Pochlarn (Austria)

Pochlarn is a Danube River cruise port and town in Lower Austria (Melk district, Danube's Nibelungengau section, Wachau Valley) with population around 4,000. The town is located on Danube's right/southern bank and directly at the mouth of Erlauf River (one of Danube's tributaries). Melk is approx 15 km (9 mi) to the east along the river.

The settlement (as Bechelaren) was established in the 12th century as a trading and transshipment point for goods like wine, salt, iron. The market and fortifications were built in the 13th century when also the town received city rights. Pochlarn's economic growth reached its heyday in the 16th century. Following the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) and two devastating fires (1664, 1766), the market town lost its regional importance.

The current-day town's economy relies on large employers like Vetropack Group (Switzerland-based, family-owned glass packaging manufacturer), Bramac (roof tiles), Lasselsberger Group (producer of raw materials, building materials, ceramic tiles).

As cruise port, Pochlarn was included in the 2021 schedule of the river cruise company Nicko Cruises (the German brand of Mystic Cruises) with the riverboats Maxima and Belvedere. Next tables show Nicko's 7-night and 12-night itineraries roundtrip from Passau.

(ship Belvedere) 7-day itinerary - prices started from EUR 500 (USD 600) per person with double occupancy.

(ship Maxima) 11-day itinerary - prices started from EUR 800 (USD 950) per person with double occupancy.