Just about an hour and a quarter’s drive from Vienna, in the heart of Lower Austria, lies the Wachau Valley (or the Danube Valley), abundant with vineyards, picturesque towns and villages, ancient monasteries, and castles with fascinating histories. This area is especially suitable for a day trip from Vienna for those who love nature and scenic views (by the way, another option for a day trip is Bratislava in Slovakia, which is in the opposite direction from the Wachau).
Some even choose to stay for a few days in the quiet valley area to enjoy the views and the rural experience that is so close to Vienna. If you are also planning to stay overnight in the Wachau Valley, you can use our list of recommended accommodations in the valley or check out our recommendations for pampering spa hotels near Vienna (up to two hours by public transport).
The best time to visit the valley is between April and October, but you can also enjoy it on cold, sunny winter days. If you want to travel leisurely and without prior planning, you can join a guided tour in the valley.
In this article, we will detail all the recommended places in the Wachau Valley, the activities you shouldn’t miss, and how to get there by public transport, boat, or car from Vienna. You can navigate between sections of the article by clicking on the table of contents.
What to See in the Wachau Valley?
- The Town of Krems
- The Town of Dürnstein and Dürnstein Castle
- The Village of Weißenkirchen
- The Village of Spitz
- The Town of Melk – Melk Abbey
- Other Interesting Places
- Recommended Accommodations in the Wachau Valley
- The World of Wine
- 6 Festivals in the Wachau Valley
- How to Get Around the Wachau Valley
- The Wachau Ticket
- How to Get to the Wachau Valley
- Additional Essential Information
Join a day trip to the Wachau Valley. Click here for more details.
General Information About the Wachau Valley
Besides stunning views on both sides of the Danube River, the Wachau Valley has a very ancient history. Archaeological excavations in the area have uncovered several prehistoric figurines, the most famous of which is called the Venus of Willendorf. According to researchers, the figurine is 29,500 years old (it is currently displayed at the Natural History Museum in Vienna).
Archaeological findings show that this area was inhabited in ancient times. During the Roman Empire, the region marked the empire’s northern frontier, so fortifications and watchtowers were built along the Danube River. Remains of these structures can still be seen around Rossatz-Arnsdorf, particularly in the village of Bacharnsdorf. After the fall of the empire, the House of Babenberg ruled the region for centuries.
In 1972, the villages and towns of the area united to form the tourism region now known as the Wachau Valley. In 2000, the valley was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The valley stretches about 40 kilometers between the towns of Krems an der Donau and Melk. Along the way are charming historic towns such as Dürnstein and Spitz. Vineyards and wineries cover the hillsides, making wine production one of the region’s main industries. Since there are no bridges across the Danube within the valley itself, crossing between the two banks is done by ferry.
What to See in the Wachau Valley?
The valley has a variety of beautiful towns with impressive monasteries, ancient castles, and of course, breathtaking views. The main places are:
1. The Town of Krems
This town is located at the eastern end of the valley, where the Danube River and the Krems River meet. About 25,000 inhabitants live in the town, and it is considered one of the largest in Lower Austria. Read more about Krems and the walking trail among the apricot orchards.
2. Dürnstein
A 10-minute drive from Krems, on the banks of the Danube River, is the small and ancient town that became famous for its vineyards and for the English King Richard the Lionheart. Read more about Dürnstein.
3. The Village of Weißenkirchen
A 5-minute drive from Dürnstein, in the heart of the Wachau Valley, there is a charming small village with ancient stone streets and a centuries-old winemaking tradition. Read more about Weißenkirchen.
4. The Village of Spitz
Another five-minute drive up the river will take you to another small and beautiful village called Spitz. The ancient village is nestled among vineyards and green vegetation and offers wonderful views of the Danube River and the entire valley. Read more about Spitz.
5. The Town of Melk – Melk Abbey
In the southern part of the Wachau Valley, about a 15-minute drive from Spitz, is the small village of Melk, home to the valley’s famous monastery, Melk Abbey.
