Wachau Austria on the map. The beautiful Danube valley of the Wachau and the monastery town of Melk in lower Austria. Cost of living in the Wachau Valley
Fans of ancient castles, tales of dukes, battles and robberies will love the Wachau Valley. This place, stunning with its natural expressiveness and architectural heritage, attracts thousands of tourists traveling around. The valley itself is short in length, only about 30 km. The population is about five and a half thousand people.
Sometimes there are even more tourists in the valley than the residents themselves. Wachau is located along the banks of the Danube, from the city of Melk to Krems an der Donau. The picturesque view of the valley is so impressive that you want to return here after a while. The valley is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the huge number of ancient castles, fertile land, monasteries, streets, cities and villages. It is surprising that so many significant attractions are located in such a small area.
The landscapes of the valley can make any heart skip a beat: small cobbled streets, typical European brick-colored roofs of low-rise buildings, mountains, a river with clean clear water. You can admire all these beauties from the highest point of the Wachau - Mount Jarling. The height of this mountain reaches 960 meters, offering a stunning view of the entire valley.
What interesting things can you find in the Wachau Valley?
Wachau is famous for its homemade wine and apricot jam. Since ancient times, vineyards have been planted here and harvested for wine production. Even today, many cities use ancient winemaking methods, which gives wine a unique taste and aroma. Austria is one of the best wine producers, which the country owes in particular to the Wachau Valley. Almost every family living in the valley has its own wine cellar, which is more than two hundred years old.
The climate in this place is favorable and warm, which contributes to high yields of grapes and apricots. Various types of jams and drinks are made from apricots here. Apricot schnapps is a popular drink, and the jam is used in the famous Sachertorte, soaking its layers with it.
You can buy various goodies in stores located on the streets of the valley cities. Delicious and varied food here will delight any gourmet. On the “Wine Autumn” holiday, which lasts from August to November, the tables of cafes and restaurants are laden with meat, fish dishes, pastries, jams, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
Another pleasant pastime in Wachau is boat trips on the Danube River. From the water you can enjoy the landscape of the valley and architectural buildings, cities and houses, many of which are more than 500 years old.
Art and painting lovers will definitely enjoy the “Gustav Klimt Path” excursion, which is a route through the magnificent places where the famous artist was inspired and painted his paintings. The length of the route is about a kilometer and along the way you can see special stands with information about the creation of paintings and their reproductions. This pleasure is only available from May to September. There is no excursion during other months. As part of the walk, we usually visit the villas Paulik, Oleander and the ancient castle where the artist worked.
What attractions are there in the Wachau Valley?
The most visited cities in the valley are Melk and Durnstein.
The main attraction in Melk is the monastery and its library. The monastery is located on a hill with a magnificent view of the valley. Ancient records of the famous German poem “The Song of the Nibelungs” were found in the monastery library. The library was founded in the 18th century and is still a storehouse of knowledge and ancient manuscripts. Not far from Melk, it is recommended to visit Schallaburg Castle, which will surprise you with its luxurious gardens with exotic plants. The city itself is very pleasant, clean with a huge number of narrow, quiet streets.
The city of Dürnstein is famous for its Künringerburg Castle. There is a legend according to which Duke Leopold V held captive the King of England, Richard the Lionheart, in this castle. The Duke appointed a ransom equal to two annual incomes of the country. As a result, the people of England raised money for their ruler and ransomed him, and the duke was able to build himself several more castles. The city has a Gothic monastery, Dürstein castle, and a wine cellar.
Another interesting place to visit is Aggstein Castle, which is also surrounded by history and legends. The castle was owned by two brothers of the Künring family, named Hadmar the Third and Henry the First. These brothers profited from the robbery of merchant ships that came to the shores of the valley. They looked out for approaching ships in advance and blocked them with iron chains. The unrest was stopped by Duke Frederick II, capturing Hadmar, and then the castle itself.
All the sights of the Wachau Valley cannot be seen in one day due to their countless number. For lovers of history and architecture, it is better to stay here for 6-7 days.
Cost of living in the Wachau Valley
The largest number of hotels in the valley is located in Dürnstein:
Hotels of different levels - from 5 to 2 stars.
Accommodation prices will depend on the location itself. Approximate price range from 65 to 130 euros. On the outskirts, hotel prices may be lower.
