Wachau World Heritage Trail, A Walking Holiday Along The Austrian Danube
On this 8 day self guided tour you experience, what some consider, the most beautiful area in the region. Walking through the Austrian, Wachau region, above the route of the Danube, the humidity and steep slopes form an ideal climate for rows of vineyards and orchards.
This week (a 5 day option is available) of hiking takes you along the long-distance "World Heritage Wachau Trail" following the ridges of the Danube valley. Each day you will enjoy magnificent views of one of Austria's oldest cultural landscapes.
The varied walking leads you past steep rocks and across soft hills. Pass through vineyards and apricot orchards as you follow the impressive Danube "stream" in the valley. Little hamlets dot the landscape and apart from the famous wine, delicious apricot delicacies are amongst the outstanding regional specialities.
Prices From £589.00
2020 Dates Available
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Grade:
- Comfort: 3* & 4* hotels, Charm 4* Hotels some with Pool & Spa
- Start/Finish: Krems
- Distance: 32 miles (51km)
- Duration: 7 nights - 8 Days
- Availability: From April Until October
- Altitude: ↑7349ft (2240 m) ↓7284ft (2220 m).
This tour has an eight day, seven night, a 5 day option is available.
Day 1 - Individual Arrival in Krems.
Settle into your hotel before exploring the local area.
Hotel example: Unter den Linden
Hotel example charm: Steigenberger Hotel & Spa
Day 2 - Krems to Durnstein Vineyards
From Krems, walk up through vineyards to the tower with stunning views onto the blue Danube, the city of Krems and the impressive monastery of Gottweig. Cross the hills to the cosy Fesslhütte before reaching the Durnstein ruin. Set off on the trail again, heading for the banks of the river Danube.
Hotel example: Sänger Blondel
Hotel example charm: Gartenhotel Pfeffel
Approx. 4.5 hours - 7.5 miles (12 km) - ↑ 1673ft (510 m) ↓ 1640ft (500 m).
Day 3 - Durnstein to Weibenkirchen, the Heart of Wachau.
Take the ferry from Durnstein to Rossatz. Set out along old tracks past the largest apricot growing area in Austria to Seekopf, where you can take a break to take in the stunning views of the Alps. There is an optional walk along the Danube through orchards to the ferry.
Approx. 5 hours - 7.5 miles (12 km) - ↑ 1607ft (490 m) ↓ 1575ft (480 m).
Hotel example: Raffelsberger Hof
Hotel example charm: Renaissancehotel Raffelsberger Hof
Day 4 - A Rest Day in Weißenkirchen, Wachauer Dolce Vita.
Enjoy a rest day in Weißenkirchen. Surrounded by sunny vineyards and green forests the mighty gothic parish church of Weibenkirchen is a remarkable sight. Together with Weibenkirchen the villages of Joching, Wosendorf and St. Michael form the largest wine growing community in Wachau. Visit museums, stroll along beautiful walking trails or take a boat tour on the Danube. Be sure to enjoy a glass of Wachauer wine in one of the wine taverns. As an alternative take a short hike on the Achleiten circuit to stop by the winegrower.
Hotel example: Raffelsberger Hof
Hotel example charm: Renaissancehotel Raffelsberger Hof
Day 5 - Weibenkirchen to Spitz Via the Buschandlwand Observation Platform .
Set out along the wine trail leaving Weibenkirchen behind. Climb up to Seiber passing picturesque wine cellars before heading up through the forest which is quite steep at first to Buschandlwand. Here, an observation platform gives you stunning panorama views. An alternative route passes through vineyards to the famous wine growing community of Spitz an der Donau.
Approx. 4 to 5 hours - 7.5 miles (12 km) - ↑ 1969ft (600m) ↓ 1969ft (600m).
Hotel example: Goldenes Schiff
Hotel example charm: Gasthof Prankl
Day 6 - Spitz to Melk visiting the Aggsbach Ruin.
Board a ferry and cross the Danube to Maria Langegg. Follow St. Jacob's trail to the Aggsbach Castle ruins. Built in the early 12th century on the top of a narrow ridge, the fortress allowed its various owners to control traffic on the Danube, hence it still affords breathtaking views of Danube valley and the Wachau. With hidden stairways, courtyards, towers and a dungeon these fortifications are a great place to explore a bygone age. Continue down to Aggsbach where you catch the coach to Melk.
