spitz austria tourism

• 1 Understand
• 2.2 By train
• 2.3 By boat
• 3.1 By bicycle

Spitz is a small town in the Wachau , on the river Danube. Together with the neighbouring villages of Gut am Steg, Schwallenbach, and Vießling it is a major wine-producing centre of the region.

Understand [ edit ]

Named after the Knights of Spitz, who maintained the castle looming over the town, evidence of human settlement here dates back 4000 years. From 812 to 1504 CE it was owned by the Niederaltaich Abbey, and was a Bavarian enclave within Austria. Today its primary economic activity is wine production and tourism.

• 48.36192 15.41594 1 Tourismusverein Spitz ( Spitz Tourist Information ), Mittergasse 3a , ☏ +43 2713 2363 , fax : +43 2713 2988 , [email protected] . End of Apr - beginning of Oct: M-Sa 09:00-13:00 14:00-18:00; October: M-Sa 09:00-13:00 14:00-16:00; open on holidays . The staff can help arrange accommodation, and maintains an online heurigen calendar . ( updated Oct 2016 )

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ]

Spitz is located midway between Melk and Dürnstein on the B3 regional highway, which follows the Danube River along its northern bank.

By train [ edit ]

A regional train passes through 48.36498 15.41747 1 Spitz Bahnhof connecting Krems with Emmersdorf (four times daily) and Spitz (three times daily). Use ÖBB's SCOTTY to look up train information online.

By boat [ edit ]

From mid-April through October Spitz can be reached by river boats which ply the route between Melk and Krems /Stein, also making stops in Emmersdorf and Dürnstein .

• 48.36433 15.41989 2 DDSG Blue Danube Schiffahrt GmbH , Donaustrasse , ☏ +43 1 588 80 , fax : +43 1 588 80 440 , [email protected] . Operates several times daily; timetables and fares (listed at the bottom of the page) can be found here . Tickets can be purchased at any of the docking points, in Vienna, or online [dead link] . Bicycles (€2) and dogs (free) permitted on board. ( updated Oct 2016 )
• 48.36433 15.41989 3 Brandner , Donaustrasse , ☏ +43 7433 2590 21 , [email protected] . Operates twice daily, also making a stop in Weißenkirchen. Timetables and fares can bee seen here . Tickets can be purchased online . Bicycles (€2) and dogs (free, muzzle and leash required) permitted on board. ( updated Oct 2016 )

Get around [ edit ]

Spitz proper is very compact, and the easiest way to get around is by foot. To go the neighbouring villages a bicycle or car can be useful.

• Taxi Bernhardt , Laaben 1a , ☏ +43 664 2222 040 , [email protected] . Daily 24 hrs . Offers taxi service around the region. ( updated Nov 2016 )

By bicycle [ edit ]

• Nextbike , ☏ +43 2742 22 99 01 (hotline) . After registration (online or by mobile), pick up a bicycle at any Nextbike location, and drop it off at the same or any other Nextbike spot. A map of pickup and drop-off points can be found here (click 'Wachau' for Spitz); a brochure for the Wachau region is available for download . €1/hr, €10/day .  

See [ edit ]

• 48.35979 15.40125 2 Schifffahrtsmuseum Spitz ( Spitz Maritime Museum ), Auf der Wehr 21 , ☏ +43 2713 2246 , [email protected] . 15 Apr - 31 Oct: M-Sa 10:00-12:00 14:00-16:00, Su and holidays 10:00-16:00 . The museum is devoted to illustrating the history and development of maritime traffic on the Danube River. €6.50 (adults), €5.50 (seniors), €4.50 (children) . ( updated Oct 2016 )

Do [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ], eat [ edit ].

Most inns and hotels in the area also have good onsite restaurants; see the 'Sleep' section below for individual listings.

• 48.3633 15.41824 1 Strandcafé Spitz , Donaulände 7 , ☏ +43 2713 2320 , fax : +43 2713 2320 4 , [email protected] . Apr-Nov: Th-M 09:00-19:00 . Operating since 1926, the café serves regional specialties. Visitors can dine indoors or outdoors on a very pleasant terrace overlooking the river. Has disabled access and a play area for children. ( updated Nov 2016 )
• 48.36549 15.41388 2 Gasthaus Mariandl , Kirchenplatz 2 , ☏ +43 2713 2376 , [email protected] . Late Mar - Sep: W-Su 11:00-23:00; Oct: W-F 11:00-14:00 17:30-20:00, Sa Su and holidays 11:00-20:00 . Serves regional cuisine, with a focus on traditional produce that is in danger of being forgotten and dying out. Reservations can be made online . ( updated Nov 2016 )

Drink [ edit ]

Sleep [ edit ]

• 48.35847 15.40927 1 Gasthaus Prankl , Altes Schiffmeisterhaus, Hinterhaus 16 , ☏ +43 2713 2323 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00-18:00 , check-out: 07:00-11:00 . The hotel dates from 1680, and has a highly-regarded onsite restaurant, non-smoking rooms, and garden with sunbeds. A public swimming spot on the riverfront is located directly in front of the hotel. Free Wi-Fi, pets permitted on request, free private parking available. €95+ . ( updated Oct 2016 )
• 48.35944 15.41072 2 Residenz Zum Schwarzen Raben , Hinterhaus 2 , ☏ +43 664 3539 390 , [email protected] . Check-in: 16:00-18:00 , check-out: 09:00-10:30 . The 400-year-old building has a number of holiday apartments. €90+ . ( updated Oct 2016 )

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Top Things to Do in Spitz, Austria - Spitz Must-See Attractions

Things to do in spitz, explore popular experiences, tours in and around spitz.

Wine tasting on traditional wooden boats in Wachau Valley

• Danube Valley Private Tour with Melk Abbey Skip-the-Line Access from Vienna

Wachau World Heritage Hike

Wachau Valley Kayak & Wine Tour

• Grand Wachau Full Day Private Tour

• 3-Hour Private Hiking Tour to historic places around Spitz in Wachau Valley

Culinary tour in Melk

Highlights of Vienna City Center Walking Tour

Vienna Classical Concert at St. Peter’s Church

Vienna's Highlights: Food, Coffee and Market Walking Experience

Top Attractions in Spitz

Other Top Attractions around Spitz

Private Sightseeing Tours

Tours & Sightseeing

Cultural & theme tours, what travellers are saying.

• Burgruine Aggstein
• Hinterhaus Castle
• Schifffahrtsmuseum Spitz
• Rollfähre Arnsdorf-Spitz
• Gunther Philipp Museum
• Melk Abbey, Wachau, Danube Valley Private Trip with Transport
• Wachau Sightseeing Tour

Explore Spitz

Plan your spitz holiday: best of spitz.

Essential Spitz

Spitz Is Great For

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Explore Spitz

Plan your trip to spitz: best of spitz tourism.

Essential Spitz

Spitz Is Great For

Eat & drink

Home > Austria > Wachau > Spitz Guide to History & Hiking in Wachau Valley

August 20, 2020

Spitz guide to history & hiking in wachau valley, active life , culture , guide , hiking , history, top attractions:, history guide to schönbrunn palace gardens, zoo & monuments, vienna.

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A Hidden Gem of the Wachau Valley

Anybody who ever thought of visiting Austria must have heard of the Wachau Valley. If not of the region itself, at least of the legendary Dürnstein and the God’s finger, or the iconic Melk Monastery. Both are amazing, and both have a well-deserved status as the highlights of Wachau Valley.

Nevertheless, one would miss the mark, assuming that these monasteries are all that is worth to visit in the region. Quite the contrary – neither of them captures the true spirit of Wachau Valley. It is not about the abbeys but the cultural heritage of humans, reaching the deep pre-historic times. Even these magnificent monasteries represent only a small portion of the castles situated in the valley.

It is hard to appreciate Wachau without understanding the landscape of it either. It is not the just Danube but the mountains surrounding the river. You haven’t seen the Wachau if you haven’t climbed one. Viticulture and peach farming are also quintessential for the region, and, of course, you must taste it to get the taste of the Wachau Valley.

What amazes me that everything is right in place, there is no need to go far from the popular route to see the Wachau. Photo by A.L. [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

To begin with, Melk is not even in the Domaine Wachau, and, technically, while it is possible to experience much of the region has to offer, during a day trip to Dürstein , you’ll have to deal with the unbearable masses of tourism. The town was full of people even during the early days of the 2019 pandemic, and to be honest, it is not located at the heart of Wachau either.

