Discover the Wachau Austria for connoisseurs

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Dürnstein is one of the Wachau attractions for connoisseurs

The Wachau in Austria is a destination for connoisseurs


In this article, we introduce you to the Wachau region of Austria for connoisseurs. It is certainly one of the most well-known travel regions in Lower Austria. The region's popularity is not only due to the popular song "Mariandl aus dem Wachauer Landl." However, people don't really like listening to that song anymore. At least, that's the view held by the region's tourism officials. An information board on the Danube in Krems confirms this. This Heimatfilm (homeland film) creates a picture of the Wachau "that has as much to do with the real Wachau as a cellar-stairs sip of wine has to do with a drop of fine Wachau wine." And they're right.

 

Dürnstein is one of the Wachau attractions for connoisseurs

Discover the Wachau Austria for connoisseurs

The Wachau in Austria is a destination for connoisseurs. In this article, we introduce you to the Wachau region in Austria for connoisseurs. It is certainly one of the most well-known travel regions in Lower Austria. The region is very popular not only because of the popular song "Mariandl from the Wachau region." You can hear...
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Melk Abbey main entrance

Melk Abbey in Austria, baroque monastery in the Wachau

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Göttweig Abbey in the Wachau in Austria

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Dürnstein Wachau: Your guide to the city on the Danube

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Enjoy Hotel Pfeffel in Dürnstein in the Wachau

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Experience the Wachau in autumn

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Trip map courtesy of hiking log, a vacation planner app on iOS and Android

 

Wachau Sights - Schönbühel Castle
Wachau Sights – Schönbühel Castle

 

The Wachau in Mostviertel is a destination for connoisseurs. It is the part of the Danube between Krems and Melk. There it dug 36 meters deep into the truncated mountain landscape of the Bohemian Massif over a distance of 700 kilometers. The Wachau separates the Dunkelsteinerwald in the south from the Waldviertel in the north. We can recommend these excursion destinations for connoisseurs along the Danube:

 

Krems at the Donau
Krems an der Donau is the starting point for the Wachau in Austria

 

Krems in the Wachau

At the landing stage of the Danube boat trip on the Danube road in Krems we drink a coffee with a view of the Danube. Meanwhile, we watch the passengers as they board the excursion boats. Some come with the whole family, others with two. Some have a picnic basket with them, the others a bicycle. On the way, you will always have the opportunity to get off at various points on the boat trip. They can take a closer look at the places that nestle in the narrow valley between the river and the steeply rising valley walls.

So you can make yourself comfortable on one of the park benches or meadows on the river bank and yours Lunch snack enjoy. Or they get off at a ship station along the way. Others cycle along the Danube Cycle Path and board the next ship at one station. Definitely a nice way to explore the Wachau Valley while cycling for pleasure. We treat ourselves to a chocolate and a latte macchiato in the café on the landing stage. We enjoy the warm summer sun and watch the hustle and bustle on and on the Danube before we set off to visit the city of Krems.

The best way to do this is on a city tour, because Krems is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a number of sights to offer that are otherwise easily overlooked. What we discovered in Krems, you can read here.

Göttweig Abbey in the Wachau - ceiling painting by Paul Troger
Göttweig Abbey in the Wachau – ceiling painting by Paul Troger

 

Gottweig Abbey

The Benedictine monastery of Göttweig in the Wachau region of Austria towers over the south bank of the Danube across from Krems. The monastery is not only worth a visit because of its magnificent view. The collegiate church, the Kaiserstiege and the Kaisertrakt are magnificent baroque buildings that take your breath away. The monks own large forest areas. Their game provides the meat for the game specialties that can be bought in the monastery shop. You should also not miss the apricot garden. There the apricots ripen, from which the monastery produces juices, liqueurs, brandies and jams. A treat not to be missed.

