Holiday in Wachau
Area in Austria — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇦🇹
Country
Austria
Type
Area
Best time to travel
Apr–Oct (Apricot Blossom Apr, Wine Harvest Sep/Oct)
Budget/day
85–140 €
Getting there from Germany
By train to Melk or Krems (about 1h from Vienna). By car via the A1. A day trip from Vienna is ideal.
About Wachau
The Wachau, a 36-kilometer stretch of the Danube between Melk and Krems, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and is considered one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe. Steep vineyard terraces, cultivated by hand for centuries, rise above the river, while picturesque wine villages, castle ruins, and blooming apricot orchards shape the landscape. The Melk Abbey, a magnificent Baroque building high above the Danube, forms the western entrance to the Wachau and houses one of the oldest monastery libraries in the world. Downstream stands the Dürnstein ruin, where, according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was held captive on his return from the Crusades. The blue tower of the Dürnstein Abbey Church is one of the most photographed motifs in Austria. In Krems and Stein, the eastern gateway to the Wachau, medieval townscapes blend with a vibrant art scene. The Wachau is one of the most renowned wine regions in Europe — particularly the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from wineries such as Nikolaihof, Domaine Wachau, and F.X. Pichler enjoy a worldwide reputation. In spring, the apricot blossoms transform the slopes into a sea of white flowers. The Danube Cycle Path, one of the most popular long-distance cycling routes in Europe, runs directly through the Wachau, and excursion boats operate regularly between Melk and Krems. The Wachau apricot dumpling, the apricot schnapps, and the Heurigen culture make every visit a culinary experience.
Top 5 highlights in Wachau
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Stift Melk
The magnificent Benedictine abbey towers above the Danube and is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in the world.
Dürnstein
The picturesque wine village with the blue abbey church and the ruin where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.
Weinterrassen
The steep terraced vineyards along the Danube produce top-quality Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
Donauradweg
One of the most popular cycling routes in Europe runs flat along the Danube through the entire Wachau.
Schifffahrt Wachau
Experience the Wachau from the water by excursion boat or ferry – castles and vineyards pass by.
Hotels in Wachau
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Wachau
Recommended travel time
Apr–Oct (Apricot Blossom Apr, Wine Harvest Sep/Oct)
Summer
22–30 °C, Pannonian warm
Winter
0–5 °C
How much does a holiday in Wachau cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
50–75 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
85–140 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
160–280 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Wachau
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Wachau
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Try the Wachau apricot (Aprikose) in June/July – protected designation of origin.
Danube Cycle Path: Melk to Krems is the most beautiful stage (36 km, flat).
Heurigen in Dürnstein and Weißenkirchen: wine directly from the winemaker.
Ferry from Spitz or Dürnstein for crossing between the north and south banks.
Wachau Marathon in September combines running with wine enjoyment.
Food & drink in Wachau
These specialties you must try!
