Danube Cycle Path Stage 5 North Bank: Emmersdorf - Krems
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Cycling tour Starting from Emmersdorf
Through the Enchanted Garden of a Romantic Landscape The tour follows the beautiful Danube cycle path from Emmersdorf an der Donau, through the Wachau cultural landscape, to its destination, the statutory city of Krems an der Donau. Along the way, as you cycle through the valley designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, you’ll pass through Aggsbach, Spitz, and Weißenkirchen in the Wachau region, among other places, until you finally reach your destination: the commercial and cultural city of Krems. PLEASE NOTE: Traffic restrictions are currently in effect on the Stein–Mautern Danube Bridge. Since May 18, 2026, the bridge has been operating as a single-lane crossing with traffic lights. Cyclists can still use the bridge directly in both directions. The previous notice regarding the closure of the Danube cycle path in the center of Weißenkirchen from late October 2025 through spring 2026 is no longer valid. The previous detour via Treppelweg has ended; according to the municipality, the next complete closure as part of the construction work is scheduled to begin on October 27, 2026.
Through the Enchanted Garden of a Romantic Landscape The tour follows the beautiful Danube cycle path from Emmersdorf an der Donau, through the Wachau cultural landscape, to its destination, the statutory city of Krems an der Donau. Along the way, as you cycle through the valley designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, you’ll pass through Aggsbach, Spitz, and Weißenkirchen in the Wachau region, among other places, until you finally reach your destination: the commercial and cultural city of Krems. PLEASE NOTE: Traffic restrictions are currently in effect on the Stein–Mautern Danube Bridge. Since May 18, 2026, the bridge has been operating as a single-lane crossing with traffic lights. Cyclists can still use the bridge directly in both directions. The previous notice regarding the closure of the Danube cycle path in the center of Weißenkirchen from late October 2025 through spring 2026 is no longer valid. The previous detour via Treppelweg has ended; according to the municipality, the next complete closure as part of the construction work is scheduled to begin on October 27, 2026.
No sooner do you leave Emmersdorf than it becomes abundantly clear why UNESCO designated the Wachau a World Heritage Site: Rocky cliffs rise from steep forested slopes, vineyards roll gently, waves of the Danube lap at sandy beaches, and historic ruins, old villages, and hospitable wine taverns line the way.
From the ancient village of Aggsbach, there is a superb view of the Aggstein castle ruins on the south bank, where—according to legend—terrible robber barons were brought to justice. The village of Willendorf was made famous by an archaeological find: the “Venus.” The small female sculpture (now in the Natural History Museum in Vienna) serves as a reminder that the area has been inhabited for 50,000 years.
In Schwallenbach, a few historic buildings keep the Middle Ages alive, and just before Spitz, a bizarre rock formation can be seen: the Devil’s Wall. The Prince of Hell once intended to use it to dam the waters of the Danube. In Spitz, old miners’ houses and 16th-century estates, the late-Gothic parish church, the Hinterhaus ruins, and the Maritime Museum invite you to take a cultural break.
On the roof ridge of the imposing fortified church of St. Michael (in the municipality of Weißenkirchen), hares “run”—allegedly driven up there by a snowy winter long ago. The main attraction of the wine-tasting village of Wösendorf is the late-Baroque parish church with altarpieces by the so-called “Kremser Schmidt” (Martin Johann Schmidt, 1718–1801).
Its location on the Danube, the lovely vineyards, forested slopes, and rock formations all around have made Dürnstein one of Austria’s most popular travel destinations. The blue tower of Dürnstein Abbey is visible from afar, and King Richard the Lionheart was once held captive in the sprawling castle ruins, which offer spectacular views. Shortly after passing through the wine-growing village of Unterloiben, you’ll reach Krems, the destination of this stage.
Emmersdorf on the Danube - Aggsbach - Spitz - Weißenkirchen in the Wachau - Dürnstein - Krems on the Danube
Route description:
You start your route in Emmersdorf on the Danube. As the name "the gateway to the Wachau" already suggests, the namesake cultural landscape begins here. You travel along the northern bank of the Danube. For the majority of the distance, you stay on the B3, only occasionally leaving the main road.
Passing small villages and steep hills, you make your way to Aggsbach Markt. Castle enthusiasts will be delighted by this stop because from here, you have a fantastic view of the Aggstein castle ruins on the opposite southern bank, whose origins date back to the 12th century. Near Willendorf in the Wachau, you leave the B3 and continue on the L7140 until shortly past Schwallenbach. After that, you cycle on the Danube federal road through the beautiful Wachau landscape.
Shortly after Spitz, you repeatedly leave the B3 and cycle through Wösendorf and Weißenkirchen. Then you finally reach the epitome of scenic beauty in this part of the Danube region, the small town of Dürnstein. Here, you see the landscape features of the Wachau: lush green hills with steep slopes lined with countless vineyards. Combined with the Danube and the right light, it's a sight made for landscape painting. Culture lovers will also not be disappointed here, as you can explore the Dürnstein ruins and the Dürnstein Abbey, established since 1372, which is a city landmark with its blue-white coloring.
After Dürnstein, you move away from the Danube briefly, crossing some fields. Shortly after Unterloiben, you return to the B3 and thus again follow the Danube. A few kilometers later, you arrive in Krems on the Danube.
Here, there is a wealth of sights. Still on the edge of the Wachau, you can admire the characteristic landscape and explore the city. The old town of Krems alone impresses because it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau cultural landscape. Particularly noteworthy is the city's symbol, the Steiner Gate. Additionally, there are countless churches, gates, houses, and museums to discover—a real cultural city. Wine connoisseurs will also feel at home here since numerous wineries make viticulture not just economically important but also an essential part of the city. A truly worthwhile destination and a successful conclusion to this beautiful and enjoyable bike ride.
Hotel Donauhof in Emmersdorf
Please note: Park-and-ride facilities may require a fee.
On the B3 to Emmersdorf on the Danube
Emmersdorf can be reached via several bus routes.
Bicycles are not allowed on buses.
Person responsible for the content of this tour
Danube Lower Austria Tourism GmbH
Letzte Änderung: 18 Aug 2026