Viking Astrild

Sailing the Elbe on Viking Astrild

The Elbe is one of Europe’s quieter river-cruise routes — less trafficked than the Rhine or Danube, and richer for it in a different way. Viking Astrild runs the river between Germany and the Czech Republic on one-way voyages of five nights, departing from either Wittenberge in Germany or Děčín in the Czech Republic and travelling in the opposite direction at the other end. Because each sailing is a one-way passage, the landscape is always moving forward rather than doubling back — a format that suits the Elbe’s progression from the gentle German lowlands through to the dramatic sandstone gorges of Saxon Switzerland and into Bohemia.

Both sailings currently on sale run for five nights and are operated by Viking River Cruises, with fares from A$8,195pp*. Because these departures are in Europe, we put the whole holiday together — flights from Australia, hotels in Germany or the Czech Republic before or after the cruise, and transfers — on a single booking. Talk to our Australian cruise experts, available seven days a week, about how to frame the river voyage inside a longer European trip.

On board Viking Astrild

Launched in 2015, Viking Astrild carries 98 guests and 33 crew — a ratio that keeps service attentive without the ship feeling like a hotel. She was christened by godmother Sinemie Bakker Viking Astrild, and her design follows Viking River Cruises’ longship philosophy: clean Scandinavian lines, an open Sun Deck and a layout that keeps the river central to every public space.

The Aquavit Terrace® is the signature space: an al fresco dining area along the side of the ship where guests gather for breakfast and lunch while the Elbe slides past. It is included in the fare and open to all guests. The Lounge runs floor-to-ceiling windows so the views continue indoors; beverages are charged individually at the bar unless a package is booked. For quieter moments, the Library holds a curated collection of books in a corner away from the main thoroughfares — the kind of place that earns its keep on a river as storied as the Elbe.

Up top, the Sun Deck gives 360-degree views and doubles as the site of the Walking Track, so guests can stroll or simply watch the landscape change. The deck closes during canal passages and under low bridges, as is standard on European river ships. A small Herb Garden on board supplies the culinary team with fresh ingredients for the regional dishes served throughout the voyage — an understated detail that connects the kitchen to the landscapes she sails through.

What the Viking River Fare includes

Viking Astrild sailings are sold under the Viking River Fare, which bundles a meaningful set of inclusions into the base price. It covers a complimentary shore excursion at every port, full onboard dining with regional specialities, and beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, as well as round-the-clock coffees, teas and bottled water. Free Wi-Fi and UNESCO site visits are also included. For a river cruise where the shore programme is as important as the ship itself, having excursions built in removes one of the more variable costs of the holiday.

Cabins on Viking Astrild

Across 49 cabins, Viking Astrild offers six grades spread across outside, balcony and suite categories. The suite grades — four of them in total — share two distinct outdoor access options: a French balcony with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open the cabin to fresh river air, and a full-size veranda with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that gives private outdoor space for watching the Elbe at your own pace. The Viking Astrild cabins and deck plans page has every grade laid out with full detail — that is the right place to settle on a category before booking.

Viking River Cruises’ wider fleet

Viking Astrild is one of 30 Viking River Cruises ships currently on sale through Cruise1st. The fleet is organised by waterway, so the ship a guest sails is chosen alongside the river they want to explore.

Rhine River, Europe: Viking Gefjon, Viking Rota, Viking Gersemi, Viking Hervor, Viking Annar, Viking Honir, Viking Dagur, Viking Haki, Viking Sigrun, Viking Sigyn, Viking Herja, Viking Egdir, Viking Hild, Viking Hlin

Danube River, Europe: Viking Eldir, Viking Vali, Viking Lif, Viking Vidar, Viking Aegir, Viking Gullveig, Viking Baldur, Viking Embla

Moselle River, Europe: Viking Idi, Viking Alsvin

Maas: Viking Mimir

United States: Viking Mississippi

Transatlantic: Viking Vela, Viking Astrea, Viking Lyra

Western Mediterranean: Viking Libra

Viking also operates ocean ships; the Viking River Cruises page and the broader Viking Cruises page give the full picture of what the line offers.

Booking Viking Astrild with Cruise1st

Cruise1st backs every Viking Astrild booking with a Best Price Guarantee and the support of Australian cruise experts, seven days a week — local specialists who know the Elbe itineraries and can help match the right cabin grade and fare inclusions to your trip. Because the sailings depart from Europe, most Australian guests will want flights to Germany or the Czech Republic, accommodation either side of the cruise, and transfers sorted alongside it. That is exactly what Cruise1st Packages does — cruise, flights, hotels and transfers on one booking, shaped to what you actually want.

Questions about sailing the Elbe on Viking Astrild

Is Viking Astrild suitable for a first river cruise?

She is a good fit for anyone new to river cruising. With 98 guests, the atmosphere is relaxed and easy to navigate, the Viking River Fare takes care of shore excursions and dining so there are few decisions to make on board, and the Elbe’s five-night one-way format gives a clear sense of progress through two countries without being an overwhelming length of time.

Which direction does the Elbe sailing run?

The two sailings currently on sale are both one-way voyages: one departs from Děčín in the Czech Republic and one from Wittenberge in Germany, so they travel in opposite directions along the river. Each covers the same stretch of the Elbe but from a different starting point. The itinerary page for each sailing shows the full port sequence.

Does Viking Astrild have Wi-Fi on board?

Yes — Wi-Fi is included in the Viking River Fare at no extra charge, covering guests throughout the voyage.

What is the Sun Deck, and when is it open?

The Sun Deck sits at the top of the ship and gives 360-degree views of the river and its banks. It is also where the Walking Track runs. Access is restricted during canal passages and when passing under low bridges, which is standard practice for European river ships and typically applies for short periods along the route.

Can I combine the Elbe cruise with time in Germany or the Czech Republic?

Absolutely — and because the cruise departs from and arrives into European cities, adding a few nights either side is a natural way to build the holiday. Cruise1st can book the hotels, flights and transfers alongside the cruise, so the whole trip sits on one booking.