The essentials at a glance

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley on this self-guided walking tour from Krems to Spitz. Hike through terraced vineyards, past apricot orchards, and along the Danube River. Visit the historic Dürnstein ruins and enjoy panoramic views from hilltop lookouts. Daily distances average 11-16 km with moderate ascents. Includes wine tasting, boat trip on the Danube, and accommodation in 3-4 star hotels with breakfast and luggage transfer.

Itinerary at a glance

Whether from the Danube boat or the ruin Dürnstein, this tour offers a variety of views. The Wachau is characterized by fruit growing - so enjoy the culinary delights from apricot jam to Pinot Blanc.

Hotel example: Unter den Linden

Walk up into the vineyards to the tower with a view over the ‘blue’ river Danube, the city Krems and the magnificent monastery Göttweig. Cross the hills to the cozy Fesslhütte and reach the Dürnstein ruins on a trail with great views before reaching the banks of the Danube.

Hotel example: Sänger Blondel

Take the ferry from Dürnstein to Rossatz. Continue past the largest apricot growing area of Austria, on old tracks up to Seekopf with stunning views to the Alps. Optional take a walk along Danube through orchards to the ferry.

Hotel example: Hotel Kirchenwirt

The wine trail leads you out of Weißenkirchen, past small cellar alleys and up into the unique wine landscape high above the Danube. On the World Heritage Trail, you hike through the heart of the Wachau. At the landmark of Spitz, the “Red Gate”, you descend into the famous wine village beside the Danube.

Hotel example: Goldenens Schiff

Return journey from Spitz to Krems by boat, departure in the early morning or in the late afternoon, included in the price.

Other variations of this tour

World Heritage Trail Wachau, Krems – Melk

8 Days

World Heritage Trail Wachau with Charm

5 Days

World Heritage Trail Wachau with Charm

8 Days

Difficulty level

Walking

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.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Services

Included

Accomodation in 3***-hotels, 4****-hotels and country hotels
Breakfast
Luggage transfer
1 Boat trip from Spitz to Krems*
1 Wine tasting
Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
Service hotline
* Boat cruise is only possible starting from mid-April, bus ride as an alternative.

Optional Extras

Printed route book, per room EUR 20

Information

Arrival / Parking / Departure

Arrival by train to Krems (www.oebb.at)
Vienna airport and by train to Krems, duration approx. 2 hours (www.oebb.at)
Linz airport and by bus to the train station and by train to Krems, duration approx. 2 hours (www.oebb.at)
Parking: hotel garage, costs approx. EUR 40 to EUR 160 per week, public parking space, costs approx. EUR 5 to EUR 10 per week

Things to note

Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price.
2x ferry trips Danube**, approx. EUR 6 per person **Dürnstein – Weißenkirchen: Boat only runs on weekends during the off-season (March, April, October); alternative hiking option for Day 3
Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!