Wachau Valley: Austria's Danube River Gem

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Explore Austria's Wachau Valley: a UNESCO-listed landscape of vineyards, historic towns, and Danube River charm. A perfect day trip from Vienna.

The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a picturesque 36-kilometer stretch of the Danube River between Melk and Krems in Lower Austria. Renowned for its stunning landscape of vineyards, historic towns, and apricot orchards, it offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

A brief summary to Wachau

Local tips

Take a river cruise on the Danube for stunning views of the valley's vineyards and historic sites.
Rent a bike and cycle along the Danube Cycle Path, enjoying the scenery at your own pace.
Visit Melk Abbey and Dürnstein Castle for a glimpse into the region's rich history and architecture.
Sample local specialties like Wachau apricots and Grüner Veltliner wine at a traditional wine tavern.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Vienna, take a train to Krems or Melk. From Krems, buses (e.g., line 715 along the north bank or 720 along the south bank) connect the Wachau villages. A Wachau day ticket (€12, children €6) allows unlimited travel on these buses and ferries between Melk and Krems. Alternatively, take a train from Vienna to Melk and then a Danube river cruise to Krems. Ferries operate between various points, such as Spitz-Arnsdorf (year-round), Dürnstein-Rossatz (April to mid-October), and Weißenkirchen-St. Lorenz (April to November). Fares are typically €2-€5 per person for a short crossing. A family ticket for the Weissenkirchen/St. Lorenz and Spitz/Arnsdorf ferries is available at the Weißenkirchen municipal office for €120.
Driving

From Vienna, take the S5 Schnellstrasse to Krems. Then, the B3 (Donau Bundesstrasse) runs along the north bank of the Danube to Emmersdorf. Alternatively, take the A1 to Melk and then the B3 to Krems. A vignette is required for using the S5 and A1 (€9.40 for 10 days). Parking is available in Krems, Dürnstein, Spitz and Melk. In Weissenkirchen, parking is available next to the B3 in Altau, near the train station, and near the civic center. Be aware that some villages have narrow roads and limited parking. Tolls may apply for tunnels on certain routes to the Wachau.

Discover more about Wachau

The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is one of Austria's most enchanting destinations. This 36-kilometer stretch along the Danube River, between the towns of Melk and Krems, showcases a harmonious blend of nature, history, and viticulture.The valley's history dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement from the Stone Age. The Romans recognized the area's potential for wine production, laying the foundation for the region's renowned vineyards. Monasteries, particularly those in Melk and Göttweig, played a crucial role in shaping the landscape by cultivating the steep slopes for wine production. These vineyards, with their dry stone wall terraces, are a defining feature of the Wachau.Visitors can explore medieval castles, impressive abbeys like Melk and Göttweig, and charming towns such as Dürnstein and Weißenkirchen. Dürnstein, with its distinctive blue church and castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned, is a must-see. Melk Abbey, a magnificent Baroque monastery, offers stunning views of the Danube and the surrounding landscape. The valley is also known for its Wachau apricots, used to make jams, liqueurs, and schnapps.The Wachau offers a variety of activities, including hiking along the World Heritage Trail, cycling along the Danube, and wine tasting at local taverns. River cruises provide a unique perspective of the valley, with ferries connecting the towns and villages on both banks.