THE WACHAU VALLEY & DANUBE REGION
The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning 24-mile stretch of the Danube River between Melk and Krems. This Austrian landscape is celebrated for its dramatic river scenery, terraced vineyards, and a rich tapestry of medieval villages and Baroque architecture.
This region is the heart of Austrian wine culture, particularly famous for its Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. It’s a place where history, nature, and gastronomy merge, inviting visitors to explore ancient castles, magnificent abbeys, and charming wine taverns.
Most Popular Attractions
Baroque Abbeys & Historic Centers:
Melk Abbey (Stift Melk): A magnificent Baroque Benedictine monastery perched on a cliff overlooking the Danube, famous for its opulent library and church.
Göttweig Abbey (Stift Göttweig): Another grand Benedictine abbey with Baroque interiors and an impressive Imperial Staircase, offering panoramic views near Krems.
Krems an der Donau Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval town with a well-preserved historic center, art museums, and the iconic Steiner Tor gate.
Dürnstein Abbey (Stift Dürnstein): Known for its striking blue and white Baroque church tower that dominates the Dürnstein skyline.
Piarist Church, Krems: A prominent Gothic church in Krems, adding to the town’s historic skyline.
Emmersdorf an der Donau: A quiet village across the river from Melk, noted for its traditional houses and peaceful river setting.
Weißenkirchen in der Wachau: The largest wine-growing community in the Wachau, known for its fortified church and picturesque historic core.
Joching: A small, charming wine village located between Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein, surrounded by vineyards.
Castles & Ruins:
Dürnstein Castle Ruins (Burgruine Dürnstein): The medieval fortress where Richard the Lionheart was famously held captive, offering spectacular views of the Danube.
Aggstein Castle Ruins (Burgruine Aggstein): The remains of a 12th-century robber-baron castle on a narrow cliff, with breathtaking valley views.
Schallaburg Castle (Schloss Schallaburg): A Renaissance castle known for its arcaded courtyard and rotating international exhibitions, just outside the Wachau.
Schönbühel Castle (Schloss Schönbühel): A picturesque castle on the south bank of the Danube, perched dramatically on a rock spur.
Grafenegg Castle (Schloss Grafenegg): A 19th-century romantic architectural gem, famed for its summer music festivals and elaborate gardens.
Artstetten Castle (Schloss Artstetten): A castle with seven towers, known as the final resting place of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Hinterhaus Castle Ruins (Burgruine Hinterhaus): Medieval ruins overlooking the village of Spitz an der Donau.
Natural Sites & Activities:
Danube Cycle Path (Donauradweg): A highly popular, mostly flat cycling route that runs along both sides of the river through the entire valley.
Wachau World Heritage Trail (Welterbesteig): A 180 km long hiking trail connecting the main attractions and offering stunning views over the vineyards and river.
Tausendeimerberg, Spitz: A steeply terraced vineyard hill that is a landmark of the Spitz wine village, offering scenic hikes.
Apricot Orchards (Marillengärten): Expansive orchards, especially beautiful during the apricot blossom in spring (Marillen is the local apricot variety).
Willendorf: The village where the ancient Venus of Willendorf Paleolithic figurine was discovered.
Culture & Wine:
Venusium, Willendorf: A small museum dedicated to the story of the Venus of Willendorf.
Kunstmeile Krems (Krems Art Mile): A collection of museums in Krems, including the Caricature Museum and the Kunsthalle Krems (modern art gallery).
Heuriger Wine Taverns: Traditional, seasonal wine taverns run by local vintners, offering their own wines and simple, delicious local food.
Domäne Wachau: A major, cooperative winery in Dürnstein that offers tours and tastings of the region’s top-tier Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
Wine Tasting in Spitz or Weißenkirchen: Visiting local wineries (Weingüter) for formal tastings of the renowned Wachau wines.
Danube River Boat Trip: A popular, leisurely way to experience the Wachau’s scenery, often traveling from Melk downstream to Krems.
Activities & Experiences
Cycle the Danube Cycle Path (Donauradweg): Rent a bike (including e-bikes) and leisurely ride the flat, scenic path that connects the valley’s towns, vineyards, and sights between Melk and Krems.
Take a Danube River Cruise: Enjoy a scenic boat trip, especially between Melk and Krems, to see the castles, abbeys, and terraced vineyards from the water (runs primarily from April to October).