If you have enough time, you can even spend the night in the monastery. In the guest wing you can stay in simple but modern guest rooms. If you're lucky, the Benedict Suite might also be free. This is the apartment of a former abbot, which the monastery now rents out to guests. We stayed three nights at Göttweig Abbey and not only enjoyed the view. The monastery restaurant also contributes to the fact that the guests of the monastery feel comfortable.

Our Information about Göttweig Abbey can be found in this blog post.

Durnstein in the Wachau Austria
Durnstein in the Wachau Austria

 

Dürnstein Ruins & Dürnstein Old Town

The Dürnstein Castle ruins are famous as the place where King Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. The old town below, with its narrow streets and blue church tower, is one of the most picturesque places in the Wachau.

Dürnstein with its castle and the blue church tower

It is only ten kilometers from Göttweig Abbey via the Austrian Romantic Road Dürnstein. One of the most beautiful places in the Wachau awaits the visitor there. The blue steeple of the Dürnstein collegiate church has become the symbol of the Wachau in Austria. It can be seen from afar from the river. However, since we are approaching on the road, Dürnstein Castle first appears in our field of vision. She also tells an interesting story. It was the place where the English King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned at the end of the 12th century.

Experience the Wachau on a Danube river cruise*

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The legend of Richard the Lionheart and his singer Blondel

According to legend, Richard the Lionheart was on a crusade to the Holy Land with other princes and kings when Emperor Frederick Barbarossa drowned in the Saleph River. The princes then quarreled over who should lead the crusade. Richard the Lionheart tore up the Austrian flag and replaced it with his own. This angered Duke Leopold V of Austria so much that he swore revenge on his opponent.

When Richard the Lionheart returned from his crusade in the Holy Land, he disguised himself as a pilgrim. He didn't want to be recognized by the Austrians. However, an old comrade in arms recognized him. Leopold then threw him in prison in Dürnstein Castle. Hadmar von Kuenring, the lord of the castle, took care of his guard.

Meanwhile, King Richard's brother John took control of England. Everyone thought Richard the Lionheart had perished returning from the Crusade. Only his singer Blondel didn't believe in it. According to legend, he set off to look for his king. He also came to Dürnstein. Sadly he sang there a song that only Richard knew. When he had sung the first verse, he suddenly heard someone singing the second. Then Blondel knew that King Richard was imprisoned in Dürnstein Castle. He returned to England and talked about it everywhere. Richard the Lionheart was finally released from his captivity in 1193 for a large ransom.

If you want to learn more about it, then it is worth climbing up to Dürnstein Castle via the theme trail. On the way there are beautiful views of the town and the Danube.

Dürnstein Abbey is also worth a visit. We will present it in a separate post soon.

Vineyard terraces near Weissenkirchen in der Wachau
Vineyard terraces near Weissenkirchen - Sights in the Wachau

 

Weissenkirchen in the Wachau

A charming wine-growing village with an impressive 14th-century fortified church, this place is a must-visit, especially for wine lovers.

Spitz on the Danube

Another beautiful wine village, known for its wine production and the Thousand Bucket Hill. Here you can take a relaxing stroll through the vineyards.

Wine region around Spitz in the Wachau

We then continue our way along the Danube with always new views of the river and the small villages, which one can see their prosperity. Lovingly maintained inns, vineyards that stretch up the mountain, magnificent churches and medieval castle ruins make the trip through the Wachau a real feast for the eyes. We also can't get enough of the ever-changing views of the Danube that open up around every bend. We would like to postpone our journey home and stay here for a few more days.

Along the road we keep seeing fruit stands where apricots are sold as soon as they are ripe.

Maria Langegg – pilgrimage church

This impressive baroque church is a spiritual center in the Wachau region and offers a monastery and museum worth seeing.

Aggstein – The spectacular castle ruins

One of the most impressive castle ruins in Austria with spectacular views over the Danube Valley. Perfect for hikers and history buffs.

