Wachau guide 
Melk - The monumental Baroque abbey rises majestically above the Danube. It is one of the most important monastic buildings in Europe. In addition to the monastery, you will also find a picturesque historic center, beautiful gardens and views of the river.
Dürnstein - One of the most picturesque towns in the Wachau, famous for its blue-and-white monastery and the ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Narrow streets, wine taverns and views of the vineyards create its unmistakable charm.
Krems - The largest town in the Wachau is one of the oldest in Austria. It attracts with its historic centre with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque monuments, a lively cultural scene and a number of museums.
Welcome to the Wachau - a landscape where time slows down and the Danube winds its way between steep vineyards, romantic villages and majestic monasteries. The Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rightly considered one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe and a real treasure of Lower Austria.
The cycle paths in the Wachau are among the most beautiful and best equipped in Austria. They offer safe and comfortable facilities for cyclists of all ages, beautiful views, historical monuments and the opportunity to taste local wines and apricot specialties. You will enjoy one-day and multi-day cycling trips here, whether you are a family with children, a recreational cyclist or a wine tourism enthusiast.
On the 40 kilometres between Melk and Krems, a thousand years of history and picturesque nature come together. The famous wine terraces, which the locals have built into the granite slopes over the centuries, give the landscape its typical appearance and the Wachau wines their unmistakable character. This is where the famous Riesling and Grüner Veltliner varieties are grown, which will delight every wine lover. The best way to enjoy wine is at one of the local festivals - for example, the Wachau Spring Festival is held here at the beginning of May.
But Wachau is not just about wine! Baroque gems such as Melk Abbey, the fairy-tale villages of Dürnstein and Weißenkirchen, medieval ruins and legends about King Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned in Dürnstein, await you. Whether you take a cycle path along the Danube, sample local specialities in a wine tavern or let yourself be carried away by boat along the winding river, the Wachau will enchant you with its relaxed atmosphere and unmistakable charm.
Melk Guide
A picturesque town in Lower Austria lies on the banks of the Danube on the edge of the Wachau Valley. Its greatest fame is brought by the monumental Benedictine monastery – Melk Abbey (Stift Melk), which majestically rises on a rock above the town and is among the most important Baroque buildings in Europe. The monastery was founded in 1089, when Leopold II. handed over the original castle to the Benedictines of Lambach; the current appearance dates from the years 1702–1739.
There was already a military garrison here during the time of the Roman Empire and the town was first mentioned in 831 as Medilica. Over the centuries, Melk gained city rights and became an important regional center.
The town itself offers visitors a rich history that can be discovered in picturesque streets, squares and unique buildings such as the Gothic parish church, ancient burgher houses or the remains of the town walls. Today, Melk is not only a tourist magnet thanks to the monastery listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also a lively cultural center with a varied offer of festivals, concerts and theater performances throughout the year.
Monuments and attractions
Melk Monastery (Stift Melk) - The largest landmark of the city is the monumental Baroque Benedictine monastery. The monastery was founded in 1089 and its current appearance dates from the 18th century. Inside you will find the famous monastery church of St. Peter and Paul with beautiful decoration, an impressive library with thousands of rare manuscripts, the Marble Hall, the Imperial Corridor and a museum. From the balcony between the Marble Hall and the library you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Danube Valley. Empress Maria Theresa used to sleep in the Monastery on her travels.
Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Straße 1, Melk.
Melk's historic center - Several themed trails run through the city, such as the "Red Thread" (Der rote Faden), which takes you through the historic center to the monastery. On Rathausplatz, the town hall from 1575 stands, surrounded by a number of historic houses. In the middle of the square you will find a fountain with a statue of St. Coloman, the patron saint of the city.
Themed trails and viewpoints - In addition to the "Red Thread", you can also use other themed trails in Melk, such as the "Blue Wave" (Die Blaue Welle), which takes you to the river, an observation deck and the floodplain. From there you can take a boat trip on the Danube to other Wachau towns.
Gastronomic specialties - Melk is also known for its regional cuisine. We recommend trying the local cake "Melker Torte", traditional Austrian dishes in the restaurants in the historic center and, during the harvest season, homemade apricot ice cream.
