Donau Touristik - Our history
With us along the Danube: 30 years of travelling experiences
Donau Touristik GmbH has been accompanying its guests on unique journeys along Europe's most beautiful rivers since 1996. What began as a vision of Manfred Traunmüller and Jörg Preimesberger has developed over the years into a leading company in the field of cycle tours and river cruises. With passion and commitment, we are constantly exploring new destinations to offer our guests unforgettable experiences surrounded by culture, nature and enjoyment. Find out more about our journey from the first steps to the diverse experiences that we are able to share with you today.
Foundation: A visionary beginning
Donau Touristik GmbH was founded in Linz in 1996 by Manfred Traunmüller and Jörg Preimesberger. The two entrepreneurs had a clear vision: to establish cycle tourism on the Danube and offer travellers unforgettable experiences. This visionary step began with the idea of opening up the Danube cycle paths to cycling holidaymakers.
The first few years were characterised by planning and implementation to make cycling trips along the Danube attractive and an experience. The innovative approach led to close cooperation with regional partners early on, which laid the foundation for the success of Donau Touristik.
First steps: cycling holidays as a success story
Donau Touristik launched its first cycle tours in 1997. The Danube cycle route from Passau to Vienna became the centrepiece of the tours and quickly developed into one of the most popular cycle routes in Europe. But the Danube was not the only focus; the company quickly expanded its range to include other destinations such as Lake Constance, the Moselle and the Elbe.
A major milestone on this path was the first official signposting of the Danube cycle path. The picture shows the two founders of the company: Jörg Preimesberger (left) and Manfred Traunmüller (right), who together brought the vision of Donau Touristik to life. Thanks to the signposting that we initiated, we were able to make a completely new way of cycling along the Danube possible, paving the way for flourishing cycle tourism in the region.
Expansion of the offering and modernised fleet
Starting with the first cycle tours, Donau Touristik has continued to develop. A new era began in 2004 with the purchase of the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth: river cruises. The concept combined cruises along the Danube with exclusive land programmes and entertainment on board.
The biggest innovation came in 2015 with the acquisition of the MS Primadonna, the only river cruise catamaran in the world. This extraordinary ship, which is characterised by its comfort and technical features, now offers unforgettable cruises, from short trips between Passau and Vienna to 14-day trips to the Black Sea.
At the same time, the range of cycle tours was expanded to include star cycle tours - a concept that met with great enthusiasm among customers. This enabled Donau Touristik to perfectly fulfil the growing demand for comfortable, stationary trips with daily excursions.
Philosophy and outlook for the future
Donau Touristik stands for quality, sustainability and regional ties. We work closely with local partners and offer travel packages that not only emphasise the beauty of the regions, but also support the local economy.
Our service standards are clear: every trip is planned and organised with the utmost care. From booking to return, we want our guests to feel well looked after.
With a modern fleet, innovative travel ideas and a dedicated team, we look forward to a promising future. Our mission remains to create unforgettable moments along the Danube and beyond.
Vision and values
Our vision is to bring travellers closer to the fascination of the Danube and its diverse regions. What makes us special:
- Unique offer:
From organised cycle tours to luxury river cruises - we combine nature, culture and comfort. - Sustainability:
Regionality and responsibility take centre stage. We promote local providers and emphasise environmentally friendly concepts. - Innovation:
We remain pioneers in tourism with new ideas and unique experiences. - Personal service:
We focus on individual advice and customised travel offers - your wishes are at the centre of everything we do. - Unbeatable value for money:
High-quality holiday experiences at particularly advantageous conditions, affordable without compromising on quality and service.
Our values and our commitment make Donau Touristik a reliable partner for your travel experiences.