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Water Levels On The Rivers Of Europe

When all is said and done, there is no way to accurately predict whether your river cruise will be affected by low-water or high-water levels for river cruises in Europe. But in general, high water occurs in the spring while low water occurs in heat of the summer, usually August. The summer of 2018 saw record low water levels for river cruises in Europe on the Danube. However, contrary to the conventional wisdom, I saw record lows on the Rhine in November of 2015. While high or low water can impact your river cruise, in 50+ river cruises, I’ve never experienced a major disruption because of high water or low water. I should add that I did not river cruise in the summer of 2018. In the comments below, some readers say their dream vacations were disappointing because of low water levels for river cruises in Europe. Others had their trips scuttled altogether because the river cruise companies could not operate due to high or low water levels for river cruises in Europe. My hope is that this page will serve as a useful forum for sharing information about the conditions on the rivers and how the cruise companies are handling adverse water levels for river cruises in Europe.– Ralph Grizzle

Whether a river has high or low water levels is something you’re unlikely to consider when planning your river cruise – until it happens to you.

Unlike ocean cruising, river cruising is all about narrow margins. Low bridges make the air draft of a ship – how much of it sticks out of the water – critically important. Most river cruise ships have collapsible upper deck railings, removable furniture, and even navigation bridges that lower completely into the floor.

Being aware of water levels for river cruises in Europe can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Understanding water levels for river cruises in Europe is vital for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Monitoring water levels for river cruises in Europe is essential for a trouble-free adventure.

What’s under the keel – or hull – of your river cruise ship also makes a difference. In some cases, there can be less than a foot of water under the keel. River cruise ships have incredibly shallow drafts to begin with, and river cruise operators construct their ships as efficiently as possible. They’re the high-performance sports cars of the cruising world.

Understanding Water Levels for River Cruises in Europe

Understanding the significance of water levels for river cruises in Europe can help travelers make informed decisions.

Unfortunately, low water and high water conditions can exist – and they can throw a real wrench into an otherwise flawless cruise.

For current updates from river cruisers currently on the rivers (or from those who have returned recently) be sure to see the comments at the bottom of this post.

In fact, keeping an eye on water levels for river cruises in Europe could save your trip.

The Rhine is perhaps the most dependable river when it comes to being able to continue navigation due to low water. I felt the boat scraping the bottom of the Rhine in Rudesheim in November of 2015, but we made it past. See Is AmaWaterways The Champion Of Low Water?

Water levels are unpredictable. In many cases, the cruise line may only find out on your actual sailing, or a few days beforehand, that a particular stretch of water isn’t navigable.

See related article: Low Water Levels Continue To Affect River Cruises; Plus Why This Happens In The First Place

Water levels aren’t uniform. That is to say, if there’s low water on the Danube, the entire Danube isn’t affected. In 2014, water levels were too low for many ships to pass between the German cities of Passau and Regensburg. In past years, the stretch heading across the Austria-Hungary border has been problematic.

History isn’t a good indicator of high or low water. In June of 2013, Passau was hit by the worst flooding – and the highest water levels – since the Middle Ages. In 2018, the Danube was so low that many cruise ships terminated their journeys in Passau.

What happens if high/low water levels affect my sailing? River cruise lines will typically attempt to keep your itinerary as operational as possible. Generally, when high/low water levels hit, three options are available to cruise lines:

I’m not sure if I should cancel my river cruise because of high/low water levels. What do I do?

Unless you have travel insurance that covers cancellation, do not cancel your river cruise over high/low water. Wait for the cruise line to either pull the plug or offer alternatives. If your sailing commences in a few weeks, cancelling your sailing will result in you losing all monies paid. If you wait for the cruise line to pull the plug, offers typically include the ability to switch to another sailing at no cost; the offer to complete your cruise as scheduled at a discount or rebate; or the offer to cancel with minimal or no penalties. Of course, such offers are determined by the cruise line, but typically favor the guest.

Curious as to what the current conditions on the rivers of Europe are? A reader has provided us with a map showing the water levels on rivers in Germany. From reader “Sabine” see this link: https://www.wetteronline.de/pegelstaende?gid=HES

We have found the Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde (BFG) to be helpful. The organization published maps like the one below and forecasts. Find BFG’s 14-day water levels forecasts here and the six-week forecasts here.

It’s advisable to check the latest updates regarding water levels for river cruises in Europe before you travel.

August 12, 2022 map data © OpenStreetMap-Mitwirkend Sourced from Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde

To see what our readers had to say about how their trips were impacted by low water levels, click here.

Additionally, understanding how different seasons affect water levels for river cruises in Europe will enhance your planning.

In summary, staying informed about water levels for river cruises in Europe is crucial for a rewarding travel experience.

2,271 Responses

  1. Bill,

    Check out Cruisemapper.com it shows all of the boats in route and real time photos of the water levels. It doesn’t appear to be as bad as the photos I have seen on the news. Best of Luck!