Tour Melk Abbey (Stift Melk): Explore the magnificent Benedictine abbey, a Baroque masterpiece perched on a rock high above the Danube, with its Imperial Corridor, Marble Hall, and famous library.
Hike the Wachau World Heritage Trail (Welterbesteig Wachau): Embark on a section of this 180 km long-distance trail that connects the region’s 13 villages, passing through forests, vineyards, and to spectacular viewpoints.
Go Wine Tasting at a Traditional Heuriger: Visit a traditional wine tavern, often run by the winegrowers themselves, to sample local wines, especially the famous Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, along with cold local food.
Explore the Dürnstein Castle Ruins (Burgruine Dürnstein): Hike up to the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. The climb offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of the Danube and the iconic blue-and-white Dürnstein Abbey.
Discover the Medieval Town of Krems an der Donau: Stroll through one of Austria’s oldest cities, exploring its well-preserved Old Town, including the Steiner Tor gate and the vibrant art mile.
Visit Göttweig Abbey (Stift Göttweig): Explore this grand Benedictine monastery, which, like Melk, offers incredible baroque architecture and sweeping views over the eastern part of the Wachau and the Danube.
Sample Apricot Delicacies: The Wachau is famous for its apricots (Marille). Try local specialties like Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings), apricot jam, and apricot liqueur from local shops or markets, especially during the harvest in July.
Check out Aggstein Castle Ruins (Burgruine Aggstein): Explore the remains of this impressive medieval fortress, located on a rocky spur high above the Danube, often hosting themed events and markets.
Wander the Charming Village of Spitz: Enjoy a slow walk through this picturesque wine village, taking in the steep vineyards and the nearby Hinterhaus Ruin.
Visit the Venusium Museum in Willendorf: Cross the river to Willendorf to learn about the famous 30,000-year-old Venus of Willendorf statue, one of Europe’s oldest pieces of art, found here in 1908.
Local Tips & Transport
Car vs. Public Transport: A rental car offers the most flexibility to explore smaller villages and castle ruins like Aggstein. However, the Wachau is very well-serviced by public transport, making a car optional.
The Wachau Combi Ticket: This is an excellent value option for a day trip from Vienna, bundling the train to Melk, entrance to Melk Abbey, and a Danube cruise down to Krems, followed by a train ride back to Vienna.
VOR Buses: The regional VOR buses (lines 715 and 720) run regularly along the north and south banks, connecting the main towns (Melk, Spitz, Dürnstein, Krems) and are a reliable, affordable alternative to the train for getting around the valley.
Wachaubahn Scenic Railway: This local railway runs less frequently (mostly in summer) but offers beautiful views as it runs along the Danube’s north bank between Krems and Emmersdorf.
Ferries: Small car and passenger ferries, often powered by the Danube’s current, cross the river at several points (e.g., between Spitz and Arnsdorf), offering a charming and efficient way to switch banks for cyclists and pedestrians.
Cycling is King: The Donauradweg (Danube Cycle Path) is flat, well-maintained, and a central part of the experience. Bike rentals are widely available in Melk and Krems, often allowing one-way rentals to be dropped off in another town.
Heuriger Culture: A Heuriger is a unique Austrian experience—a simple tavern where local winegrowers sell their own new wines and cold food. Look for a green branch or a sign outside indicating they are open. Seating is often communal, creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. They are legally allowed to be open only at certain times of the year, so check schedules.
The Wachau Marille: Be sure to try the locally protected Wachau apricot (Marille). Its concentrated flavor makes it a prized ingredient. The peak season for fresh apricots is usually July, marked by festivals like Alles Marille in Krems.
Wachau Wine: Beyond the famous Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, look for the special wine-naming classification for the Wachau:
- Steinfeder: The lightest, most delicate style.
- Federspiel: Classic, mid-weight wines, named after the falconer’s tool used for luring game.
- Smaragd: The richest, fullest-bodied wines, named after a bright green lizard often seen sunning itself in the vineyards.
Pace Yourself: The valley is only about 36 km long. While you can see the highlights in a rushed day trip from Vienna, the best experience is had by spending at least one night to enjoy the villages, local dining, and wine in the evening.
Hidden Gems:
- The “Tausendeimerberg” (Thousand-Bucket Hill): The prominent hill in Spitz with a small church and steep vineyards, offering excellent views.
