Wachau

Wachau is the cultural landscape of the Danube valley in Lower Austria between the towns of Melk and Krems, known for its terraced vineyards, historic towns and concentration of medieval monuments.

The valley combines viticulture, riverine transport routes and a series of fortified towns and monastery sites that form a continuous cultural landscape along the river. Popular activities include short river cruises, cycling on the Danube cycle path and visits to the principal towns and ruins.

Human settlement and vineyard cultivation in the Wachau extend back many centuries, with medieval castles and monastic foundations forming important focal points within the valley.

The region follows the Danube through a steep, cultivated corridor west of Vienna and is readily reached by rail or road from Vienna and Lower Austria’s regional centres.

• Region description: The Wachau is the Danube valley stretch between Melk and Krems and is characterised by steep terraced vineyards, small villages and a dense concentration of medieval towns and castles.

What to See #

• Dürnstein Castle and village: Dürnstein and its riverside village with the ruined blue-and-white castle tower that overlooks the Danube and the town centre.
• Terraced vineyards: Terraced vineyards and slope-side cultivation that define the valley's viticultural character and form the landscape between the major towns.
• Melk Abbey: Historic Melk Abbey, one of the region's principal monastic monuments, lies at the western end of the valley and is closely associated with the Wachau landscape.