Excursion to the beautiful Wachau region near Vienna.

A trip to the Wachau is a journey into one of Austria’s most beautiful cultural landscapes, known for its picturesque vineyards, historic sites and idyllic Danube banks. The Wachau stretches for around 40 kilometers along the Danube between Melk and Krems and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Here is a description of a typical day trip to the Wachau:

Melk and Melk Abbey

Start your day in the Wachau with a visit to Melk Abbey, one of the most impressive baroque monasteries in Europe. Melk Abbey towers majestically over the Danube and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. A guided tour of the monastery shows you the magnificent rooms, including the splendid library and the collegiate church with its impressive architecture and ornate frescoes. After the tour, you can stroll through the monastery’s beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Dürnstein and the castle ruins

Continue to Dürnstein, a charming little town right on the Danube. Dürnstein is known for its picturesque alleyways, the baroque church with its striking blue tower and the historic castle ruins where the English King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. After a walk through the old town and a climb up to the castle ruins, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view over the Danube valley.

For lunch, there are numerous traditional wine taverns (Heurige) where you can enjoy regional specialties such as Wachau apricot dumplings and fresh fish from the Danube. A glass of Wachau wine, for which the region is famous, is of course a must.

Boat trip on the Danube and wineries

In the afternoon, you can take a leisurely boat trip on the Danube, which offers you the opportunity to experience the impressive landscape of the Wachau from the water. During the trip, you will glide past terraced vineyards, picturesque villages and imposing castles, such as the Aggstein ruins, which tower high above the river.

After the boat trip, we recommend visiting one of the many wineries in the region. Many wineries offer guided tours and wine tastings where you can learn more about winegrowing in the Wachau and taste some of the region’s best wines. Particularly well-known varieties are Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

Krems and cuisine

To round off your excursion, you will travel to Krems, one of the oldest towns in Austria. Krems impresses with its well-preserved old town, charming squares and numerous cultural sights. A stroll through the town takes you past historic buildings, art galleries and cozy cafés.

For dinner, Krems offers a variety of excellent restaurants serving local and seasonal dishes of a high standard. Enjoy a last glass of Wachau wine and round off the day in one of the cozy restaurants or wine taverns.