Is A Day-Trip Worth It From Vienna To Wachau Valley?
The Wachau Valley is a magical area of Austria and one you can easily get to from Vienna. We share how to get there and what to look for.
The Wachau Valley is located between the towns of Melk and Krems along an extremely scenic 16 mile stretch of the Danube river in Europe, that is not good for looking, but for feeling as well.
Though short on distance, the valley packs a lot of punch and beauty within it’s limited boundaries. Charming villages, imposing castles, abbeys and ruins dot the picturesque countryside, against the backdrop of sloping vineyards.
With changing times, the towns and cultural landscape have continued to evolve. However, the basic aspects of traditional life have remained unaltered here over generations.
This is one reason why this authentic, living cultural landscape was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. It’s also why people dream of cruising the Danube on a rare journey to a place that once visited will never be forgotten.
There may be countless river cruises in the world. However, on a Wachau Valley river cruise, everything looks completely different from over the water, than it does by any other mode of travel.
Not only do the old Austrian castle walls and abbeys look more imposing, even the tiniest of details jump out that you would not be able to spot otherwise.
To further enhance your Wachau Valley vacation experience, step ashore and take a day-trip from Vienna to walk the footpath between the vines and experience Central Europe in miniature.
Also read: Best Cities In Germany For Christmas Markets
Wachau Valley Day Trip Essentials
A full-day trip from Vienna to Wachau runs roughly 8-10 hours. The classic route is cruise to Melk, tour Melk Abbey, cruise downstream to Krems with stops at Spitz and Durnstein. Then, head back to Vienna or cruise further downstream as per your itinerary.
Needless to say, the cruise ride is the heart of the experience and operates from May to the end of September.
Classic Wachau Day Trip Itinerary
History & Culture
The Valley is steeped in history. While Melk is home to the highly impressive Benedictine Abbey, the imposing Drunstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, merits a close look.
Then there is the charming medieval Old Town of Krems with its well-preserved buildings and warm and friendly locals. Known for its vibrant art scene, the town holds rotating exhibitions of modern art, featuring both local and international artists.
One of Europe’s leading caricature collections can be found in the Caricature Museum. Kartkaturmuseum in Krems, is incidentally the largest town in the Wachau region.
Wine Tasting in Wachau
Some of the country’s most celebrated wines, especially Gruner Veltliner and Riesling are produced in the Wachau Valley.
The terraced vineyards of Wachau, along the south-facing banks of the Danube produce wines with distinctive minerality and elegance.
Some of the top wineries that welcome visitors are Domaene Wachau in Durnstein and Weingut Hirtzberger in Spitz.
Tasting for 5-10 wines costs typically 10-25 euros that include cold platters with cheese, sausages and bread to pair.
Wildlife and Nature
The sheltered setting and the mild climate of the Wachau Valley have combined to produce a unique mix of Alpine, Central European and Mediterranean vegetation.
In spring, the landscape transforms into a riot of pale pinks and apricot blossoms. In summer, the sun soaked vineyards give a Tuscan feel. During the fall, the leaves turn rust in color to rival the best seen in New England.
Between the scattered grasslands and orchards, reed deer and fox can be commonly seen. The rivers are the habitat of beavers, otters and scores of fish variety.
Overhead you can spot kingfishers, buzzards, kestrels and black kites soaring in the rising thermals.
There is a network of paths with scattered view points stitched together into a 111 mile long heritage trail, perfect for walkers.
What to See in Spitz an der Donau
Spitz maybe small in size compared to Durnstein, with a population of just 1800 individuals. However, it is worth a stop to see the famous “Thousand-Bucket Morning” vineyards rising dramatically above the village.
If you have more time, stop by to see the:
- The 13 th century gothic church, Pfarrkirche Spitz
- The small Danube fishing museum Schiffahrtsmuseum
- Spitz has several local Hueriger wine taverns that are family run affairs which serve cold cuts, local cheese and Wachau wines
The Danube River Cruise Experience
The Wachau Valley can be a part of a larger 7- night European cruise itinerary from Budapest to Vilshofen in Germany.
You don’t need to plan here. Just pass time on the river and watch the light shift across the hills from the outdoor upper deck. The views shift constantly as the boat winds its way through the river.
Is It Worth It?
Definitely yes! With amazing food and a microclimate that produces some of the world’s most incredible wines, plus gorgeous riverside towns and museums to explore, the Wachau Valley is the perfect place to explore on a day trip for those who love slow travel.