Wachau is not far from, so you can rent an apartment or hotel room there and go on a trip.
Cost of services in the Wachau Valley
The Wachau Valley is a great place for simple walks and contemplation of the local beauty, but any trip is rarely complete without visiting museums, monasteries, castles and other attractions. Approximate prices:
How to get to the valley?
The valley can be reached from Vienna by train from the West Station. A direct train runs approximately every two hours. It is better to buy a general ticket for travel for two to five people. This ticket is called an Einfach-raus-ticket (land travel ticket). The ticket costs approx. 32 euros.
General impressions of the Wachau Valley
Wachau is a unique valley, with unforgettable picturesque landscapes, ancient castles with stories and a pleasant atmosphere. The trip is perfect for a cultural holiday. Tourists who have visited the valley are completely delighted with the trip. Many people note the beauty of the landscapes, majestic mountains, clear rivers, curious ruins and architectural structures. Local wine, apricot jam and cuisine in the valley are highly rated by holidaymakers. The Wachau Valley is a place where you want to return.
Don't rush to leave! Here are some more interesting articles:
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The Belvedere Palace Complex is the jewel in the crown of Vienna
Treasury of the World - Hofburg Palace Complex, Vienna
If you go west from Vienna, then 80 kilometers away you can see an amazing natural attraction - the Wachau Valley. The valley stretches between the cities of Melk and Krems and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. What makes this place so significant?
Location
The valley of one of the largest European rivers, the Danube, is located in Lower Austria. Almost 30 kilometers of unique landscape are also united by special climatic conditions.
The valley is surrounded by the Dunkelsteinwald hills, completely covered with forests. Moderate humidity, plenty of sunny days, cool nights. These conditions are ideal for growing grapes and winemaking. The entire valley is covered with grape and fruit plantations. There are especially a lot of apricots here.
Story
On the high hills located along the banks of the Danube, you can still see the ruins of ancient fortresses. These are the remains of the fortifications of the powerful Küning barons.
Until the 11th century, the “noble” family simply became obscenely rich through robberies of passing ships. But all the power quickly disappeared into history immediately after the death of the last baron, and the fortresses gradually collapsed.
For a long time, the surrounding area was ruled by the Babenbergs, the first Austrian princely dynasty. The legend of these places is connected with their reign.
According to legend, the English king Richard the Lionheart spent some time in captivity in Durnstein Castle located here.
Returning from another Crusade, he was captured by the Austrian Duke Leopold V "The Virtuous". According to legend, he was found in the castle by an English minstrel. He methodically walked around all the fortresses of Austria and sang a song at the walls that only Richard could know in these parts. Finally, in Durnstein he was lucky! The song was picked up by the captive, the singer realized exactly where the king was being held captive, and hurried with this news to his homeland.
To return Richard, England had to fork out a lot. With the 150 thousand marks received for the prisoner, Leopold V built three more fortresses.
The legend is not entirely true. It is known that Richard was kept in Vienna Castle, but local residents tend to believe the original version.
The Romans instilled winemaking traditions in local residents. Later, all the vineyards were owned by Catholic monasteries. During Turkish rule, the vineyards suffered greatly.
The Wachau Valley became a tourist Mecca at the end of the 19th century. After these landscapes began to appear in the paintings of Viennese artists, the valley became incredibly popular, the ancient monasteries literally blossomed, and the vineyards began to expand again.
Attractions
The best way to explore the Wachau Valley is by sailing along the Danube. Typically, a river boat excursion starts from the city of Melk. The city itself is also worthy of attention. Here is located ancient Benedictine monastery, known since the 11th century.
The beautiful Baroque building is visible from all points of the city. Nowadays there is a museum for visitors to the monastery, which contains a good collection of ancient art objects, church relics, and books. The monastery church of Peter and Paul amazes with its rich decoration both inside and outside.
Just a few kilometers from Melk, on a high cliff stands Schönbühel Castle. He is often called the "guardian of the Wachau". The palace was built at the beginning of the 12th century as the residence of the Bishop of Passau.
Over its long history, the castle was rebuilt more than once, until in 1819 it came into the possession of Count Beroldinger, who practically restored it from ruins. Today the castle belongs to the Oswald family, so it is impossible to get there without the invitation of the owners.
