Description
Surrounded by vineyards and stone terraces, Weißenkirchen lies in the heart of the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vineyards of Weißenkirchen – the largest wine-growing community in the Wachau – belong to the best white wine locations in the world. The name Riesling is said to derive from a Weißenkirchen vineyard called “Rietzling.” Since the High Middle Ages, Weißenkirchen has been one of the cultural trademarks on the Austrian Danube. The impressive fortified church from the 13th century, the Teisenhoferhof, and the picturesque lanes and winemakers’ farms give Weißenkirchen a picturesque and historical flair.
Starting point of the tour
Weißenkirchen, Market Square
Destination point of the tour
Weißenkirchen, Market Square
Route description Achleiten panorama route - Weißenkirchen
The path starts at the Market Square Weißenkirchen by the fortified church (the most significant fortified church complex in Austria) and continues along the old Wachau road (parallel to the Danube) towards the vineyards. On a gently ascending path, it goes on to the Klaus vineyard. You pass centuries-old stone terraces and meter-high dry stone walls. At the Klaus vineyard, a nice resting place with a terrace awaits you.
At the end of the Klaus vineyard, it goes a bit steeper uphill to the Achleiten vine training system. The vine training system is a collection of valuable grape varieties established according to an old “cultivation culture.” At the end of the Achleiten vineyard, you reach the Achleiten martel and a resting place. Along a ridge path and a subsequent descent through vineyards, you return to the Market Square Weißenkirchen.
Directions
Weißenkirchen is located directly on the B3.
Parking
Along the B3 at the Danube waterfront and the train station area.
Bus line 715 runs between Krems and Melk. Timetables at www.vor.at.
Alternatively, the Wachau Railway runs between Krems and Emmersdorf, more info at www.wachaubahn.at.
