Dürnstein, Wachau, where King Richard Lionheart was held captive in the 12th century.

Wachau Cultural Landscape, Austria

Wachau Valley, Austria

The Wachau is a stretch of the Danube Valley between Melk and Krems, a landscape that shows a remarkably-preserved medieval landscape that has evolved organically over time. The architecture in the towns and villages shows the development of the region and its society over many centuries. The Wachau has inspired romantic legends for centuries and the castles are full of tales of love and heartbreak, particularly from the medieval days.

A perfect Wachau combination: well-preserved drystone wall terraces, enchanting villages—like Weißenkirchen—and the freely flowing Danube linking all the elements. – © Lois Lammerhuber / NÖ Werbung

Summer Solstice is celebrated by a multitude of fires and lights, attracting thousands of people, both on the Danube and on land. – © Cathrine Stukhard / NÖW

The Wachau is a year-round destination with activities worth a visit during every season. – © Lachlan Blair / Donau NÖ

Apricot tree blossoms mark the beginning of spring and the tourism season. – © Othmar Bramberger / Donau NÖ

Many endangered species prosper in the different habitats of Wachau's cultural landscape. – © Markus Haslinger

In recent years, many of the old branches of the Danube have been reconnected to the main river for ecological reasons. – © Michael Schimek

The Wachau features high-quality arts and culture events all year long—like the Summer Theater in Melk. – © Daniela Matejschek / Wachau Kultur Melk

The Meditation Garden is a contemporary structure following the ancient layout of the former Carthusian monastery. – © Anna Lun

The Historic City of Krems, the largest city of the site, has been a role model town for monument protection since the 1970s. – © Stadt Krems

Christianity left its traces everywhere along the landscape. One fine example is the magnificent Göttweig Abbey, which marks the eastern end of the valley. – © extremfotos.com / Donau NÖ

A perfect Wachau combination: well-preserved drystone wall terraces, enchanting villages—like Weißenkirchen—and the freely flowing Danube linking all the elements. – © Lois Lammerhuber / NÖ Werbung

The beauty of the agricultural lands in the Wachau, which frame the banks of the Danube River, is undeniable. But for visitors, the attraction goes beyond superficial looks. This region has been worked for thousands of years and shows adaptations made necessary by climate and market. The area here provides a perfectly preserved mediaeval landscape—including architecture in the towns and villages—that has continued to change with the times at a human pace.

Some of the drystone wall vineyard terraces have been kept in situ for more than 1,000 years. – © Michael Schimek

This beautiful stretch of the Danube has inspired romantic legends for centuries. Every structure holds tales of love and heartbreak, particularly from the Middle Ages. One story tells of King Richard the Lionheart of England who was imprisoned in a castle here. His loyal minstrel wandered the land singing a specific song and was able to find his king when Richard responded by singing back to him from his prison.

Tradition is passed on among the generations in Wachau, where every structure holds tales of love and heartbreak. – © Steve Haider / Donau NÖ

One of the best ways to experience the Wachau landscape is to trace the route of the Danube River as it snakes its way through the countryside. From the river’s banks, vineyards reach into the hills, while towns and villages dot the landscape. In the town of Melk, the Benedictine Abbey - which you can visit - stands as a pearl of Baroque architecture. Other castles and wineries along the river offer plenty of places to stop and explore the region’s cultural and natural highlights.

Wachau is full of hidden gems, like the Romanesque crypt of the castle chapel of Oberranna. – © Konstantin Gona

Culture and Landscape Work in Harmony

Wachau is considered one of Europe's most enchanting river valleys. Its treasures give travellers a behind-the-scenes look into the past and a blueprint for the future. This blueprint helped change European culture over the last millennia. For this reason, the Wachau Cultural Landscape was elevated to UNESCO World Heritage status in its entirety in 2000.

One of the most traditional, and contemporary, festivals is the Summer Solstice. – © extremfotos.com / Donau NÖ

A visit to the Wachau provides a look at the region's complex history. The harmony between the region's past and present is reflected in its melding of preservation and innovation—an intertwining of cultural institutions, world-renowned wine and fruit growers, intact nature, authentic tourism, stunning architecture, and, most importantly, the people of the region.

How to Get There

Take the train from Vienna Airport or Vienna Main Railway Station to St. Pölten and change to a regional train to Krems or Melk.

Inside the valley, the bus lines WL1 and WL2 bring you to most of the villages and sights.

Three ferries cross the Danube at Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen, and Spitz.

When to Visit

One of the best times to visit the Wachau is towards the end of March, when the apricot trees blossom—after which, the main season runs until the end of October. The landscape is especially beautiful in the late fall, when the grape vines and forests swirl with autumnal colors. The Wachau is, also, a year-round destination because of the arts festivals and advent markets that extend into the winter.

How to visit

For a truly unforgettable experience, explore the entire valley with a boat trip on the Danube or ride on the Wachau Railway. The Wachau sits on the Eurovelo Route 6 and features separate bike trails on both sides of the Danube. (The public bike rental system “nextbike” is at your disposal almost everywhere.)

The World Heritage Trail also encourages you to use your own power—walking and hiking—to find its secret viewpoints and and locales. The trekking routes are well connected to the public bus systems, which will bring you back to the head of the trail.

Sights and Attractions recommended by the locals

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