- Weissenkirchen in der Wachau: A less crowded but incredibly charming village with a fortified church and many excellent Heurigen and wineries.
- The Seekopf Lookout Tower: A moderate hike near Oberkienstock that leads to a tower offering stunning 360-degree views of the Danube valley and surrounding forests.
Language: German is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist-focused towns and establishments. Learning a few German pleasantries will be well-received.
Top Restaurants
Gasthaus Prankl [$25-$40] – A family-owned guesthouse in Spitz on the bank of the Danube, offering award-winning, down-to-earth Austrian cuisine with a focus on fresh, regional ingredients.
Kirchenwirt [$25-$40] – A traditional country inn in Weißenkirchen run by the Köck family, famous for its hearty, authentic regional dishes.
Bauer & Wirt Langthaler [$20-$35] – A classic “Bauer & Wirt” (farmer and innkeeper) establishment in Pömling that offers very traditional, homemade specialties and regional products in a down-to-earth atmosphere.
Heuriger Stoiber [$15-$25] – A top-rated Heuriger in Krems that serves classic cold platters alongside innovative options in a modern setting, certified as “Sustainable Austria.”
Weingut und Restaurant Josef Jamek [$30-$50] – Set amongst the vineyards of Weißenkirchen, this restaurant from a historically important winery offers classic Austrian cuisine with a heavy emphasis on local, country dishes.
Heuriger am Frauengrund Dockner [$15-$25] – A modern wine tavern in a cellar alley near Krems, known for its hearty cuisine and great views of the vineyards.
Gasthof Jell [$20-$35] – Located in Krems, this spot is known for its rustic charm, friendly staff, and fine wine from its own vineyard, offering traditional specialties.
Heuriger Mang [$15-$25] – A Heuriger in Weißenkirchen, nestled in a setting of modern architecture, offering biodynamic wines and a traditional Heuriger meal (cold platters, roast).
Kellerschlössl Heuriger [$15-$25] – Overlooking the vineyards in Dürnstein, this spot serves classic Heuriger dishes with the best Wachau wines from Domäne Wachau.
Wachauerstuben [$25-$40] – Located near the Loibnerhof, this is a highly-regarded traditional restaurant known for its reliable Austrian cuisine.
Rathauskeller [$20-$35] – A pleasant restaurant located in the town of Melk, offering a variety of cafes and restaurants in a cute town setting.
Gasthaus Schwarz [$25-$40] – Located in Nöhagen (near Senftenberg/Krems Valley), this is a well-known establishment for excellent, slightly more upscale Austrian country cooking.
Buschenschank Lagler [$15-$25] – A traditional Buschenschank (a specific type of wine tavern serving only cold food and their own wine) in Spitz, great for enjoying a glass of wine and homemade snacks with a view.
Weinhauer Brustbauer [$15-$25] – Located in Dürnstein, this over 1,000-year-old farm practices natural viticulture and offers traditional recipes with a contemporary twist.
Gasthaus Hofstätter [$25-$40] – A traditional and highly-rated inn in Wösendorf, known for classic regional food and a welcoming atmosphere.
Gasthof Goldener Löwe [$20-$35] – A classic inn in the Melk area, offering traditional Austrian dishes in a historic and cozy setting.
Gasthof Kirchenwirt zur Post [$20-$35] – A traditional Gasthof in Mautern, serving authentic Austrian fare in a classic setting popular with locals.
Hofmeisterei Hirtzberger [$40-$70] – Located in Wösendorf, this popular spot successfully blends the best of traditional Austrian cuisine with contemporary touches, owned by famed vintner Franz Hirtzberger.
Weinhofmeisterei Hirtzberger [$35-$60] – A sister restaurant to Hofmeisterei, also in Wösendorf, focusing on excellent wines paired with creative, upscale regional cuisine.
Genuss.Restaurant (at Hotel Donauhof) [$35-$60] – Known for its focus on Best-of-Wachau quality, offering modern interpretations of regional dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal products.
StraWanzer Heuriger & Boutique Hotel [$30-$50] – A wine tavern in Spitz set among the vineyards, offering characterful white wines and a small, seasonal menu that includes vegetarian and vegan options.
Wachauerstuben Kuenringer [$35-$60] – Located in Dürnstein, this restaurant offers refined, modern cuisine inspired by the region’s produce in a charming setting.
