Cruise port Kelheim
Info for port Kelheim on 3 Aug 2026
Port information & tips for Kelheim
Kelheim is the picturesque gateway to the spectacular Danube Gorge and a true jewel in the heart of Bavaria at the confluence of the Danube and Altmühl. The town impresses with its medieval flair and, thanks to its location, offers an ideal starting point for nature and culture trips. Absolute highlights include the majestic Befreiungshalle on the Michelsberg and the historic Weltenburg Monastery, which can be explored after a boat trip through the impressive Weltenburger Enge. River cruise ships dock at the central Kelheim-Donau ship pier at the Donauvorland. From here, the charming old town is easily reachable after a short walk of about five to ten minutes, which also provides relaxed access to local sights and Bavarian guesthouses.
Kelheim, nestled in picturesque Bavaria at the confluence of the Danube and Altmühl rivers, is a charming starting point for river cruises through the impressive Danube Gorge. The central ship pier is easily accessible thanks to the good infrastructure.
Car
Thanks to the A3 (towards Regensburg/Passau), A9 (towards Nuremberg/Munich), and A93 motorways, as well as the B16 federal highway, you can reach Kelheim comfortably. A large car and bus parking lot is available directly at the ship pier in Bahnhofstraße. A free and popular alternative is the Volksfestplatz, which is only about a 400-meter walk from the terminal. In addition, there are other paid long-term parking lots such as P4 Donauvorland in the immediate vicinity.
Train
The nearest train station is Saal (Donau), around six kilometers from Kelheim. From there, you can easily reach the ship pier by bus or taxi, with regular bus connections available. Alternatively, Abensberg station, about 12 kilometers away, is an option from the direction of Ingolstadt; from there, a taxi is recommended for the onward journey due to limited bus connections.
Airplane
Munich Airport (MUC) is the nearest major airport at approximately 63 kilometers and is excellently served by flights from the DACH region. A journey by train and bus to the port from there takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes, often with a change in Regensburg. Nuremberg Airport (NUE) is also easily accessible at around 87 kilometers. For a relaxed onward journey, private transfer services offer comfortable rides directly to the Kelheim cruise port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Kelheim, nestled in picturesque Bavaria at the confluence of the Danube and Altmühl rivers, is a charming starting point for river cruises through the impressive Danube Gorge. The central ship pier is easily accessible thanks to the good infrastructure.
Car
Thanks to the A3 (towards Regensburg/Passau), A9 (towards Nuremberg/Munich), and A93 motorways, as well as the B16 federal highway, you can reach Kelheim comfortably. A large car and bus parking lot is available directly at the ship pier in Bahnhofstraße. A free and popular alternative is the Volksfestplatz, which is only about a 400-meter walk from the terminal. In addition, there are other paid long-term parking lots such as P4 Donauvorland in the immediate vicinity.
Train
The nearest train station is Saal (Donau), around six kilometers from Kelheim. From there, you can easily reach the ship pier by bus or taxi, with regular bus connections available. Alternatively, Abensberg station, about 12 kilometers away, is an option from the direction of Ingolstadt; from there, a taxi is recommended for the onward journey due to limited bus connections.
Airplane
Munich Airport (MUC) is the nearest major airport at approximately 63 kilometers and is excellently served by flights from the DACH region. A journey by train and bus to the port from there takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes, often with a change in Regensburg. Nuremberg Airport (NUE) is also easily accessible at around 87 kilometers. For a relaxed onward journey, private transfer services offer comfortable rides directly to the Kelheim cruise port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The docking points in Kelheim are located in close proximity to the city center and offer you an ideal starting point for explorations directly from the ship.
On Foot
The historic old town of Kelheim can be reached after a short and flat walk of about 5 to 10 minutes. The path takes you along the Danube directly into the heart of the city with its sights and cafés.
Ludwigsbahn
This charming blue trackless train regularly connects the ship's pier with the old town and the imposing Befreiungshalle on the Michelsberg. Thanks to this connection, you can reach the region's higher vantage points comfortably and without effort.
Taxi
Taxi stands are located at the central Wöhrdplatz as well as on the edge of the old town in direct proximity to the piers. Taxis are available for individual trips into the surrounding area and also take you quickly to the nearby Saal an der Donau station.
To make the most of your time in Kelheim, we recommend a combination of visiting the majestic monument overlooking the city and exploring nature by boat directly from the pier.
Befreiungshalle
The monumental building on the Michelsberg is a landmark visible from afar and, in addition to its impressive neoclassical architecture, offers a fantastic panoramic view over the river landscapes of the Danube and Altmühl.
Donaudurchbruch & Kloster Weltenburg
A boat trip through the spectacular rock formations of the Danube Gorge leads travelers directly to the historic Benedictine monastery, which, with its magnificent Baroque church and cozy monastery beer garden, is a perfect destination for the Bavarian way of life.
Kelheimer Altstadt
The historic center with its striking gate towers and inviting cafes is within easy walking distance of the boat piers, making the district ideal for a relaxed stroll through the Bavarian ducal city.
Kloster Weltenburg & Donaudurchbruch
The pier for the excursion boats to Kloster Weltenburg is located just a short walk from the cruise ship berths and offers you an incomparable natural experience through the imposing Danube Gorge. During the relaxed journey, you will pass the impressive limestone cliffs and directly reach the historic Benedictine monastery, which delights with the oldest monastery brewery in the world and one of the most beautiful beer gardens in Bavaria. Thanks to the excellent local gastronomy, you can enjoy freshly brewed beer and regional delicacies in a unique spiritual atmosphere. Ideally, start your excursion in the early morning to perfectly enjoy the majestic silence of the Danube narrows and return to your ship on time and relaxed after a pleasant stay.
The way back from the historical sights to the jetties on the Danube or the Main-Danube Canal is pleasantly uncomplicated thanks to the short distances and clear signage.
Taxi
Central taxi stands can be found directly at Ludwigsplatz in the heart of the old town as well as in the immediate vicinity of the Dormero Hotel Kelheim. Pre-ordering by phone via local providers guarantees you a punctual pick-up and brings you back to the ship comfortably with your purchases.
Ludwigsbahn and Excursion Boats
The blue-and-white Ludwigsbahn tourist shuttle runs regularly between the Befreiungshalle, the old town, and the ship landings on the Danube, allowing you to overcome the difference in height effortlessly. In addition, scheduled boats bring you from Weltenburg Abbey directly back to the Kelheim/Danube jetty, allowing you to enjoy the trip through the Danube Gorge in a relaxed manner.
On Foot
The jetties in the Donaupark and on the banks of the Altmühl can be reached from Kelheim's old town in about 5 to 10 minutes on foot via level and well-paved paths. Thanks to the clear signposting towards the ship's pier and the good visibility of the masts, you will find your way to the pier safely and without time pressure.
In port on 03 Aug 2026