I’m not trying to downplay anything. All of the towns located in Wachau Valley are mesmerizing – straight from a fairy-tale. All of them deserve attention and appreciation but if I had to pick just one to represent the region, without a doubt it would be either Weissenkirchen or Spitz.

From the Medieval ages, Spitz has been a market town. Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

Located right at the heart of Wachau, the town meets all the requirements of fully representing the Wachau Valley. It is hard not to be captivated by the richness of Spitz’s culture and history from the very first moments within the town. The scenery of narrow streets and the surrounding nature is so idyllic that it feels like the medieval Old Town of Spitz is just a dummy built for a Hollywood movie, or maybe it is straight out of a painting.

Wine production and heurigers are an essential part of the town. Spitz could be hardly imagined without the Tausendeimerberg, a legendary wine mountain, which is said to produce 1000 buckets of wine (56,000l, or 74,600 bottles) in bountiful years alone. The mountain is far from being the only place, where Spitzers have been cultivating fine wine for ages. As a matter of fact, Spitz is on record of viticulture for more than 1,100 years.

Tausendeimerberg (the “Hill of a Thousand Buckets”) from Hinterhaus Ruins. Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

I couldn’t imagine a better place to try the fine wines of Spitz, than the town itself. The life-giving taste of local Riesling, or Grüner Veltliner, could only be matched by the marvelous beauty of the surrounding landscape, from which these wines have been cultivated. The town is surrounded by green mountains and Danube looks like it is the only means of getting in and out of this dream-like environment that Spitz is. You just don’t get these sceneries within Central Europe anywhere else.

The vineyards continue far beyond Tausendeimerberg. Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

Spitz details

• Location: Wachau Valley
• State: Lower Austria
• Coordinates: 48.3618° N, 15.4159° E
• Distance from Vienna: 99.2km / 61.64mi
• First mentioned: 830 CE
• First settlers: 2,000 BC
• Population: 1,627 (2018)
• Area: 23.82 km² (9.2 sq mi)
• Elevation: 223m / 732ft
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: 2000
• Forecast: Spitz weather 
• Accomondation: Booking.com  
• Best time to visit: Mid-spring & Early Autumn
• Heuriger calendar: Heurigenkalender

Spitz an der Wachau Map

Spitz is located by a loop on the left bank of Danube river. Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

Best Hikes around Spitz

Tausendeimerberg circle.

It is hard to describe in a few sentences everything this short hike has to offer. Not only do you get to see Spitz itself but its vineyards and pass-by the best heurigers. It would be a sin not to make a quick stop at one and try some of the fine local white wines.

The hike around Tausendeimerberg gives a chance to see Spitz Church from afar and up close in the market square, you’ll pass the lower castle, climb to Hinterhaus ruins, with the breath-taking views of the Danube and the surrounding area.

Hike Details

• Distance: ~5km / 3.1mi
• Duration: 1h30
• Difficulty: Easy

The views from Hinterhaus Castle will blow your mind. Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

Spitz Red Gate Circular Hike

The hiking route takes you through Spitz Church to the Red Gate, from which the trail goes up the mountain and descends to the fortified Church of St Michael. The road by river Danube brings back you to the train station of Spitz.

• Distance: 7.25km / 4.5mi
• Duration: 2h15
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Hoher Stein & Aggstein Ruins Circular Hike

A long hiking trail from Spitz to Aggstein Ruins through Hoher Stein, and returns by river Danube.

• Distance: ~17.7km / ~11mi
• Duration: 5h45
• Difficulty: Hard

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How to get to Spitz

Given the worldwide recognition and popularity of the Wachau Valley, it is not a surprise that the region is well-connected with the outside world. The two main connection hubs are Krems and Melk. Both could be reached within an hour by train or a car.

To Melk: Every hour CJX train goes from Westbahnhof, through St Pölten.

To Krems: Every hour REX train goes from Franz Josefs Bahnhof.

Wachaubahn: The only way to navigate in the Wachau on a railway is by the privately ran train – Wachaubahn. This train is at least twice as expensive as the bus and is not that much faster. It goes about every two hours.

Pro tip: The cheapest option to travel by train in Austria is Einfach-Raus Ticket, which allows you and your friends to get on as many regional trains within a day as you want. It does not cover either buses or Wachaubahn.

Wachaubahn is a private company, thus it is not covered by ÖBB Einfach-Raus Ticket. Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

While I would not recommend getting to either Krems or Melk by bus, it is the cheapest way to travel throughout the Wachau Valley. The bus transit between the towns about two times an hour and takes about an hour to complete the route.

To Melk: From Vienna head west between Penzing and Schönbrunn, where you enter road A1, which leads straight to Salzburg, through Melk.

To Krems: From Vienna just follow the Danube river upstream, through roads A22, S5, S33, and then 37a.

Within Wachau: There is a road on each side of Danube but Spitz is on the left bank of Danube, thus from Krems follow road 3. From Melk, you’ll require to cross the Danube river on the bridge Melker Donaubrücke (3a) to Emmersdorf and enter road 3.

Another popular way to travel within the Wachau Valley is cycling. 40km between Melk and Krems could be easily cycled within a day, but only if you could resist the beauty of the Wachau. You can find a full of cycling guide in Wachau in this article.

Don’t miss a chance to explore all of the villages at the heart of Wachau Valley. Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

• From Krems: Wachau Valley River Cruise with 3-Course Meal (5h | € 47.90/person)
• From Vienna: Wachau and Danube Valleys Tour from Vienna (1day | € 79/person)

While there are many boats cruising Danube river through the Wachau Valley, not all of them make a stop at Spitz. This guided tour includes transportation on 8-seater Mercedes van through Dürnstein, Weissenkirchen, Spitz and a cruise from Spitz to Melk. Find more information clicking on the link below.

• From Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting (9h | € 129/person)

Cruise tours are the most popular way to visit the Wachau Valley by tourists. Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

Best Hotels in Spitz

Located in the middle between Melk and Krems, Spitz is a very good location for an accommodation. Here are some of the best hotels in the town:

• Hotel Mariandl – 3-star hotel is located on the cycling route, surrounded by vineyards of Spitz. It has free breakfast, restaurant, bar, lounge, garden, WiFi, and free private parking.
• Gasthof Prankl – Altes Schiffmeisterhaus – 3-star hotel is located beneath Hinterhause Ruins, in front of Danube beach. Gasthof Prankl dates back to 1680 and has an award-winning restaurant, free parking, free breakfast, a garden, and breath-taking views.
• Hotel Weinberghof & Weingut Lagler – 4-star hotel is located under Tausendeimerberg, at the heart of Spitz viticulture. Every room has garden views. The hotel offers a terrace, bar, sauna, breakfast, free WiFi, and free private parking.

Best Heurigers in Spitz

One of the main reasons, attracting many locals to the Wachau Region is its globally recognized fine white whites, mostly Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. There is no better place to taste them, than heurigers surrounded by vineyards. Some notable heurigers in Spitz:

• Gruber’s Heuriger has a nice terrace with awe-inspiring views. – Radlbach 5, 3620 Spitz
• Weingut Lagler – Am Hinterweg 17, 3620 Spitz
• Weingut Özelt – Kirchenpl. 3, 3620 Spitz
• Winery Thomas Gritsch – Haidgasse 1, 3620 Spitz
• Weingut Gritsch Roman – Radlbach 11, 3620 Spitz
• Weingärtnerei Helmut Donabaum – Haidgasse 10, 3620 Spitz

What is a better refreshment than a glass of local cold white wine in Wachau? Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

Interesting Things About Spitz

History of spitz.

The earliest archaeological evidence of settlers in the area around Spitz dates to 2,000BC. Impressive as it sounds, it wouldn’t surprise me that these dates will be dwarfed by in the future. The famous Venus of Willendorf was found just outside the territory of Spitz. So, it would be natural to assume that the area around the loop of Danube was inhabited as well.

The replica of ~28,000 years old Venus of Willendorf. The original could be seen in the Museum of Natural History in Vienna. Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

The written historic times of Spitz start in 830CE, when the area between Aggsbach Market and the loop, where Spitz is located was donated by Charlemagne to his grandson Ludwig the German. In turn, he put the area under the rule of Bavarian nobles. Spitz and the area around the market town remained a Bavarian enclave up until 1504. This was the setup for the upcoming bloodshed in the area.