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Other Interesting Places
Krems Area
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Göttweig Abbey
This monastery belongs to the Benedictine order and was founded in 1076 AD. The monastery building is very large and is located on a hill south of Krems. The place is still active today, with ongoing prayers and activities. There is also a museum in the monastery that is open from the end of March to November 1st. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Check out the Official Website for more details.
Eastern Bank of the Danube River
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Aggstein Castle Ruins
This castle was built in the 12th century on a steep hill 300 meters above the Danube River. The castle offers a magnificent view of the entire valley. Read more about visiting the ruined Aggstein Castle.
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Schönbühel Castle
This castle was built in the 12th century and is located about a 15-minute drive from Melk up the river. The castle was built on a bare rock about 40 meters above the river. This castle was home to various nobles throughout history and has remained completely intact. There is also an ancient church on site. Check out the Official Website for more details.
Recommended Accommodations in the Wachau Valley
Click on the hotel name to view more information and photos on Booking.com.
- Hotel-Restaurant Kirchenwirt Located in the village of Weißenkirchen in the heart of the valley.
- Hotel in Krems – Gästehaus auf der Kunstmeile
- Haus zum Prater – A traditional guesthouse in Spitz.
- Rathauskeller Melk – A nice hotel in the heart of the pedestrian zone of Melk town.
- Pension Marillenhof – A country-style guesthouse about 10 minutes from the center of Melk town.
Please note!
It’s possible that the recommended accommodations on the list below are booked… but don’t worry! These aren’t the only places worth staying in the Wachau Valley. Out of all accommodations scattered throughout the valley, there are many more excellent places worth checking out. To help you find another excellent place that is available on your travel dates, you can check directly with our adapted search engine, Booking.com. We have already set all the important filters (central location, view, rating, etc.) so that the narrowed list includes only suitable places for your trip to the Wachau Valley.
Click for the adapted search engine for excellent accommodations in the Wachau Valley
The World of Wine in the Wachau Valley
Wine production is the primary occupation of the inhabitants of the Wachau Valley. There are 232 wineries and about 1344 hectares of vineyards in the area. The many grapevines grow on steep slopes with the help of long rows of ancient terraces. The ideal weather conditions allow for the cultivation of excellent grapes of the Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Neuburger varieties. These grape varieties are among the best for producing white wine. You mustn’t miss wine tastings at the various wineries. Ask for one of the following wines, and you won’t be disappointed: Steinfeder, Federspiel, Smaragd.
This is what the Valley and its Vineyards look like
Recommended Wineries in Wachau
- Domäne Wachau – Dürnstein
- Weingut Donabaum in der Spitz – Martin & Alexandra Donabaum – Spitz
- Weingut Holzapfel Gutshofrestaurant Prandtauerhof – Weißenkirchen
Interested in local wine tasting? Join A daily trip to the valley. Click for more details.
6 Festivals in the Wachau Valley
Throughout the year, several Austrian festivals related to the valley’s wine world take place. If you plan to visit during this time, it’s worth joining a festival and enjoying an authentic and fun atmosphere.
1. Wachauer Weinfrühling Festival
About 100 wineries from across Wachau participate in this festival, where you can taste the young wine prepared last year. The festival usually takes place in May. It’s worth checking the wineries’ website for exact dates.
2. Wachauer Sommersonnenwende Festival
A nocturnal festival featuring a parade of illuminated boats along the Danube. Simultaneously, the valley will be lit by fire and torches. The festival takes place in June.
3. Wachauer Kirtag Festival
In the small village of Weißenkirchen, an authentic Austrian event takes place. You can enjoy local wine, homemade Austrian dishes, music, and dancing. Don’t forget your Dirndl and Lederhosen! The festival takes place at the beginning of July.
4. Marillenknödel Festival
The Wachau Valley Apricot Festival is a wonderful opportunity to taste a variety of homemade products made from apricots, of course. You can taste Marillenknödel, schnapps, and jams. Additionally, there will be performances and music. The festival takes place at the end of July.
5. Wachau Rieslingfest
The Riesling Wine Festival, featuring the excellent wine of the Wachau Valley. At the festival, you can taste the wine and eat traditional food accompanied by pleasant music. The festival usually takes place in the second week of August.