Accommodation in Melk
In this picturesque town, you can stay in popular apartments, in pleasant guesthouses, local hotels or in one of the two hostels. We recommend accommodation with a terrace, because the views in Melk are usually worth it.
Luxury accommodation in the center of Melk is offered, for example, by the 4* Hotel Restaurant zur Post. In the hotel restaurant, you can taste seasonal Austrian dishes, the wine cellar offers local wines and the children will definitely like the ice cream stand. The hotel also offers free parking and bike rental. Guests can use the games room, sun terrace and garden.
Popular guesthouses include Privatzimmer Langthaler, which offers rooms with a seating area and private bathroom and a breakfast buffet. The guesthouse is located about 2 km from the center of Melk. In addition to cycling, you can also enjoy table tennis here. The advantages of the accommodation include free private parking, a garden or a terrace.
Those who prefer their own apartment with a kitchenette will certainly appreciate the Golden Star - Premium Apartments aparthotel in the city center, 500 meters from the abbey. The aparthotel offers fully equipped studios and apartments. Guests can park on the street in front of the accommodation.
And finally, something cheaper, perhaps for backpackers - Dream Factory Melk - Green Hostel can be found in the city center. The hostel offers shared rooms, a shared kitchen or a common room. There is also a minimarket, lockers or luggage storage.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Melk, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com. You can also use Booking.com.
Dürnstein Guide
Dürnstein lies on the banks of the Danube and is surrounded by vineyards. It attracts visitors with its medieval streets, the iconic blue and white tower of the monastery church and the romantic ruins of the castle high above the town.
It was here that the English king Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192, which gives the town a touch of legend and adventure. Dürnstein will enchant you not only with its historic center and picturesque views of the Danube, but also with the atmosphere of traditional wine taverns, where you can taste the famous Wachau wines and local apricot specialties.
Whether you take a walk through the narrow streets, climb to the castle ruins or just enjoy a coffee with a view of the river, Dürnstein will transport you to the times of knights and monastic legends. Get ready for an experience full of history, nature and Austrian hospitality - Dürnstein is a place you will fall in love with at first sight!
Monuments and attractions
Dürnstein Castle Ruins - The romantic castle ruins tower over the town, famous for the fact that the English king Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned here in 1192–1193. The castle was built in the first half of the 12th century by the Kuenring family. Today, you can admire breathtaking views of the Danube and the Wachau vineyards from it. A nature trail leads to the castle. The climb up takes about 20–30 minutes and will reward you with a panorama like from a fairy tale.
Address: Dürnstein.
Dürnstein Monastery with its blue and white tower - The Baroque monastery with its iconic blue and white tower is one of the symbols of the entire Wachau. The monastery was built on the site of the original chapel in the 14th century, and underwent Baroque reconstruction in the 18th century. Today it serves as a museum and a place for cultural meetings.
Address: Dürnstein 1.
Historic town and city walls - Dürnstein has retained its medieval character with narrow streets, burgher houses and parts of the original city walls that connect the town with the castle ruins. A walk through the town offers not only a historical atmosphere, but also the opportunity to taste local wines and apricot specialties.
Town hall and picturesque courtyard - The town hall is housed in a Renaissance-style rebuilt house from the 16th century. It is located right on the main road of the town and is one of the most interesting architectural details of Dürnstein.
Address: Dürnstein 25.
Accommodation in Dürnstein
Dürnstein offers several hotels, guesthouses and over 10 apartments. Some accommodations also have a swimming pool, but if you need barrier-free accommodation, you will have to look elsewhere. None of the accommodation capacities in Dürnstein offer it.
Guests can enjoy luxury in the only 5* hotel in the town. At Hotel Schloss Dürnstein you will really feel like you are in a castle. You will find it on a rock above the Danube and be sure that the views are worth it. Whether from the restaurant terrace or from the garden. Guests have access to an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath.
Among the guesthouses we can recommend, for example, Winzerhof - Gästehaus Stöger. The guesthouse is located a short distance from the Danube. It offers both a storage room and a bicycle rental. You can relax in the quiet garden and watch the river and passing boats. You can stay here in a double room or in an apartment with its own kitchenette. There is also a parking lot and a children's outdoor playground.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Durnstein, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com. You can also use Booking.com.