Slightly downstream of the Danube is located city of Dürnstein. The main attraction is the same Kunringerburg castle where, according to legend, King Richard was held captive.
The town is very small, only 16 km2. One street, microscopic area and 900 inhabitants. But the small size of the town does not in any way affect the perception of the picturesque surroundings in which it is located. It’s not for nothing that this town with an ancient fortress on a hill was so popular among artists.
When leaving the city, it is worth visiting a souvenir shop that sells apricot liqueur, chocolate-covered apricot kernels, jams, marmalade, wines, and many other tasty things that will be a wonderful reminder of your trip to the valley.
Just a few kilometers from Dürnstein is the town of Krems. The most notable landmark of the city is Göttweig Monastery. It seems to float above the city, towering on a hill. It was founded at the beginning of the 11th century by the same bishop of Passau. You can freely explore this beautiful example of the Baroque style, and then have dinner in a small cafe located in the monastery complex.
How to get to the Wachau Valley
It is best to go on one of the boat excursions, which can be purchased in any city in Austria. Since the valley is located only 80 kilometers from Vienna, the excursion from the capital will take only one day.
Location on the map
Picturesque hills, medieval fortresses and monasteries, small towns - all this is worthy of the attention of a traveler who does not want to miss the pearl of central Europe.
– from the initial to the final stop of the city water tram. Ten days later I stood on the high bank of the Danube in Belgrade - the river in this place is wide, heavy, viscous. And in September I found myself in the Wachau Valley, where the Danube is young, hasty and flows merrily among the mountains.
The Wachau Valley is located an hour's drive from Vienna and stretches 30 kilometers: from Melk Abbey to the city of Krems. Between Melk and Krems there are three more towns where ships make stops: Spiez, Weisserkirchen and Dürnstein. In 2000, the Wachau Valley was included in the UNESCO list.
For some reason, the Wachau Valley seemed narrow and overgrown with dense forest, gloomy and mysterious, with Melk Abbey hidden in the thicket. Probably the very name “Wachau”: dull, aspirated, gave rise to such ideas. But in reality it is a most cheerful place, open and pleasant.
The hilly banks of the Wachau Valley are covered with forests, with castles visible on some of the peaks, and vineyards and orchards terraced down to the river. Near the water, in suitable places, houses are crowded together, from the midst of which the spiers of bell towers peek out. From time to time, a ship or barge appears around the next bend. The coastal sand is white, the water has a greenish tint.
Although at first nothing special happened. We drove and drove and arrived in Melk. And the Danube was not visible.
From the parking lot, a luxurious staircase in two arms leads down to the gates of the abbey.
We pass the first gate, then the second.
The abbey building itself is bright yellow, very long (362 m along the long southern side), with several courtyards.
In the center of the main courtyard is the fountain of St. Coloman, the patron saint of Melk.
The tops are decorated with frescoes by contemporary artists.
Nobody considers this to be bad manners; in Austria, established classical forms often coexist with shocking ones, and no one is annoyed by this. Right in front of the Vienna Belvedere there is a certain installation of poisonous flowers - the Viennese find it quite appropriate. And at Melk Abbey, metal structures are placed on the lawn.
The guide explained: this is a fish, and this is a duck.
Duck and fish
The monastery in Melk is one of the largest Benedictine abbeys in Austria. Founded in the 11th century, throughout its history it has experienced ups and downs, burned, degenerated and was restored again. At the beginning of the 18th century it was rebuilt in the Baroque style and has remained in this form to this day.
Nowadays there is a monastery school within its walls. During our arrival, the schoolchildren were just leaving after classes and sitting in their cars.
Along a narrow passage we reached the monastery church of Saints Peter and Paul, richly and magnificently decorated inside.
The abbey itself houses a museum, the most impressive part of which is the monastery library. Visiting the monastery gardens is paid separately. The plan shows that the gardens occupy half of the entire territory of the monastery.
Melk Abbey, plan
After Melk we drove along the Danube. And from that moment on I began to like everything. The Danube stretched to my right, just on my side, so I sat with my camera at the ready and excitedly hunted for the surrounding beauty.
Schönbühel Castle
Soon we arrived in the town of Durnstein, which I admired and fell in love with from the very first steps I took. The guide’s voice was heard in the earpiece about Künringerburg Castle and the history of the captivity of King Richard the Lionheart, and the picturesque ruins of this castle rose on the rock.