In 1550 under foreign influences, Spitz becomes a center of the expanding Reformation. 63 years later, as the unrest was growing, a Protestant Church was built in the town. Naturally, when the Thirty Year War broke out in 1620 between Catholic and Protestant churches, Spitz got caught in the middle of it.

The Spitzers rebelled against the Catholic Habsburgs rule and in turn, they had to face severe consequences. The town was attacked and pillaged by the opposing faction several times, resulting in great losses for Spitz. As the outcome, the Protestant Church was destroyed and was never rebuilt after the war due to the Counter-Reformation in the Habsburgs Domain.

Hinterhaus Ruins are one the places left pillaged after the Thirty Years War. Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

The Legend of Red Gate

One of the popular places to visit in Spitz is the Red Gate. It is one of the ruins, remaining after the Thirty Years War. The legend tells about the bloody battle of those times, which happened near the gate between Spitzers and the Swedish mercenaries. The battle was so fierce and cruel that the gate got covered by crimson-red color of blood.

Legend of Teufelsmauer

Another legend tells a bit more optimistic story. Some time ago devil got annoyed by the miracles performed in the Church of St Johann at Mauerthale, and all the pilgrims seeking help. He decided to put an end to this by building a wall beyond the church by the Danube to flood it. God let him do it under one condition that he must finish it before the third croak of roosters.

The Church of St Johann marks the entrance to the Wachau. Photo by Alis Monte [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

Devil had a plan. He bought all the roosters in the region, except the ones from an old lady, living on the top of Teufelsmauer, who didn’t want to sell it for all the money in the world. Also, the prince of hell asked all the damned spirits to help him build the wall and he almost did it by the dawn but the old lady’s roosters started croaking. At first, a white one croaked three times but the devil ignored it. The black one was ignored as well, but when the red rooster got on the top of the church and crowed three times, the devil had to stop.

Furious with his failure, the devil shot an arrow at the rooster and went back to hell. To this day, the rooster with an arrow could be seen on the top of the Church of St Johann, and the interesting rock formation just before Spitz is known as “the Devil’s wall”.

I would list climbing Hinterhaus Ruins among the top activities in the Wachau Valley. [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Connecting the Dots

Personal Experience

I bet there are more stories to uncover in Spitz as this town doesn’t stop to surprise me every time I visit the area. While the locals know to appreciate Spitz and the nearby villages at the heart of the Wachau Valley, tourists tend to miss the mark of the region. Both Melk and Dürnstein are great and deserve a journey of their own but the real flavour of Wachau could be only truly experienced at the heart of it.

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11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Melk

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Situated at the point where the River Danube enters the Wachau Valley, the picturesque little town of Melk is best known for its massive Benedictine Abbey, one of the most splendid monastic houses in Austria.

Originally a Roman fortified post called Namare, Melk was later occupied by a castle built to defend the border. In 1089, the castle was handed to the Benedictines and in 1113, the bones of St. Koloman were moved there, ensuring its fame as a place of pilgrimage.

By the 13th century, Melk had become an important market town. After the original abbey had been damaged several times by fire, the present magnificent Baroque structure was built between 1702 and 1738. Melk remains one of the best places to visit in Austria for its many historic buildings, particularly its old town center, which has preserved much of its original architectural heritage.

The countryside surrounding Melk also has several attractions for tourists. The Donauradweg cycling path is one of the loveliest bicycle routes in all Europe, connecting riverside towns and scenic natural areas. Several castles are within a few kilometers, including the 900-year-old Renaissance Schloss Schallaburg; Schloss Schönbühel; and Aggstein Castle, in romantic ruins.

To learn more about these and other points of interest in the area, be sure to read through our list of the top tourist attractions in Melk.

See also: Where to Stay in Melk

1. Melk Abbey

2. melk old town, 3. schallaburg castle, 4. aggsbach-dorf and maria langegg, 5. artstetten castle, 6. the ruins of aggstein castle, 7. maria taferl, 8. the wachau valley, 9. schloss schönbühel, 11. göttweig abbey, where to stay in melk for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in melk, melk, austria - climate chart.

Standing grandly above the Danube and looking more like an imperial palace than a monastery, the buildings of Melk Abbey (Stift Melk) are laid out around seven courtyards.

The most prominent part of the complex, which has a total length of 325 meters, is the west end. Here, its twin-towered church rises above a semicircular terrace. The abbey's octagonal domed entrance gate, flanked by the statues of St. Koloman and St. Leopold, leads into the forecourt (Torwartlhof), with superb views of its magnificent east façade.

Interior highlights include the Imperial Staircase (Kaiserstiege), the banisters of which are decorated with cherubs and stone statues, and the Imperial Rooms (Kaiserzimmer), now home to the abbey's museum. Also notable is the 196-meter-long Imperial Corridor (Kaisergang), with its portraits of Austria's rulers.

Anther important feature is the exquisite Marble Hall (Marmorsaal). This sumptuous room features fine ceiling paintings showing mythological scenes extolling the virtues of the ruling house of Austria. The library is also worth viewing, with its beautiful ceiling paintings and more than 90,000 volumes and rare manuscripts.

The Abbey Church is considered the finest Baroque church north of the Alps. It's famous for its twin towers surmounted by helm roofs, along with its outstanding interior with superb 18th-century ceiling paintings. Also noteworthy are its ornate choir stalls and confessional chair, and the artistically carved pulpit and high altar with figures of the patron saints of the church, St. Peter and St. Paul. English language guided tours are available.

Also of note are the abbey's superb gardens, with a Baroque Garden Pavilion (separate admission required). The attraction also boasts a regular program of organ recitals. For a truly memorable visit, consider a stay at the Abbey's Guest House.

Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Straße 1, 3390 Melk

Official site: www.stiftmelk.at

Take some time to stroll through the narrow streets of Old Town Melk, below the Benedictine Abbey. The Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz), the Hauptstrasse, and the Main Square (Hauptplatz) form the village center, together with Kremser Strasse and Wiener Strasse.

In Rathausplatz stands the old House for Itinerants (Lebzelterhaus) from 1657 with its fine painted windows, and the Rathaus bearing the town's coat of arms. In Sterngasse is the old abbey tavern dating from 1736 with its stone statue of the Coronation of Our Lady, while parts of the old town wall and the Nibelungen Memorial Tablet (Nibelungen-Gedenktafel) can be visited in Kremser Strasse.

Be sure to venture down to the banks of the Danube, home to the old shipping master's house and great views of the river. Finally, south of Linzer Strasse stands the old post office built in 1792 and now a local museum.

Just five kilometers south of Melk stands 900-year-old Schallaburg Castle (Schloss Schallaburg). This stunning fortress is considered the most important piece of Renaissance architecture in Lower Austria due to its magnificent two-story arcaded courtyard and rich terra-cotta decoration.

A mix of Romanesque palace and Gothic chapel, the schloss features elegant cantilevered staircases and numerous terra-cotta decorations depicting characters from mythology. Most notable of these are depictions of the legendary Hundefräulein, a woman with the head of a dog, along with ancient gods and animals.

English language guided tours, including exclusive evening tours, are available upon request. Afterwards, be sure to explore the flowerbeds and orchards of the superb castle gardens.

Address: Schallaburg 1, 3382 Schallaburg

Official site: www.schallaburg.at/en?set_language=en

Just 12 kilometers northeast of Melk and also on the Danube is the small town of Aggsbach-Dorf, famous as the home of the Servite monastery of Maria Langegg. Perched 550 meters above the Danube, this stunning structure was rebuilt in Baroque style in 1773, with some interesting old frescoes and a fine library added.

A highlight of this popular tourist attraction is the pilgrimage church with its imposing north tower façade and rich interior with many wall paintings, a Baroque pulpit, and a fully-restored 18th-century organ. Also worth visiting is the Pilgrimage Museum (Wallfahrtsmuseum) with its history of Maria Langegg and artifacts from the monastery's library and treasury.

After exploring the abbey church and the village, cross the Danube to Aggsbach Markt . This popular holiday resort is notable for its Late Romanesque 13th-century parish church.

