Autumn in the Wachau: apricot brandy, wine & hotels with a view of the Danube

Autumnal Wachau: Golden vineyards and gentle tourism

A holiday in the Wachau Autumn is an experience for the senses. This section of the Danube valley has impressed us with its steep slopes that rise above the Danube. Experiencing the Wachau in autumn is an experience. On the southern slopes in the western part of the Wachau The sun shines on stone terraces where wine varieties such as Riesling, Grüner Veltliner and Neuburger Smaragd thrive.

The vineyards are changing color. Winemakers decorate their vinotheques autumnal. We had in Burgenland already experienced the autumn colors of the vines. So we decided to drive through Lower Austria a detour to Germany through the Wachau im Weinviertel close. We wanted us on this one Wine journey through Austria see what it looks like in the Wachau in Indian summer. These photos show how well it is worth it.

NoteDisclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we receive a small commission – at no additional cost to you. This supports our blog and helps us continue to share helpful travel tips and personal experiences with you. Thank you!

Book your accommodation here*

If you book one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.

What makes the Wachau so special in autumn

A visit to the Wachau in autumn is a true treat for all the senses. The vineyards glow in warm gold and red tones, the air is clear and pleasantly mild – perfect for hiking or cycling along the Danube. This is also the grape harvest season: Many winemakers invite you to tastings where you can enjoy fresh Sturm wine and regional specialties.

Quieter than in the high season, but still full of life, the Wachau region reveals its most enjoyable side in autumn. Ideal for those who want to experience nature, cuisine, and culture in a relaxed atmosphere.

🍂 Our favorite places for the Wachau autumn

Autumn is our favorite time of year to visit the Wachau region – not only because of the colorful vineyards, but also because of the special atmosphere in the small towns along the Danube. Here we present our four favorites, which we have experienced intensively on numerous trips – both privately and at the invitation of tourism associations.

🍇 Krems – The gateway to the Wachau

Krems is often our first stop – and always like a gentle introduction to the magic of the Wachau. Old town With its narrow streets, cafés, and historic buildings, it has a charm all its own, especially in autumn when life outside slows down. We love strolling through Steiner Landstraße early in the morning and enjoying the view over the autumnal Danube. And of course, a visit to one of the wine shops is a must!

🏰 Dürnstein – postcard romance with depth

Dürnstein is almost too beautiful to be true – with its blue church steeple, baroque houses, and famous castle ruins. In autumn, the place seems almost magical, when fog hangs over the Danube and the leaves rustle in the old town. We like to climb up to the ruins in the morning, when hardly anyone is around – the view over the golden Danube Valley is simply unforgettable. Afterwards, a slice of apricot cake in the town center? A must!

🌿 Weißenkirchen – Autumn enjoyment with a view

Weißenkirchen is our personal insider tip for the Wachau autumn. The place feels relaxed and authentic—perfect for sampling fresh Sturm wine at a Heurigen (wine tavern) or strolling through the vineyards. The view of the Danube Valley from Seiberer is particularly magical, and we always enjoy experiencing it. Once, by chance, we witnessed a wine baptism here—a true highlight steeped in tradition and giving us goosebumps.

🛶 Spitz – Between vineyards and the Danube

Spitz is picturesquely nestled between the Tausendeimerberg mountain and the Danube – a place that never fails to impress us with its serenity. In autumn, it's especially beautiful to hike along the banks or stroll through the vineyards. The combination of nature, wine, and history makes Spitz a perfect place for us to unwind – with a glass of Grüner Veltliner and a view of the sunset.

The Wachau in autumn on a road trip along the Danube

You can do as we did and enjoy the Wachau in autumn on a drive along the Danube. Take your time. Enjoy the changing foliage of the forests and vineyards. They glow in warm colors at this time of year. Autumn in the Wachau is a time when you can enjoy the region, its hiking trails, and its restaurants without the crowds.

Do you want to actively experience the Wachau? Here are tips.

Winegrowers prepare the Wachau vineyards for winter in autumn

Take a break at one of the Wachau wineries. There, you'll learn interesting facts about the work of the winemakers. Perhaps you can watch one or two of them at work and watch them prepare their vineyards for the winter months.

Hiking with a view: The most beautiful routes in autumn

Hiking in the Wachau in autumn is a special experience. There are many Walking, which lead through the steep slopes and the region along the Danube in all levels of difficulty. The most famous is the World Heritage Climb through the Wachau.

