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World Heritage Trail Wachau

Wine and culture on beautiful blue Danube

193  kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
193  kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
193  kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
grapevine

The essentials at a glance

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley on this walking tour between Krems and Melk along the Danube. Hike through vineyards and to viewpoints, visit Dürnstein ruins and the impressive Melk Abbey. The route includes a Danube boat cruise, wine tasting, and ferry crossings. Daily distances average 12 km with moderate ascents up to 640m. Accommodation in 3*** and 4**** hotels with breakfast and luggage transfer included.

Do you have questions about this tour?

Here in the Wachau area the Danube is even more beautiful than anywhere else. The mild climate and steep hills make it ideal territory for orchards and vineyards. Our hiking week leads thought the long-distance trail World Heritage Trail Wachau along the ridges of the Danube valley. On the varied walking routes you can enjoy magnificent views of one of Austria's oldest cultural landscapes with characteristic vineyards, apricot gardens and the impressive Danube stream in the valley. A varied walking tour leads past steep rocks, across soft hills and through aromatic vineyards. Little hamlets dot the landscape and apart from the famous wine, delicious apricot delicacies belong to the outstanding regional specialities.

Wine, culture and nature create a unique symphony on the hiking holiday in the Wachau. From the mountain ranges in the Danube valley you have unique views over Austria’s largest river and one of the oldest cultural landscapes in the country, the Wachau region. En route along the World Heritage, long-distance hiking trail, you will pass pretty towns and wine villages such as Weißenkirchen, Spitz and Krems.

  • Hike in the vineyards: What makes the Wachau region so special are definitely the numerous vineyards perched on the slopes. On a hiking holiday, the route sometimes even takes you along the vineyard paths.
  • Wine & Culinary art: pancakes filled with apricot jam, fine spirits and of course the wonderful wines of the Wachau – on the hiking holiday in the Danube river valley you experience culinary highlights every day.
  • Discover the Wachau from the river Danube: Of course, a boat trip must not be missing on the hiking holiday along the Danube! Between Melk and Krems you have the opportunity to gain completely new impressions of the Wachau.
  • Hiking with a dog: The Wachau World Heritage Trail is also ideal for your four-legged friend thanks to the optimum route guidance without long ascents. Find out more about walking holidays with a dog.

You start your hiking week with your individual arrival at Krems. The UNESCO World Heritage city features winding streets and wineries. Your hiking holiday begins the very next day with the first hike to Dürnstein. The route takes you via Weißenkirchen and Spitz to Melk, before returning to Krems by boat on the Danube. Every day you hike between 12 and 14 kilometres and climb several Wachau peaks, which are not high but steep. Surefootedness is therefore an advantage in certain sections.

Book now
To the online version
grapevine

World Heritage Trail Wachau

Wine and Culture along the Blue Danube

193  kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
193  kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
193  kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
grapevine

The essentials at a glance

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley on this walking tour between Krems and Melk along the Danube. Hike through vineyards and to viewpoints, visit Dürnstein ruins and the impressive Melk Abbey. The route includes a Danube boat cruise, wine tasting, and ferry crossings. Daily distances average 12 km with moderate ascents up to 640m. Accommodation in 3*** and 4**** hotels with breakfast and luggage transfer included.

Do you have questions about this tour?

In the Wachau region, the Danube is even more beautiful than elsewhere. The mild climate and steep slopes are ideal for wine and fruit growing. Our walking week follows in the footsteps of the ‘Welterbesteig Wachau’ long-distance trail along the ridges of the Danube Valley. On these varied walking routes, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of one of Austria’s oldest cultural landscapes, with its characteristic vineyard terraces, apricot orchards and the mighty Danube flowing through the valley. Passing rugged cliffs, numerous viewing points and over gentle hills, you’ll hike through lush vineyards. The small villages in the Wachau are particularly beautiful and inviting, in addition to wine, they offer the famous apricot pancakes as a pure delight.

Wine, culture and nature create a unique symphony on the hiking holiday in the Wachau. From the mountain ranges in the Danube valley you have unique views over Austria’s largest river and one of the oldest cultural landscapes in the country, the Wachau region. En route along the World Heritage, long-distance hiking trail, you will pass pretty towns and wine villages such as Weißenkirchen, Spitz and Krems.

