The self-styled 'Gateway to the Bavarian Forest,' Deggendorf offers a genuine slice of Lower Bavarian life — a medieval Stadtplatz, one of Bavaria's prettiest Baroque steeples, and flat riverside cycling paths that stretch in both directions along the Danube.
River cruise ships dock directly on the Danube quay at Edlmairstraße — there are no tenders. The historic center is a short, flat walk away.
💡 Pro move: Shops close on Sundays. If your call is on a Sunday, plan for cafes, churches, and the riverside promenade — not retail.
Ships dock riverside at the Deggendorf quay — no tender required, and the walk to the old town is brief and flat.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Viking River Cruises, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Tauck | Deggendorf quay, Edlmairstraße, left bank of the Danube📍 | Docked |
| Most other river cruise lines | Same riverside quay📍 | Docked |
From medieval monasteries and rolling forest trails to Passau's three rivers and Regensburg's UNESCO old town, Deggendorf is a strong base for Lower Bavarian day trips.
Just 5 km west, Kloster Metten houses one of the finest Baroque libraries in Germany — over 45,000 volumes surrounded by ceiling frescoes and carved wood. Guided tours run most days.
Find Metten Abbey tours →An hour by train or coach, Passau sits where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube converge. The old town is beautifully preserved, and St. Stephen's Cathedral holds the world's largest cathedral organ.
Find Passau day trips →Germany's oldest national park begins a short drive east of Deggendorf. Marked trails lead through ancient spruce forest; the Baumwipfelpfad treetop walk at Grafenau is a highlight for all ages.
Find Bavarian Forest tours →Rent a bike at the center and pedal the flat, paved Donauradweg. West takes you to Metten; east passes wetlands and farmland toward Niederalteich. One of Europe's great river cycling routes.
Find bike rental in Deggendorf →About 80 km upstream, Regensburg's well-preserved medieval center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Stone Bridge, Old Town Hall, and Thurn und Taxis Palace are unmissable.
Find Regensburg day trips →Deggendorf's compact center is perfect for a self-guided stroll — the Stadtplatz, Basilika, and riverside promenade cover the highlights in under two hours.
Walk from the riverside quay along the Danube promenade to the Stadtplatz. Admire the ornate Town Hall tower, step inside the Basilika St. Peter und Paul to see its extraordinary Baroque steeple up close, then browse the square's cafes for Weißwurst or Kaffee und Kuchen.
A short loop from the quay north along the river, then inland to the Kapuzinerstadl cultural center (a converted Capuchin monastery hosting art exhibitions). Return via the old town lanes.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Deggendorf, Bavaria, Germany (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F / 3°C | 27°F / -3°C | 15 | 7:56 AM | 4:39 PM |
| Feb | 43°F / 6°C | 29°F / -2°C | 11 | 7:16 AM | 5:28 PM |
| Mar | 50°F / 10°C | 33°F / 1°C | 11 | 6:21 AM | 6:13 PM |
| Apr | 58°F / 14°C | 40°F / 4°C | 10 | 6:17 AM | 7:59 PM |
| May | 65°F / 18°C | 48°F / 9°C | 13 | 5:26 AM | 8:43 PM |
| Jun | 74°F / 23°C | 56°F / 13°C | 12 | 5:04 AM | 9:13 PM |
| Jul | 76°F / 24°C | 58°F / 14°C | 11 | 5:21 AM | 9:06 PM |
| Aug | 76°F / 24°C | 58°F / 14°C | 12 | 6:01 AM | 8:22 PM |
| Sep | 68°F / 20°C | 51°F / 11°C | 9 | 6:45 AM | 7:20 PM |
| Oct | 59°F / 15°C | 44°F / 7°C | 10 | 7:28 AM | 6:18 PM |
| Nov | 47°F / 8°C | 36°F / 2°C | 12 | 7:17 AM | 4:27 PM |
| Dec | 40°F / 4°C | 31°F / -1°C | 14 | 7:55 AM | 4:11 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The cruise dock is right at the edge of the old town — most attractions, restaurants, and the market square are within a 5–10 minute walk.
Local taxis are available near the quay. Day rate is roughly €4.40 base + €2.40/km; the train station and most sights are under 2 km away.
Four city bus lines cover Deggendorf. A day pass (Tageskarte) costs €4 for adults and can be bought from the driver — useful for reaching areas beyond the walkable center.
The main train station is about 2 km from the quay (taxi or bus). Regional trains connect to Regensburg (~1 hr) and Passau (~45 min) for day trips.
Upcoming cruises that call at Deggendorf, Bavaria, Germany. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other cruise ports within about 250 km.