Vacation in the Wachau
The Wachau, that roughly 36-kilometer stretch of the Danube between the Lower Austrian towns of Melk and Krems, is one of the most picturesque river valleys in Austria. It almost seems as if the valley has stepped out of a painting. Since 2000, the Wachau has quite rightly held the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anyone who has ever spent a vacation in the Wachau understands immediately why.
What makes the Wachau so distinctive are its steep stone terraces. They were built centuries ago through painstaking manual labor to carve out farmland from the barren slopes. These dry stone walls store the sun’s heat during the day and release it to the vines at night. The result is world-famous, mineral-rich white wines, above all Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. The best place to taste these wines is right at the winemaker’s. The Heurigen culture is simply part of this region. The winemaker then pours his own wine.
In addition to the wine, you should definitely try the original Wachau apricot. The valley’s unique climate gives this small, golden-yellow apricot an incomparably intense aroma. Whether as homemade jam, melt-in-your-mouth apricot dumplings, or a fine brandy, the variety of products is simply surprising.
The Wachau region also offers fascinating destinations for travelers interested in culture. To the west lies the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, its radiant Baroque yellow facade perched on a granite cliff above the Danube. To the east, the Abbey of Göttweig provides a striking finale. In between, medieval wine-growing villages are strung together like a string of pearls. Excursions to Weißenkirchen or Spitz beckon, where historic wine-growing courtyards and tiny chapels define the streetscape. An absolute must-see is Dürnstein with its iconic blue collegiate church. High above the town, the remains of the castle ruins rise into the sky—the very place where the English King Richard the Lionheart was once held captive.
The Wachau is also a place to explore. Those who want to discover the region on their own will find the perfect conditions here. The Wachau World Heritage Trail connects the most beautiful paths and ruins on both banks of the Danube over 180 kilometers and offers hikers panoramic views they’ll never forget. Cyclists will also find plenty to enjoy. The riverside paths are almost entirely flat. They take you from one picturesque village to the next, always with a view of the passing ships and the sparkling waters of the Danube.
Vacation in the Wachau
Melk Abbey is one of Austria's most famous landmarks. With its bright yellow facade, it towers over the Danube and belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau. Anyone who has ever caught a glimpse of this massive building from a distance understands the fascination. Benedictine monks have lived and worked here for almost 1,000…
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Travel Information
Getting There
By Train
Regular trains run from Vienna (Westbahnhof or Hauptbahnhof) to Melk or Krems. The journey takes about an hour, depending on the connection.
By Car
You can reach Melk via the Westautobahn (A1). If you’re heading to Krems, it’s best to take the Donauuferautobahn (A22) and the Stockerauer Schnellstraße (S5).
By Boat
For a particularly stylish journey, various shipping companies offer scheduled boat trips from Vienna to the Wachau region during the warmer months.
Exploring the Wachau
By Bike
The Danube Cycle Path runs right through the Wachau.
By Boat
The classic way to explore the valley. The boats stop at almost all the major towns and offer a unique view of the vineyards and ruins.
By train
The historic Wachau Railway runs along the north bank of the Danube and connects Krems with Emmersdorf. The panoramic cars offer magnificent views of the valley.
By bus
Frequent bus routes operate on both sides of the Danube, connecting the train stations with the smaller wine-growing villages.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March – May)
Average daily temperature: 12°C – 20°C
The famous apricot blossoms transform the valley into a sea of white and pink in April.
Summer (June – August)
Average daily temperature: 24°C – 26°C
Rainy days per month: approx. 8 – 10
Fall (September – November)
Average daily temperature: 10°C – 20°C
Rainy days per month: approx. 6 – 8
Winter (December – February)
Average daily temperature: 2°C – 5°C
Some attractions are closed, but romantic Advent markets in monasteries and at castle ruins beckon.