Address: Maria Langegg 1, 3642 Maria Langegg

Visitors with a feel for history will be fascinated to tour Artstetten Castle (Schloss Artstetten). This stunning chateau was the hereditary castle of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria , heir to the Hapsburg throne, whose assassination precipitated World War I. He and his wife are interred in the crypt here, and the castle is filled with historical objects relating to the archduke and the Hapsburg family.

Although signage is not in English, the audio guide follows the visitors' route with information about the exhibits in each room. The gardens and park are known for the outstanding display of peonies, with more than 1,000 plants blooming in May and June.

Address: Schlossplatz 1, Artstetten

Official site: www.schloss-artstetten.at/en/

About 16 kilometers north along the Danube from Melk are the spectacular ruins of Aggstein Castle (Burgruine Aggstein). Standing more than 300 meters above the river on a steep-sided crag, the castle offers magnificent views of the Wachau Valley.

The castle was founded in 1231 and several times destroyed (and rebuilt). Surviving sections include parts of its towers, kitchen, and dining hall, along with the chapel and its mighty walls. The site is infamous as the place where the "robber barons," known as the Kuenringer lived, using the site as a base from which to attack and plunder ships and wagons as they passed through the valley below.

Opposite the ruins of Burg Aggstein, on the left bank of the Danube, is the village of Willendorf . Here, you can see the famous Venus of Willendorf, a Paleolithic image of a female figure, that was found in 1909.

Address: Aggstein, 3642 Aggsbach Dorf

Official site: www.ruineaggstein.at/en.html

In the village of Maria Taferl, high above the Danube and offering fine views of the Danube Valley, stands a handsome Early Baroque pilgrimage church. The Basilica of Maria Taferl is said to have been built on the site of an oak tree with a revered image of the Virgin, and the old twin-towered church - built between 1661 and 1711 - has long been a place of pilgrimage.

Notable features of the pilgrimage church are its marble doorway, its Baroque ceiling paintings, and other frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Joseph and the legend of the Virgin. The decorated pulpit, with its multitude of figures, and the organ, with its rich gold decoration, both from the 18th century, are notable highlights. So, too, is the high altar with its revered figure of the Madonna, and a pietà surrounded by a garland decorated with cherubs.

The Wachau Valley is the name given to the 30-kilometer stretch of the Danube between the towns of Melk and Krems . Here, the river cuts a narrow, rocky valley between the foothills of the Bohemian Forest and the Dunkelsteiner Wald.

Undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the Danube, the area is noted for its many ancient little towns (including picturesque Dürnstein ) nestling below historic old castles and castle ruins.

At the time of the Renaissance, some 31 monasteries were known to have operated here, and as early as 1784, the valley was already becoming popular with travelers. Then, as now, the big draw was the stunning scenery and the many inns, known as Buschenschenken, set up by Emperor Joseph II.

A particularly pretty town is Maria Laach , famous for its richly decorated Pilgrimage Church with an image of the Virgin with Six Fingers from 1440. Also of interest are the Late Gothic winged-altar from 1490, and the tomb of Freiherr Georg von Kuefstein who died in 1603.

Just five kilometers below Melk on the right bank of the Danube, Schloss Schönbühel stands on a crag rearing high above the river. Built in the 12th century on the site of a former Roman fort, the castle has been remodeled several times and dates in its present form - incorporating the old walls - from the early 19th century.

Highlights of a visit include a relief of The Last Supper on the external wall, while nearby stands the Rosalien Chapel and a convent built in 1674. At the foot of the Schloss lies the market town of Schönbühel , well worth exploring given its position overlooking the Danube.

Address: Schönbühel 47, 3392 Schönbühel an der Donau

About 18 kilometers north of Melk is the enchanting town of Spitz. Located on the left bank of the Danube, this old market village has been occupied since the time of the Celts and was first mentioned in AD 830. It has been fortunate in retaining many of its beautiful Renaissance and Baroque houses, a fact that adds to the charm of its quaint streets.

Spitz is also famous for the vine-clad hill rising above it, known as the Tausendeimerberg. Another sightseeing landmark is the Late Gothic church of St. Maurice, with its fine group of Apostles from 1380 and an altarpiece by Kremser Schmidt on the high altar.

Other highlights to explore are the nearby ruins of Hinterhaus Castle , and the Teufelsmauer - the Devil's Wall - a curious spur of rock that projects into the river on the left bank.

South of the picturesque town of Krems and 40 kilometers northeast of Melk is the magnificent Göttweig Abbey. Perched prominently on a wooded hill 269 meters above the Danube, this former Benedictine abbey - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - was founded in 1704 by Bishop Altmann of Passau.

The present buildings were begun in 1719, and work continued until 1783, leaving the plan unfinished. The parts completed were the east and north fronts with the Kaiserstiege, one of the finest staircases of the Baroque period, and its superb ceiling painting from 1739 depicting the transfiguration of Emperor Charles VI. The

Abbey church also impresses, particularly its imposing Baroque façade with twin towers and a spectacular entrance. Interior highlights include the Baroque decorations and furnishings, stained glass, and the choir stalls with their intricate inlaid work.

Other highlights include the convent buildings north of the abbey church, in particular the Altmann Room with its superb Grand Hall, as well as its ceiling frescoes and paintings. The four Imperial Apartments are worth seeing, too, and include the Napoleon Room and the Cecilia Room with paintings by Andreas Altomonte and Kremser Schmidt.

Address: Stift Göttweig 1, 3511 Furth bei Göttweig

The magnificent abbey on the hill above the old center is the prime tourist attraction in this town beside the Danube River. Most of the other things to do are just below, between the Hauptplatz (Main Square) and the Rathausplatz. For visitors arriving here by car or bicycle, staying outside the center in the beautiful countryside surrounding Melk is a good option, too. Here are some highly rated hotels in Melk:

• Luxury Hotels : Opposite the entrance to the abbey and within walking distance of the boat landing, Hotel Restaurant zur Post is a popular meeting place for locals. On the opposite side of Melk from the river and easy to reach from the highway, Hotel Wachau has spacious rooms with balconies, a good restaurant, reliable Wi-Fi, and includes breakfast.
• Mid-Range Hotels : Right on the Hauptplatz, Hotel Stadt Melk is a good choice for those arriving by train as it's just a 10-minute walk from the station. Some rooms have views of the abbey. On a charming, small square that's also an easy walk from the station and close to the abbey, Markus Madar has small, no-frills rooms with free Wi-Fi and free parking. Also with a restaurant and below the abbey in the old town, Wachauerhof offers plain rooms, some with balconies, and on-site parking.
• Budget Hotels : Handy to the Donauradweg cycling path, Pension Marillenhof is a 10-minute walk from the town center and the abbey. Pension Weisses Lamm , above the river and just off Hauptplatz, includes free parking and breakfast. In Pöverding, a few miles outside of Melk in the rolling countryside, Lugerhof is small and beautifully kept, serving an excellent breakfast of fresh local ingredients.

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Guide To Austria’s UNESCO-Listed Wachau Valley: What To See

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Danube, the Wachau Valley is a picturesque 24 mile stretch extending from Krems to Melk. You can explore it by car, bicycle, or on a leisurely cruise.

This Wachau Valley is irresistible charming. It’s adorned with the remnants of ancient castle ruins and fortresses and dotted with charming medieval villages.

All of this loveliness is set amidst terraced vineyards and fragrant apricot orchards. The Wachau is one of Europe’s oldest wine regions. And you can savor its exquisite white wines at various stops along your journey.

In this Wachau Valley guide, I tell you what to everything to see and give you tips for visiting.

Here’s a snapshot glance of what you can see:

• Krems an der Donau
• Dürnstein
• Kuenringerburg Castle
• Weissenkirchen Church
• St. Michael’s Church
• Hinterhaus Castle
• Schönbühel Castle
• Aggstein Castle

Here are some of the best tours you can book to explore the Wachau Valley:

• private tour with wine tasting
• full day trip from Vienna
• biking and wine tasting tour
• ticket for Melk Abbey
• day trip to Durnstein with a boat cruise
• private hiking tour

You can journey from Krems to Melk. You can also reverse the order and start in Melk.

If you are biking in the Wachau Valley, the Melk to Krems route has the advantage of being slightly downhill.

There are paths on both sides of the river and boats can shuttle you from side to side.

