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Example sailing

Danube Waltz — Christmas Markets

Nuremberg → Budapest · 8 nights · December

VikingViking Longship8 nights · DecemberRiver Danube4.6from $2,599per person · example
Example itinerary. Real published route, real ship — request current pricing and live availability from a no-fee expert.

The sailing

Danube Waltz — Christmas Markets

Viking's Danube Waltz is the classic Nuremberg-to-Budapest Christmas run, with three capital cities (Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest) and a Wachau Valley transit. The Budapest arrival at night, with the Parliament lit up, is one of the great river-cruise moments.

Best for travelers who want imperial-city grandeur and the most date options.

Trip highlights

  • Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
  • Regensburg medieval old town
  • Melk Abbey
  • Vienna 3 markets
  • Budapest Parliament illumination

What's included

  • 8 shore excursions
  • Beer & wine with lunch/dinner
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bikes
  • Culture Curriculum

Quick facts

Route
Nuremberg → Budapest
Length
8 nights
Example departure
December
Cruise line
Viking River Cruises
Ship
Viking Longship
River
River Danube

The ports of call

Markets you'll visit

From Nuremberg to Budapest — the Christmas markets on this Danube sailing.

Germany

Nuremberg

The Christkindlesmarkt is the world's most famous Christmas market, set in Nuremberg's medieval main square and dating back to the mid-1600s.

Nürnberger Lebkuchen (gingerbread)Schäufele (pork shoulder)Glühwein

Late Nov – Dec 24

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Germany

Regensburg

Regensburg's Romantic Christmas Market sits in the medieval Neupfarrplatz, in a UNESCO old town with the world's oldest sausage kitchen (since 1146).

Regensburger WurstLebkuchenGlühwein

Late Nov – Dec 23

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Germany

Passau

Passau, where three rivers meet, hosts a small Christmas market in its cathedral square, home to the world's largest cathedral organ.

Passauer BierBratwurstGlühwein

Late Nov – Dec 23

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Austria

Melk

Melk Abbey, the baroque masterpiece above the Wachau Valley, hosts Advent markets and overlooks the most beautiful stretch of the Danube.

Wachau apricot dumplingsWachau RieslingGlühwein (Wachau Riesling-based)

Advent weekends

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Austria

Vienna

Vienna hosts three major Christmas markets: the vast Rathausplatz, the baroque Schönbrunn, and the cultural Belvedere — all framed by imperial architecture.

KaiserschmarrnLángosGlühwein

Mid-Nov – Dec 26

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Slovakia

Bratislava

Bratislava's old town hosts three compact Christmas markets — Hlavné námestie, Hviezdoslavovo námestie, and the castle — between Vienna and Budapest.

Lokše (potato pancakes)Cigánska pečienka (gypsy roast)Varené víno (glühwein)

Late Nov – Dec 22

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Hungary

Budapest

Budapest's Vörösmarty Square market is the eastern anchor of most Danube Christmas sailings, set against the illuminated Parliament and Chain Bridge.

Kürtőskalács (chimney cake)LángosForralt bor (glühwein)

Mid-Nov – Jan 1

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In order:1. Nuremberg2. Regensburg3. Passau4. Melk5. Vienna6. Bratislava7. Budapest

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