The Wachau region, nestled between Melk and Krems, is a World Heritage Site featuring steep vineyard terraces, historic buildings from various eras and picturesque towns, all along the Danube. The river serves as both a guide and a signpost when it comes to discovering the history, culture and cuisine of this very special region.
On the World Heritage Trail, every step is a journey through time; on the Danube cycle path, the river is your constant companion; and in a Zille boat, you are as close to the Danube as you can get, with the most beautiful view of the unique landscape. Characterised by wine and, in places, apricots, whose blossoms unfold a magical charm in spring.
The Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail - invites you to hike through the Wachau region in 14 stages covering 180 kilometres, sometimes close to the river, sometimes high above the vineyards. The ascent to the Seekopf near Rossatz is particularly impressive. At its summit, above the treetops of the Dunkelsteinerwald forest, towers the Vierte Wand. A 15 metre high observation tower with a magnificent panoramic view.
The view is just as far-reaching on the Mühldorf-Maria Lach stage, which leads over Lower Austria's highest vineyard (Ried Trenning) to the highest mountain along the Danube, the 960 metre high Jauerling. Buildings of cultural and historical value can also be found at every turn.
Wachau World Heritage Trail 10: Aggsbach Dorf-Hofarnsdorf
Sights: Aggstein Castle ruins, view from the Hoher Stein and Glauberkreuz, Maria Langegg pilgrimage church
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2 | Experience castles, monasteries and art along the World Heritage Trail
In the Wachau region, every step is a journey through time: from the Venus of Willendorf to medieval castle ruins, baroque monasteries and modern art. Monuments such as Melk Abbey, the Aggstein castle ruins and the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich are impressive witnesses to their era. Tour guide Christine Emberger knows them all and many more, and she also knows exciting facts that not everyone is aware of.
A Zillenfahrt boat trip is perhaps the most authentic way to experience the Wachau region, offering a completely different perspective from the water.
The Danube Ride from Genuss on Tour in the Wachau is the Zillenfahrt for foodies: as you glide almost silently across the water from Spitz or Dürnstein, you can enjoy fine finger food and a tasting of fine Wachau wines, with views of vineyard terraces, historic buildings and enchanting places. A visit to an excellent "Best of Wachau" restaurant completes the tour.
Michael and Gerald from Ahoi Wachau tell stories from the region on their Zillenfahrten boat trips and give fellow travellers a feel for the culture of shipping.
Zillen are wooden boats that have been used on the Danube for centuries.
4 | Experience the Danube cycle path
The Danube cycle path is the most popular cycle path in Europe. It is said that the section through the Wachau World Heritage Region, with all its attractions, is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful.
Other reasons include: the natural sandy beach at Luberegg with its fabulous view of MelkAbbey, a boat trip or a ferry ride. A special feature: the car ferry in Spitz-Arnsdorf houses an art installation by Olafur Eliasson in the ferry cabin, the Camera Obscura, which, like the roll-on/roll-off ferry itself, operates without electricity.
Those who want to get even closer to the water can discover the Wachau region by stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing.
A stroll through the historic old town of Krems is like a journey into another era: narrow streets, magnificent town houses and the Steiner Torgate, the town's landmark, invite you to explore.
Culture enthusiasts should visit the Kunstmeile Krems with the Kunsthalle, the Caricature Museum and the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich. From the roof of the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich, you have a wonderful view of the Danube and the mighty Göttweig Abbey on the other bank, a baroque powerhouse.