And the road stretched upward, we rose higher and higher above the Danube: on one side of the road lay a river valley, on the other, a rocky wall rose, to which houses were clinging. And the houses are all just right: entwined with ivy, decorated with flowers, each with its own peculiarity.
And what a flower garden was laid out in one of the lower courtyards - where the slope flattened out a little and gave the gardener the opportunity to unfold!
There are a little less than a thousand residents in the city, and, in fact, there is only one street. It stretches along the mountain slope, and staircase streets run off from it: down to the Danube, and up to the ruins of the castle.
The castle looked very tempting. I don’t know how long it took to climb to those ruins. When King Richard the Lionheart was captured and imprisoned in this castle, his faithful servant Blondel wandered around the area and whistled a song that only his master could know. And then, under the walls of Kunringerburg Castle, his melody was picked up.
In Dürnstein you will now find both a restaurant in honor of King Richard and a resourceful servant.
And you will inevitably be invited to taste local apricot liqueurs. Local residents make the most of apricot fruits; they make jam and liqueurs from them, and cover the pits with chocolate or add salt.
The liqueurs are delicious, but in such a wonderful town you don’t want to get stuck in the shops. I want to rush along the staircase streets, look into every alley, where flowers climb into all the cracks along the fences. And if you stop, then at the observation deck, and look at the forest valley and the Danube, turning around a sharp turn.
They say that Adolf Hitler liked to stand at this place. Dürnstein was one of his favorite Austrian towns. I remembered the remark: “These Austrians are a cunning people. They managed to convince the whole world that Mozart was an Austrian and Hitler was a German.”
Having admired the view, I go down the steep street.
I pass through the arch under the building and find myself on the embankment.
People are walking and sitting on benches.
I raise my head and gasp. Above me is a blue and white baroque tower, which turns out to be not even a tower, but a church. The church is called Marie-Himmelfart and belongs to an Augustinian monastery founded in 1410.
I'm climbing the stairs again
and I find the inner monastery courtyard. Entrance – 3 euros.
I go to church. Whitewashed walls, joyful baroque, illuminated by the sun. The sounds of an organ and the singer’s voice are heard from above.
I am quite satisfied and already seemed to have enjoyed 3 euros. But then in the cloister I notice another door. And here I am - within the walls of the monastery, among a small exhibition dedicated to the Augustinian monks. I walk along the corridor and suddenly find myself among angels and saints, on the same balcony that I admired from below.
I find it very beautiful here. The Danube sparkles, houses crowd on the other bank, everything is bathed in sun. I walk around the balcony and can’t stop admiring it.
Two steps from the monastery we found the central city square - small but glorious.
The town hall is like a village house of culture; there is modern painting on the pediment.
There is a summer cafe under the ruined walls of the cathedral.
I cross the square onto the main street and at the very exit from the city I notice a gate.
I climb the steps and find myself in the city cemetery.
It is as nice and miniature as the whole town, but the cemetery church looks like an impregnable citadel.
The city gates also look powerful.
A fortress wall stretches from them down to the Danube.
On the other side of the wall are rows of vineyards.
Back on the embankment
The sand on the shore is whitish. I walk along the sand along the river.
It is with great, great regret that I leave wonderful Durnstein.
Just outside the city, among the vineyards, there is a stele.
On October 30, 1805, a battle took place here between the Russian army led by Kutuzov, operating together with the Austrians, against Napoleon’s army. After the battle, each side declared victory. This battle went down in history as the “Battle of Durenstein” (in Western historiography), or the “Battle of Krems” (in Russian).
The guide, seeing our enthusiasm after Durnstein, says: “You probably won’t like the next city very much. It’s, of course, simpler.” Well, let's see.
So, Krems. The entrance to the city looks attractive. The white tower flanked by two pointed towers is the Steiner Tor, a medieval gate from the 15th century.
The main city street of Krems, the pedestrian Landstrasse, begins from the gate. It is lively and crowded.
But we almost immediately turn left onto a side street, completely deserted.
We come out onto a wide square with a cathedral.
No, and I definitely like Krems. There are many interesting buildings, many intricate details that catch the eye.
"Crooked" house
Climbing a hill, then a sharp descent.
And here we are again on the main street of Krems - Landstrasse. Heading to the gate
The city of Krems ends in a place called the Wachau Valley.
