The Magic of the Apricot Blossom in the Wachau
The Wachau, a picturesque stretch along the Danube in Lower Austria, is a real highlight for nature lovers and photographers, especially in spring when the apricots are in bloom. Here you will find a unique combination of natural landscape, historical buildings and culinary delights.
Time of the apricot blossom in the Wachau
The apricot blossom in the Wachau is an annual natural spectacle that usually takes place from the end of March to the middle of April. During this time, around 100,000 apricot trees into a spectacular sea of pink and white flowers.
The exact time of flowering can vary and is highly dependent on weather conditions. We think the viewpoint from the hill overlooking Weißenkirchen.
Hikes through the apricot blossom
Apricot mile Rossatz-Arnsdorf
In the municipality of Rossatz-Arnsdorf, which is considered Austria's leading region for apricot cultivation, the so-called “Apricot Mile”This network of seven hiking trails invites you to explore the picturesque apricot orchards and farms dedicated to the cultivation of this fruit. The "Apricot Mile" is divided into the following sections: “Apricot Mile West” and “Apricot Mile East”.
The eastern section includes the towns of Rührsdorf, Rossatz, and Rossatzbach, while the western section encompasses the villages of St. Johann im Mauertale and the "four Arnsdörfer" (four Arns villages) of Oberarnsdorf, Hofarnsdorf, Mitterarnsdorf, and Bacharnsdorf. Information boards in the Oberarnsdorf market square provide comprehensive information about the Apricot Mile, accessible 24/7. For those arriving by public transport, we recommend taking the VOR bus line 720, which runs between Krems and Melk and stops along the B33 federal highway.
Sections of the Marillenmeile Ost:
- Section 1 (red): On the first stage of the Marillenmeile Ost, participants walk through the picturesque apricot gardens of Rossatz and Rossatzbach. They are rewarded with wonderful views of the Danube and the historic town Dürnstein rewarded. Approximately 5 kilometers long, estimated walking time about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Section 2 (green): This stage of the Marillenmeile Ost begins in the center of Rossatz and leads hikers through the idyllic apricot and vineyard gardens to Rührsdorf. Numerous wine taverns invite you to linger, enjoy and relax along the way. Around 4.5 kilometers, with an average walking time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- section 3 (blue): On the third stage of the Marillenmeile Ost, hikers can admire the magnificent apricot gardens between Rührsdorf and Rossatz, with picturesque views of the Danube across to the southern bank of the Wachau. About 3 kilometers long, walking time is approximately 45 minutes.
Sections of the Marillenmeile West:
- Section 1 (red): The first stage of the apricot mile leads along beautiful apricot gardens from Oberarnsdorf to Mitterarnsdorf and offers picturesque views of the Danube. Approximately 4.3 km long, approximate walking time about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Section 2 (blue): The second stage of the apricot mile starts in Oberarnsdorf and winds along the Danube, past enchanting apricot gardens, to St. Johann im Mauerthale. Approximately 2.3 km long, approximate walking time about 35 minutes.
- Section 3 (green): The third stage of the Marillenmeile West takes you from Oberarnsdorf through picturesque apricot gardens to the rolling ferry landing stage before the route leads back to Oberarnsdorf. Approximately 2.7 km long, approximate walking time about 45 minutes.
- Section 4 (yellow): The fourth stage of the apricot mile takes us through idyllic wine-growing villages and enchanted apricot gardens, with a constant view of the Danube. On our way we come across an old Roman road and discover impressive rock formations hidden in the forest. Approximately 6 km long, approximate walking time about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Oberloiben, Dürnstein
Another easy circular hike with a length of 1.8 km starts in Oberloiben, which is flat and takes about 1 hour. This hike is perfect for observing the apricot blossom in the area around Dürnstein to experience one of the most versatile places in the Wachau Valley
Other ways to explore the apricot blossom
Shuttle: During the apricot blossom season, the Wachau a special service: On two selected weekends you can use the buses 715, 718, 720 and 446 free of charge. Ship: A boat trip with the DDSG Blue Danube Shipping is also an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of the region from the water. Wheel: For anyone who wants to actively explore the blooming landscape by bike, the Danube Cycle Path is ideal. It is well signposted in both directions and leads along picturesque routes:
- The stage on the north bank leads from Emmersdorf to Krems,
- The stage on the south bank from Melk to Mautern.
Car: A practical suggestion: Park your car in Krems or Mautern and cycle a little upstream through the blooming landscape. The ferries allow you to easily cross to the other bank and combine the different stages. If you don't have your own bike with you, you can easily rent a bike at the Nextbike stations. Arrival and accommodation
How do I get to the Wachau?
The Wachau is easily accessible by public transport. From Vienna you can take the regional train to Krems an der Donau and from there continue by bus. An alternative is to travel by car along the Danube. There are numerous accommodations in the region, from hotels to wineries, offering an authentic Wachau experience.
