The Seine has its lovers’ trysts. The Thames has its bridges. The Tiber has Romulus and Remus. The Danube has—well, put on the Blue Danube and lace up your waltzing shoes, traveler, because this river will have you dancing. For joy, that is. This area has been inspiring troubled writers, wacky musicians, and singing families for centuries, but it’s still hard to pinpoint exactly what is special about Austria and its iconic waterway. Maybe it’s that Austria has maintained much of the charming 17th- and 18th-century architecture built along the river, resulting in a picturesque scene whether you stay in Vienna or venture into quaint towns like Krems and Stein. Perhaps it’s the verdant nature reserves of Mödling, where you can stroll as you contemplate how Beethoven may have done the same as he composed his Missa Solemnis. Or maybe it’s that the Viennese really do dance the waltz en masse on New Year’s Eve. We haven’t found one, all-encompassing answer yet (though not for lack of trying). We challenge you to find it, one cup of Viennese coffee and Danube backdrop at a time.