The Village of Weißenkirchen (Weißenkirchen in der Wachau)
The village of Weißenkirchen is located a 5-minute drive from Dürnstein, in the heart of the Wachau Valley. It is a small and charming village with ancient stone streets and a long-standing tradition of winemaking. The villagers mainly earn their living from wine production, and the place stands as the largest wine center in the Wachau Valley. You can enter the small wineries and taste local wine straight from the producer. Recommended wineries in the village include Weingut Holzapfel and Gutshofrestaurant Prandtauerhof. However, in any other winery in the village, you can enjoy a wine tasting and an authentic experience.
In the village, you can walk among the vineyards and green trees and admire the ancient fortified Gothic church dating back to the 14th century. A watchtower stands next to the church and once defended the area against Turkish invaders in the 17th century. The inner courtyard of the church (Teisenhoferhof) was built in the Renaissance style in the 16th century and has been exceptionally well preserved. In this beautiful place, festivals, music events (the Riesling Festival takes place in August), and art exhibitions are held.
Additionally, the Wachau Museum (Wachaumuseum) is located in the church courtyard. The museum is small and presents the history of the region. It is open from April to October from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Address: Weißenkirchen in der Wachau, 3610 Niederösterreich
Map:
The Village of Spitz
Moreover, after just a five-minute drive along the river, you’ll arrive at the small and beautiful village of Spitz. The ancient village sits among vineyards and green vegetation and offers wonderful views of the Danube River and the entire valley. In the southern part of the village are the ruins of a 1000-year-old castle. This castle is called Hinterhaus, and it was once used by the rulers of the Spitz region. Even in its destroyed state, the castle still presents its remaining walls and structure clearly before you. Furthermore, legends claim that the ghosts of its last inhabitants haunt the ruins.
The village hosts a museum dedicated to the world of shipping and to the ancient ships that once traveled along the Danube. The Maritime Museum (Schifffahrtsmuseum) is open from April to the end of October, every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission costs €7 for an adult and €5 for a child.
Maritime Museum Website
Address: Auf der Wehr 21, 3620 Spitz
Map:
If you want to continue exploring the valley, beyond visiting the villages of Weißenkirchen and Spitz, you can visit several other interesting places.