  2. Thank you for this information! I am now (unfortunately) obsessed with cruisemapper! I have been watching weather forecasts along the Rhine as well as watching the water level forecast here. https://www.rhineforecast.com/
    We cruise Mid September!!

  3. We are also a party of six doing the same cruise departing Amsterdam on September 26th. I will be following any updates you post on your progress along the rivers. Praying for more rain! Happy cruising!

  4. I am traveling Bucharest to Budapest on Viking Lofn beginning 9/6. I am wondering the same thing Jeff, as I hear the lower Danube is day by day on water level. Any current information from those traveling between the 2 ports would be appreciated.

  5. We are taking a similar Tauck tour from Prague to Budapest in early October. We share the concern about water levels. For medical reasons, I am very concerned about significant time on a bus. Does anyone have recent experience with Tauck or this stretch of the Danube?

  6. On Emerald Destiney. Started in Budapest on August 20. Arrived in Regensburg yesterday without any trip disruption. Rained several days after arrival and the water level sufficient for navigation. Captain said this is the first trip in several months that was able to complete the cruise as scheduled. Feel very fortunate. It is August 27 and departing for Prague extension this morning. Forecast calling for rain today.

  7. On Emerald Destiney. Started in Budapest on August 20. Arrived in Regensburg yesterday without any trip disruption. Rained several days after arrival and the water level sufficient for navigation. Captain said this is the first trip in several months that was able to complete the cruise as scheduled. Feel very fortunate. It is August 27 and departing for Prague extension this morning. Forecast calling for rain today.

  8. thanks keep us informed about traveling to Bucharest. 24 days Scenic depart 21 Amsterdam, can some mainly light rain with the odd heavy showers forecast till the end of this month and start of August

    Thanks steve carol

  9. Currently on Scenic Amsterdam to Budapest. Just north of Rhine Gorge and should enter in the next couple of hours. No problems or itinerary changes. Only change was we left Amsterdam early afternoon instead of night which was great because we cruised in daylight hours

  11. We are travelling Budapest to Amsterdam 16th Sept – Emerald Waterways, but not holding my breathe as I think the Budapest end is the issue. This trip has been rebooked twice as we were origianlly booked for Sept 2020. Fingers and toes crossed for rain

  12. Thanks for this update. We are going Scenic Jewel from Amsterdam on 7th Sept. and keeping our fingers crossed for rain!
    First time cruising with Scenic after trips with Viking and AMA.
    Enjoy your trip!

  14. I am scheduled to cruise the Danube on the Viking ship Lif from Budapest to Bucharest. I will arrive in Budapest Sep 8 and begin cruising on Sep 13. Is anyone on the Danube in this area and can give me current update on how water levels are affecting your cruise? I have to cancel NLT 1 Sep.

  15. Today is Friday 8/26. On Viking Kara. Left Basel 5 days ago and are now in Cologne, heading to Amsterdam. Made it all the way without busing, due to providential rain in Switzerland days before we left the States. Yesterday was the Middle Rhine and the glorious castles. Captain said we were the first Viking ship in about a month that could sail through this area. Incredibly lucky. Hopefully more rain will fall to allow trips after us to do so. Not sure if that’s going to happen. Sailing in our direction gives them the best chance (downstream) of not having to bus. Has been 90+ every day until today. Good luck everyone.

  16. Thanks for your comments Debbie this is good news. We are on Avalon Waterways leaving Budapest to Amsterdam on September 2nd. Hopeful for a smooth cruise. All the updates and comments are appreciated.

  18. Thanks for the website cruisemapper.com Nice to be able to see the ships location. We are on the Avalon Impression Budapest to Amsterdam on September 2nd. We are hopeful the are no problems, have not heard anything from Avalon yet to the contrary, so fingers crossed.

  19. Thanks, Ron, this is wonderful news. We were considering canceling our 9-26 cruise but the long range forecast looks good for more rain. Your post helped make our decision to carry on. I just wish Viking had a site like this with updates to help keep everyone better informed.

  20. We are traveling Amsterdam to Budapest beginning September 26. We would love to hear how your cruise goes. Thanks in advance and happy cruising!

  21. That’s wonderful! We don’t set out until September 26th. How are the water levels in Amsterdam? Looks like no rain predicted this coming week but the week after looks promising for more rain. Would appreciate any advice for future Viking River Cruisers.

  22. Hi Debbie, thank you for your post. I’m following closely. This has been a good site to follow.
    We are boarding on the Scenic Opal on September 5, Amsterdam to Budapest.
    Hope the best for you! Happy travels!

