Sailseer

Austria: Harbours, bridges and formalities for sailors

99 harbours · 96 bridges and locks · 13 inland lakes

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Austria: 99 harbours, 96 bridges and locks, clearing in, papers and fees. Plan your trip with weather, tides and route.

Formalities

EU memberSchengen AreaEU customs unionCurrency: Euro

Clearing in: EU and Schengen: no formalities at the border on the Danube, the Inn and Lake Constance. On the Danube the Wasserstraßen-Verkehrsordnung (waterway traffic regulations) applies, with reports at the locks by VHF; on the lakes the Seen- und Fluss-Verkehrsordnung and regional law: on many lakes motorboats may only operate with a permit or only electrically.

Documents: Certificate of competence from 4.4 kW (6 hp) engine power; foreign certificates and the ICC are recognised. Radio on the Danube only with ATIS and an inland radio certificate. Boat papers, insurance.

Fees: Berths and lake permits according to regional law.

Fairway: Danube with a strong current, commercial shipping and ten barrages with locks; Lake Constance with strong wind and gale warnings (40 and 90 flashes per minute); Lake Neusiedl very shallow (under 2 m) with waves that build up quickly.

Inland waters: All waters are inland waters.

Nature: Donau-Auen and Neusiedler See national parks with protection zones; navigation banned in the reed belt.

Emergency: 112 or 133 (police); water rescue.

Sources: BMIMI: certificate of competence for boat handling, State of Upper Austria: boat handling, Auswärtiges Amt: Austria, travel and safety advice (as of 2026-10-20)

Inland lakes

Bridges and locks

Locks

Fixed bridges (76)

Frequently asked questions

Austria: Do I need to clear in?

EU and Schengen: no formalities at the border on the Danube, the Inn and Lake Constance. On the Danube the Wasserstraßen-Verkehrsordnung (waterway traffic regulations) applies, with reports at the locks by VHF; on the lakes the Seen- und Fluss-Verkehrsordnung and regional law: on many lakes motorboats may only operate with a permit or only electrically.

Austria: Which documents do I need on board?

Certificate of competence from 4.4 kW (6 hp) engine power; foreign certificates and the ICC are recognised. Radio on the Danube only with ATIS and an inland radio certificate. Boat papers, insurance.

Austria: What fees apply?

Berths and lake permits according to regional law.

Austria: What is the emergency number at sea?

112 or 133 (police); water rescue.

Austria: How many harbours does Sailseer cover?

Sailseer covers 99 harbours with harbour info, weather and route planning. Plus 96 bridges and locks with opening times and clearances.