03Cities and regions

Upstream with the river

Wachau, where the Danube narrows

After Vienna do not leap to the ice. Climb with the river. The Wachau is a thirty-six-kilometre valley between Melk and Krems, settled since ancient times and long known for its wine. In December 2000 it entered the World Heritage List as a cultural landscape, for architecture and agriculture together. Both banks hold terraced vineyards and small towns — not one wide resort in the usual sense. One day is enough for the valley if you come from Vienna and return; two if you walk or cycle at an easy pace. The tourism site lists cycling among summer activities. Melk Abbey stands on a rock at one end of the valley overlooking the river; Dürnstein is among the most visited towns. Do not leave this narrow stretch behind as mere scenery on the way to the peaks: the vines here are part of why the place was listed, not a roadside backdrop. Take time on the bank before you return to the city. The Danube sets the rhythm; follow it rather than racing past the terraces.

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Valley length (km)

2000

World Heritage since