World Heritage Trail Wachau

The city, which is more than a thousand years old, is dominating the left bank of the Danube. When you approach medieval Krems, you quickly understand that a tour through the modern port city on the one hand and the winding old town on the other hand, an ensemble of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, is very attractive. When looking at the opposite bank of the Danube, one discovers Göttweig Abbey, which crowns a hill and resembles a Grail Castle (2 nights in Krems).

Krems and its formerly independent sister city of Stein are among the pretty little towns in the Wachau. They were once important transhipment centers on the Danube for wine, salt and other goods that brought prosperity to the places. Today's stage leads through the tranquil Stein and further into Stein´s wine landscape. Following old wine paths, the trail leads over the imposing Ried Loibenberg and on through a varied rock and forest landscape to Dürnstein. The town, which is well worth seeing, is also known as the 'Pearl of the Wachau' due to its location and the art treasures. From here you take the bus back to Krems for your overnight stay.

Hiking: approx 4,5 hours (12 km, ascent 385 m in height, descent 391 m in height)

Today's stage is characterized by great views down into the Danube valley, past fascinating rock formations and through enchanting vineyards. At the beginning of the day, enjoy a train ride with the scenic Wachaubahn from Krems to Weißenkirchen - one of the highlights of a visit to the Wachau. Nature lovers will also get their money's worth on promising paths - for example when visiting the natural monument Michaelerberg, originally an old meadow, which is one of the most species-rich meadows on the Danube. Before reaching the wine-growing village of Spitz, you pass through the legendary Red Gate, the remains of a former defensive wall. Incidentally, the wine-growing town of Spitz is home to a well-known type of wine - the Neuburger (2 nights in Spitz).

Hiking: approx. 3,5 hours  (11 km, ascent 506 m in heigth,  descent  494 m in height)

The side valley winds up into the Waldviertel at the northern foot of the Jauerling - it is known for its steep, high terraced vines and ancient apricot orchards. Two castles are distinctive for the largest side valley of the Wachau: the Hinterhaus ruins and Oberranna Castle. A stop at one of the wine taverns in the wine-growing villages along the route is a good idea. First, however, you have to climb the Tausendeimerberg (“thousand bucket mountain”), from where you have a wonderful view of the picturesque city and the Danube. Now the high-altitude hike begins through the imposing stone terraces wine landscape. The route through oak and beech forests is wonderful. Several huts invite you to linger and some of these scenic rest areas are even managed by winegrowers. Bubbling streams accompany the hiker before the stage destination Mühldorf finally comes into view and the market square with the mill wheel is reached via the Floriani staircase. The bus will take you back to the overnight stay in Spitz.

Hiking: approx. 4 hours (11 km, ascent 487 m in height, descent 345 m in height)

In the morning, the bus will take you to the attractive resort of Aggsbach Markt at the foot of the 960 meter high Jauerling. Here it is worth visiting the late Romanesque parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the baroque vicarage next door. The Jauerling high plateau and its villages, bell towers, wonderful panoramic views and a lonely castle church in Gossam await us during this entertaining hike. The hike goes steadily uphill to the Edelberg, further along a beautiful forest path and uphill to the 482 m high Glatzberg and the Bärenreut plateau with a beautiful view of the Jauerling and Maria Laach. On the way to the next stage destination, Emmersdorf, the impressive Gossam fortified church ruins from the 12th century are located on a rocky hill. Finally, Emmersdorf is within reach. Most of the town houses and winegrowers' houses as well as the two-storey Magdalenen chapel date from the Renaissance period (2 nights in Emmersdorf).

Hiking: approx. 5 hours (15 km, ascent 611 m in height, descent 607 m in height)

Today's hike runs over promising plateaus through the Weiten low mountain range. First it goes past Rothenhof Castle and to St. Georgen and on to the hamlet of Pömling, whose bell tower greets you from afar. The path leads down to Eitental through a beautiful forest landscape. Finally, through a pine forest, we reach the highest point of the stage at the player's cross. The last part of the hike leads across blooming meadows towards vastness. From the town with its medieval charm, the bus will take you back to Emmersdorf for the night.

Hiking: approx. 6 hours (18 km, ascent 632 m in height, descent 509 m in height)

Today you can expect unique panoramic views of the opposite baroque Melk Abbey and the Danube valley. A detour to the observation tower on the Dachberg is tempting.

It now goes downhill to the river to the Luberegg country palace on the Danube bank road with a huge wooden shingle roof, which Emperor Franz I. had converted into his summer residence in 1795. Finally, you get to the Danube power plant in Melk, where the Danube is also crossed. On the south bank of the river now you finish for the night in the city of Melk (1 night in Melk).

Hiking: approx. 3 hours (10 km, ascent 236 m in height, descent 231 m in height)

If you have the opportunity, we recommend a visit to Melk Abbey. The abbey, a baroque highlight of the Wachau, lies majestically on a steep rocky hill, where Benedictine monks have been active for over 900 years. The complex with the collegiate church and state halls including the collegiate park is worth a visit. Additional nights can also be booked. Otherwise, the return journey takes place today.