  23. I have been glued to Cruisemapper at least twice a day for a couple of weeks now. Very sad. I don’t cruise until the end of September 😊

  24. Viking. Basel to Amsterdam. Left 8/19. Finished cruise in Amsterdam today (Friday). All went well for us with no bussing nor swaps. We were very pleased. You ask about water levels from now. In short, I do not know. I have not heard any discussions about that. I wonder about the same issue as we have friends who are planning a cruise this fall on the Rhine. I wish I could give some valuable insight but I just don’t have the information. I suspect no one knows because it is weather dependent.

  25. We are currently on Scenic Pearl heading to Budapest. Left Amsterdam yesterday and about to arrive in Cologne. We have been told that they are hopeful of no ship swapping!! Also going through Rhine Gorge tomorrow and will be the first Scenic ship for weeks to get through. Will keep you posted.

  26. I am travelling with Emerald Cruises from Passau to Budapest on 10 September. Emerald have told me that “no changes or adjustments have had to be implemented”. Fingers crossed that remains the same for when we travel. Additionally, the website Cruisemapper.com enables you to track (in real time) every ship. Enter name of ship in search and then click on “position”. Been doing this past few days (very sad, I know !) and this shows all cruise ships and, from what I can see, all ships are moving and docking as per their itinerary. Nuremberg to Passau seems to be a possible pinch point.

  27. Set out on Viking on August 20. We’re told we would be the first for underrated sailing. It has been the case. End in the Netherlands tomorrow the 27th. We were so lucky

  28. We should be passing you heading in the opposite direction Regensburg to Budapest.
    All the best, hoping for rain.

  29. I assume you’re leaving home on Friday to catch the Vista leaving Basel on Sat. Aug. 27. For that sailing, Avalon says:

    “Due to low-level water conditions in certain parts of the river, we are making adjustments in order to operate without interruption. Your originally-assigned Avalon Suite Ship, is being replaced by its sister ship the Avalon Panorama.”

    They have made this statement for all of the Rhine trips for the last 3 or 4 weeks. That implies to me at least one ship-swap.

  30. Hello Bill…Our family is scheduled to leave October 5th-Budapest to Amsterdam. We would love to hear about your experience. Thank you, Michelle

  31. Any update on your Rhine Getaway? We don’t leave until Sept 21 but worried and wondering how to make a decision…Sure don’t want to be on a bus.
    Thanks for any information you can provide

  32. Excellent news! We are cruising with Avalon from Basel to Amsterdam on 3 Sept after travelling from Australia. Have been most concerned about water levels and very disappointed that Avalon have not contacted us or our travel agent at all about what is happening in Europe – we have relied on these blogs for weeks and are most grateful for all the comments and advise. Really looking forward to our trip!

  33. Keen to hear anyone travelling on Emerald Waterways as we travel Budapest to Amsterdam from 16th Sept. Hoping some rain by then. Sounds like the issue is mainly the Budapest end??

  34. Thanks Val. Would love to hear ANY news on any APT trips from A to B or B to A as to how they are progressing. We are travelling with APT from Budapest to Amsterdam in October and have our fingers crossed.

  36. Read on the Uniworld website that the 8/28 Basel to Amsterdam is operating, just not leaving from Basel. Should be a good sign that ours goes as scheduled.

  37. We are scheduled A-B Sept 20 so we have time but will be interested to see how your trip goes…

  38. Thanks Karen for the update! We are going on Emerald on 9/10 from Budapest.

    Please share updates as the cruise goes on. Hope you have a wonderful time and it goes smoothly!

  39. No we were not able to get on in Budapest as scheduled. Got on in Komaron which is 90 minutes away.
    Scenic is just an awesome company & the staff on the Amber are outstanding!
    Since water levels can change so quickly, they don’t want to say very much in advance.

  41. W are going from Amsterdam to Budapest beginning on September 26-October 10. We are watching with concern and waiting to see the how the rivers’ water levels are doing.

  42. Any updates from a Viking European Sojourn? Need to make a decision about canceling within days…

  44. We are leaving on September 4, supposed to board in Regensburg for our cruise ending in Budapest on the 11th. Would like any updates on water levels on the Danube and having to change boats, etc.

  46. Mary,

    Let us know how your trip goes. We are embarking on the same trip on August 31. Hoping for some rain.

  47. Just had the itinerary for Mosel/Rhine cruise altered. Still going to same locations just in a different order! Water levels seem to be dropping slightly so I wonder if this is why the itinerary has changed!

  48. Thank you Brian – So appreciate your information. My husband and I, along with 2 other couples are doing the same Viking Cruise on the Rhine –
    Leaving Basel, Sept. 1st and getting to Amsterdam on Sept 8th. We’ve been really concerned about the water levels and possible bussing and ship swaps – not what we had planned! Really would like to hear any further updates on your cruise and how it’s going.
    Hopefully you have experienced
    Some rain along the way to help the river levels along!
    Thank you!

  50. We’re on the Amber Sept 15. Do you embark in Budapest? How has it been overall?
    Thank you

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