Exceptionally low water levels on the Danube have disrupted river cruise operations in Hungary, leaving several cruise ships stranded, forcing sightseeing cancellations and affecting tourism during the peak summer season.

According to Hungary’s General Directorate of Water Management, the Danube in Budapest measured just eight centimetres above its all-time record low on Thursday morning, highlighting the severity of the current drought.

Cruise Ships Unable to Continue Their Journeys

Several international river cruise vessels remain stranded north of Budapest, while others are unable to leave the Hungarian ports of Budapest and Mohács because water levels are too low for safe navigation.

László Somodi, CEO of Hungarian river cruise operator MAHART-PassNave, said international cruise ships can still enter Hungary, but many are forced to wait in ports or suspend their itineraries until river conditions improve.

Excursion Cruises Cancelled

MAHART-PassNave has cancelled all sightseeing cruises to destinations north of Budapest this week due to insufficient water depth.

The company also reported an 18% decline in bookings for July as travellers respond to the ongoing disruption.

Tourism Impact

International river cruises are one of Hungary’s most important tourism sectors, attracting around 600,000 passengers annually and generating significant revenue for local businesses and destinations along the Danube.

Ports in Győr and Komárom have experienced the greatest operational pressure as vessels wait for conditions to improve.

Water Levels Expected to Recover

Weather forecasts indicate that water levels could begin rising next week, allowing navigation to gradually resume. MAHART-PassNave said it hopes to restart suspended services once conditions become safe.

Low water levels are also affecting other European waterways. River cruise operator Avalon Waterways has cancelled several itineraries this week because of low water levels on both the Danube and the Rhine.