The boat docks at Melk/Hafenspitz, with the abbey high above.

## Qué llevar

- Sunglasses and a cap for the deck

- A jacket: it gets cool on the water

- Money for the bike: it is paid at the landing stage

## Consejos

### Combine with a bike
Boat to Melk in the morning and cycle back downriver to Krems.

### Book for the weekend
In high season, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the company advises buying in advance.

### Off-season
Before 24 April and from 4 October there are fewer departures.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### How long does the boat from Krems to Melk take?
About three hours upriver: the MS Dürnstein leaves Krems at 10:15 and reaches Melk at 13:20.

### How much does it cost?
From €34.50 per person; a bike pays €3.

### When does it run?
In 2027, from 20 March to 1 November, with high season from 24 April to 3 October.