Krems an der Donau Cruise Port Guide: Things to Do & Practical Tips

Quick Take

Port Type

Historic Small River Port

Best For

Wine lovers, walkers, medieval old towns, and anyone wanting a relaxed, uncommercial Austrian town experience.

Avoid If

You need a big-city buzz, a beach, or a full action-packed itinerary — Krems is genuinely quiet.

Walkability

Excellent. The old town is flat to gently sloping and almost entirely walkable from the dock.

Budget Fit

Very good. Most sights cost little or nothing; wine tastings and a good meal are the main spends.

Good For Short Calls?

Yes — Krems suits a half day well, though wine country day trips justify a longer stay.

Port Overview

Krems an der Donau sits at the eastern edge of the Wachau Valley, one of the most scenic stretches of the Danube and a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. River cruise ships from Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Scenic, and others dock at a riverside pier that puts you within a 10-15 minute flat walk of the historic centre. This is not a place where you need transport — the port and town are effectively the same zone.

The town itself is small, unhurried, and genuinely Austrian in character. It has not been aggressively touristified, which is either a selling point or a mild disappointment depending on what you want. Expect cobblestone alleys, Baroque facades, excellent local wine, and a handful of worthwhile museums rather than a packed tourist circuit.

For most cruisers, Krems works best as a walkable half-day combined with a glass or two of Wachau Grüner Veltliner or Riesling — both wines the region is legitimately famous for. If your ship offers a Melk Abbey excursion or a vineyard visit, those are worth considering as they extend what the landscape offers. On its own, Krems comfortably fills three to four hours without feeling rushed.

Is It Safe?

Krems is a very safe, low-crime Austrian town. Standard city awareness applies — watch your belongings in busy tourist areas and near the dock when multiple ships are in port simultaneously. There are no significant safety concerns. Emergency services are reliable and many locals speak enough English to help if needed.

Accessibility & Walkability

The dock to the old town walk is flat and on paved paths, making it manageable for most mobility levels. The Altstadt itself has some cobblestone streets and gentle inclines toward the upper town and Piaristenkirche area that can be challenging for wheelchairs or mobility aids. The main shopping and wine street, Obere Landstraße, is largely accessible. Anyone with significant mobility limitations should plan to stay in the flat lower town zone rather than attempting the upper lanes.

Outside the Terminal

You step off the gangway directly onto the Danube riverside promenade. It is open, scenic, and immediately pleasant. There is no terminal building to navigate through — just a short riverside walk toward town. Signage toward the Altstadt is present but not overwhelming; a basic map from your ship or a quick look at your phone is all you need. Within five minutes of leaving the ship, you are walking through green riverside space with church towers visible ahead.

Local Food & Drink

Krems punches above its size for food quality. The Altstadt has a solid range of Austrian gasthouses (Gasthäuser) serving Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and seasonal Wachau dishes alongside excellent local wines. Step one street back from Obere Landstraße for better value — the obvious tourist-facing spots charge more without adding quality.

Look for places listing Wachauer Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings) on the menu in season — the Wachau apricot is a regional specialty and appears in everything from desserts to schnapps. Budget around €15-25 EUR per person for a sit-down main meal with a glass of wine. Coffee and cake at one of the smaller cafes off the main drag is also a reliable and inexpensive option.

Shopping

Shopping in Krems is low-key and authentic rather than tourist-market heavy. The main finds are local wines (Wachau DAC bottles make excellent gifts and are easy to carry), apricot preserves and spirits, and occasional ceramics or locally made crafts. There is no large souvenir market. A small wine shop or the local Vinothek cooperative is your best single stop for taking regional products home.

Money & Currency

Currency

Euro (EUR)

USD Accepted?

No

Card Payments

Good in restaurants, museums, and larger shops. Smaller cafes and wine stands may prefer cash.

ATMs

Several ATMs in and near the Altstadt. No issues finding one.

Tipping

Round up or leave 5-10% in sit-down restaurants. Not obligatory but appreciated.

Notes

Carry a small amount of cash for wine tastings, markets, and smaller vendors.

Weather & Best Time

Best months

May, June, September, October — warm, dry, and scenic with vines in full growth or autumn colour.

Avoid

January and February see cold, grey conditions and many local businesses reduce hours.

Temperature

15-25°C (59-77°F) during peak season. Spring and autumn visits can see cooler mornings.

Notes

River cruises through Krems run mainly April through October. Autumn is particularly attractive as the Wachau vine colours peak.

Airport Information

Airport

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Distance

Approximately 80 km southeast

Getting there

Train from Krems Bahnhof to Vienna Hauptbahnhof, then direct rail or taxi to the airport. Total journey approximately 90-120 minutes. Private transfer also available.

Notes

Krems is not a typical embarkation port but some river cruise itineraries start or end in Vienna, making VIE the relevant hub. Pre- or post-cruise stays in Vienna are easy to arrange.