Krems guide
The fifth largest city in Lower Austria lies on the banks of the Danube, approximately 70 km west of Vienna. Krems is one of the oldest cities in the country – the first mentions date back to 995. Its picturesque centre is rightly included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A walk through the narrow cobbled streets will take you past Baroque and Renaissance houses, historic gates and picturesque squares, where you can enjoy a glass of local wine or the famous Krems mustard.
Krems is famous for its “Heurigen” – family wine taverns, where you can taste wines directly from local winemakers, often accompanied by regional specialities and in the authentic atmosphere of old cellars or gardens. Popular ones include the taverns in the Stein an der Donau district or in the nearby village of Krems-Stein, where they focus mainly on typical Wachau varieties such as Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
Another great opportunity for tasting is to visit one of the wine festivals or tasting events that are held regularly in Krems, where you can compare wines from different producers in one place.
Walking among the vineyards, for example as part of one of the wine trails, allows you to enjoy the views of the city. The most beautiful views can be enjoyed in spring, when the apricots are in bloom.
Sights and attractions
Old Town – A complex network of narrow streets and squares with historic houses form the heart of Krems. You can go for a walk here and taste local specialties. During your walk, you will come across the famous Simandlbrunnen fountain, whose statue of a man kneeling in front of his wife is a humorous symbol of “men under the slipper”.
Address: Obere Landstraße, Krems.
Gozzoburg – An exceptional early Gothic tower house with unique vaults and wall paintings, including the oldest depiction of the Moravian eagle and the Bohemian lion. This impressive house was built in the mid-13th century by the city judge Gozzo as a representative residence. Instead of a defensive fortress, a real palace was built with luxurious decorations, including the famous “Heavenly Hall” with a unique fresco cycle from the 14th century, which is one of the oldest in Europe.
Address: Hoher Markt 11, Krems.
Kloster Und – A former Capuchin monastery, today a center for winemaking and cultural events, where you can taste the famous Wachau wines. The monastery has survived the flooding of the Danube, a devastating fire and a period when it served as a military hospital. The name comes from the Old Latin "Claustrum ad undam" (monastery by the wave), because when it was founded in 1614, the Danube swelled so much that it literally washed away its foundations.
Address: Undstraße 6, Krems.
City walls and gates – The preserved parts of the medieval fortifications remind us of the importance of the city as a trade and defense center. The most famous Steiner Gate, built in 1480, is today considered a symbol of the city – its massive clock tower and Renaissance decoration greet visitors as they enter the historic center.
Address: Steiner Donaulände, Krems.
Pfarrplatz – The main square, which is transformed into a real culinary treasure trove of Wachau every Saturday morning. This is where the famous Kremser Genussmarkt takes place, where almost 50 regional producers offer fresh fruit, vegetables, homemade cheeses, pastries, wines and traditional specialties such as Krems mustard or Wachauer Laberl. The atmosphere is complemented by wine tastings from local winemakers, the aroma of grilled sausages and creative handicrafts.
Address: Pfarrplatz, Krems.
Accommodation in Krems
Accommodation in Krems is represented by apartments for the most part, followed by hotels. You can also find several guesthouses, villas or hostels. Most accommodation capacities offer parking, several of them air conditioning or perhaps a swimming pool.
Spacious accommodation in the city center is offered by Klinglhuber Suites, for example. Some apartments have a balcony or terrace, and those on the ground floor even have a terrace with direct access to the outdoor pool. In addition to the pool, guests can also relax in the garden. The accommodation offers its clients breakfast, free parking and luggage storage.
Not far from the center you will also find the 3* historic family hotel Zum goldenen Engel - Fam. Ehrenreich. Guests have free access to a bicycle garage and private parking for cars. In the garden you can swim in the pool or just enjoy the views of Göttweig Abbey.
The small guesthouse Weinberghof Ilkerl-Luf can be found 2 km from the center of Krems, by the river, almost in nature. You will enjoy peace and quiet, a garden with a terrace, suitable for picnics or, in case of bad weather, a common room and board games. There is also private parking.
You can book cheaper accommodation at Kolping Campus Krems. The student residence offers double rooms with a kitchenette. It is located in the middle of the vineyards on the university campus. In addition to private parking, a terrace with outdoor furniture and a garden, guests can also use the fitness center.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Krems, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com. You can also use Booking.com.