Wachau Valley
Austria · Lower Austria · 210 m
Description
The Wachau Valley is a picturesque cultural landscape along the Danube between Melk and Krems in Lower Austria and is considered one of Europe's most beautiful river valleys. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its steep terraced vineyards, Baroque monasteries, medieval castles, and historic wine villages. Landmarks such as Melk Abbey, the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, and nearby Göttweig Abbey define the landscape, alongside extensive apricot orchards and the dry-stone walls that support the vineyards. The Wachau is one of Austria's most prestigious wine regions, celebrated for its Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines as well as the famous Wachau apricots. Danube cruises and the Danube Cycle Path offer some of the best ways to experience the region's unique blend of natural beauty, history, and centuries-old cultural heritage.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – June or September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Melk Abbey
- Dürnstein & Castle Ruins
- Danube Cruises
- Wachau Vineyards
- Wine Tasting
- Wachau Cycle Path
- Krems an der Donau Old Town
- Stein an der Donau
- Weißenkirchen in der Wachau
- Spitz
- Aggstein Castle Ruins
- Schönbühel Castle
- Göttweig Abbey
- Rossatz-Arnsdorf Apricot Orchards
- Jauerling
- Seekopf
- Rotes Tor
- Loiben Plain
- Apricot Blossom (March - April)
- Wachau Gourmet Restaurants
- Wachau World Heritage Trail(Multi-day trip)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Weißenkirchen in der Wachau, Willendorf i.d. Wachau, Dürnstein-Oberloiben