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January 16, 2025

Riverside Luxury Cruises offers unforgettable river cruises along Europe’s most iconic rivers, combining the charm of waterborne travel with the discovery of historic cities and breathtaking landscapes. Among its many destinations, a must-visit is the picturesque town of Grein, located along the Danube in Austria.

Grein is a small gem rich in charm and history. This enchanting town is renowned for its ancient castle, Greinburg Castle, which dominates the landscape with its Renaissance architecture and offers spectacular views of the Danube. The castle is now home to the Danube Museum, an exhibition that tells the story and culture of this great European waterway.

The historic center of Grein is equally captivating, with its cobblestone streets, colorful building facades, and the City Theater, one of the oldest theaters in Austria still in operation. This small but exquisite theater, built in 1791, is a unique testament to the theatrical architecture of its time and provides a glimpse into the cultural life of the region.

Featured Excursions:

Visit to Greinburg Castle: One of the main attractions of Grein is Greinburg Castle, built between 1488 and 1495. During a guided tour, visitors can explore its historic rooms, such as the Knight’s Hall and the Castle Chapel, and admire the Renaissance-style “Stone Theater.”

Guided Hike to Gobelwarte Observation Tower: Outdoor enthusiasts can choose a hike to the Gobelwarte Observation Tower, which offers spectacular views of the Danube Valley after an approximately 8.7 km walk through Grein’s historic center and past the castle. After about an hour of walking, you’ll reach the summit at 483 meters above sea level, where you can pause for refreshments or continue to the 21-meter-high observation tower for breathtaking views of the Danube Valley. At the end of the hike, visitors have the option to return to Grein and explore the town further, perhaps rewarding themselves with ice cream at Schörgi, the town’s most beloved riverside café.

Historic City Theater Tour: For history enthusiasts, a visit to Grein’s Historic City Theater is a must. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the picturesque village of Grein, accompanied by an expert guide who will share fascinating local anecdotes. During the walk, there will be a pause to admire the majestic Greinburg Castle overlooking the Danube. The tour continues with access to Austria’s oldest operational theater, where visitors can discover the auditorium with its traditional wooden seating and “key seats” in the front row, reserved for nobles. Among the historical tales, the guide will recount how audience members in the past had to crouch behind a curtain to catch the performance while visiting the bathroom. Another curious detail is the “prisoner’s seat,” from which inmates watched the shows through a window. This unique experience is perfect for those who wish to delve into the history and traditions of Grein.

Cycling Adventure: Riverside offers an excursion designed for those seeking an adventurous and scenic experience: “The Natural Charm of Grein by Bike.” After a brief safety briefing, participants will hop on their bikes and set off to explore the natural beauty of the area. The first stop is Grein, where cyclists cross the Danube to ride through the historic Old Town, with the ship anchored against a scenic backdrop. At this point, thrill-seekers can choose to continue the route, ascending through the Strudengau Gorge for a climb that reaches approximately 600 meters above sea level. Upon reaching the summit, the reward is a breathtaking view of two panoramic ridges overlooking the Danube Valley.

With a Riverside cruise, every passenger has the opportunity to immerse themselves in the authentic history and beauty of towns like Grein, enjoying unique and unforgettable experiences along the great river.

Don’t miss updates, reviews, and news about Riverside Luxury Cruises on Cruising Journal, featuring photos, videos, and special cruise offers.

Giorgia Lombardo

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