Wachau world heritage trail along the Danube
€930
per person
Located in the heart of Europe, Austria offers a colorful palette of activities – rich cultural life, history, traditions, delicious food and outdoor adventures. The landscape of Austria is so diverse that one journey is never enough. One region of the country with a unique atmosphere that brings the charm of “the old days” has inspired many generations of artists who created their numerous masterpieces – Wachau. The Wachau Cultural Landscape encompasses a 36-km section of the Danube between Melk and Krems. It has been recognized as an exceptional area and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the category “Cultural Landscape”. Austrians proudly state that Dunabe river is nowhere more beautiful than in this part. Take this independent hiking journey at your own pace to explore the grace of Wachau! Enjoy the magnificent panoramas, sun-drenched vineyards, picturesque hamlets and the delicate flavor of apricots. Learn more about the culture and history of this part of the world. A self-guided walking trip not to miss!
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Destination
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Duration8/5 Days I Level: 2 (of 5)
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What is included7 overnight stays in 3* hotels and country inns (en-suite rooms) incl. breakfast; Luggage transfers; Boat cruise from Melk to Krems (from mid-April); 1x Wine tasting; Detailed route notes and map in English (1 set per room); GPS tracks access through navigation app; Service hotline;
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What is not included3x ferry crossings Danube, bus fare from Aggsdorf to Melk (appr. EUR 7 per person), drinks and other meals, entry fees
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Best periodApril, May, June, July, August, September
FROM OUR GALLERY
Self-guided inn to inn hiking tours along the Wachau heritage trail in Austria along the Danube RIver
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Day 1: Arrival in Krems an der Donau
Krems is the gateway to the Wachau and one of the prettiest towns sitting astride the Danube. It is located within easy reach of Vienna.
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Day 2: From Krems to Dürnstein, "Vineyards" (12km, 4,30hr, +510m/-500m)
The walking tour starts from Krems and passes through many vineyards where a stunning view over the river will show up every now and then. Following the old wine paths, you enter the wine-growing area Wachau via Pfaffenberg (hill). Cross the hills and reach the cozy Fesslhütte, continue along and reach Dürnstein ruins - a castle built in the 12th century and become very famous through the legend of Richard the Lionheart. A romantic view towards the town of Dürnstein and the river banks of Danube will open up from the top. Take your time to enjoy this panorama and gently descend down for a well-deserved rest.
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Day 3: From Dürnstein to Weißenkirchen, "Heart of Wachau" (16km, 5,00hrs, +480m/-480m)
Today you start the hiking journey with a ferry from Dürnstein to Rossatz. The trail continues through the largest apricot growing area of Austria where at the distant you can admire the majestic silhouette of the Alps. End the walk in Weißenkirchen and enjoy a traditional dish and an aroma glass of wine. The next day is a day off so do not worry!
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Day 4: Day off in Weißenkirchen, "Wachauer Dolce Vita" (4km, 2hrs, +100m/-100m)
A whole day awaits you to reveal more about the history of the area. Winegrowing villages such as Joching, Wösendorf and St. Michael form together with Weißenkirchen the biggest wine grower community of the Wachau region. Many sites of great importance will attract your attention. You may start with the mighty parish gothic church Weißenkirchen - sitting proudly on a hilltop with overlook towards the city. A labyrinth of pathways will take you to the front doors and from the garden terrace, you can admire the panorama of the river and the valley. Visit a museum, take a boat tour, enjoy every meal in the local taverns or do a short hike he Achleiten circuit to stop by the winegrower!
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Day 5: From Weißenkirchen to Spitz, "Wine terraces" (11km,3,30hrs, +340m/-330m)
Marvelous views today are guaranteed! The wine trail leads you out of Weißenkirchen, past small cellar alleys and up into the unique wine landscape high above the Danube and right through the heart of the Wachau. At the landmark of Spitz, the “Red Gate”, you descend into the famous wine village beside the Danube. Spitz is famous winegrower community. A settlement built around the so-called Thousand-bucket-hill owes its unique outlook to the Renaissance and Baroque houses and a majestic late-gothic church is situated at the village square.
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Day 6: From Spitz to Melk, "Ruin Aggsbach" (15km, 4,30-5,30 hrs, +640m/-640m)
After a healthy breakfast, take the ferry to Maria Langegg. From there you follow the St. Jacob’s hiking trail - a thousand-year-old route - to reach the ruin Aggsbach. The old castle built in the Middle Ages has many legends to tell and for sure keeps a lot of secrets. It reveals also another great panorama to Danube valley. From the village of Aggsbach, you catch a bus to Melk.
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Day 7: From Melk to Krems, "Danube Cruise"
Before you board a boat on the Danube, make sure you visit an impressive monastery with its beautiful grounds. The cruise that will transfer you back to Krems will pass among the highlights of your weekly hiking adventure and from a distance, you can admire for one last time the impressive vineyards! (* the boat trip is possible from mid-April; bus ride will be suggested as an alternative for earlier dates)
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Day 8: Departure day.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
930 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (29/03-13/04; 25/08-07/09)
995 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (14/04-05/06)
1085 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (06/06-24/08; 08/09-12/10)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 310 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also sgl. room supplement): 390 Euro
Tips
Daily departures between the beginning of April and the beginning of October. You walk mainly on good 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 delight. Arrival by train from Vienna to Krems and a few minutes walk to the starting hotel.
Accommodation
Pretty 3* hotels and country hotels, incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms). Option for hotels upgrade (contact us for details). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Days 1/7: Krems - Hotel Unter den Linden; Day 2: Dürnstein - Hotel Sänger Blondel; Days 3/4: Weißenkirchen - Hotel Kirchenwirt Weißenkirchen; Day 5: Spitz - Gasthof Goldenes Schiff; Day 6: Melk - Hotel Restaurant Zur Post;
Send an enquiry about this tour
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