Approx. 4,5 to 5,5 hours - 9 miles (15 km) - ↑ 2100ft (640m) ↓ 2100ft (640m).
Hotel example: Wachauerhof
Hotel example charm: Hotel zur Post
Day 7 - From Melk to Krems, a Danube Cruise.
Visit the impressive monastery in Melk with its beautiful grounds, before boarding the Danube boat to return to Krems. During the cruise you pass all of the highlights of the tour, the Vinyards, Spitz, Durnstein and of course Krems.
Hotel example: Unter den Linden
Hotel example charm: Steigenberger Hotel & Spa
Day 8 - Departure or extra nights
Key Details:
- Eight day, seven night or five day four night itineraries.
- 5 day tour available
- This tour will start and finish in Krems.
- During this walking holiday you will be walking for approximately 3 to 5.5 hours each day.
- The entire distance of this holiday is approximately 32 miles (51km)
-
You walk mostly on well maintained trails and some paved vineyard paths. Depending on the route, you can make the stages more comfortable or more challenging. The peaks in the Wachau region are not high but steep in places. Surefootedness therefore is required in some places. This week offers a perfect blend of nature, culture and culinary delights.
There are lots of attractions and places to explore during your holiday in The Danube including:
- World Heritage Trail Wachau
- Famous Wine Vineyards
- Culinary highlights
- Dreamy wine villages
-
Discover the Danube high up along ridges of mountains
Getting to Krems:
By Rail – Eurostar and local trains to Krems. The station at Krems is a few minutes walk from the hotel. The website below will help plan your journey.
And the man in seat 61 is always helpful.
By Bus – Probably the easiest way is a bus from London to Vienna and then a local train to Krems. The websites below will help plan your journey.
By Car – From the UK, Austria can be reached by ferry or eurotunnel and the well-maintained motorways. The website below will help plan your journey.
Parking: Limited free parking spaces at the hotel. Public garage parking available for approx. EUR 20 per week, no reservation required.
By Air – There are a number of flights available from the UK to Vienna International Airport then by train from Vienna to Krems, from here it is a few minutes walk to the starting hotel.
For more information on getting to Austria please visit the Austrian Travel website.
- 7 or 4 nights accommodation
- Breakfast
- Luggage Transfers
- Wine Tasting Experience
- Boat cruise Melk - Krems 8 day tour (mid April on otherwise bus)
- Boat cruise from Spitz to Krems, 5-day tour (mid April on otherwise bus)
- Route Sheets
- Detailed Documentation (1 per room)
- Service Hotline
- GPS-data is available
- 2 x Ferry Danube crossings, bus fare Aggsdorf to Melk (Approx. 6 EUR - per person)
- Any visitor taxes
- Transport to and from Austria
This tour has an eight day, seven night, a 5 day option is available.
Day 1 - Individual Arrival in Krems.
Settle into your hotel before exploring the local area.
Hotel example: Unter den Linden
Hotel example charm: Steigenberger Hotel & Spa
Day 2 - Krems to Durnstein Vineyards
From Krems, walk up through vineyards to the tower with stunning views onto the blue Danube, the city of Krems and the impressive monastery of Gottweig. Cross the hills to the cosy Fesslhütte before reaching the Durnstein ruin. Set off on the trail again, heading for the banks of the river Danube.
Hotel example: Sänger Blondel
Hotel example charm: Gartenhotel Pfeffel
Approx. 4.5 hours - 7.5 miles (12 km) - ↑ 1673ft (510 m) ↓ 1640ft (500 m).
Day 3 - Durnstein to Weibenkirchen, the Heart of Wachau.
Take the ferry from Durnstein to Rossatz. Set out along old tracks past the largest apricot growing area in Austria to Seekopf, where you can take a break to take in the stunning views of the Alps. There is an optional walk along the Danube through orchards to the ferry.
Approx. 5 hours - 7.5 miles (12 km) - ↑ 1607ft (490 m) ↓ 1575ft (480 m).
Hotel example: Raffelsberger Hof
Hotel example charm: Renaissancehotel Raffelsberger Hof
Day 4 - A Rest Day in Weißenkirchen, Wachauer Dolce Vita.
