The Wachau in Austria is a destination for connoisseurs
In this article, we introduce you to the Wachau region of Austria, a haven for gourmets. It is certainly one of the most famous travel regions in Lower Austria.
The region is very popular not only because of the hit song about "Mariandl from the Wachau region". However, the song isn't so popular anymore.
At least that's the opinion of the region's tourism officials. An information panel on the Danube in Krems confirms this.
This Heimatfilm presents an image of the Wachau region "that has as much to do with the real Wachau as a cellar staircase concoction has to do with a drop of fine Wachau wine." And they are right.
Culinary tours in Austria in autumn
Krems an der Donau – sights and tips for enjoyment
Autumn in the Wachau – apricot brandy, wine & hotels with a view of the Danube
Discover the Wachau Austria for connoisseurs
Monastery on the Danube, Austria: Baroque Treasures and Highlights
Melk Abbey in Austria, baroque monastery in the Wachau
Göttweig Abbey in the Wachau in Austria
Experience the Wachau: A boat trip full of breathtaking views
Dürnstein Wachau: Your guide to the city on the Danube
Wachau Hotels on the Danube for your wine journey through the Wachau
Our tip: discover Göttweig Abbey
- Göttweig Abbey in the Wachau: magnificent views, good wines & baroque splendor
The Wachau region stretches between Krems and Melk
The Wachau in Mostviertel It is a destination for connoisseurs. It is the stretch of the Danube between Krems and Melk. There, over a distance of 36 kilometers, it has carved a 700-meter-deep channel into the erosion landscape of the Bohemian Massif.
The Wachau region separates the Dunkelsteinerwald forest to the south from the Waldviertel region to the north. We can recommend these destinations for gourmets along the Danube, for example:
Krems in the Wachau
At the Danube shipping company's landing stage on Donaustraße in Krems, we drink a coffee with a view of the Danube. Meanwhile, we watch the passengers boarding the excursion boats.
Some come with their whole family, others as a couple. Some bring a picnic basket, others a bicycle.
During the boat trip, they will have numerous opportunities to disembark at various points. This will allow them to take a closer look at the villages nestled in the narrow valley between the river and the steep, towering valley walls.
Enjoy the Danube in many ways
So you can make yourself comfortable on one of the park benches or meadows on the river bank and yours Lunch snack Enjoy it. Or they can disembark at a ship station along the way.
Others cycle along the Danube Cycle Path and board the next boat at the following stop. This is certainly a lovely way to explore the Wachau Valley while leisurely cycling.
Instead, we treat ourselves to a chocolate coffee and a latte macchiato at the café by the riverbank. We enjoy the warm summer sun and watch the activity on and along the Danube before setting off to explore the city of Krems.
What's the best way to explore Krems?
This is something you can do, for example, on a city tour, because Krems is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several sights to offer that you would otherwise easily overlook.
What we discovered in Krems, you can read here.
Gottweig Abbey
The Benedictine abbey of Göttweig in the Wachau region of Austria stands prominently above the southern bank of the Danube opposite Krems. However, the monastery is worth a visit not only for its magnificent views.
The collegiate church, the imperial staircase and the imperial wing are magnificent Baroque buildings that take your breath away.
Specialties from the monastery's own estate provide enjoyment
The monks own large forest areas. Their game provides the meat for the game specialties that can be bought in the monastery shop.
Don't miss the apricot orchard. There, the apricots ripen, from which the monastery produces juices, liqueurs, brandies, and jams. A treat not to be missed.
Sleeping in a monastery
Those with enough time can even stay overnight at the monastery. Simple but modern guest rooms are available in the guest wing. If you're lucky, the Benedict Suite might also be available.
This is the apartment of a former abbot, which the abbey now rents out to guests. We spent three nights at Göttweig Abbey and enjoyed more than just the view.
The monastery restaurant also contributes to the comfort of the monastery's guests.
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 DürnsteinThere, visitors will find one of the most beautiful places in the Wachau region.
The blue church tower of Dürnstein Abbey has become a landmark of the Wachau region in Austria. It can be seen from afar, even from the river.
As we approach along the road, Dürnstein Castle finally comes into view. It, too, tells a fascinating 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 argued over who should lead the crusade.
