Wachau Valley

Best Time to Visit

The Wachau Valley, a picturesque region along the Danube River in Austria, known for its scenic beauty, vineyards, historic towns, and architectural landmarks, is enchanting throughout the year, but each season offers a unique experience:

• Spring (March to May): The spring season is particularly beautiful as the apricot trees (Marillenbäume) blossom, covering the landscape in a blanket of white and pink. The weather starts to warm up, making it a pleasant time for cycling and hiking tours along the Danube. Spring also marks the start of the wine season, with local wine taverns (Heurigen) opening their doors to visitors.

• Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in the Wachau Valley, with warm and sunny weather ideal for exploring the outdoors. The vineyards are lush and green, and the Danube River is bustling with activity. This is a great time for boat cruises, swimming, and other water-related activities. Summer festivals and wine events are common, offering visitors a taste of local culture and cuisine.

• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a particularly magical time in the Wachau Valley as the vineyards turn golden and the grape harvest begins. The region is famous for its wine, especially the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling varieties, and many wine-related festivities take place during this time. The cooler temperatures and fewer tourists make autumn an ideal season for leisurely explorations of the historic towns and landmarks.

• Winter (December to February): While winter is the quietest season in terms of tourism, the Wachau Valley has its own winter charm, especially around Christmas when local towns host quaint Christmas markets. The landscape is often dusted with snow, offering serene and picturesque views. It's a cozy time for wine tasting indoors, although some outdoor activities may be limited by the colder weather.

Ultimately, the best time to visit the Wachau Valley depends on your interests. For outdoor activities and wine tasting, spring through autumn offers the most pleasant weather and scenic beauty, while winter provides a quieter, more contemplative experience of the region's timeless charm.

Getting to Wachau Valley and Getting Around

Getting to the Wachau Valley:

• By Car: Driving is one of the most flexible ways to reach and explore the Wachau Valley, allowing you to stop at various points of interest along the way. The region is approximately an hour's drive west of Vienna, accessible via the A1 motorway and then following the well-signposted roads towards Krems or Melk, which are the gateway towns to the Wachau Valley.

• By Train: The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) offers regular train services from Vienna to key towns in the Wachau Valley such as Krems and Melk. The journey offers scenic views and is a convenient option for those not driving. From these towns, you can explore the valley further by local transport, bike, or on foot.

• By Boat: Taking a boat cruise along the Danube River is a scenic way to reach and experience the Wachau Valley. Several companies operate boat trips from Vienna or Linz, stopping at various towns and attractions along the river.

• By Bus: Regional bus services connect Vienna and other nearby cities to the Wachau Valley. Buses might not be as frequent as trains but can be a good option for reaching certain parts of the valley not directly accessible by train.

Getting Around the Wachau Valley:

• By Bicycle: The Wachau Valley is renowned for its excellent cycling paths, particularly the Danube Cycle Path which runs through the valley. Biking is a wonderful way to explore the scenic landscapes, vineyards, and quaint towns at your own pace. Bike rentals are available in the major towns.

• By Public Transport: Local bus services connect the various towns and attractions within the Wachau Valley. While not as frequent as urban areas, they are a viable option for getting around, especially for visiting specific sites.

• By Boat: Cruising on the Danube is not only a way to get to the Wachau Valley but also a popular means of exploring it. Several ferry services connect towns along the river, offering a unique vantage point of the valley's beauty.

• By Car: If you have access to a car, driving within the Wachau Valley offers the most flexibility to visit remote areas, wineries, and viewpoints that are less accessible by public transport.

• On Foot: For those who love walking, many of the attractions in the Wachau Valley, especially in and around the towns, are easily accessible on foot. Hiking trails also abound, offering more immersive experiences of the valley's natural beauty.

Exploring the Wachau Valley's rich cultural landscape, historic towns, and stunning natural beauty is an experience made easy by the variety of transportation options available, catering to different preferences and paces of travel.

Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Wachau Valley

Top 15 Attractions

The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site along the Danube River in Austria, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, historic towns, and cultural monuments. Here are some of the top attractions in the Wachau Valley:

1. Melk Abbey: This magnificent Benedictine abbey, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town of Melk, is known for its stunning baroque architecture, impressive library, and beautiful church.

2. Dürnstein: A picturesque town famous for its blue Baroque church tower, narrow medieval streets, and the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive.

3. Krems: One of the oldest towns in Austria, Krems boasts a well-preserved medieval old town, art museums, and charming streets lined with historic buildings.

4. Spitz: A quaint wine village that offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and the Danube River. It's a great starting point for hikes and wine tastings.

5. Weissenkirchen: Known for its fortified church and as a prime wine-producing area, Weissenkirchen is a picturesque village that epitomizes the Wachau Valley's charm.

6. Schönbühel Castle: A romantic castle perched on a rocky promontory along the Danube, offering postcard-perfect views of the river and valley.

7. Aggstein Castle: The ruins of this medieval castle stand high above the Danube and offer breathtaking views of the valley. It's a popular spot for exploring and picnicking.

8. Wachau Wine Tasting: The Wachau Valley is famous for its wines, particularly the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Many wineries and Heurigen (wine taverns) offer tastings and tours.

