Wachau

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Wachau: UNESCO World Heritage Site and Wine Region on the Danube

The Wachau is a picturesque river landscape in Lower Austria, known for its vineyards, historic villages and Melk Abbey. UNESCO World Heritage Site The region along the Danube offers breathtaking views and is particularly popular for hiking, cycling and boat trips. The Wachau is the heart of Austrian wine-growing, especially known for Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

Short info:

Where is the Wachau? In Lower Austria, along the Danube between Melk and Krems.
How do you get there? By car via the S5 or by train from Vienna to Krems/Melk.
Known for: UNESCO World Heritage Site, winegrowing, picturesque villages, Danube landscape.
Highlights: Melk Abbey, Dürnstein, wineries, boat trips on the Danube, Krems on the Danube, Aggstein ruins
Best time to visit: Spring to autumn, especially during the autumn grape harvest.

Wine and wine culture in the Wachau

The region is famous worldwide for its excellent white wines, especially for the Grüner Veltliner and the RieslingThe steep terraced vineyards along the Danube are typical for the region and characterise the landscape. Many of the wineries offer guided tours and tastings so that you can try the regional wines directly on site.

A special experience is a visit to one of the traditional Heurigen, where you can enjoy the wines of the region and typical Wachau specialties in a cozy atmosphere. In autumn the grape harvest a highlight, accompanied by wine festivals where the winemakers present their best wines.

Historical sights

The Wachau offers not only scenic beauty, but also a variety of historical sightsParticularly worth seeing is the impressive Melk Abbey, one of the most beautiful baroque monasteries in Europe. It stands majestically above the Danube and offers impressive architecture and magnificent interiors. A tour of Melk Abbey, including the magnificent library and abbey church, is a must for every visitor.

Another highlight of the region is the Dürnstein ruins, which stands high above the Danube. It is known as the place where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. From the ruins you have a spectacular view of the Danube and the surrounding vineyards. The picturesque place Dürnstein itself, with its narrow streets and distinctive blue church tower, is a popular destination for tourists and wine connoisseurs.

boat trips on the Danube

One of the most beautiful ways to explore the Wachau is a boat trip on the DanubeNumerous companies offer boat tours along the Wachau, where you can experience the region from a very special perspective. The trip takes you past vineyards, castles and picturesque villages and allows you to enjoy the beauty of the Wachau from the water.

A boat trip through the Wachau is an unforgettable experience, especially in spring, when the fruit trees are in full bloom, and in autumn during the grape harvest. The Danube not only shapes the landscape, but was and is also an important transport route that has connected the region for centuries.

Hiking and Cycling in the Wachau

For nature lovers, the area offers numerous hiking and cycling trails, which lead through the vineyards, forests and along the Danube. The Wachau World Heritage Trail, a 180-kilometer-long hiking trail that takes you through the most beautiful parts of the region. Along the way, you will repeatedly enjoy wonderful views of the Danube and the picturesque villages of the Wachau.

The Wachau is also a paradise for cyclists. Danube Cycle Path, one of the most famous cycle paths in Europe, runs directly through the region. The route is well developed and takes you along the Danube through the idyllic landscapes of the Wachau. The route between Krems and Melk is particularly beautiful and is ideal for a day's bike tour.

Culinary delights of the Wachau

In addition to wine, the Wachau is also known for its culinary specialties The famous Wachau apricots (Apricots) play a special role in the regional cuisine. They are used to make numerous delicacies such as apricot jam, apricot dumplings and apricot schnapps Especially in summer, when the apricots are harvested, many farms and wine taverns offer fresh products.

Other regional specialties such as Wachauer Laberl (a traditional pastry) and goat cheese are among the culinary highlights of the region and can be perfectly enjoyed with a glass of Wachau wine.

Tips for your visit to the Wachau

Best time to travel: Especially in spring flowering period of the fruit trees and in autumn during the grape harvest the Wachau is particularly beautiful.
Hikes: The Wachau World Heritage Trail is ideal for anyone who wants to explore the region on foot.
Wine tastings: Many wineries offer tastings; it is best to make an appointment in advance.
Shipping: A boat tour on the Danube offers a relaxing way to experience the Wachau from a different perspective.