There are ferries at Spitz, Weissenkirchen, and Dürnstein. Most of the best sites in the Wachau Valley are on the north side. But the south side is pretty too and home to a couple spectacular castles.

Guide To The Wachau Valley: What To See

Here are my picks for the best things to see and do in the Wachau Valley.

1. Krems, a Medieval Charmer

Krems an der Donau is a true gem, one of Austria’s loveliest towns. In the middle ages, Krems was once a wealthy town and major center of trade and wine production.

It also produced the famous apricot brandy of the region, called Marillenschnaps. Krems was largely destroyed by invading Swedes in the 17th century.

But it was lovingly restored and some historic remnants survived. The best thing to do is simply explore the medieval town and enjoy its quaint heurigen (wine taverns).

Start by admiring Stein Tor, the 15th century gate and symbol of Krems. Then stroll down the cobbled main street of Obere Landstraße in the pedestrianized center.

If you want to shop, Krems is the best place in the Wachau Valley to indulge.

You’ll only need an hour or two to see the sites. Check out the Bürgerspitalskirche Church and the Renaissance style Town Hall.

Just 5 minutes from Krems is its cute neighboring hamlet, Stein an der Donau. You can also drive 10 minutes and explore Göttweig Abbey from Krems.

Göttweig is a benedictine abbey nicknamed Austria’s Monte Cassino (rocky hill) because of its epic location.

2. Dürnstein, Austria’s Prettiest Village

Dürnstein may be Austria’s prettiest village. It’s just so darling, and charmingly sleepy. Despite its diminutive size, Dürnstein is tourist-fly popular.

Set against the forested hills, its beautiful blue abbey belltower is one of the Danube’s most striking sights.

Start your visit to Dürnstein by hiking up to the ruins of a fairytale castle, the Kuenringerburg, set on a rocky slope.

The craggy castle was erected in the 12th century. It was destroyed during the 30 Years War, but later partially restored.

It’s no ordinary castle. The castle ruins are famous as the one time prison of King Richard the Lionheart, England’s crusader king.

In ungallant fashion, Richard may have cheated the Austrian Babenbergs out of their portion of booty from the Third Crusade.

In 1192, Richard attempted to venture home, in disguise with a full beard and pseudonym. But he was recognized, captured, and taken prisoner. Richard languished in his Dürnstein prison until 1194.

But then, ever so romantically, he was ransomed by his troubadour, Blondel, who heard Richard’s echoing song. Plenty of signs on the hike educate you about the legend.

The hike is steep, but not too strenuous. It takes around 30 minutes. And you’ll have beautiful views over the Danube and to the village of Weissenkirchen.

When you’ve descended from the ruins, wander Dürnstein’s picturesque streets. The “new castle” was built in 1629, but is now a swishy hotel.

Pass by the 16th century town hall, the Kuenring Tavern, the Pillary, St. Clara’s Church, and the romantic-looking Gothic charnel-house.

Don’t forget Dürnstein’s main attraction, its lovely wedding cake monastery. The abbey was constructed circa 1410. But the new Baroque building was erected between 1720-33.

It was modeled after nearby Melk Abbey . The abbey church was consecrated in 1723. There are colorful side altars and a creamy stucco vaulted nave.

3. Weissenkirchen, the White Church

Weissenkirche means “white church” in German. And that’s exactly what you’ll see.

With red roofs and a stout defensive walls thrown in for good measure. The 14th century church served as both a place of worship and as a defensive fortification against plundering Turks.

The tiny village is picturesque. Small red roofed houses crowd the cobbled town square. Narrow winding streets lead to vineyards.

If you want to learn more about Wachau’s wine heritage, stop in at the Wachaumuseum.

Click here for a complete travel guide to Weissenkirchen.

4. St. Michael’s Church, An Ancient Defensive Church

Saint Michael Kirche is an ancient fortified church, standing alone on the Danube without a surrounding town.

But fortified churches weren’t uncommon in the Middle Ages, when the Wachau Valley wasn’t so peaceful. The churches served as a place of refuge during Ottoman attacks.

During one of my visit to Wachau, I stopped at St. Michael Kirche for a picnic lunch on my bike ride through the Wachau Valley. It was a lovely setting.

The church is ancient, dating back to the 10th century. You can explore inside, ascend the tower for views, and peek into a window slit to see a pile of skulls.

5. Spitz, A Charming Wine Village

Sitting pretty on the north bank of the Danube, the village of Spitz just oozes charm. The old rustic dwellings have been smartened up by urbanites.

Stroll through the pretty streets of the old town, stop at a vineyard cafe and sip some Grüner Veltliner, and enjoy life.

Spitz has a reputation as one of the best wine-producing villages in Austria and boasts some beautifully appointed wine shops.

It’s a great place to hit pause and stop for some food or drink.

If you need something to do, shuffle around the old Hapsburg Castle, Hinterhaus Castle, or visit the Schiffahrt Museum.

6. Hinterhaus Castle

The Hinterhaus Castle is a craggy 12th century fortress. It actually looks pretty well preserved, given its age.

It was built by the then-ruling Kuenringers, and served as their strategic stronghold. It’s about a 10-15 minute climb.

You can enter for free. Naturally, it offers a splendid view of the Danube and Spitz.

7. Schönbühel Castle

Just 5 kilometers from Melk lies another castle, the stout and turreted Schönbühel Castle. It stands on the edge of a high uneven cliff.

Known as the “keeper of the Wachau,” the castle is more than 1000 years old. It’s tall tower is capped with a green onion dome.

The earliest parts of the palace date back 12 centuries. In 1419, the castle was bought by the Lords of Starhemberg.

The castle was abandoned around 1819. Only the towers, main entrance, and the church are well preserved.

8. Willendorf: Home of the Ancient Venus Statue

Willendorf is a tiny village on the Danube’s north bank, about 6 miles from Melk.

It might have remained obscure, if archaeologists hadn’t found the oldest known European artifact there in 1908.

The stout Venus figurine is thought to be 35,000 to 40,000 years old.

It’s a 4.4 inch high statue, carved from wooly mammoth ivory and a symbol of fertility. It was discovered while workers were constructing a railway line.

The statue itself is in the Naturhistoriches Museum in Vienna.

But, in Willendorf, you can visit the highly informative Venusium Museum in town. It explains the significance the famed artifact.

9. Aggstein Castle

Ah, I love a craggy authentic castle like Aggstein Castle. Whereas Dürnstein Castle is nothing but ruins, Castle Aggstein is at least somewhat restored.

The castle sits atop a narrow cliff on the right bank of the Danube River.

The castle dates from the 12th century. It was owned by the Kuenring family for centuries.

It went through cycles of neglect and rebuilding, until it was finally left in ruins. But you can safely explore it, thanks to a recent restoration.

10. Melk Abbey

Beaming like a golden halo over the tiny village of Melk stands Austria’s prettiest church: Melk Abbey . Founded in the 11th century, Melk is one of the top attractions in the Wachau Valley.

Its elegant yellow buildings form one of the most important landmarks and religious complexes in Europe.

It’s definitely Austria’s blockbuster Baroque ensemble. Melk Abbey is an incredible building, both inside and out. Marble, frescos, spiraling staircases, stately royal rooms, and gilt — oh my!

It fulfills the promise of Baroque design to “overwhelm the viewer.” But not in an overly gaudy way that the Baroque style sometimes can. It charms with yellow, pink, and gold sweetbox tones.

>>> Click here to pre-book a ticket to Melk Abbey

Aside from its gleaming exterior, Melk’s interior highlights are the cloisters, the church, and the library. The church is the centerepiece of the complex.

It has two white and orange towers and a tall copper-roofed dome. The facade is covered with carved angels, stucco decoration, and immense quantities of gold leaf.

The library houses one of Europe’s finest collections of medieval manuscripts. The ceiling is covered with a trompe l’oeil fresco.

A gorgeous pink and gold spiraling staircase connects the library and the glittery church.

The other must see gorgeous room is the luxurious Marble Hall, once a banqueting hall. You can also visit the Stiftmuseum, which houses the abbey’s top treasures.

Melk Abbey also has some beautiful gardens with a pavilion filled with pastel frescos and a restaurant, should you need some refreshment.

Tips For Visiting The Wachau Valley

Wachau is a popular day trip destination from Vienna, probably my favorite. If you’re in Vienna, you can book a guided day tour .

