Holiday in Wachau

What makes Wachau special as a destination?

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.