The Danube at Passau is running close to its midsummer average, and no navigation limits are in force. Forecasts show mostly warm, dry weather, so full sailings should continue this week, although extended dryness could push levels toward caution late in July.
Current Conditions
Passau (Donau) gauge reads 4.27 m at 01:00 CEST on July 14 2025 (normal summer navigation remains reliable between roughly 2.0 m and 6.0 m), so traffic is classified Normal.1
Seven-Day Outlook
A high-pressure ridge dominates southern Germany and western Austria, bringing sunny afternoons in the upper 80s °F with only isolated heat-storm chances; model guidance keeps the Passau gauge between 4.1 m and 4.4 m through July 20.2
Three-Week Risk Forecast
| Period | Likelihood of Disruption | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 - 7 | Normal | High |
| Days 8 - 14 | Caution | Medium |
| Days 15 - 21 | Caution | Low |
The Austrian waterways service notes steadily falling tributary inflows and warns that a continued dry spell could drop key gauges below light-draft thresholds after July 25, so Cancel-For-Any-Reason insurance remains the safest hedge against late itinerary tweaks.3
Cruise-Line Responses
Spokesperson for AmaWaterways says captains may swap ships or insert short motor-coach segments if low water hampers lock transits, but no changes are planned this week.4 Spokesperson for Viking River Cruises reports that daily gauge reviews will trigger a water-level notice on the Current Sailings page at least forty-eight hours before any schedule revision; none are posted for current departures.5
Traveler Advice
First, pack for hot afternoons and strong sun on deck, and carry water on Wachau vineyard hikes.
Second, Bastille Day celebrations mainly affect France, yet summer holiday traffic can slow the A3 and A8 motorways into Passau and Regensburg, so allow generous transfer time to the pier.
Third, guests sailing after July 25 should check their cruise-line app each evening for depth advisories before committing to non-refundable shore plans, and confirm that Travel Insurance covers both delay and cancellation.
Methodology
This outlook blends real-time HND Passau gauge data, DWD seven-day forecasts, and viadonau short-range water-level projections.1 2 3
Disclaimer
Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Sources
- Hochwassernachrichtendienst Bayern - Passau / Donau gauge data
- Deutscher Wetterdienst - seven-day forecast for Bavaria
- viadonau "Wasserführung" page - forecasts for Kienstock & Wildungsmauer gauges
- AmaWaterways River-Cruise FAQ - water-level policy
- Viking River Cruises - Updates on Current Sailings
FAQ
- How often is this page updated? Every Monday by 10 a.m. Central Time.
- What does "Caution" mean in the table? Minor depth limits may slow passages or require brief coach transfers but rarely cancel sailings.
- Where can I see day-of-sailing notices? Use your cruise-line app or the WSV "Nachrichten für die Binnenschifffahrt" feed for real-time alerts.