Amawaterways Danube cruise

I just received the information for my Danube cruise in May. I am interested in doing the Passau castle hill hike, Durnstein Fortress hike and the Bratislava castle hike. For each of these hike, it says that I need hiking boots. Is this really necessary?

Thanks,

Judy

We did the castle hikes in Passau and Durnstein on our own last year, while on Avalon. No hiking boots necessary. A god pair of tennis shoes should be sufficient.

Robin

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We did the Bratislava hike. No hiking boots necessary unless you want extra ankle support. I wouldn't even consider it a hike, it's more of a long walk that goes up hill and up stairs.

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If by the Passau castle hike they mean Veste Oberhaus, then it's a well-maintained gravel path through a forested area up a hill. We did it in regular shoes. No way do you "need" hiking boots. There is a short way up and a long way up the hill. The long way is only about 1 km.

The Durnstein fortress is probably even less of a hike. I'm still envious that Robin got to do it. We didn't have time.

The Bratislava castle is totally in town, and you walk on streets and sidewalks. It took us about 5 minutes. Why they would say that you need hiking boots for that is beyond me.

The Durnstein fortress was actually quite a bit more strenuous than the Passau castle hike. The elevation change in Durnstein was close to 400 ft, from town. There are two routes to Durnstein. There is a more gentle, but longer cobblestone, then dirt/gravel path, which has educational markers along the way-very interesting. Also, strategically placed, so you can take a quick breather. The shorter way, which we took down, is through the forest, steeper, and more treacherous. Still not necessary to have hiking boots, though.

Here are pictures of the more forgiving way

And, the more treacherous way

If you go to Schoenbrunn Palace, in Vienna, and have time, walk to the top of the Gloriette-also a very rewarding view!

Robin

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