  • Hike in the vineyards: What makes the Wachau region so special are definitely the numerous vineyards perched on the slopes. On a hiking holiday, the route sometimes even takes you along the vineyard paths.
  • Wine & Culinary art: pancakes filled with apricot jam, fine spirits and of course the wonderful wines of the Wachau – on the hiking holiday in the Danube river valley you experience culinary highlights every day.
  • Discover the Wachau from the river Danube: Of course, a boat trip must not be missing on the hiking holiday along the Danube! Between Melk and Krems you have the opportunity to gain completely new impressions of the Wachau.
  • Hiking with a dog: The Wachau World Heritage Trail is also ideal for your four-legged friend thanks to the optimum route guidance without long ascents. Find out more about walking holidays with a dog.

You start your hiking week with your individual arrival at Krems. The UNESCO World Heritage city features winding streets and wineries. Your hiking holiday begins the very next day with the first hike to Dürnstein. The route takes you via Weißenkirchen and Spitz to Melk, before returning to Krems by boat on the Danube. Every day you hike between 12 and 14 kilometres and climb several Wachau peaks, which are not high but steep. Surefootedness is therefore an advantage in certain sections.

Itinerary at a glance

In the Danube valley between Krems and Melk, you will hike along the river, over vineyards and up to viewing points as well as to the ruins of Dürnstein. A visit to the imposing Melk Abbey and a boat trip round off your hiking trip.

Hotel example: Unter den Linden

Walk up into the vineyards to the tower with view on blue Danube, the city Krems and impressing 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

Surrounded by sunny vineyards and green forests the mighty gothic parish church of Weißenkirchen is  remarkable sight. The wine grower villages Joching, Wösendorf and St. Michael form together with Weißenkirchen the biggest wine grower community of Wachau. Visit museums, beautiful walking trails or take a boat tour on Danube. Enjoy a glass of Wachauer wine in one of the wine taverns. Or do a short hike on the Achleiten circuit to stop by the winegrower!

Hotel example: Hotel Kirchenwirt Wachau

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: Gasthof Goldenes Schiff Spitz

Cross the Danube by ferry to Maria Langegg. Here you follow St. Jacob’s trail to ruin Aggsbach. Visit the fortress with scenic views across the Danube valley and stop for a snack. Down you walk to Aggsbach where you catch the coach to Melk.

Hotel example: Hotel Post Melk

Visit the impressive monastery with beautiful grounds before you board the Danube boat. During the cruise to Krems you pass the highlights of the week, see all the vineyards as well as Spitz and Dürnstein.

Hotel example: Unter den Linden

Day
08

Departure or extension

Itinerary at a glance

In the Danube Valley between Melk and Krems, you'll hike along the river, through vineyards and up to viewing points as well as to the ruins of Dürnstein. A visit to the imposing Melk Abbey and a boat cruise round off your walking holiday.

Welcome to Melk – the gateway to the Wachau – and one of the most beautiful towns on the Danube! Once you’ve arrived, there’ll be time for a leisurely stroll through the charming old town and to explore the impressive Melk Abbey. Enjoy your first views of the Danube, soak up the delightful atmosphere of the Wachau, and look forward to a variety of hiking days in the region.

Hotel example: Hotel Post Melk

From Melk, take the bus to Aggsbach. From there, the route leads uphill to the Aggsbach ruins, where the impressive observation towers and cozy places to stop for refreshments make it well worth a visit. You'll then follow the Way of St. James to Maria Langegg and through a sprawling forest down to the Danube, from where you'll take the ferry to Spitz.

Hotel example:Gasthof Goldenes Schiff Spitz

Starting in Spitz, you'll first ascend to the town’s landmark, the ‘Rotes Tor’ (Red Gate). Following the World Heritage Trail, you’ll walk through the heart of the Wachau and enjoy the unique wine-growing landscape high above the Danube. The route then leads downhill through the vineyards and past small alleys lined with wine cellars to Weißenkirchen.

Hotel example: Kirchenwirt Wachau

Surrounded by sun-drenched vineyard-covered hills and green forests stands the imposing Gothic parish church of Weißenkirchen. Together with the wine-growing villages of Joching, Wösendorf and St. Michael, Weißenkirchen forms the largest wine-growing community in the Wachau region. Weißenkirchen offers plenty of options for a relaxing day off: museums, beautiful walking trails or a boat ride on the Danube. Take some time to savour a glass of Wachau wine in one of the wine taverns. Or go for a short walk along the ‘Achleitenrunde’ trail to stop for a bite to eat at a local winemaker's!