If you’re visiting on your own, catch the early train to Melk. Tour its golden abbey and spend the afternoon meandering down the river to Krems by bike, bus, or boat. From Krems, catch the train back to Vienna.

You can buy a combination Wachau ticket for Melk Abbey and a boat trip down the valley. You can sail straight for 1.5 hours.

Or, you can buy an all day DDSG Blue Danube hop on and off ticket. At the end of the day, the boat deposits you in Krems, about a mile walk to the train station back to Vienna.

But the Wachau Valley is best savored as more than a day trip. It can be a relaxing pastoral respite from the big city.

If you have time on your way to Vienna, Prague, or Cesky Krumlov, leave open a few days on your itinerary. Check into the posh Hotel Schloss Dürnstein in Dürnstein or another quaint bed and breakfast in the area.

Biking the Wachau Valley

Cyclists rule in the Wachau Valley. A bike is the best way to “slow travel” the eye-catching place. The advantage of biking is that you can easily stop and admire all the picturesque stops.

You’ll have no trouble renting serviceable bikes. Reserve bikes with Nextbike.

The company has bikes that are perfect for casual riders (only 3 gears), Rentawachaubike (RAWB)(7 gears), or Pedalpower in Vienna (higher end bike).

Here’s a list of all bike rental options.

You can bike the north side or the south side of the Danube River. But the south side has the advantage of a dedicated paved bike path.

You can always use the bridges or ferries to cross over. Spitz is the best cross over point via ferry (bikes are allowed on the boats).

If you’re cruising the Danube River, your ship will likely dock at Krems and pick you up after your ride in Melk.

Here’s my guide to the top attractions on the Danube River .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the top attractions in the Wachau Valley. You may enjoy these other travel guides and resources for Austria:

• 3 Day Itinerary for Vienna
• 2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary
• 1 Day in Salzburg Itinerary
• Best Museums in Vienna
• Beethoven Guide To Vienna
• Klimt Guide To Vienna
• Guide To the Sisi Museum
• Guide To the Belvedere Palace
• Things To Do in Vienna in Winter

If you’d like to visit the Wachau Valley, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on October 31, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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Spitz, Austria

Step into the idyllic embrace of Spitz, where the essence of Austrian charm unfolds amidst the tranquil banks of the Danube. Discover the classic beauty of Spitz’s riverside promenade, where centuries-old buildings bask in the glow of the sun, casting reflections upon the gentle waters. Ascend to the heights of the iconic Tausendeimerberg viewpoint, where panoramic vistas of the Wachau Valley’s vineyard-draped slopes unfold in all their splendor. Wander through the quaint streets of the village, where historic wine taverns beckon with the promise of locally-produced Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Explore the cultural heritage of Spitz at the Heimatmuseum, housed within a charming 17th-century building, showcasing artifacts that narrate the village’s rich history. Indulge in the flavors of the region at family-run gasthofs, where hearty traditional dishes are served with a side of warm hospitality. In Spitz, every moment is a celebration of the region’s natural beauty and cultural legacy, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its timeless allure.

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Wachau Valley of Austria - UNESCO World Heritage Site

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Cruising the Danube River is a wonderful river cruise experience, and the Wachau Valley of Austria is one of the most scenic sections of the river. This beautiful valley stretches for about 20 miles along the river between Melk and Krems. Along the narrow Wachau Valley, there are many charming towns, terraced vineyards, castles, and monasteries.

The Wachau Valley is included on many Danube River cruise itineraries, and river ships sail through the valley in daylight, with stopovers in Melk and sometimes in Durnstein . Cruises sailing the Danube upstream from Budapest to Passau or Nuremberg pass through the Wachau Valley.

Although much of the Danube is very scenic, another spectacular section is the Iron Gates in Serbia, which is included in eastern European itineraries to/from the Black Sea.

The Schonbuhel Castle is over 1000 years old and was the property of the Bishops of Passau. The castle is known as the "Watchman of the Wachau". It is located about 3 miles from Melk.

Danube River Castle in the Wachau Valley

Wachau valley.

Spitz is one of the oldest towns in the Wachau Valley and has been inhabited since the 9th century. The town is famous for its grape vineyards and is the site of the Hinterhaus Castle.

Spitz and Hinterhaus Castle

Hinterhaus Castle overlooks the Austrian village of Spitz. This 13th-century fortress looks remarkably well-preserved for its age, and Danube River cruise travelers get a great look at the castle from their ship.

Hinterhaus Castle and Spitz

Danube river village, cruising around wachau valley, wachau valley church, wachau valley vineyard.

The Wachau Valley is not just a UNESCO world heritage site and region of natural beauty. It is also famous for its vineyards . The varieties Grüner Veltliner and Riesling prevail on over a thousand hectares, with many of the vines on steep-inclined terraces. Some of the best white wines in the world come from the Wachau Valley.

Many river cruises sailing the Danube River through the Wachau Valley include wine tours as part of their itinerary. It's fun and educational to tour one of the vineyards and learn how many of the farmers combine their crops to see to the wineries.

Statue of Richard the Lionheart and Blondel the Minstrel

When on a river cruise, you never know what surprises might await you ashore. This interesting statue is on the Danube River in the Wachau Valley near Durnstein where Richard the Lionheart was held captive.

Many know that Richard left England to lead his troops to fight in the Crusades, but while he was away, tensions increased between the kings of England and France. Richard decided to avoid France on his way home but was captured in Venice by Duke Leopold of Austria, whom he had disagreed with during the Battle of Acre. The Duke imprisoned Richard in his castle at Durnstein but soon turned him over to the German Emperor Henry VI. Richard was moved around by Henry VI to his various castles and eventually released after a huge ransom was paid.​

Although many believe that Richard was only imprisoned in Durnstein for a few weeks in 1192-1193, the castle and the legend of Richard and Blondel continue.

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A Trip to Wachau Valley in Austria – A World Heritage Site

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Snuggled between the towns of Melk and Krems, Wachau Valley or Danube Valley in Lower Austria is one of Austria’s oldest cultural landscapes. It is a 36 km (22 miles) narrow stretch along the Danube River lined with stunning vineyards and orchards, charming little towns, hills, forests (Dunkelsteiner Wald and Waldviertel), impressive castles, monasteries, and medieval ruins.

Read More: 10 Days in Europe – Suggested Europe Itineraries

Wachau is a unique blend of intriguing culture, enchanting river landscapes, and virgin nature.

The most important towns in the valley are Krems, Dürnstein, Spitz, and Melk . Other small municipalities in the valley include Weißenkirchen in der Wachau, Mühldorf, Maria Laach am Jauerling, Aggsbach, Emmersdorf an der Donau, Schönbühel-Aggsbach, Bergern im Dunkelsteinerwald, Rossatz-Arnsdorf, Mautern an der Donau, Furth bei Göttweig, Joching, Oberamsdorf, Oberloiben, Ruhrsdorf, Schwallenbach, Unterloiben, Willendorf, and Bachamsdorf.

Krems marks the beginning and Melk the ending of Wachau, World Cultural Heritage Region.

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Wachau – An Easy Day Trip from Vienna

It’s just an hour’s drive from Vienna to Wachau Valley. This makes Wachau Austria a perfect day trip destination from Vienna . Wachau is known to be Austria’s most famous wine-growing region plus a great historic and cultural destination.

Wachau Valley is famous for its apricot and grapes farming. High-quality wine and liquors are prepared from a different variety of grapes and apricots.

Why do you visit Wachau Valley? Well, the valley was made to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000 for its architectural and agricultural heritage and is inscribed as Wachau Cultural Landscape.

Also, National Geographic Traveler Magazine chose it as the Best Historic Destination in the World in 2008. You can’t help but fall into the spell of the beautiful Wachau Valley.

Related Read: 11 Best Day Trips from Vienna, Austria

Travel Guide to Wachau World Heritage Region

This travel guide to Wachau has all the tips, information, and facts needed for you to plan a perfect trip to one of the loveliest river valleys in Europe.

Best Time to Visit Wachau

Wachau is magical no matter when you visit – summer, autumn, or spring. The best time to visit the valley is between May and September. We visited during June when the region was crowded and the days were warm. So, I’d recommend visiting during spring or autumn.