You need that for a hike through the Wachau in autumn

Be sure to pack your backpack with ours packing list for hikers. Then you are guaranteed to have everything you need on the go.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for wide feetwhere you can walk well even on rough paths
A large backpack is also practical for everything you need on the go.
The region offers beautiful photo opportunities. Therefore you should bring your camera .
Are you looking for Gifts for hikers?

The castles of the Wachau in autumn

Worthwhile hiking destinations are also the castles and castle ruins that are enthroned on the steep slopes above the Danube valley. You can reach most of them via hiking trails. Only a few can be reached by car. However, they are also nice to look at from a boat trip on the Danube. The Wachau in autumn offers many possibilities for excursions.

Aggstein Castle on the right bank of the Danube in the Wachau in autumn

If you are planning a weekend break in the Wachau, we recommend it to you Garden hotel and winery Pfeffel in Dürnstein, which is surrounded by vineyards on the Danube.

🍇 Event tips for the golden autumn in the Wachau 2025

🍷 Riesling Festival in Weißenkirchen

When: August 15–17, 2025
Where: Teisenhoferhof, Weißenkirchen
What: Three days of Riesling-themed enjoyment, accompanied by regional specialties and musical entertainment.
👉 Further information

🍁 Spitzer wine autumn

When: September – October 26, 2025
Where: Spitz an der Donau
What: A month full of wine tastings, cultural events and nature experiences.
👉 Further information

🍂 Thanksgiving in Weißenkirchen

When: September 2025
Where: Weißenkirchen
What: Traditional parade with harvest gifts, traditional costumes and subsequent parish festival.
👉 Further information

🌬️ Stormy days of the SCW

When: October 4–5, 2025
Where: Teisenhoferhof, Weißenkirchen
What: Two-day festival centered around Sturm, the young wine of the season, with music as well as regional delicacies.
👉 Further information

🍷 Wine baptism in Weißenkirchen

When: November 2025
Where: Parish church and Teisenhoferhof, Weißenkirchen
What: Blessing of the new vintage of wine followed by Agape.
👉 Further information

🌍 Practical tips for your autumn trip to the Wachau

Don’t miss our tips for a Wachau holiday on the Danube.

🚗 Arrival in the Wachau

The Wachau is located between Krems and Melk in Lower Austria and is easily accessible:

By car: Take the A1 or S5 to Krems or Melk, then continue along the B3, which runs through the Danube Valley. A beautiful route with plenty of photo stops!
By train: Train stations in Krems or Melk, from Vienna, for example, with the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) in approximately 1–1,5 hours. From there, continue by bus or bike.
By boat: From April to October there are Shipping connections along the Danube – particularly atmospheric in autumn.

🕰 Best time to travel to the Wachau in autumn

Autumn (September to October) is perfect for connoisseurs and active holidaymakers:

Grape harvest & storm season: The grape harvest starts in mid-September – many winemakers invite you to tastings.
Autumn hikes: The colors of the vineyards are particularly intense in October.
Pleasant temperatures: Ideal for hikes as well as cycling tours without the summer heat.

🛏 Accommodation tips in the Wachau in autumn

There is something for everyone here – from cozy to luxurious:

Winery with guest rooms: Many winemakers offer rooms – authentic, family-run and often with breakfast made from regional products.
Romantic hotels: For example in Dürnstein or Weißenkirchen – perfect for a weekend for two.
Holiday apartments: Particularly practical for longer stays or trips with family.

Tip: Book early! In autumn, the region is very popular with leisure travelers.

🍽 Autumnal cuisine: moments of enjoyment with wine & apricot

The Wachau is a paradise for gourmets:

Apricot dumplings & Co.: A must-try – even if the apricot season is over, there are many creative desserts made with the Wachau fruit.
Heurige: Typical Bushmen with regional specialties such as Brettljause, spreads, fresh Sturm or young wine.
Gourmet cuisine: In Krems, Dürnstein and Spitz you will find award-winning restaurants with modern, regional cuisine.

Hotels with Danube views in the Wachau

Map created with hiking log, a road trip planner app on iOS and Android

Hotel & Restaurant Donauhof – Emmersdorf an der Donau

An der Donau 40, 3644 Emmersdorf an der Donau, Austria

This family-run 4-star hotel is located directly on the Danube Cycle Path. It also offers impressive views of the Danube and Melk Abbey opposite. The cozy rooms are comfortably furnished, and the in-house restaurant serves regional specialties. The location is ideal for excursions along the Danube or into the surrounding vineyards.