Enjoy a rest day in Weißenkirchen. Surrounded by sunny vineyards and green forests the mighty gothic parish church of Weibenkirchen is a remarkable sight. Together with Weibenkirchen the villages of Joching, Wosendorf and St. Michael form the largest wine growing community in Wachau. Visit museums, stroll along beautiful walking trails or take a boat tour on the Danube. Be sure to enjoy a glass of Wachauer wine in one of the wine taverns. As an alternative take a short hike on the Achleiten circuit to stop by the winegrower.
Hotel example: Raffelsberger Hof
Hotel example charm: Renaissancehotel Raffelsberger Hof
Day 5 - Weibenkirchen to Spitz Via the Buschandlwand Observation Platform .
Set out along the wine trail leaving Weibenkirchen behind. Climb up to Seiber passing picturesque wine cellars before heading up through the forest which is quite steep at first to Buschandlwand. Here, an observation platform gives you stunning panorama views. An alternative route passes through vineyards to the famous wine growing community of Spitz an der Donau.
Approx. 4 to 5 hours - 7.5 miles (12 km) - ↑ 1969ft (600m) ↓ 1969ft (600m).
Hotel example: Goldenes Schiff
Hotel example charm: Gasthof Prankl
Day 6 - Spitz to Melk visiting the Aggsbach Ruin.
Board a ferry and cross the Danube to Maria Langegg. Follow St. Jacob's trail to the Aggsbach Castle ruins. Built in the early 12th century on the top of a narrow ridge, the fortress allowed its various owners to control traffic on the Danube, hence it still affords breathtaking views of Danube valley and the Wachau. With hidden stairways, courtyards, towers and a dungeon these fortifications are a great place to explore a bygone age. Continue down to Aggsbach where you catch the coach to Melk.
Approx. 4,5 to 5,5 hours - 9 miles (15 km) - ↑ 2100ft (640m) ↓ 2100ft (640m).
Hotel example: Wachauerhof
Hotel example charm: Hotel zur Post
Day 7 - From Melk to Krems, a Danube Cruise.
Visit the impressive monastery in Melk with its beautiful grounds, before boarding the Danube boat to return to Krems. During the cruise you pass all of the highlights of the tour, the Vinyards, Spitz, Durnstein and of course Krems.
Hotel example: Unter den Linden
Hotel example charm: Steigenberger Hotel & Spa
Day 8 - Departure or extra nights
Key Details:
- Eight day, seven night or five day four night itineraries.
- 5 day tour available
- This tour will start and finish in Krems.
- During this walking holiday you will be walking for approximately 3 to 5.5 hours each day.
- The entire distance of this holiday is approximately 32 miles (51km)
-
You walk mostly on well maintained trails and some paved vineyard paths. Depending on the route, you can make the stages more comfortable or more challenging. The peaks in the Wachau region are not high but steep in places. Surefootedness therefore is required in some places. This week offers a perfect blend of nature, culture and culinary delights.
There are lots of attractions and places to explore during your holiday in The Danube including:
- World Heritage Trail Wachau
- Famous Wine Vineyards
- Culinary highlights
- Dreamy wine villages
-
Discover the Danube high up along ridges of mountains
Getting to Krems:
By Rail – Eurostar and local trains to Krems. The station at Krems is a few minutes walk from the hotel. The website below will help plan your journey.
And the man in seat 61 is always helpful.
By Bus – Probably the easiest way is a bus from London to Vienna and then a local train to Krems. The websites below will help plan your journey.
By Car – From the UK, Austria can be reached by ferry or eurotunnel and the well-maintained motorways. The website below will help plan your journey.
Parking: Limited free parking spaces at the hotel. Public garage parking available for approx. EUR 20 per week, no reservation required.
By Air – There are a number of flights available from the UK to Vienna International Airport then by train from Vienna to Krems, from here it is a few minutes walk to the starting hotel.
For more information on getting to Austria please visit the Austrian Travel website.
- 7 or 4 nights accommodation
- Breakfast
- Luggage Transfers
- Wine Tasting Experience
- Boat cruise Melk - Krems 8 day tour (mid April on otherwise bus)
- Boat cruise from Spitz to Krems, 5-day tour (mid April on otherwise bus)
- Route Sheets
- Detailed Documentation (1 per room)
- Service Hotline
- GPS-data is available
- 2 x Ferry Danube crossings, bus fare Aggsdorf to Melk (Approx. 6 EUR - per person)
- Any visitor taxes
- Transport to and from Austria