 

Vine arbor in the monastery courtyard
Vine arbor in the monastery courtyard in Spitz
Klosterhof restaurant and wine world

We stop for lunch in the Klosterhof, a restaurant where wine has always played a major role. The monastery courtyard once belonged together with the Göttweig Abbey to the bishopric of Passau. It was used as a reading courtyard. This means that the wines were prepared there for transport to the trading posts. Coopers made barrels for the wine trade at this location. The monastery courtyard has a barrel in the rock cellar that dates back to the year 996. It is even older than the monastery courtyard itself, which originally dates back to the 12th century. From the monastery courtyard it is not far to the Danube. This made it easy to bring the wine barrels to the merchant ships.

It's still a bit too cool to eat in the romantic inner courtyard. Instead, we enjoy the ambience in the wine press house over roast pork with potato dumplings. We are served specialties from the Wachau in front of a huge wine press.

Klosterhof Spitz
Kremserstrasse 1
A-3620 Spitz on the Danube
Phone + 43 (0) 2713 20144-0

Schoenbuehel Castle

A fairytale castle right on the Danube, perched on a rock and steeped in history.

 

Danube from the beach café Spitz
Danube from the beach café Spitz

 

Artstetten Castle

The former summer residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was assassinated in Sarajevo in 1914. This is also his final resting place.

Melk Abbey

The Benedictine Abbey of Melk is arguably the most famous landmark in the Wachau region. It impresses with its Baroque architecture, a magnificent library, and breathtaking views of the Danube.

Walk through the monastery garden of Melk Abbey in Wachau

Before we say goodbye to the Wachau, we make a detour to the abbey garden of Melk Abbey and to the Melk Abbey, which towers high above the Danube on the other bank of the river. However, we content ourselves with a walk through the monastery garden, which has been restored to its baroque splendor in recent years. We walk past blooming rose beds to the pavilion on the side of the park facing the Danube.

Inside is a cafeteria, which is worth a visit not only for the cool drinks that are offered there. The frescoes on the walls and the ceiling of the pavilion are by Johann Wenzel Bergl and represent exotic animals and jungle plants that wind upwards. In between, Indians look down on us. We buy ice cream for dessert at the self-service counter and marvel at how the monks enjoyed their spare time during the Baroque period.

 

Pavilion in the monastery garden Melk - Wachau sights for connoisseurs
Pavilion in the monastery garden Melk - Wachau Attractions for connoisseurs

 

Wachau Wine & Heurige

In addition to the historical sights, Wachau wine is one of the absolute highlights. A visit to a traditional Heuriger (wine tavern) should definitely be included on your list.

Wachau apricot blossoms & apricot products

The Wachau is famous for its apricots. The region is especially beautiful in spring, when the apricot trees are in bloom. Apricot jam, apricot brandy, and apricot dumplings are true specialties.

You need at least half a day to a whole day to visit Melk Abbey. The abbey is a masterpiece of architecture and a place of pleasure that you need your leisure for. Therefore, we will soon present the pen in a separate article.

Conclusion: a holiday in the Wachau is worth it

With these tips for excursion destinations in the Wachau, a Vacation an impressive experience in the Wachau. In addition, the Wachau is not only beautiful in spring and summer. Of the Autumn on the Danube has its own charm.

Questions and answers for a holiday in the Wachau

Where is it most beautiful in the Wachau?

There are a few places worth visiting. We include:

  • Krems
  • Göttweig Abbey with great views
  • Dürnstein Abbey and Dürnstein Castle
  • Pointed and the vineyards above the Danube
  • The Danube and a boat trip on the Danube
  • Melk Abbey
  • The ruins of Aggstein Castle
  • The Danube Cycle Path
  • The Wachau World Heritage Trail

When is the best time in the Wachau?