9. Danube River Cruise: Taking a boat ride along the Danube is a wonderful way to experience the scenic beauty of the Wachau Valley, passing by vineyards, castles, and historic towns.

10. Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park: The highest point in the Wachau Valley offers panoramic views of the Danube and surrounding landscapes. It's an excellent area for hiking and nature walks.

11. Göttweig Abbey: A Benedictine monastery known as the "Austrian Montecassino" due to its hilltop location, offering stunning views and a rich history.

12. Venus of Willendorf: Visit the Venus of Willendorf in the Museum of Natural History in Vienna to see the famous Paleolithic figurine discovered in the Wachau Valley.

13. Wachau Apricot Festival: Celebrating the region's famed apricots, this annual event in Spitz features tastings, music, and cultural activities centered around the apricot harvest.

14. Stein: A historic district of Krems with cobblestone streets, Renaissance courtyards, and a lively arts scene. It's known for the Kunstmeile Krems, an art mile featuring galleries and museums.

15. Danube Cycle Path: One of the most famous cycling routes in Europe, it offers leisurely rides through the picturesque landscapes and towns of the Wachau Valley.

These attractions highlight the Wachau Valley's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and its status as a prime wine-producing region, making it a must-visit destination in Austria.

Top 15 Activities

Exploring the Wachau Valley offers a plethora of activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. Here are some top activities to enjoy in the Wachau Valley:

1. Wine Tasting Tours: Embark on a wine tasting journey through the vineyards of the Wachau Valley, renowned for its Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines. Many local wineries offer guided tours and tastings.

2. Cycling Along the Danube: The Danube Cycle Path offers scenic routes for cyclists of all levels. Rent a bike and explore the picturesque villages, vineyards, and river landscapes at your own pace.

3. Hiking the Wachau World Heritage Trail: This trail provides stunning views of the valley, passing through vineyards, forests, and historic sites. It's a great way to experience the Wachau Valley's natural beauty.

4. Boat Cruises on the Danube: Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Danube River to admire the valley's scenic beauty from the water, including terraced vineyards, historic towns, and majestic castles.

5. Apricot Blossom Season: Visit during the apricot blossom season in spring to see the valley awash in pink and white blossoms. The region is famous for its apricots, used in everything from liqueurs to jams.

6. Attend a Local Festival: The Wachau Valley hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from wine and apricots to art and culture. The Marillenblüte (Apricot Blossom Festival) in April is particularly popular.

7. Explore the Towns and Villages: Spend time wandering through the charming towns and villages of the Wachau Valley, such as Dürnstein, Weissenkirchen, and Spitz, each offering unique sights, local eateries, and artisan shops.

8. Visit Heurigen and Buschenschanken: Experience the local hospitality by visiting a Heuriger (wine tavern) or Buschenschank (rustic wine tavern), where you can enjoy homemade wines and regional specialties in a cozy setting.

9. Photography and Painting: The Wachau Valley's picturesque landscapes make it an ideal spot for photography and painting. Capture the stunning vistas, historic architecture, and vibrant vineyards.

10. Canoeing or Kayaking on the Danube: For a more adventurous take on the river, rent a canoe or kayak and paddle along the Danube, enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty of the valley.

11. Join a Guided Tour: Various guided tours are available, from historical and cultural tours of the towns and abbeys to specialized wine and culinary tours, offering insights into the valley's rich heritage.

12. Enjoy Local Cuisine: Don't miss the chance to savor the Wachau Valley's culinary delights, including dishes made with the region's famous apricots, fresh fish from the Danube, and other local ingredients.

13. Relax at a Riverside Beach: During the summer, find a spot along the riverbanks to relax, sunbathe, or take a dip in the Danube, enjoying the valley's peaceful atmosphere.

14. Visit a Monastery Garden: Explore the serene gardens of the monasteries in the region, such as the Melk Abbey garden, offering a blend of spiritual calm and natural beauty.

15. Participate in a Grape Harvest: If visiting in autumn, you might have the opportunity to participate in the grape harvest, an engaging way to experience local traditions and the winemaking process firsthand.

Engaging in these activities allows visitors to deeply connect with the Wachau Valley's landscapes, traditions, and way of life, making for an enriching and memorable experience.

Wachau Valley Towns

The Wachau Valley, nestled along the Danube River between Melk and Krems in Austria, is dotted with enchanting towns and villages that are rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty. Each town has its own unique charm and attractions, making them worth a visit. Here are some of the notable towns in the Wachau Valley:

• Melk: Known for its imposing Benedictine Abbey, Melk Abbey, which sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the town and the Danube. The town serves as a gateway to the Wachau Valley and offers quaint streets and cozy cafes.

• Dürnstein: Famous for its blue Baroque church tower and the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. The town's narrow cobblestone streets and vineyard-covered hillsides make it one of the most picturesque in the Wachau Valley.

• Krems: An ancient river town marking the eastern end of the Wachau Valley, Krems boasts a well-preserved medieval old town, with the Steiner Tor being a notable landmark. It's also known for its vibrant cultural scene and wine production.