6. Christmas Market
If you plan to visit before Christmas, you can enjoy a small Christmas market that takes place for only one weekend in November in the village of Weißenkirchen. You can taste mulled wine and a variety of dishes.
At Aggstein Castle, a medieval-style Christmas market will be held in November. You can find more details here.
How to Get Around the Wachau Valley
Whether you arrive by car or public transport, you can choose from several enjoyable options for touring the valley.
1. Wachau by Bicycle
Upon arrival, you can rent bicycles and cycle on the well-maintained paths along the river. The valley is 40 kilometers long, but of course, you can cycle only part of the way between the small villages on the banks of the Danube. You can find more information about bicycle rental here.
It’s important to note that along most of the Wachau Valley there are no bridges connecting the two banks of the Danube River. To cross the river, you’ll need to take a ferry. Ferries operate from Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen in der Wachau, and Spitz, and they also carry bicycles. During the summer months (May–September), ferries run daily from 9:30 to 18:00, while in April and October they operate on weekends only. Near Melk, there is a bridge that allows you to cross the river by car.
2. Wachau Railway
From October to April, the Wachau Railway runs between Krems an der Donau and Emmersdorf an der Donau, stopping at 13 stations along the valley. This train makes it easy to travel between the different villages. Tickets can be purchased online or directly from the conductor, and a trip from Krems to the Melk area costs about €14.
Click here for more information about the train.
Click here to purchase train tickets online.
3. River Cruise
Another nice option is to take a cruise along the valley. The DDSG Blue Danube company offers cruises along the valley with several stops in towns and villages. There are different types of cruises in the valley; you can take a breakfast cruise or a wine tasting cruise.
Prices start from €23 per person for a one-way cruise only. You can find all the information on the cruise company’s website.
The Wachau Ticket
For travelers arriving from Vienna to the Wachau Valley, there is a combined transport ticket called the Wachau Ticket. With this combined ticket, you can reach the valley by public transport, visit the famous Melk Abbey, and cross the valley on a wonderful cruise (the cruise is highly recommended!).
The recommended route you can take with the ticket:
- Train from Vienna to Melk town
- Visit to Melk Abbey (without a guided tour)
- Cruise from Melk to Krems (takes about two hours)
- Train back to Vienna
Please note:
- The season when the ticket is available for use is from the end of May to the end of October.
- The ticket is valid for two days (for example, you can stay overnight in the valley and return the next day). Read about recommended accommodations.
- You can only use ÖBB trains.
- Night trains are not included.
- You can cruise with the cruise company DDSG Blue Danube on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
- Cruise times vary in the autumn months (September, October). Please check the cruise companies’ websites.
You can buy the ticket online, but you must collect it from one of the ÖBB company stations (there is a station at the central train station). Of course, you can also buy it directly at the ticket counter.
Price: starting from €88 for an adult, €49 for a child (6-15), free for children under 6.
More information and a link to purchase the Wachau Ticket on the railway website.
How to Get to the Wachau Valley?
You can reach the Wachau Valley by public transport, but of course, the most convenient way is by car. You can rent a car from Vienna for a day and travel around the valley.
If you decide to travel from Vienna to the Wachau Valley by public transport, it is recommended to first reach the town of Melk and from there continue downstream towards Vienna through the villages of Weißenkirchen, Spitz, Dürnstein, and finish in Krems.
You can get there by public transport as follows:
The best way to get to Melk is by train. A direct train departs several times a day from Wien Westbahnhof station, arriving at Melk Bahnhof station within one hour. From Melk train station, you will need to walk about 10 minutes to the famous Melk Abbey.
If you missed the direct train from Vienna to Melk, you will need to travel from Vienna to St. Pölten Hbf station and then change to a train to Melk Bahnhof station. The travel time this way is between 50 minutes and an hour.
On your way back, if you are returning from Krems, you can take a direct train from Krems/Donau Bahnhof (Krems’ central station) to Wien Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof.
You can check all train times and plan your trip on the railway website.
Want to get around the valley easily? Click for more details.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
The Wachau Valley attracts tourists in all seasons. The best time to visit is between April and October.
Address: 3602 Wachau
Map:
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