Details for: Wachau World Heritage Trail

Brief description

What connects the banks

Description

Relaxed and enjoyable long-distance hiking in the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau: The Wachau World Heritage Trail connects a unique cultural and natural landscape with rich history and regional culinary delights over its 180 kilometers between Melk and Krems. Culture and landscape influence each other; rare natural habitats like dry grasslands and dry stone walls as well as the originally preserved towns and settlements are tangible signs of a long settlement history.

Nowhere else can the Danube be hiked more beautifully than on the 14 stages of the Wachau World Heritage Trail.

But the Wachau offers not only an impressive natural backdrop but also culinary specialties. After a hike through the vineyards, the typical Wachau wines can be tasted at a rustic wine tavern, a traditional inn, or in one of the excellent restaurants.

For a carefree all-around offer, including luggage transport, tastings, and transfers, it is advisable to book one of the versatile hiking packages.

Thanks to good train connections, relaxed and sustainable arrival in the Wachau is easy. In the region, a dense network of public transport ensures that all stages can be conveniently reached by bus, train, ferry, and ship. This also makes it very easy to combine different stages.

Starting point of the tour

Dependent on choice of stage

Destination point of the tour

Dependent on the chosen stage

Directions

From Vienna via the A22 and S5 to Krems, then on the B3 along the north bank through the Wachau to the towns along the Danube.

From the A1 West motorway from St. Pölten via the S33 to Krems, optionally continue on the B3 along the north bank of the Wachau or over the Mautern Danube bridge to the south side on the B33 to Melk to the towns along the Danube.

A1 West motorway to Melk exit and along the B33 along the south bank to Mautern, A1 West motorway to Melk, switch to the north bank at the Danube bridge and on the B3 through the Wachau to the chosen starting point at Krems.

Parking

In the parking garages of Krems city center. Please note the paid short-term parking system with zones in the city centers of Krems and Stein. More information can be found on the homepage of the city of Krems www.krems.gv.at

In Melk at the Danube shore near the ship stations, in all other places on public parking areas.

Thanks to good train connections, relaxed and sustainable arrival in the Wachau is easy. In the region, a dense network of public transport ensures that all stages can be conveniently reached by bus, train, ferry, and ship.

From Vienna (Franz Josef Station) to Krems: travel time approx. 1 hour (continue with the regional VOR bus lines 720 or 715)
From St. Pölten (Westbahn) to Krems: travel time approx. 30-45 minutes

From Linz: Westbahn to St. Pölten, continue by regional train to Krems or Westbahn to Melk (continue with the regional VOR bus lines 720 or 715).

ÖBB timetable query

VOR East Region public transport timetable query

Westbahn timetable

Equipment

We recommend the following equipment:

Hiking boots

Backpack

Weatherproof clothing (e.g. rain gear)

Headwear

Sun protection

Adequate provisions (water, snack)

Wachau hiking map and/or mobile tour planner

Safety information

Please observe the following tips and notes to make your hiking holiday a pleasant experience:

Stay on the marked paths and wear mountain/hiking boots.

Please do not leave your rubbish on the path.

Carry enough provisions (water/snack) with you.

Take the hiking map with you or use the free hiking app.

Respect the sensitive habitats of plant and animal life.

Author's tip

Plan sufficient time to visit the worthwhile excursion destinations in the region, e.g. the Kunstmeile Krems with the Lower Austria State Gallery, Melk Abbey and Göttweig Abbey.

More tours around the starting point