Wachau world heritage trail along the Danube
€1090
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 incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms; check the Rates&Remarks tab for details); Luggage transfers; Boat cruise from Krems to Melk (from mid-April); 1x Wine tasting; In-app detailed roadbook and access to digital maps and GPS tracks; Service hotline;
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What is not included3x ferry crossings Danube, bus fare from Aggsdorf to Melk (appr. EUR 15 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 Melk
Welcome to Melk - the gateway to the Wachau and one of the most beautiful historic towns on the Danube! After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll through the old town and explore the spectacular Melk Abbey. Enjoy your first views of the Danube, soak up the unique atmosphere of Austria's wine country, and look forward to a fantastic week of hiking. Melk is located within easy reach of Vienna (1hr train journey).
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Day 2: From Melk to Spitz (15km, 5hr, +710m/-720m)
Your first day of walking begins with a short local bus ride from Melk to Aggsbach. From there, hike uphill to the Aggsbach castle ruins, where impressive observation towers and cozy refreshment stops await. Next, follow the historic Way of St. James to Maria Langegg, walking through a sprawling forest down to the Danube, where a ferry crosses into the riverside village of Spitz. This picturesque village is nestled among rolling vineyard hills and boasts a historic town center perfect for an evening stroll.
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Day 3: From Spitz to Weißenkirchen (10km, 3hrs, +440m/-450m)
Set out from Spitz and ascend to the town’s iconic landmark, the ‘Rotes Tor’ (Red Gate). Following the World Heritage walking trail, you will hike high above the Danube through the core of the Wachau wine landscape. The walking route then leads downhill through the vineyards and past historic alleys lined with traditional wine cellars into Weißenkirchen. The town is famous for its defensive fortresses and white-walled architecture that gleams against the green hillside.
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Day 4: Rest Day in Weißenkirchen (4km, 2hrs, +160m/-160m)
Weißenkirchen is the largest wine-growing community in the region, surrounded by sun-drenched vineyards and green forests. This day offers total flexibility on your self-guided holiday: visit local museums, relax by the water, or enjoy a gentle walk along the ‘Achleitenrunde’ trail to stop for a bite to eat and sample a glass of authentic Austria wine at a local winemaker’s tavern! You can spend the afternoon sitting in a sunny courtyard, soaking up the slow pace of life in this iconic wine-growing hub.
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Day 5: From Weißenkirchen to Dürnstein (12km, 4hrs, +590m/-620m)
Cross the Danube via the unique flying bridge to St. Lorenz. From here, customize your hiking route: choose the flat path through orchards along the river, or the scenic main route walking up old roads to the ‘Seekopf’. The high trail treats you to panoramic views stretching all the way to the Alps. Hike through Austria’s largest apricot-growing region to Rossatz, then board a ferry back across the Danube to Dürnstein. Entering Dürnstein from the river gives you an iconic view of its bright blue and white church tower.
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Day 6: From Dürnstein to Krems (13km, 4hrs, +480m/-490m)
Step out from the banks of the Danube and follow a scenic path climbing up to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle. These legendary ruins are where King Richard the Lionheart of England was held prisoner during the Crusades. Your hiking route continues over a gentle range of hills to a beautiful viewpoint and the cozy Fesslhütte mountain hut. This rustic hut is the ideal spot to pause for a hearty Austrian lunch surrounded by nature. Enjoy magnificent views of the blue Danube, the town of Krems, and Göttweig Abbey before walking down through the vineyards into Krems.
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Day 7: From Krems to Melk, "Danube Cruise" (2km, 0,30hrs, +10m/-20m)
Spend your morning exploring the historic old town of Krems and its famous ‘Steiner Tor’ landmark. Afterward, board a Danube cruise ship for a relaxing journey back upriver to Melk. Unwind on deck as you reflect on your self-guided hiking holiday, watching the vineyards and villages of Austria glide past from the water. Seeing the massive vineyard terraces from the river level gives you a brand-new appreciation for the trails you conquered on foot. (* 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.
Enjoy your final breakfast before your self-guided tour concludes, or choose to extend your stay to enjoy more walking and wine tasting in the region. If you choose to depart, the local train station provides effortless connections back to major transit hubs.
TOUR LOCATION
Price (2027)
1090 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (27/03-09/04; 28/08-10/09)
1150 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (10/04-21/05)
1210 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (22/05-27/08; 11/09-10/10)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 350 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also sgl. room supplement): 420 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.
Accommodation
Pretty 3* hotels and country hotels, incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Days 1/7: Melk - Hotel Restaurant zur Post; Day 2: Spitz - Gasthof Goldenes Schiff; Days 3/4: Weißenkirchen - Kirchenwirt Hotel Restaurant Wachau; Day 5: Dürnstein - Hotel Sänger Blondel; Day 6: Krems - Hotel Unter den Linden;
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