Danube River Guide | Emerald Waterways
Danube River Guide
Europe's second largest river takes in Budapest, Vienna and more...
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The second longest river in Europe; the Danube River has been a popular destination for leisure cruisers for almost two centuries.
An important trade route since the heady days of the Roman Empire, the Danube has been responsible for the growth of a number of major and capital cities in Europe. Separating nations and enriching cities, there are few forces of nature which have had as big an influence on modern Europe as the Danube River. Flowing through 10 separate nations, the Danube has even operated as a unifying presence in Europe’s turbulent history. 
Beautiful Pit Stops 
When cruising the Danube, you’ll undoubtedly be spoiled for choice when looking for beautiful towns and cities to explore. Here, we run through a few of the must-see highlights of a Danube River cruise. 
Vienna  
Without doubt one of the planet’s most significant and beautiful cities of culture; Vienna has been wowing visitors for hundreds of years. The Austrian capital has long been a hub for the arts with some of the world’s best-loved musicians – think Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn and many more – calling Vienna home at one stage.
Whether you’ve got a few hours or days in Vienna, there’s plenty to pack into a whirlwind cultural tour – visiting the likes of the Staatsoper (state opera) and Burgtheater. And the rich mixture of architectural practices in the city’s historic centre provides a stunning setting for an afternoon stroll.  
Bratislava
Barely stone’s throw from Vienna is the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. Whilst it may not have the same reputation as its more prestigious neighbour, Bratislava is a beautiful city of interest in its own right. As you venture into Bratislava, your attention will undoubtedly be drawn towards the domineering Bratislava Castle – a stunning white walled, red peaked castle, located on an isolated rocky hill.
The strong influence of settling Austrians, Croatians, Czechs and Germans has helped create an eclectic architectural mix throughout the Old Town and more modern regions of the city.
Budapest
Lovingly referred to as the Queen of the Danube, Budapest is the largest city on the river, and an undoubted highlight of any cruise on the famous waters. The Hungarian capital is largely characterised by its position on the Danube, with many of the city’s main sites located on the river’s shores – including the Hungarian Parliament, St Stephen’s Basilica and the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
Regularly voted amongst the world’s most beautiful cities, best cities to visit and most idyllic places to live; Budapest exudes a unique spirit shaped by its eclectic history, and is forever lit by the twinkle of the Danube. 
Belgrade
Thanks to its position on the Danube, Belgrade distinguished itself early, regarded as one of the most important prehistoric cultures of Europe. Unfortunately this position has proven to be as much a curse as a blessing, with the city suffering a hugely tumultuous history – having been conquered numerous times by invading armies wishing to benefit from the city’s fantastic position.
Modern Belgrade, capital of Serbia, proudly displays its battle scars; home to a huge number of cultural sites and events celebrating the very best of European music, theatre, literature and art. 
Countries of the Danube
Germany – In the Black Forest region of Germany, the rivers Brigach and Breg join to form the Danube which then navigates its way through the Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria regions of the country.
Austria – Entering upper Austria, the first Austrian city which the Danube approaches is Linz before twisting towards the lower part of the country, culminating in Vienna. The Austrian capital is the most populous city on the Danube. 
Slovakia – Barely 40 miles from Vienna is the beautiful Slovakian capital of Bratislava, where the Danube calls next. After passing Bratislava, the Danube winds through the Slovakian towns of Komárno and Štúrovo.
Hungary – Roughly a third of the Danube’s total length can be found in Hungary with the river visiting a large number of towns and cities. The country’s capital Budapest is one of the most highly regarded cities on the Danube.
Croatia – The Danube dissects Croatia from north to south, quickly passing through the nation. Passing the settlements of Vukovar and Ilok, the Danube still offers stunning views of Croatia despite the short stay in the country.
Serbia – The Danube settles in for a long stay in Serbia – visiting a huge number of towns and cities as it flows from west to east. The highlight of the Serbian leg of the journey is the visit to the beautiful capital city, Belgrade. 
Bulgaria – Skirting the border between Bulgaria and Romania, the Danube visits many of the former’s prestigious towns and cities of the north. The river is now nearing its final destination of the Black Sea.
Moldova – Moldova gets a mere taste of the Danube as it flows through the country for only a short stretch, visiting the commune of Giurgiulești.
Ukraine – Ukraine is treated to a little bit more of the Danube as the river flows through a number of towns and cities before entering Romania. Perhaps the highlight of Ukraine on the Danube is the historic city of Izmail. 
Romania – The last country through which the Danube flows, Romania is home to the largest port on the river – Galați. This massive port is also one of the last sites on the Danube, as the river flows into the Black Sea via the town of Sulina.
Fast Facts
The 1,777 miles of the Danube River is home to a number of wonderful facts and surprising stats, and here are just a few of our favourites. 
-    Hundreds of German warships were purposefully sank in the Danube in 1944, to prevent enemies taking control of them
-    The Danube has featured in Greek legends, Romanian folk legends and a plethora of modern novels
-    The river provides drinking water to millions of homes throughout Europe
-    The waters of the Danube are home to more than 200 species of fish
-    River cruises have been popular on the Danube since the 19th century
-    There is a cycling trail which stretches the entire length of the Danube
-    The river is fed by roughly 300 tributaries, about 10% of which are navigable by ship
Top Tips
If you’ve booked an exciting cruise atop the waters of the Danube, here are a handful of tips to make the most of your river cruise. 
-    Whilst most nations on the Danube use the Euro – Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint, Croatia uses the Croatian Kuna, Serbia uses the Serbian Dinar, Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev, Romania uses the Romanian Leu, Moldova uses the Moldovan Leu, and Ukraine uses the Ukrainian Hryvnia 
-    Research the locations of the waterside sites you want to view or snap, so you know when to switch between port and starboard
-    Binoculars are a must; there is plenty to cast your eye over as you cruise the Danube – including beautiful wine regions and stunning castles 
-    Pack comfortable shoes if you really want to explore the cobbled streets of beautiful Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava
-    And biking gear, the Danube is rich with great biking routes
-    There are eight national languages used in the countries flanking the Danube – German, Slovak, Hungarian, Croatian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Romanian and Ukrainian. So it may be worth investing in a translator app for a smartphone or tablet 
So, if this small guide has whetted your appetite for an unforgettable cruise atop the Danube River, Emerald Cruises can help take you there in wonderful luxury. For a full range of deals, visit our homepage or call our dedicated team on 0808 301 4705.