How to Get to Wachau Valley

Wachau can be easily reached from Vienna . You can rent a car and drive all the way to Melk. It takes just an hour or so to reach Melk. This option gives you an opportunity to stop at multiple vantage points.

You can travel from Wein to Melk on ÖBB trains . ÖBB is Austria’s largest rail services provider.

There are two train options:

• A direct train that leaves from Wien Westbahnhof to Melk. The single journey ticket costs from €9 to €24 depending upon how advanced you have booked the ticket.
• A train from Wien Hbf to Wachau needs a change at St. Poelten Hbf. The single journey ticket costs anywhere between €17.00 to €24.00.

Protip: The best way to explore Wachau and its gems is to reach Melk from Vienna by train, bus, or car; explore Melk Abbey, cruise down the river to Krems, and drive back or catch a train or bus from Krems to Vienna.

There are direct trains to and from Krems to Wein Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof or you can make a change at St. Poelten Hbf to arrive at Wien Hbf.

You can make use of the combination of buses and trains if time is a constraint. There are many bus connections operated by  ÖBB Postbus GmbH .

We chose to drive in our rental car. The entire 36 km stretch winds through photogenic historic towns with numerous vantage points over the Danube. It’s inescapable to not stop and take in the views.

Our wise decision to start early saved us from the tourist crowds at Melk Abbey. After touring the abbey, we had snacks at Stiftrestaurant Melk and spent the rest of the day winding down the Danube all the way to Krems making stops at the towns and attractions on the way.

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Getting Around Wachau

There are numerous ways to travel between Melk and Krems – hiking, biking, canoeing, cruising, and driving. Cruise your way down the Danube, bike along the banks of the Danube, walk the Wachau World Heritage Trail, or drive the scenic stretch – whatever way you do, the picturesque Wachau Valley unfolds its magic.

Walking the 180 km well-marked Wachau World Heritage Trail is probably the finest way to experience Wachau provided you love to hike. The trail beautifully connects the 13 villages in the Wachau Danube Region.

Cycling comes in at a close second. You can rent a bicycle from Nextbike and take the Danube Bicycle Path along the river Danube. E-mobile and Segway can also be rented.

Cruising is the most common and most accepted mode of transportation to explore Wachau and its treasures. BRANDNER Schiffahrt and DDSG Blue Danube are the two major shipping lines in Wachau. The cruise timings are aligned with train and bus schedules. The cruise runs between Krems and Melk or vice versa with stops in Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen, and Spitz. They also make a stop at Aggsbach Dorf and Emmersdorf upon request.

You can take the panoramic Wachau Railway (Wachaubahn) from Krems to Emmersdorf (a village across from Melk) riding your way through rugged slopes, terraced vineyards, and rustic settings.

Click here to check out more ways to explore Lower Austria.

The towns of Krems, Durnstein, Spitz, and Melk are very much walkable. In fact, the essence of these little villages lies in exploring on the foot.

You might need a Schengen Visa to visit Austria. Read Our Complete Guide to Schengen Visa.

Villages and Towns in Wachau Valley

Krems – the entrance to wachau.

Krems is the largest town in the Wachau Valley but the smallest enough to be easily explored on foot.

The twin towns of Krems-Stein are a delight to explore. The medieval cobbled streets, charming cafes, and diverse cultural attractions make them worth a while.

The UNESCO Marine and World Heritage Center right at Danube’s waterfront in Krems houses Brandner cruises, DDSG Blue Danube Cruises ticket counters, and Wellenspiel restaurant.

Krems and Stein count many churches and museums.

Pfarrkirche St Veit aka ‘Cathedral of the Wachau’ swanks a vibrant frescoed ceiling by an artist named Martin Johann Schmidt (Kremser Schmidt).

Gothic Piarist church Krems is the oldest church in Krems which is often compared to St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna because of its shape.

Bürgerspital church, Dominican Church, Göttweigerhof Chapel of Stein, Church of St. Nikolaus & Frauenbergkirche Assumption of Stein, and Gothic Matthias Chapel of Förthof are other notable churches.

Art Miles Krems (Kunstmeile Krems) is a one-mile stretch between the two historic old towns of Krems and Stein. It combines the Minoritenplatz, Museumplatz, and Dominikanerplatz. A haven for art lovers!

Kunstmeile Krems features museums, art galleries, and festival venues. To name a few – The Cartoon or Caricature Museum Krems, the Kunsthalle Krems, Klangraum Krems Minoritenkirche, the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich, Artothek Niederösterreich, the Forum Fohner, and the museumkrems in the Dominican monastery. It leads to Steiner Tor Gate, the most significant landmark of Krems.

Krems Mustard is famous across the world. You can see an exhibit dedicated to Krems Mustard in museumkrems.

You can’t talk about Krems without mentioning “ Venus vom Galgenberg ” or “ Fanny von Stratzing “. It’s considered to be Austria’s oldest and the world’s second-oldest female statuette (almost 32,000 years old).

That’s not all. Krems holds some amazing monuments along the Steiner Landstrasse like the Gozzoburg city fortress, Town Hall Square, Johannes Nepomuk monument, Baroque town hall, and Mauterner Bruecke, an old bridge (1938) in Krems across the Danube that connects Stein and Mautern .

Take the walk along the 4.5 km circular Krems-Angern Trail to see and taste the original Wachau apricot. The trail starts and ends at Weinhof Aufreiter. Klosterneuburg Apricot is the most dominant variety of Wachau Apricot.

Alles Marille (Krems Apricot Festival) in July and Marillen Kirtag (Spitz Apricot Festival) attract tourists from all over the world.

Related Read: Austria Itinerary – Best of Austria in 10 Days

Dürnstein is one of the most-traveled destinations in Wachau. The village is stunningly beautiful with its striking blue bell tower of the church of Augustinian Monastery of Dürnstein Abbey that can be seen from far away.

Dürnstein Abbey (Stift Dürnstein) is Wachau Valley’s best-known landmark. The guided tours are available on Sundays or if booked in advance. A guided tour takes you through a beautiful Courtyard, Collegiate Church, Baroque Cloister, Crypt, Exhibition about Saint Augustine, and a picturesque Danube terrace.

Dürnstein Castle (Burgruine Dürnstein or Kuenringerburg Castle) is where the King of England, Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned around the 12th century for disrespecting the flag of Austria and Leopold V, Duke of Austria. A royal ransom of 35,000 tons of silver as negotiated by Blondel granted him freedom. The people of Wachau celebrate the romantic legend of King Richard the Lionheart and Blondel.

The romantic legend and the viewpoint make the ruin of Dürnstein a beautiful place to visit. A 25-30-minute walk (from Kremser Gate or Altstadt) takes you up to the ruins.

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Loiben, a former municipality with Oberloiben and Unterloiben districts is now a part of Dürnstein.

The parish church Unterloiben (Parish Loiben), a Gothic church dedicated to St. Quirin, and Göttweig Abbey aka Austrian Montecassino , a Baroque Benedictine monastery founded in 1083 are two important sites here that attract tourists.

You can sample Wachau saffron red wine chocolate, saffron honey, saffron bear, and saffron vinegar at Wachau Saffron production and show garden in Unterloiben.

Rossatz-Arnsdorf

Just opposite Spitz, Weißenkirchen, and Dürnstein unfold the market community of Rossatz-Arnsdorf, the largest apricot farming community in Austria. A visit to Rossatz-Arnsdorf is all the more worthwhile during the apricot harvest in July when you can taste and buy fresh produce directly from the farmers.

Things to see in Rossatz-Arnsdorf include St. Johann in Mauerthale (Filialkirche St. Johann), the Church of St. Lorenz, the intense art piece called Wachau Nose (Wachauer Nase), St. Catherine Gothic Chapel in Mitterarnsdorf, and the Roman watchtower of Bacharnsdorf.

The best way to explore Rossatz-Arnsdorf and its attractions is by walking the Rossatz-Arnsdorf Apricot Mile through the apricot orchards. Bike Ferries from Durnstein to Rossatz are available from March until October.

Hofarnsdorf

Right opposite Spitz, a beautiful hamlet of Hofarnsdorf has St. Rupert’s parish church and castle right on the Danube.

Read More: Things to do in Hallstatt, Austria

Weißenkirchen

Weißenkirchen in Waldviertel is a market town and Wachau’s largest wine-growing community consisting of four wine-growing villages – Joching, St. Michael, Weissenkirchen in the Wachau, and Wösendorf in the Wachau.