Hotel example: Hotel Kirchenwirt Wachau

From Weißenkirchen, you’ll first take the flying bridge to St. Lorenz, where your hike begins. There, you can choose either a short route through the orchards along the Danube or the scenic route via old roads up to the ‘Seekopf’. Along the main route, you’ll be treated to an impressive panoramic view stretching all the way to the Alps. The trail then leads through Austria’s largest apricot-growing region to Rossatz on the banks of the Danube, from where you’ll take a ferry to today’s destination, Dürnstein.

Hotel example: Sänger Blondel

 

From the banks of the Danube, you’ll ascend a scenic path up to the ruins of Dürnstein. The route continues over a gentle range of hills to the viewing point and on to the cozy Fesslhütte. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of the blue Danube, the town of Krems and the impressive Göttweig Abbey, before hiking down through the vineyards towards Krems.

Hotel example: Hotel unter den Linden

In Krems, you should definitely visit the famous ‘Steiner Tor’ landmark and take a stroll through the historic old town before boarding the Danube cruise ship. On the way to Melk, you can reflect on your walking holiday and the highlights passing by – Dürnstein and Spitz with their vineyards.

Hotel example: Hotel Post Melk

Day
08

Departure or extension

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.

Difficulty level

Walking

You walk mainly on well-maintained paths and partly paved vineyard tracks. Depending on the route, you can adjust the difficulty of the stages to suit your preference – from leisurely to more challenging. The peaks in the Wachau are not high, but some sections are steep. Therefore, sure-footedness is required in certain places. This walking holiday offers a wonderful combination of nature, culture and culinary delights.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

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

Services optional

  • Printed route book, per room EUR 20

 

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.
  • 3x ferry trips Danube**, bus ride from Aggsdorf to Melk, approx. EUR 12 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!

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***- and 4****-hotels and country hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • 1 boat ride Krems – Melk*
  • 1 wine tasting
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
  • Service hotline

Services optional

  • Printed route book, per person EUR 20

 

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Arrival by train to Melk (www.oebb.at)
  • Vienna airport and by train to Melk, duration approx. 1.5 hours with 1 change in St. Pölten (www.oebb.at)
  • Linz airport, by bus to Linz main station and then by train to Melk, duration approx. 2 hours with 1 change in St. Pölten (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 day

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price.
  • 3 ferry rides Danube and bus ride Aggsbach Dorf – Melk, costs approx. EUR 12 per person
  • Weißenkirchen – Dürnstein: ferry boat only runs on weekends during the off-season (March, April, October); alternative hiking option for Day 5
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Traveling solo?

Our benefits for independent travelers

NO SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT

Available on selected tours and departure dates

NO MINIMUM GROUP SURCHARGE

Active travel experiences for solo travelers - no extra fee

WELL-ORGANIZED & SAFE

Carefully vetted routes, on-site support, reliable navigation

INDIVIDUAL & FLEXIBLE

Travel possible from 1 person & hiking at your own pace

Travel stories for this tour

Personally on site for you

Sophia Altenberger

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Sophia Altenberger
Travel Specialist
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Sustainably on the go

Our contribution to climate protection

  • Active vacations are among the most environmentally friendly and healthiest ways to travel. Traveling on foot means moving in a climate-conscious way while conserving resources.

  • Our carefully selected accommodations, like us, are committed to lived sustainability. They are deeply rooted in their regions, work with local suppliers, provide attractive employment opportunities for local residents, and thereby strengthen local value creation.

  • With the Eurohike On Tour app, we offer a digital version of our travel documents, allowing you to navigate confidently while on the road. By moving to digital formats, we help conserve valuable natural resources.

  • Eurohike has been certified as a sustainable tour operator with the internationally recognized Travelife certification. To achieve this, more than 261 requirements were carefully met.

  • Even though hiking vacations (and cycling vacations with Eurobike) are among the most climate-friendly forms of travel, they still generate CO₂ emissions. These are carefully measured using the “Carmacal” calculator. Through our commitment to selected climate protection projects, we aim to give something back to the environment.

    193 kg
    CO₂-Emissions are offset
    CO₂ distribution:

    Accommodation (76%)

    Meals (17%)

    Transport (7%)

    Activities (1%)

    193 kg
    CO₂-Emissions are offset
    CO₂ distribution:

    Accommodation (76%)

    Meals (17%)

    Transport (7%)

    Activities (1%)

    193 kg
    CO₂-Emissions are offset
    CO₂ distribution:

    Accommodation (76%)

    Meals (17%)

    Transport (7%)

    Activities (1%)

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