Overview
The Wachau is a stretch of the Danube valley between Melk and Krems, west of Vienna, lined with terraced vineyards, apricot orchards, castles and old wine villages.
The landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors combine the baroque Melk Abbey with a boat trip, bike ride or walk along the river.
Best time to visit
Spring (apricot blossom) to autumn (grape harvest). River boats run roughly from April to October.
Highlights
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1
Melk Abbey
A baroque Benedictine abbey with a library and church above the river.
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2
Dürnstein
A village with a blue church tower and castle ruins.
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3
Danube boat trip
Scheduled boats between Melk and Krems in season.
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4
Danube Cycle Path
A flat cycle route along the river.
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5
Krems
An old town at the eastern gate of the Wachau.
Getting there
Trains from Vienna to Melk take about 1 hour 15 minutes, and to Krems about 1 hour. A popular plan is to go to Melk, take a boat to Krems and return by train.
Practical tips
- Opening & tickets
- Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Official information: Wachau tourism (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
Map
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