- River Danube Between Hungary and Slovakia - csaavedra
The Danube River rises in the Black Forest before flowing through Germany and Austria and on into Eastern Europe. As Europe's second-longest river (after the Volga) it passes an incredible diversity of landscapes and, uniquely, four capital cities. Heading from source to mouth, Bratislava is one of the most culturally fascinating points en route. For those on a Danube cruise downstream, Slovakia's capital is a big change on the eye: haughty 18th century buildings clustered around an Old Town of cobbled streets with a skyline of wooded hills and stark communist architecture.
As a result Bratislava is one of the best points from which to begin exploring the Danube. There are shorter excursions to local attractions available, as well as boats that link Bratislava with Vienna and Budapest. It's even possible to stay at a boat hotel (botel) here.
Bratislava—Devin Castle by Boat
From the city hydrofoil terminal between the Old and New Bridges (south of the Slovak National Museum), Slovak Shipping run boats upstream to dramatically-positioned Devín Castle, standing on cliffs at the border with Austria. This makes for a beautiful day trip: it's a 90 minute journey upstream, but 30 minutes with the current on the return. Bratislava is a small capital city and houses rapidly give way to woods and pleasant suburbs. At Devín the port is right below the castle.
The same company also do a Danube cruise through the Bratislava city stretch of the river, offering better views of the city in its old-new perspective than are possible on dry land, and allowing up-close views of the intriguing New Bridge (Nov? Most). There are also trips from June to September to Cunovo, eight miles south of Bratislava, where Slovakia's best modern art museum, the Danubiana Meulensteen, is situated.
- Devín Boats leave 1.30pm and 6pm from Tuesday to Sunday, May to August
Bratislava—Vienna—Bratislava Boat
It's only 40 miles, between Bratislava and Vienna, making them the two closest capitals in Europe (after Rome and the Vatican). River is by far the most fascinating way to travel between them.
Departure in Bratislava is from the city hydrofoil terminal, and in Vienna the port is near Schwedenplatz. Two main companies ply the route.
Quickest are Twin City Liners, who operate as many as five times per day between June and September with costs between 17 and 30 Euros depending on season.
- Twin City Liners leave five times daily (June to September, 4 times daily (May and October) and 3 times daily (March, April and November).
- Peak season departure times are 10.30, 14.30, 16.00, 18.30 and 22.30, with the latter available only from Thursday to Saturday. The last peak season boat back from Vienna is 16.30, or 18.30 from Thursday to Saturday.
Taking around 105 minutes upstream to Vienna and 90 minutes back, the slower but quirkier Rocket speedboat (book via Slovak Shipping website) is an old Soviet-era vessel. The arrival port in Vienna is different however: Schiffstation Reichsbruecke.
- Departure from Bratislava is at 09.00; return from Vienna is at 17.30. Costs are 25 Euros per adult.
Bratislava to Budapest Boat
The Rocket speedboat also does trips down the Danube to Budapest. Journey time from Bratislava's ferry terminal to Budapest's Belgrade Quay is four hours downstream and four hours 30 minutes back again. This trip is recommended for the beauty of the Danube valley, particularly around the Slovak-Hungarian border. Bear in mind that this is primarily a Vienna to Budapest service and boardings/ stop-offs in Bratislava should be arranged in advance.
Bratislava is usually a stopover on multiday Danube cruises too: however it is not the best city from which to arrange such a journey. For longer Danube cruise options, such as continuing to Belgrade and the Danube Delta, go to either Passau, where most cruises begin, Vienna or Budapest.
Luke Waterson - Author Luke Waterson writes, or has written, for various publications including Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Moon Guidebooks and The ...