Da Bacher [$50-$80] – Located near Mautern, this bistro offers an upscale and contemporary take on Austrian and international cuisine.
Restaurant Richard Löwenherz [$40-$70] – Located in Dürnstein, this restaurant offers great food and a well-curated wine list, known for refined regional dishes.
Poldi Fitzka [$30-$50] – A modern spot located in connection with the Kunstmeile Krems, offering a creative menu in an artistic environment.
Restaurant Landskron [$35-$60] – Located in Krems, this restaurant is known for its seasonal, creative cooking and use of fresh, local ingredients.
Restaurant Lebstoeck’l [$30-$50] – A restaurant in Dürnstein mentioned for its good food, likely offering a mix of traditional and refined regional dishes.
Landhaus Bacher [$80-$150] – A world-class fine dining restaurant in Mautern led by chef Thomas Dorfer, known for setting the standard for Austrian haute cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Restaurant Loibnerhof – Knoll [$60-$100] – Located in Oberloiben, this is a culinary institution, famous for its perfect marriage of world-class Knoll wines and classic, high-quality Austrian cuisine, especially known for Danube fish dishes.
Nikolaihof [$60-$90] – Located in Mautern, this is a pioneering biodynamic winery with an associated restaurant known for its sophisticated traditional food.
Zum Schwarzen Kameel [$70-$120] – While technically a Viennese institution, their presence in the Wachau can sometimes be felt, representing a high-end, classic Austrian dining experience. (Check for local connections or pop-ups).
Steigenberger Hotel & Spa Krems Restaurant [$60-$90] – An upscale hotel restaurant in Krems offering fine dining with spectacular views over the region.
Gourmet Restaurant at Schlosshotel Burg Schlaining [$70-$110] – A fine dining experience in a beautiful castle setting, focusing on refined regional and innovative cuisine (check its distance from the core Wachau Valley).
Bäckerei & Konfiserie Schmidl [$5-$15] – Not a full restaurant, but an essential stop in Dürnstein, famous for creating the original Wachauer Laberl, a delicious local bread roll.
Café-Konditorei Hagmann [$10-$20] – A classic Austrian coffee house and patisserie in Krems an der Donau, perfect for enjoying coffee and traditional Austrian cakes and pastries.
Wieser Wachau Shop & Café [$10-$25] – The apricot specialist in Dürnstein, offering all sorts of apricot delicacies from marmalade to schnapps, with a modern cafe for tasting.
Stiftsrestaurant Göttweig [$20-$35] – Located at Göttweig Abbey near Krems, this restaurant offers good regional food and a spectacular view from the top of the hill.
Restaurant La Mère [$30-$50] – A highly-rated restaurant, often featuring Mediterranean and international influences, found in the wider Danube region (check specific location for relevance to your travel plan).
Café-Konditorei Mistlbacher [$10-$20] – A great spot in Melk for coffee, homemade cakes, and regional ice cream, including local apricot specialties.
Stein Pizza Firenze [$15-$30] – Located in Stein (Krems), a well-regarded local spot for high-quality pizza, offering a change of pace from traditional Austrian cuisine.
Pulker’s Heuriger [$15-$25] – A popular Heuriger in Rührsdorf, offering a classic local experience with wine and cold cuts.
Heuriger Graf [$15-$25] – A well-regarded Heuriger in the region, offering a simple, authentic wine tavern experience (check current opening schedule as Heuriger open seasonally).
Weinbar Leo [$20-$35] – A wine bar, likely in Krems, offering a great selection of local wines and small plates.
Heurigen-Restaurant Siedler [$20-$35] – Located in Mautern, this spot operates as a Heurigen but also offers warm, cooked food.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
XO Bar & Lounge (Krems an der Donau): Widely considered the top cocktail bar in Krems’ Old Town, this venue boasts the city’s largest cocktail menu, alongside fine regional wines and whiskies. It’s a key spot for night owls, often hosting a lively student crowd.
Chameleon Bar (St. Pölten): Located in the nearby capital of Lower Austria, this stylish bar offers a modern, urban atmosphere in the city center, making it a great choice for well-made cocktails and an upscale drink experience.
Das Alfred – Loungebar (St. Pölten): Situated in the heart of St. Pölten, this elegant lounge bar is known for its sophisticated ambiance, perfect for a relaxed yet chic evening with friends or a date.
