1. Veste Oberhaus (Upper House Castle) - Passau, Germany:
Located on the hill overlooking Passau, this fortress offers stunning views of the city and the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. You will notice in other photos of this confluence the different colors of the water from each river. One side of the river is Passau, Austria, while to other side is Passau, Germany. This is an incredible stop with so much to explore. Passau also is the sight of common flooding with a history often included in most tours.
2. Schönbühel Castle - Schönbühel-Aggsbach, Austria:
Perched on a hill overlooking the Danube, Schönbühel Castle is a medieval fortress with a commanding presence.
3. Dürnstein Castle - Dürnstein, Austria:
Famous for its association with Richard the Lionheart, Dürnstein Castle sits atop a hill, providing panoramic views of the Danube and the Wachau Valley. While the castle sits mostly in ruin, the village of Durnstein next to the river is an incredible excursion of well-preserved charm, history and culture. You will find Apricot-everything here, from jam to liqueur. The town of Krems is the most common port for this stop, just a bit downstream.
4. Aggstein Castle - Aggsbach, Austria:
This medieval castle overlooks the Danube and is known for its strategic location on a rocky outcrop.
5. Schloss Artstetten - Artstetten, Austria:
While not directly on the Danube, this castle is visible from the river and has historical significance, housing the tomb of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
6. Melk Abbey - Melk, Austria:
While not a castle, Melk Abbey is a magnificent Benedictine abbey perched on a hill overlooking the Danube, and it is an iconic landmark on this stretch. Shelley visited the Abbey while William hiked a local vineyard nearest the river. Too bad you cannot see both.
7. Schloss Schönbühel - Schönbühel-Aggsbach, Austria:
This castle, also known as Burg Schaunberg, is situated on a rocky hill along the Danube and adds to the scenic beauty of the region.
8. Visegrád Castle - Visegrád, Hungary:
Located on the right bank of the Danube, Visegrád Castle has a rich history and offers breathtaking views of the river.
9. Esztergom Castle - Esztergom, Hungary:
Overlooking the Danube, Esztergom Castle is one of the most prominent landmarks in Hungary and features impressive architecture. As impressive as it is, it is important to note that a Northbound Cruise (our route) leaving Budapest at night (most common departure, see below), you will miss this castle in the night. Southbound cruises have a better opportunity, so send us your pictures.
10. Buda Castle - Budapest, Hungary:
Situated on the Buda side of Budapest, this historic castle complex offers panoramic views of the Danube and the city. Also incredible is Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. No trip to Budapest is complete without a tour of all of these on Castle Hill. Be sure a tour is included and strongly consider pre or post night stay to continue exploring this incredible area and city.
Bonus: Hungarian Parliment
Located on the Danube River in Budapest, most river cruises depart in the evening with the Parliament well lit. Photos rarely do justice to how incredible the view. Budapest arrivals, depending upon cruise, may be in the afternoon, with stunning views as well. While Parliament is not a castle, it is an incredible feature of this route that we had to share.
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