Hotel Donauhof on Booking.com* (Advertisement)

Hotel Garni Donauhof – Weißenkirchen in der Wachau

Donaugasse 298, 3610 Weißenkirchen in der Wachau, Austria

This charming 4-star bed-and-breakfast hotel is located in the heart of the Wachau Valley, directly on the Danube in the wine-growing town of Weißenkirchen. With just 13 lovingly furnished rooms, it offers a personal atmosphere, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

Hotel Garni Donauhof on Booking.com* (Advertisement)

Gasthof Donaublick – Lehen near Leiben

Lehen-Donaublick 6, 3652 Lehen, Austria

The Gasthof Donaublick is a family-run business with cozy guest rooms, all offering magnificent panoramic views across the Danube to the Alpine foothills. Located at the beginning of the Wachau region, the inn is also known for its down-to-earth, genuine hospitality.

Gasthof Donaublick on Booking.com* (Advertisement)

Landhotel Wachau – Emmersdorf an der Donau

Luberegg 20, 3644 Emmersdorf an der Donau, Austria

The Landhotel Wachau is located directly on the Danube Cycle Path, overlooking Melk Abbey. The 30 guest rooms and four deluxe suites have been tastefully renovated and offer modern comforts. The hotel's location is also ideal for excursions into the region's numerous attractions.

Landhotel Wachau on Booking.com* (Advertisement)

These hotels not only offer comfortable accommodations but also beautiful views of the Danube, making them perfect for enjoying the Wachau region in autumn.

Do you like to travel by motorhome?

– Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you can find information here, for example, and booking options. Or would you rather stay overnight instead? roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
– Be sure to check our packing list for camperswhether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour. Then you are ready for your wine weekend in Franconia.
- You want to know where to go with a motorhome stay in Europe Can you and are you looking for pitches and campsites? You can find information about this under this link.
– A campsite on the Danube in the Wachau is Wachau-Camping Rossatz, Rossatzbach 21, 3602 Rossatzbach, Austria. For example, you can stay there in one after a day trip Dutch Oven or on the portable grill . You can also find Dutch oven accessories here.
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?

Conclusion: Why the Wachau is really worth a visit in autumn

An autumn visit to the Wachau is an experience for connoisseurs. When the vineyards are bathed in golden and red hues, the Danube Valley reveals itself at perhaps its most beautiful. Now the quieter season begins: the large crowds of tourists have disappeared, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed, and the light softer. It's the ideal time for strolls through historic towns, hikes with a view, or a visit to a winery, where fresh wine and regional delicacies await.

We are always inspired by this blend of nature, cuisine, and culture. Krems, Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen, and Spitz invite you to experience autumn consciously—with all your senses. Those who love exploring regions outside of peak season will especially appreciate the charm of the Wachau at this time of year. An insider tip for those seeking authenticity—and taking the time to enjoy it.

Or are you looking for tips for city trips in autumn with recommendations for culture, cuisine and charming hotels?

About the authors:

We are Monika and Petar Fuchs, and we have thoroughly explored the Wachau region on numerous private trips and during press trips hosted by the local tourism authorities. Our experiences and tips are based on real-life local experience—whether hiking through autumnal vineyards, visiting local wineries, or exploring cultural highlights. In our blog, we share authentic impressions as well as practical information for anyone who wants to explore the region for themselves.

Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival by plane, public transport or car in the Wachau in autumn

Compare and book flights here*(Advertisement) The nearest airport is Vienna Schwechat. From there, you can travel to the Wachau in autumn by rental car or public transport. Train stations are in Krems as well as in Melk.

Train:

The also runs from April to October Wachau railway

Car Rentals:

Cheap rental cars – book here!

Accommodation in the Wachau in autumn:

For example, book yours here Accommodation in the Wachau * (Advertisement).
Stay overnight in one Winery in the Wachau, where you can intensively experience the Wachau in autumn

Do you know this?

Slow Travel Travel Tips is available for example at this link. Also discover others Wine regions in Austria.

Source: Wachau in Autumn: On-site research. Some of our research was done privately, while others were on press trips at the invitation of local tourism authorities. We are very grateful for this. Our opinions remain our own.

Text Wachau in autumn: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline

Autumn in the Wachau – apricot brandy, wine & hotels with a view of the Danube