Richard the Lionheart tore up the Austrian flag and replaced it with his own. This so enraged Duke Leopold V of Austria that he swore revenge on his rival.
How Richard the Lionheart became a prisoner in Dürnstein
When Richard the Lionheart returned from his crusade to the Holy Land, he disguised himself as a pilgrim. He didn't want to be recognized by the Austrians. An old comrade-in-arms recognized him nonetheless.
Leopold then imprisoned him in Dürnstein Castle. Hadmar von Kuenring, the lord of the castle, was responsible for his guarding.
King Richard was presumed dead.
Meanwhile, King Richard's brother John assumed rule over England. Everyone thought Richard the Lionheart had died on his return from the Crusade.
How the singer Blondel found his king again
Only his minstrel Blondel didn't believe it. According to legend, he set out to find his king. His journey took him to Dürnstein. There, he sadly sang a song that only Richard knew. After he had finished the first verse, he suddenly heard someone singing the second.
Blondel then learned that King Richard was imprisoned in Dürnstein Castle. He returned to England and told everyone about it. Richard the Lionheart was finally released from captivity in 1193 after a large ransom was paid.
Ascent to Dürnstein Castle
If you want to learn more about it, then it is worth climbing up to Dürnstein Castle via the theme trailAlong the way, there are also beautiful views of the town and the Danube.
Dürnstein Abbey is also worth a visit.
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 journey along the Danube, enjoying ever-changing views of the river and the small villages, whose prosperity is evident.
Lovingly maintained inns, vineyards stretching up the mountain, magnificent churches and medieval castle ruins make the drive through the Wachau a true feast for the eyes.
We also can't get enough of the constantly changing views of the Danube that open up around every bend. We'd love 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.
Klosterhof restaurant and wine world
We stop for lunch at the Klosterhof, a restaurant where wine has always played a major role. The Klosterhof, along with Göttweig Abbey, once belonged to the bishopric. Passau.
It was used as a wine cellar. This means that the wines were prepared there for transport to the trading centers. Coopers made barrels for the wine trade at this location.
A wine barrel from the year 996
The monastery courtyard possesses a barrel in its rock cellar dating back to 996. This makes it even older than the monastery courtyard itself, which originally dates back to the 12th century.
The Danube is not far from the monastery courtyard. This made it easy to transport 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.
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 sits high above the Danube on the opposite bank of the river.
However, we content ourselves with a stroll through the monastery garden, which has been restored to its baroque splendor in recent years. Passing blooming rose beds, we walk to the pavilion on the side of the park facing the Danube.
Perfect for a break: the cafeteria in the abbey garden of Melk Abbey.
Inside is a cafeteria, which is worth a visit not only for the cool drinks. The frescoes on the walls and ceiling of the pavilion are by Johann Wenzel Bergl and depict exotic animals and jungle plants winding their way upwards.
Meanwhile, Native Americans look down at us. We buy ourselves ice cream for dessert at the self-service counter and marvel at how the monks enjoyed their limited free time during the Baroque period.
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
- Spitz 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 time of year has its own special charm in the Wachau region.
In spring, a visit is worthwhile during the apricot blossom season. Summer is a good time for water activities and boat trips. Autumn The many hiking trails through the vineyards and the World Heritage Trail attract visitors to the Wachau region.
In all these times, finally, 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
- Pack your backpack with our 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 definitely practical for everything you need on the go.
- The region offers beautiful photo opportunities. Therefore you should bring your camera .
- Are you looking for other equipment for hikers?
- You can find hiking stages on the World Heritage Trail through the Wachau here
Do you like to travel by motorhome?
- Do you want to rent a motorhome? Then you will find information here as well as booking options. Or would you rather stay overnight instead? roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
- For example, check 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 you can stay overnight 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 Camping Melk, Kolomaniau 3, 3390 Melk, Austria. There, you can relax after a day trip in a Dutch Oven on the portable grill . 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 your Accommodation* here.
Stay overnight in a
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.
Do you know this?
- Kloster an der Donau Austria
- Taste the World: Wine Regions to Discover
- Learn Austrian cooking
- Experience the Wachau: A boat trip full of breathtaking views
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