There are many beautiful churches in Weißenkirchen.

Wehrkirche St. Michael (the fortified church of St. Michael) is a lovely 500-year-old church majestically placed on a small hill in Weißenkirchen.

Parish Church Weißenkirchen in the Wachau Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a late Gothic and Baroque church from the 14th century.

Kirche Wösendorf (Parish Church Wösendorf) in the village of Wösendorf is a late baroque church.

Teisenhoferhof , a part of Weissenkirchen fortified church is a Renaissance-style courtyard and two towers house a Wachau Museum . The courtyard because of its romantic setting is used for various events.

A town around Tausendeimerberg’s (Hill of a Thousand Buckets) vineyard is Spitz.

The Hinterhaus Castle Ruins or Ruine Hinterhaus or Ruin back house is a hill fort lying on the local mountain Hausberg, a part of Jauerling above the Danube in Spitz. The fortress is said to be haunted by the spirit of Adelheid , the wife of Henry the Iron.

Heinrich didn’t mourn the death of her wife, married another girl but died soon after. The legend has it that the spirit of Adelheid comes every year on the same day her husband died in the Hinterhaus ruins.

Parish Church Spitz, Castle Spitz, Red Gate (Rotes Tor), Maritime Museum Spitz, Aggsteinerhof, Old Town Hall, and the historic merchant shop by Hambergers are other major attractions here.

Aggstein Castle

Burgruine Aggstein (the castle ruins of Aggstein) which traces its origins to the early 12th century is beautifully placed on the hills of the Dunkelsteinerwald Forest 300 meters high above the Danube in the town of Schönbühel-Aggsbach .

The castle tour takes you through the hidden stairways, courtyards, towers, a dungeon, a chapel, and a knight’s hall. Rosengärtlein (Rose Graden) is the most famous attraction in the castle. Unlike the name suggests, Rosengärtlein is an escape-proof prison.

If you have time, I strongly recommend you take a fairy tale tour with the storyteller Dena Seidel . Kids would love it.

Aggsbach Markt

Aggsbach Markt in the village of Willendorf is well-known for being a place where the Venus of Willendorf was found.

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Schloss Schönbühel

Dating back to the 12th century, the medieval castle of Schönbühel is strategically placed on a cliff above the Danube in the town of Schönbühel-Aggsbach . It’s just a 10-minute drive away from the Stift Melk. You also get to see it on a Wachau Valley Cruise.

Emmersdorf offers a beautiful view of Melk Abbey. The parish church of St Nikolaus, Rothenhof Castle, Vintners Houses, a town hall with a 500-year-old vaulted ceiling, and the ruins of Gossam are some of the interesting places to visit in Emmersdorf.

Melk and Melk Abbey

The historic town of Melk on the Danube with its 1000 years old history and culture unclothe like an old storybook.

It’s best known for its huge Benedictine abbey, Melk Abbey (Stift Melk) . The vivid yellow of the abbey perched on a cliff overlooking the river catches your sight as you approach the otherwise sleepy town of Melk.

A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Melk Abbey is one of the biggest Baroque monasteries in Europe. It has to be on your list of things to do in Austria .

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Beyond Melk

Other attractions near Melk (a little detour) are Schallaburg Renaissance Castle in the village of Schallaburg in Schollach municipality and Schloss Artstetten Castle , a history museum in Artstetten-Pöbring. The castle park of Artstetten ( Schlosspark Artstetten ) and Schlosspark Artstetten are worth exploring.

Wineries and Wine Tours in Wachau

The Wachau Valley is the origin of the most cherished dry white wine varieties of Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings .

Wachau aka Danube River Valley is where numerous small family farms grow grapes, hand-pick, and ferment them. Up to 70% are white wines made from indigenous Grüner Veltliner and 30% are red wines made from  Blaufränkisch .

There are around 200 or so heurige ( pronounced HOY-reh-ga ) in Wachau that can be easily visited on a guided bike tour along the Danube from Krems to Melk.

Domäne Wachau, just outside Durnstein is one of the biggest wine exporters in Wachau. It offers wine tours that include a visit to its wine shop, underground cellars, and baroque Kellerschlossel (a scenic spot). You can taste local wines such as Gruner Veltliner and Blauer Zweigelt.

Further down the river, Winzer Krems brings together nearly 1000 small-scale Wachau producers; its authentic Wine Experience SANDGRUBE 13 Wein.Sinn takes you on an 8-stop trail from inviting vineyards to cellars through multimedia presentations while you taste local wine and Wachauer Laberl. An absolute odyssey into the past and present of wine culture in Wachau.

Other notable wineries in the region include Vinothek Wein & Wachau in Melk , Vinothek IWB Fohringer in Spitz , Vinothek Thal Wachau in Weißenkirchen , Domäne Wachau in Durnstein , Weingut Holzapfel Prandtauerhof in Weißenkirchen , Vinotake Durnstein-Loiben , and Weingut Stadt Krems (one of the oldest wineries in Austria).

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Where to Eat in Wachau

Wachau is one of the top culinary regions in Europe. There are umpteen Wachau Delicacies you can savor.

• Try Benedictine Torte , nut cake stuffed with apricot jam, and chocolate glaze at Stiftsrestaurant .
• Sample GöttweigKalmucktorte , an artistically crafted cake filled with chocolate mousse at Cafe Konditorei Elisabeth in Weißenkirchen.
• Taste Wachauer Kugeln (Wachauer ball), a nougat center coated with apricot marzipan and chocolate at Cafe Konditorei Raimitz in Krems.
• Try apricot liquors and brandies at Bailoni Apricot Distillery . Marillenschnaps or Marillenbrand is a fruit brandy made from apricots.
• Marillenknödel , the cinnamon coated apricot dumplings at Restaurant Kirchenwirt Wachau .
• Heuriger Höllmüller for dinner with wine in the Austrian way. Wachau is best known for its wine and heurige culture, after all!
• Try Wachauer Laberl and Apricot Strudel at Bäckerei-Konfiserie Schmidl, a traditional bakery, and confectionery in Dürnstein.
• Restaurant Loibnerhof – Knoll, WACHAUERSTUBE Loiben , and Zum Kaiser Von Österreich are some of the good restaurants.

Souvenirs from Wachau

• Take back home Wachau Chillies from Gärtnerei Hick in Weißenkirchen.
• Buy Wachau Saffron from Crocus-Austriacus. at .
• You can purchase different varieties of cheese at Organic Cheese Diary in Emmersdorf.
• You can buy mouth-melting chocolates that too without preservatives at Cafe-Konditorei Hagmann GmbH.
• Wachau Wine
• Buy the Wachau apricots and products (jams, juices, liqueurs, distillates, strudels, and cakes) directly from the apricot farmers.
• You can buy homemade schnapps, jams, and chocolates from Wieser Wachau GmbH in Wösendorf .

Where to Stay in Wachau

Wachau has no dearth of places to stay. The region offers everything from luxury to budget to family accommodations. Here are our recommendations:

Luxury Hotels

Hotel Schloss Dürnstein

Steigenberger Hotel & Spa Krems

Hotel Weingut Donabaum

Gasthof Goldenes Schiff

Mid-Range Hotels

Gartenhotel & Weingut Pfeffel Dürnstein

Hotel Richard Löwenherz

arte Hotel Krems

Best Value Hotels

Hotel Unter den Linden

Hotel Wachau Melk

Weinhotel Wachau

Hotel Garni Weinquadrat

Gasthof Klinglhuber

Renaissancehotel Raffelsberger Hof B&B

Best Tours from Vienna to Wachau Valley

Self-planning isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Do you agree? Here are the hand-picked tours from Vienna to Wachau that save you from the hassle of planning and let you enjoy the place instead. Just click on the links below and book the tour you wish to take.

A Full-Day Guided Tour from Vienna to Wachau Valley with Melk Abbey Entrance Ticket

From Vienna: Dürnstein and Wachau Cruise

Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

Wachau Valley Winery Bike Tour from Vienna

Most travelers take a day trip from Vienna to Wachau. We were no different. However, I feel the mesmerizing Austrian countryside and its quaint vibes deserve at least a day or 2 to catch those vibes.

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Anjali Chawla

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