Things to do in Danube Valley
Discover the best attractions and experiences Danube Valley has to offer
Historic Monuments
The Wachau valley is threaded with storied fortresses and grand abbeys perched over the Danube.
Melk Abbey (Stift Melk)
A spectacular baroque monastery perched above the Danube, famed for its ornate libraries and panoramic views.
Burg Dürnstein (Dürnstein Castle)
Ruined hilltop castle above Dürnstein with legends of Richard the Lionheart and sweeping river vistas.
Stift Göttweig
Hilltop Benedictine abbey offering sweeping Danube views and rich historical interiors.
Museums
Art and local history are showcased in Krems and Melk.
Kunsthalle Krems
A leading venue for contemporary art with rotating exhibitions and regional focus.
Karikaturmuseum Krems
Museum dedicated to cartoons and satirical drawings from Austria and beyond.
Religious Monuments
Sacred sites dot the landscape, from hilltop abbeys to pilgrimage churches.
Stift Dürnstein
Historic monastery ensemble with spiritual ambiance and river views.
Stift Göttweig
Benedictine abbey with grand architecture and sweeping vineyard vistas.
Maria Taferl Basilica
A renowned pilgrimage church set on a hilltop with panoramic views.
National & Theme Parks
Protected landscapes offer hiking, wildlife, and spectacular river views.
Donau-Auen National Park
Austria’s largest protected floodplain, rich in birds and riverside scenery.
Naturpark Jauerling-Wachau
Nature park at the Jauerling massif with viewpoints, forests, and vineyard scenery.
Neighborhoods
Explore the towns along the Danube, each with its own character and charm.
Krems Old Town (Altstadt Krems)
Historic streets, churches, and river viewpoints in Krems.
Dürnstein Old Town
Picturesque medieval town with lanes, wine taverns, and river scenes.
Spitz an der Donau
Vineyard village at the river with scenic walks and winery stops.
Free Things to Do
Many Wachau experiences are free and offer stellar scenery and atmosphere.
Walk along the Danube promenade in Krems
Stroll the riverside paths with vineyard views and boat activity.
Cycle the Donauradweg (Danube Cycle Path)
Pedal along the river through scenic wine landscapes.
Hike to Dürnstein viewpoints
Gentle climbs to hilltop viewpoints for sweeping valley views.
Gastronomy
The region’s flavors revolve around wines, apricots, and rustic Austrian fare.
Wine tasting in Wachau vineyards
Sample Grüner Veltliner and Riesling with vineyard guidance.
Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings)
Try the classic Wachau apricot dumplings in local pastry shops.
Marillenlikör and apricot desserts
Savor apricot liqueur and seasonal fruity treats.
Nightlife
Evenings in Wachau range from cozy wine taverns to riverside strolls.
Heuriger visits in Wachau villages
Relax at traditional wine taverns with local wines and snacks.
Riverside bars in Krems
Unwind with a drink by the Danube as night falls.
Entertainment
Cultural events bring music and performances to historic settings.
Concerts at Melk Abbey
Seasonal musical performances in the abbey's atmospheric halls.
Cultural events in Krems Old Town
Local theater, street performances, and gallery openings.
Sports
Active travelers can hike, cycle, and paddle along the Danube.
Göttweig and Jauerling hiking
Forest trails with panoramic valley views.
Donauradweg cycling
Ride the Danube’s famous cycle path through wine country.
Kayaking on the Danube
Paddle along calm river sections near Krems.
Off the Track
Unconventional ways to experience the Danube Valley beyond the standard sights.
Hike to Aggstein Castle ruins
Dramatic cliff-top ruins with sweeping Danube views.
Spitz to Weissenkirchen wine hike
Seasonal vineyard trail linking villages with winery stops.