Wachau World Heritage Trail 08: Emmersdorf-Melk
Use our AI guide
Do you have any questions about your stay?
Hiking tour Starting from Emmersdorf, Market Street
The villages of Emmersdorf, unique panoramic views, the imperial Schloss Luberegg, the Danube and riverside promenades await us on the ten-kilometre stage - the baroque Melk Abbey is always visible.
The villages of Emmersdorf, unique panoramic views, the imperial Schloss Luberegg, the Danube and riverside promenades await us on the ten-kilometre stage - the baroque Melk Abbey is always visible.
Welterbesteig Wachau: From Emmersdorf to Melk
The stage from Emmersdorf to Melk combines panoramic high-level trails with striking points along the Danube. The trail first leads uphill to the village of Rantenberg, where a sweeping panoramic view over the Danube Valley opens up. The route then continues steadily downhill to Luberegg Castle, whose historic complex and gastronomic offerings add a special highlight before the Danube is reached.
Via Luberegg Island, the trail continues to the Melk Danube power station. After crossing the river, the route leads across Löweninsel and finally into the old town of Melk, where this varied stage of the Welterbesteig Wachau comes to an end.
While hiking on the Welterbesteig Wachau, it becomes clear step by step why the Wachau has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage region. Along carefully curated World Heritage Spots, the defining World Heritage Highlights become visible – the interplay of the historic cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, exceptional natural areas and the Danube as a formative element.
Thanks to good rail connections, relaxed and sustainable travel to the Wachau is easy. Within the region, a dense network of public transport ensures that all stages can be conveniently reached by bus, train, ferry and boat. This also makes it very easy to combine different stages.
The Welterbesteig Wachau has also been awarded the Austrian Hiking Quality Seal. This certification stands for high quality standards in route layout, signage, safety and infrastructure and confirms the Welterbesteig as a reliable and high-quality hiking experience in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mountaineering emergency Wachau:140
Solid hiking shoes, rain protection, sufficient drinks and snacks as well as the Wachau hiking map and a Heurigen calendar. An equipment list can be found at www.welterbesteig.at under the category Service/Tips.
The route begins on Marktstraße in the picturesque Renaissance town of Emmersdorf. After passing under the Wachaubahn viaduct, turn left onto Rote Kreuz-Straße. At the next fork, the trail leads right uphill to Rothenhof Castle (a lodging facility). Then turn left and immediately right again onto the small road Waldweg. After just under 250 meters, the route turns right onto Jägersteig and leaves the village. The trail continues through woods and meadows toward Rantenberg. At the road, the trail turns left toward the stamp station. Then take a sharp right through the hamlet. After the last house, the trail turns left onto a dirt road. After five minutes, you’ll reach the turnoff to the Dachbergwarte. However, this lookout is closed. The trail continues steadily downhill to the hamlet of Hain. In the village, turn left and then right twice. The path descends; you’ll pass under the Wachaubahn railway line and reach the 18th-century Schloss Luberegg. Inside the castle is the wine tavern Haferkast’n, which invites you to stop for a break. Cross the B3 highway at the crosswalk, then turn right and walk parallel to the road to the Hafenstüberl in Lubergg (there’s also a Danube lake here with a sandy beach—but only during low water). The trail turns left and crosses a bridge to Luberegger Island and the Danube. After the bridge, turn right and head directly toward the Melk Danube Power Plant along the Danube. Cross the river via the power plant and reach Melk’s Löweninsel. The trail follows the Danube briefly downstream and, after a short while, turns right into the floodplain forest. Then it turns right once more, past a gate, and heads toward the St. Leopold Bridge. Cross the street and you’ll immediately reach Melk’s main square—with Melk Abbey towering above it.
Car parks at the ship docking points on the Danube in Emmersdorf and in Melk
A1 to Melk exit, then continue on B3 to Melk or B3 and B3a to Emmersdorf
The places can be reached by public transport seven days a week. Returning to the starting point of the hike is possible.
On the north bank of the Wachau, line 715 runs Krems-Spitz-Melk or Melk-Spitz-Krems. This line connects Melk station (Westbahn) with the station in Krems (Franz-Josefs-Bahn). On the south bank, bus line 720 runs from Krems-Mautern-Rossatz-Melk or Melk-Rossatz-Mautern-Krems. www.vor.at
The Wachau railway only runs on weekends and public holidays (three times daily): www.wachaubahn.at
Rental bike stations Nextbike (EUR 1/hour) are located in Emmersdorf and Melk, www.nextbike.at
Fun and enjoyment at the Wachau donkey adventure! Information from Ms. Anita Brunner, Tel. 0660/39 11 465, at Pömling 13, 3644 Emmersdorf. www.eselabenteuer.com
For places to stop for refreshments and overnight stays, we recommend Best of Wachau establishments: www.bestof-Wachau.at. Best of Wachau establishments are located in Emmersdorf and Melk.
Other dining options/opening hours:
There are several restaurants in Emmersdorf and Melk that are open year-round: www.stadt-melk.at; www.emmersdorf.at
Haferkast’n: daily from 4:00 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 3:00 p.m.; closed in January, February, and March; www.pichler-wachau.com; Tel. 02752/71777.
Letzte Änderung: 18 Aug 2026