• Spitz: A charming wine village offering stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and the Danube. Spitz is an excellent starting point for hiking and cycling tours in the valley.

• Weissenkirchen: Renowned for its fortified church and as a prime wine-producing area, Weissenkirchen is a picturesque village that epitomizes the Wachau Valley's beauty. The town is a hub for wine enthusiasts and offers several tasting rooms and Heurigen (wine taverns).

• Emmersdorf: Located on the northern bank of the Danube, opposite Melk, Emmersdorf is a quiet town with beautiful old farmhouses and a relaxed atmosphere, serving as a great base for exploring the region.

• Aggsbach Dorf: Known for the Venus of Willendorf, a Paleolithic figurine found nearby, Aggsbach Dorf is a small village with a rich history and offers a peaceful setting amidst the vineyards.

• Rossatz: Facing Dürnstein across the Danube, Rossatz is part of the "apricot mile," renowned for its apricot orchards. The town offers beautiful walking paths and stunning views across the river to Dürnstein.

• St. Michael: A lesser-known gem in the Wachau Valley, St. Michael is a quaint village with a beautiful church and charming rural surroundings, making it a peaceful stop in the valley.

• Mautern an der Donau: Located across the river from Krems, Mautern has a Roman heritage and offers a mix of historical sites, including the Roman Museum, and access to natural beauty spots.

These towns, each with their own distinct character and attractions, provide a glimpse into the Wachau Valley's rich cultural tapestry, historical depth, and the stunning natural beauty that defines this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Best Vineyards in Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley, recognized for its exceptional winemaking traditions and stunning landscapes, is home to numerous top-tier vineyards that produce some of Austria's most acclaimed wines, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Here are some of the best vineyards and wineries in the Wachau Valley:

• Domäne Wachau: This cooperative of over 250 family-owned vineyards is based in Dürnstein and is one of the most significant and prestigious wine producers in Austria. They offer a wide range of high-quality wines and stunning views from their terraced vineyards.

• Weingut Emmerich Knoll: A family-run estate in Unterloiben near Dürnstein, Weingut Knoll is renowned for its expressive Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners. The winery is known for its traditional approach to winemaking and iconic label design.

• Weingut F.X. Pichler: Located in Oberloiben, this winery is considered by many to be a benchmark for Austrian white wines, particularly for its complex and powerful Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines.

• Weingut Prager: Based in Weissenkirchen, Weingut Prager is known for its mineral-rich Rieslings and robust Grüner Veltliners, produced from some of the best vineyard sites in the Wachau Valley.

• Weingut Franz Hirtzberger: Located in Spitz, Weingut Hirtzberger is renowned for its top-quality wines that express the unique terroir of the Wachau Valley. Their single-vineyard Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners are particularly sought after.

• Weingut Rudi Pichler: Based in Wösendorf, this winery is known for its precise and elegant wines, with a focus on single-vineyard expressions of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling that showcase the diversity of Wachau's terroir.

• Nikolaihof Wachau: Claimed to be the oldest wine estate in Austria, Nikolaihof practices biodynamic viticulture and is located in Mautern. Their wines are known for their purity, longevity, and expression of the unique limestone soils of their vineyards.

• Weingut Alzinger: Situated in Dürnstein, Weingut Alzinger is admired for its finely structured, elegant wines that offer a clear expression of the Wachau's diverse microclimates and terroirs.

Visiting these vineyards offers not only the opportunity to taste exceptional wines but also to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley and learn about the winemaking process from passionate producers dedicated to their craft.

Travel Tips

Visiting the Wachau Valley, with its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and world-renowned vineyards, offers a unique and memorable experience. Here are some travel tips to make the most of your visit:

• Wine Tasting: The Wachau Valley is famous for its wines, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Visit local wineries for tastings, but remember to book in advance, especially at the smaller, family-run estates.

• Cycling and Hiking: Bring comfortable shoes and explore the valley's well-marked hiking trails or rent a bicycle to travel along the Danube Cycle Path, which offers stunning views and convenient access to many towns and vineyards.

• Boat Cruises: Consider taking a boat cruise along the Danube River for a unique perspective of the valley's beauty. Many cruises offer hop-on, hop-off options, allowing you to explore the towns and landmarks at your own pace.

• Local Cuisine: Don't miss out on trying local dishes and specialties, particularly those made with Wachau apricots, in the traditional Heurigen (wine taverns).

• Accommodation: Book your accommodation well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season or local festivals. Options range from boutique hotels in historic buildings to cozy B&Bs and guesthouses in the vineyards.

• Travel Passes: Look into travel passes or cards that may offer discounts on local transportation, attractions, and activities. For example, the Niederösterreich Card offers free admission and discounts at many attractions across Lower Austria, including several in the Wachau Valley.

• Guided Tours: Consider taking a guided tour, especially for wine tastings or historical insights. Local guides can provide valuable information and access to places you might not discover on your own.

• Packing Essentials: Bring layers for changing weather, a good camera for capturing the scenic beauty, and a small backpack for day trips.

• Language: While many people in the tourism industry speak English, learning a few basic German phrases can be helpful and appreciated by locals.

• Cash and Cards: While credit cards are widely accepted, it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and in rural areas.