The Wachau: the back story

About The Wachau: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Vienna Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

West of Vienna the Danube runs through the Wachau, a narrow valley of terraced vineyards, apricot orchards, castles and baroque abbeys between Melk and Krems. UNESCO inscribed the “Wachau Cultural Landscape” in 2000.

Getting there

ÖBB trains run to Melk on the western line and to Krems; check oebb.at. In season, DDSG Blue Danube boats sail through the valley.

Melk

Melk Abbey, where Benedictine monks have lived since 1089 in the abbey’s own words, rises above the river.

Trains run from Vienna to Melk and to Krems; boats link the villages in season.

Dürnstein

The blue-and-white abbey tower and the castle ruins above the village.

Eating

Landhaus Bacher in Mautern holds Two MICHELIN Stars in the 2026 guide.

Our advice: go in spring for the apricot blossom, or at harvest.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The Wachau: the back story before you go.