With the exception of winter, every travel season has its own special charm in the Wachau. A visit to the apricot blossom is worthwhile in spring. Summer is a good time for water activities and boat tours. in the Autumn The many hiking trails through the vineyards and the world heritage trail lure you into the Wachau. In all these times, after all, are the Wine bars and winemaker experiences worth a trip. The best travel time for a holiday in the Wachau is between April and October.

Which places belong to the Wachau?

These are Krems, Dürnstein, Spitz, Weißenkirchen on the north side of the Danube as well as Rossatz, Rührdorf, Unter-Kienstock, Mitterarnsdorf, St. Johann im Mauerthale, Aggstein, Schönbühel on the Danube and Melk on the south bank of the Danube.

Where does the Wachau begin and end?

The Wachau stretches over a length of 37 kilometers between Krems and Melk.

When is the apricot blossom in the Wachau?

This varies with the weather conditions. It takes place between the second half of March and mid-April. You can see the current status via the Apricot webcam . see

Which winegrowers offer accommodation for a holiday in the Wachau?

Here you find Overnight stays at the winery or in wine hotels for your Wachau vacation.

 

You need that for a hike in the Wachau

 

Do you like to travel by motorhome?

- Do you want to rent a motorhome? Then you will find information here 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.
– Check for example with our packing list for camperswhether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour. Then you are ready for your wine weekend in the Wachau.
- You want to know where to go with a motorhome stay in Europe  and are looking for parking spaces and campsites? You can find information about this under this link.
– A campsite near Göttweig Abbey is Donau Camping Krems, Yachthafenstrasse 19, 3500 Krems an der Donau, Austria. Alternatively, you can stay at the Melk campsite, Kolomaniau 3, 3390 Melk, Austria. There you can after a day trip in a Dutch Oven  or on the portable grill after a day trip. You can also find Dutch oven accessories .
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?

 

More information about cycling in the Leipzig Region as well as more interesting routes:


Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arriving by plane, public transport or car

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

Train:

The Wachaubahn also runs from April to October: Info about it

Car Rentals:

Cheap rental cars – book here!

Accommodation:

Book yours here Accommodation*
Stay overnight in one winery in the Wachau, where you can experience wine intensively

If you book via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.


 

The Wachau
Click on the photo and then remember "Die Wachau Austria" on Pinterest

 

Do you know this?

 

Hotels in the region* you can book here, for example. More Slow Travel Travel Tips is available at this link. Also discover others wine regions in Austria

Source Wachau Austria: own research on site as well as press trips with Klösterreich. However, our opinion remains our own.

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

Updated on 5.3.2025

Discover the Wachau Austria for connoisseurs

Monika Fuchs

Monika Fuchs and Petar Fuchs are the authors and publishers of the Slow Travel and Enjoyment travel blog TravelWorldOnline Traveller. You have been publishing this blog since 2005. TravelWorldOnline has been online since 2001. Your topics are Trips to Savor and wine tourism worldwide and Slow Travel. During her studies, Monika Fuchs spent some time in North America, where she traveled to the USA and Canada - sometimes together with Petar Fuchs - and spent a research year in British Columbia. This strengthened her thirst for knowledge, which she pursued for 6 years Adventure Guide for Rotel Tours and then for 11 years as Study tour guide for Studiosus Reisen tried to breastfeed all over the world. She constantly expanded her travel regions, but curiosity still gnawed at her: “What is beyond the horizon? What else is there to discover in this city? Which people are interesting here? What do you eat in this region?” These are the questions she is now trying to answer as a freelance travel journalist (her articles have appeared in DIE ZEIT, 360° Canada, 360° USA, etc.), among others. travel writer and travel blogger answers in many countries around the world. Petar Fuchs produces the videos on this blog as well as on YouTube. Monika Fuchs from TravelWorldOnline is below Germany's top 50 bloggers in 2021 Further Information about Monika and Petar Fuchs. Recommendations on LinkedIn from tourism experts Further recommendations from cooperation partners and tourism experts Professional experience Monika on LinkedIn

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