An hour later we were already in Vienna.
Travel to the Czech Republic (September 2015) —
Useful websites for preparing for your tripSelection of hotels - Booking (if you are not yet registered on Booking, you can do this using my invitation link. In this case, Booking will return 1 thousand rubles to your card after you book your accommodation and make your first trip).
Between the cities of Melk and Krems, for 30 kilometers, the Wachau Valley stretches. This is one of the most famous sections of the Danube: castles, vineyards, mysterious Nibelungs, fierce Huns, Attila - the whole history of Austria!
Numerous pleasure boats ply along the waters of the Danube. Among the narrow banks sandwiched by rocky hills there are many historical attractions, so the Wachau Valley can be considered one of the most interesting river cruise routes in Europe. In 2000 it was included in list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Melk
The gateway to the Wachau Valley is the city of Melk, which lies 80 km west of Vienna. This town is without a doubt a baroque masterpiece of Austria.
You can get to it from Vienna, although it’s easier and faster to come to Melk by train, and from here start your journey through the valley.
A must-see in Melk is the majestic Benedictine monastery. This is one of the oldest monasteries in Austria. The current huge building was built in the 18th century.
Melk is adorable!
And I don’t want to leave here at all
But another attractive town of the Wachau Valley awaits us - for this you can leave Melk and move on.
The town is located on the left bank of the Danube, 4 kilometers west of Krems, and is listed as a world heritage site. UNESCO.
In 1192, returning from the 3rd Crusade to his native land, the English king Richard the Lionheart was captured by the enemy Duke Leopold V and imprisoned in the castle. There he spent more than a year, courageously enduring all the hardships of imprisonment. In 1194, the king was finally ransomed by his people for a fortune - 150,000 marks in silver. And the enterprising duke used the “proceeds” to build fortresses in Enns, Hainburg and Wiener Neustadt.
Whether this is true or a legend is not known for certain, so believe it or not. But - a fortress town on the banks of the Danube with ancient winding streets, gained fame precisely thanks to this story.
And although today only ruins remain of the famous fortress, it is one of the most popular attractions in the Wachau Valley.
There are many walking paths through very beautiful rocky surroundings, shops, restaurants and hotels, so it is quite possible to stay overnight in Dürstein.
The population of Dürnstein is only about 1000 inhabitants. There are many more tourists from arriving ships here than the residents themselves.
From the river side there is a very beautiful view of the city. The blue and white clock tower is striking. This is the Marie-Himmelfart church, built in 1725, which has become a symbol of the city. One of the legends says that this churchspecially builtto attract merchants passing along the Danube.
The city stands on the very slope, and inThe hikes to the Wachau Valley are simply amazing!
Below, along the river, there is a pedestrian embankment, and here are the berths for cruise ships.
As in the entire Wachau Valley, the slopes of Dürnstein are planted with vineyards. The unique climate of the valley allows the grapes to ripen well and gain sugar. Grapes are everywhere here.
And if there are grapes, then there is wine. The city is full of shops selling the best Austrian wines.
And not only
Paved streets, small shops, small hotels, absence of cars, homeless people, dirt.... Quiet and surprisingly calm.
Those same tiled roofs of Europe that immediately highlight the landscape of any European town with their red clay color.
Walking here is a pleasure!
"We walked for a long time, took few photographs. We stocked up on all sorts of useful things - souvenirs, schnapps, Austrian chocolate and, satisfied, returned to the ship. A little sad, but so many new impressions and new places seen, does not leave time to be sad. I really, really want to come back here, and I will definitely come back to see what I couldn’t see this time... This is the most eventful and interesting trip I’ve had in the last few years!” - tourists who recently visited the Wachau Valley share their impressions.
We invite you to come back here with us to admire other beauties and enjoy the best
What do Richard the Lionheart, Umberto Eco's novel The Name of the Rose and the film The Time of the Witch have in common? These dramatic stories have a direct connection to the Wachau Valley. In the city of Durnstein, King Richard was kept under arrest, the ancient history of Melk Abbey lit the heart of Umberto Eco, and in Kreuzenstein Castle, director Dominic Sena filmed the film “The Time of the Witches”. And this is just a tiny part of the rich history of Wachau, which is the most picturesque and popular place in Lower Austria.
