Danube River Water Levels Outlook, Week of August 11, 2025

Danube levels are seasonally low but navigable, with the key Pfelling gauge near 10.2 ft (3.12 m) late Sunday, just above its low-water reference of 9.5 ft (2.90 m) and well below the high-water mark of 20.3 ft (6.20 m). ^1,2 Austria's Kienstock fairway remains open under routine rules, and Hungary's hydrology guidance indicates no stations are expected to exceed alert levels over the next six days. ^3,6 For this week, plan on Normal navigation, verify pier notes 3 to 5 days pre-departure, and consider a Cancel For Any Reason upgrade if you want extra flexibility. ¹⁰

Current Conditions

Primary gauge: Pfelling (Pegel Pfelling). About 10.2 ft (3.12 m) late August 10 local time, with ELWIS listing reference marks RNW 9.5 ft (2.90 m) and HSW 20.3 ft (6.20 m). Risk level Normal for the German Upper Danube and into the Wachau, consistent with routine operations at Austria's Kienstock reach. ^1,2,3

Seven-Day Outlook

Chart unavailable. The 4-day Pfelling forecast shows small day-to-day wiggles around the current band, while the Budapest table and regional guidance point to hot, mostly dry weather with only isolated storms. Precipitation totals specific to the corridor are not published with these products. Risk call for the next 7 days: Normal. ^1,4,5

Three-Week Risk Forecast

Medium-range signals keep the Upper and Middle Danube warm to hot with only scattered convection, and navigation rules on the Austrian reach define closures well above current stages. Hungary's corridor points such as Nagymaros are forecast to ease but remain above the Danube Commission low-water convention level. If flexibility matters, remember CFAR policies have time-sensitive purchase windows and reimburse only part of trip cost. ^3,7,10

Traveler Advice

If you are already booked, expect Normal sailing on common routes between Regensburg, Passau, the Wachau, Vienna, and Budapest. Still watch your line's pre-departure emails for minor timing or pier adjustments when overnight temperatures and daily drawdowns nudge clearances.

Shopping near term, plan shore days normally and build modest buffer around coach departures for locks and traffic. Pack for heat, carry water, and expect brief pop-up storms rather than a basin-wide rain event this week.

Looking beyond three weeks, keep expectations steady but practical. If broad flexibility is important, compare policy options and consider a Cancel For Any Reason upgrade soon after your first payment, since eligibility windows are strict and reimbursement is partial. ¹⁰

Methodology

We use WSV ELWIS for Pfelling's observed and 4-day forecast values, Bavaria's flood service for corroboration, viadonau and eHYD resources for Austrian fairway rules and station context, Hydroinfo and Danube FIS for Hungary's station forecasts, and DWD or GeoSphere outlooks for weather, converting meters to feet using standard factors. ^1,2,3,6,7,5

Disclaimer

Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.

Sources

1. ELWIS, Pegel PFELLING, current level and RNW/HSW references
2. ELWIS, Wasserstandsvorhersage, Pegel PFELLING, 4-day graphic
3. viadonau DoRIS, Kienstock fairway information and closure rule
4. Hydroinfo Hungary, Danube at Budapest, forecast table, issued Aug 8, 2025
5. DWD, national 10-day outlook for Germany, warm to hot with isolated storms
6. Hydroinfo Mobil, six-day guidance, no alert-level exceedance expected
7. Danube FIS Portal, Nagymaros gauge, forecast versus LDC/HDC references
8. SHMU Slovakia, hydrological situation including Bratislava measures
9. Bavaria HND, Pfelling gauge overview
10. Squaremouth, Cancel For Any Reason basics and purchase windows