Bar “Amadeus” (Krems an der Donau): Found on Pfarrplatz in Krems’ charming Old Town, this bar offers a cozy and social atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing with a good wine, cocktail, or cold beer.
Yesterday – die Bar (St. Pölten): Known for its focus on quality spirits and cocktails, this bar in St. Pölten is a great spot for a sophisticated evening, with the option to reserve for a dedicated cigar night.
Faviani – Café, Bar & Pinseria (Krems an der Donau): A contemporary spot in Krems known for its café atmosphere during the day and lively bar scene at night, offering cocktails alongside coffee and Italian-style pizza (Pinseria).
Genuss.Himmel (Krems an der Donau): Offering a “heaven of enjoyment” in Krems, this location focuses on high-quality drinks and a pleasant setting for socializing, appealing to a relaxed but discerning crowd.
2Stein Bar – Café – Restaurant (Stein an der Donau, Krems): Located in the historic part of Krems (Stein), this popular spot serves as a restaurant and café but transforms into a buzzing bar in the evening, offering cocktails and a great place to meet.
Filmbar (Stein an der Donau, Krems): Situated in the district of Stein, this bar draws a diverse crowd with its unique concept and is a reliable choice for a drink in a less tourist-heavy part of the city.
El Très (Krems an der Donau): A smaller, more intimate establishment in Krems that is popular with locals for a casual drink and an unpretentious, friendly atmosphere.
PIANO – Das Bierlokal (Krems an der Donau): While primarily a “Bierlokal,” this spot on the Danube riverfront in Krems also serves a selection of mixed drinks, making it a lively alternative for those who prefer a pub feel.
Bar & Fusion Kitchen – das römer (St. Pölten): Located near the cathedral square in St. Pölten, this bar combines modern fusion cuisine with a welcoming bar setting, great for an after-dinner cocktail.
MacLaren’s Pub (St. Pölten): An authentic Irish Pub experience in St. Pölten, while not a dedicated cocktail bar, it’s an excellent, lively venue for international beers, whiskies, and basic mixed drinks in a social setting.
Steirisch Irish Pub (Krems an der Donau): A popular pub in Krems’ Altstadt that offers a friendly, casual environment with beer, shots, and basic mixed drinks, known for its regular jam sessions and karaoke nights.
Club Splash (Krems an der Donau): The ultimate nightlife destination in Krems an der Donau, this vibrant nightclub is open until the early hours, offering a pulsating atmosphere with thumping beats, state-of-the-art sound systems, and frequently hosting DJs.
Q-Stall (Krems an der Donau): Located right in the historical center of Krems, this is a prime spot for party-hungry night owls, known for its latest party tunes, extensive drink menu, and a lively dance floor, often hosting special ‘Absolut Nights’.
Quba (Krems an der Donau): Another high-energy venue in Krems’ Altstadt, this club-bar is known for its party atmosphere and is an essential stop on the Krems nightlife circuit, especially popular for its espresso shot specials.
Marquée (Krems an der Donau): A centrally located spot in Krems that combines a modern bar and dance venue, attracting a mixed crowd for dancing and late-night drinks.
Infinity (St. Pölten): This dedicated club and bar in St. Pölten provides a contemporary space for dancing and high-energy nightlife, appealing to those looking for a typical club experience outside of Vienna.
La Boom (St. Pölten): Known primarily as a venue for larger events and concerts, La Boom in St. Pölten also hosts major parties and club nights, often featuring themed events or well-known DJs.
Pub Underground (St. Pölten): While styled as a pub, its late opening hours and focus on diverse music and a lively, dark atmosphere make it function like a rock/alternative club for the St. Pölten scene.
Klang.Spiel (St. Pölten): This St. Pölten venue is known for its blend of music, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere, often featuring local DJs and a relaxed space for late-night socializing and dancing.
BarRock (St. Pölten): True to its name, this St. Pölten spot focuses on rock music and a corresponding atmosphere, making it a great club-alternative for those seeking a heavy music vibe and energetic night out.
Cafe-Bar Hoppala (St. Pölten): A social gathering point in St. Pölten that extends its hours and liveliness into a club-like atmosphere on weekends, popular with a student crowd.
NXP Bowling (St. Pölten): While a bowling alley, this venue features a dedicated bar and often hosts late-night events and themed parties, making it a fun, all-in-one entertainment and late-night spot in St. Pölten.