History of Wachau
There are places on earth where people live not for centuries, but for millennia. Convenient location, mild climate, good opportunities for farming, security: such advantages have always been valued. The Wachau Valley is one such blessed place. It stretches for three dozen kilometers along the Danube riverbed. The valley is surrounded by the wooded hills of the Dunkelsteinwald. Fertile soil, protection from the winds, a temperate climate, plenty of sun and plenty of fresh water - all contributed to the development of agriculture, and the forests supplied game.
Romans and barbarians
The first people appeared in the valley long before our era. The age of the Paleolithic finds is estimated at approximately 30 thousand years. The time of the first settlements dates back, according to various sources, from 4500 to 1800 BC. e. At this time, the areas where modern Krems and Melk are located began to be settled.
About 2,000 years ago, Roman border fortifications stood along the southern bank of the Danube, traces of which remain today. The Romans appreciated the fertility of the valley and were the first to grow grapes here.
The Romans were expelled by barbarian tribes, and in the 10th century power passed to Margrave Leopold Babenberg.
In the 9th century, the name of the area Wachau first appeared, and in the 10th century the name Krems was first heard, which gives the right to consider it the most ancient Austrian city.
Wachau: Middle Ages and modern history
After the decline of Roman power, power passed to local barons. The turbulent history of the Middle Ages also affected the life of the valley. From the 10th to the 13th centuries, wooden cities were built here, the barons robbed ships passing along the Danube and were at enmity with each other. According to local legend, the English king Richard the Lionheart was kept under arrest in Durnstein.
The history of Wachau is closely connected with the development of monasteries. Gradually they became the largest landowners in the valley, competing with the local aristocracy. The most famous and influential was the Benedictine monastery, founded in 1089 on a rocky coast near the city of Melk.
After the transformation of Austria into an empire and the strengthening of the Habsburg dynasty, the Wachau Valley experienced many events: the Turkish War, Hussite unrest, church reforms, fires.
After World War II, winemaking and tourism continued to develop here. Many ancient buildings were integrated into the modern landscape, and ancient crafts were revived.
In 2000, the Wachau Valley was included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites as a cultural landscape. Wachau has about 5,000 monuments from different periods of history, which hundreds of thousands of tourists from different countries come to see every year.
The Wachau Valley is located 80 km from Vienna, and is therefore included in most excursion routes starting in the Austrian capital.
Winemaking Wachau
The geographical location and climate of Wachau were perfectly suited for winemaking, which was noticed by the Romans. Sunny days, high temperatures and cool winds allow for the cultivation of grapes with excellent characteristics.
The valley's vineyards and local wine are a real attraction of Austria, and from Vienna gourmets travel to Wachau for white wines.
The approximate area of vineyards in the valley is about 1,500 hectares. The best varieties are produced by the northern bank of the Danube, which faces south, but the southern bank also produces several good varieties of strong wines.
The characteristics of the local slate soil have a positive effect on the taste of the final product, giving it original mineral notes.
Wachau offers special wine tours with a varied program:
- excursion to the vineyards;
- visiting wineries and production facilities;
- excursion to wine cellars;
- tastings;
- harvest festivals and wine laying.
For industry specialists, conferences, experience exchange seminars, and blind tastings are held in Wachau.
Attractions of Wachau for tourists
You can spend many days sightseeing in the Wachau Valley. The most popular are ancient cities and monasteries, as well as castles.
Melk Abbey
Founded in the 10th century, the abbey played a significant role in history. The Melk monastic reform of the 15th century gave rise to the reform of the church. People came to the abbey to learn from experience, and monks from here were appointed abbots to other monasteries. Then the abbey, together with the University of Vienna, became the cultural center of Austria. In the scriptorium, works on history, culture, and scientific disciplines were copied and created.
The modern appearance of Melk Abbey amazes the imagination with the splendor of its Baroque forms. It is surrounded on both sides by bastions. Those who enter find themselves in the Gateway, and then in the Prelate Court, which rather resembles a small city square. The similarity is enhanced by the fountain in the middle of the courtyard.
