The Würzburg gauge sits just above the 1.5 m draft comfort line that Cruise captains prefer, so the Main begins the week at Normal risk.¹ Ensemble guidance shows a gradual four-inch slide by mid-July, which could lift the outlook to Caution later in the month but should not halt sailings.²
Current Conditions
The German Pegelonline service reports 1.60 m [ 5.2 ft ] at the Würzburg station [typical July range 1.20 - 2.20 m / 3.9 - 7.2 ft ], leaving roughly one foot of under-keel clearance for standard river ships, so navigation risk is Normal.¹
Seven-Day Outlook
| Date | Forecast Level (ft) | Navigation Risk | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 7 Jul | 5.2 | Normal | Falling |
| Tue 8 Jul | 5.1 | Normal | Falling |
| Wed 9 Jul | 5.0 | Normal | Falling |
| Thu 10 Jul | 4.9 | Normal | Falling |
| Fri 11 Jul | 4.9 | Normal | Steady |
| Sat 12 Jul | 4.8 | Normal | Falling |
| Sun 13 Jul | 4.8 | Normal | Steady |
Values are the JRC EFAS 15-day ensemble median at the virtual station nearest Würzburg.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 |
A blocking subtropical ridge keeps Central Europe hot and mostly dry, curbing tributary inflows.³ Ensemble maps show only scattered thunderstorms before July 25, so levels should inch lower until the ridge breaks. Carry Cancel-For-Any-Reason coverage until gauges stabilize.
Cruise-Line Responses
Spokesperson for Viking River Cruises says "Grand European" sailings continue as scheduled, but captains will trim potable-water and fuel loads if the Würzburg gauge dips below 1.45 m, with real-time updates posted on the Current Sailings page.⁴ Spokesperson for Avalon Waterways notes contingency bussing between Bamberg and Würzburg should draft tighten further, advising guests to monitor the Travel Alerts portal daily.⁵
Traveler Advice
Arrive in Nuremberg or Frankfurt at least one day early so you can reach an alternate embarkation pier if the itinerary shifts upstream on short notice. Taxi and rail services thin out after 10 p.m. in smaller Franconian towns, so pre-book transfers when possible.
Pack a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and lightweight walking shoes. July highs near 90 °F on the vineyard terraces around Kitzingen and Volkach boost dehydration risk during shore excursions.
Keep medications, electronics, and valuables in a daypack whenever you leave the vessel. Lock cycles slow at low water, and motor-coaches sometimes depart before checked bags return to cabins.
Methodology
Gauge data come from the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration's Pegelonline station "Würzburg," and forecasts use the JRC EFAS 15-day ensemble hydrographs for the Main near Würzburg.¹ ²
Disclaimer
Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Sources
- Pegelonline gauge "Würzburg" real-time data
- JRC EFAS near-real-time hydrographs dataset for the Main at Würzburg
- Reuters, "Low water hampers Rhine river shipping in Germany despite rain," July 4 2025
- Viking River Cruises - Updates on Current Sailings
- Avalon Waterways - Travel Alerts
FAQ
- Why does the Main fall faster than the Rhine? The Main lacks alpine snowmelt, so summer evaporation lowers levels quickly when storms miss Franconia.¹
- Can sudden thunderstorms raise the river enough to disrupt cruising? Yes, isolated downpours can spike levels several inches in a few hours, briefly slowing lock traffic until flows recede.³
- Do Cruise lines offer refunds if water drops below safe limits? Most contracts offer future-cruise credit or partial refunds when low water prevents core ports, but each policy differs, so review your terms carefully.⁴