- Library
The abbey has always been famous for its library, which the monks began to collect from the very foundation of the monastery. Now the book collection numbers 100,000 volumes, 700 incunabula, and rare manuscripts. A wrought-iron spiral staircase leads from the library to the monastery church. The library and some episodes from the history of the abbey inspired Umberto Eco. In his novel The Name of the Rose, one of the main characters is named Adson of Melk, that is, Adson from Melk Abbey. In the description of the labyrinth library one can find similarities with Melk's library. The dramatic denouement of the novel with the fire in the library and scriptorium also reflects a real episode from the history of Melk Abbey, which experienced a severe fire in the 13th century. The fire destroyed the scriptorium and most of the library.
- Architecture
In 1683, the walls of the monastery were stormed by the Turkish army for a month. As a result, the invaders left with nothing, but the abbey was badly damaged. Therefore, it was decided to restore it to new splendor and glory. In 1736, the reconstruction was completed, and after it the monastery in Melk was able to compete in beauty and splendor with the best examples of Europe.
The Marble Room and its frescoes with mythological scenes, the luxuriously decorated spiral staircase, and the Imperial Passage are favorite places for tourists.
The monastery has a park with a magnificent design, which tourists are also allowed to visit.
Tours run from May to October, from 9:00 to 17:30. At this time, the monastery park is also open to the public.
Melk
The city is located on a small hill. In addition to the abbey, there are other interesting places here:
- Town Hall Square with the City Hall, which is over 450 years old.
- An ancient city street with authentic buildings.
- Lebzelterhaus is a city pharmacy in a building built in 1657.
- 400 year old bakery with original roof.
Krems
It is considered one of the oldest cities in Austria. It has a picturesque location and is surrounded on all sides by vineyards. It is the center of winemaking and trade in the Wachau Valley. What to see in the city?
- The pedestrian main street Landstrasse, which leads along the Old Town.
- The old town and the parish church, built in the Gothic style.
- Church of St. Nicholas with a painted vault and altar.
- Steiner Tor is a medieval gate, a symbol of Krems.
- Göttweig Abbey, another ancient monastery in the Wachau Valley. Founded in 1083, reconstructed in Baroque style after a fire in 1718.
- Contemporary Museum of Caricature.
Durnstein
A fortified city, which was founded in 1019 on a rock in a bend of the Danube. It is famous for its romantic appearance and well-preserved medieval streets, as well as for being the place where Richard the Lionheart was detained. What to see in the city?
- Museum of Wine and Winemaking.
- Medieval streets and ancient buildings.
- View of the Danube.
- Preserved fortifications.
- Local monastery with a unique blue tower.
Be sure to try the local bread, the recipe for which is still kept secret.
How to get to the Wachau Valley from Vienna
The Wachau Valley is located 80 km from Vienna and can be reached by train. From the train station in Vienna, trains to Melk leave every two hours. Travel time is about 1 hour 20 minutes. If you want to plan a pleasant walk for one day, you can purchase a combined ticket (combi-ticket) for 49 euros per person. What's included?
- The road to Melk and back to Vienna by train.
- Visit to Melk Abbey.
- Walk along the Danube from Melk to Krems.
Excursions to the Wachau Valley from Vienna
The Wachau Valley can be visited from Vienna on an organized, guided tour.
- One-day programs are designed for 8-9 hours of excursion.
- Individual trips with a driver and guide to the main attractions cost from 300 to 700 euros.
- The number of people in the excursion group is from 1 to 10.
- The program usually includes the main attractions: Krems, Melk, Dürnstein, castle complexes.
You can book an excursion to Wachau from Vienna, join group trips or sign up for an individual excursion to Wachau at one of the local travel agencies.
Conclusion: the Wachau Valley as a tourist magnet for Lower Austria
What do you need to remember when planning to visit the Wachau Valley?
- The best time to see medieval sights is in spring or summer, when good weather and lush vegetation delight the eye. But with the onset of autumn, the tourist flow decreases, there are fewer people, so no one bothers you to admire the beauty of the valley..
- Wachau has a well-developed infrastructure. Lots of pubs, shops, restaurants, souvenir shops.
- In many castles, photography and video shooting are prohibited.
- If you are taking a group tour, please note that entrance fees for Wachau attractions are generally not included in the price.
Have you been to the Wachau Valley before? Tell us about your impressions in the comments to the article. If you like ancient architecture, then you will probably be interested in material about the most famous castles in Austria. Subscribe to the newsletter about Austria and stay up to date with the most interesting events, routes and news.