Spitz, Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen, Melk - the delightful places in the Wachau offer culture, hospitality, cuisine and much more. You could also say that they are bursting with beauty and are perfect destinations in Austria for the daily stages on the 8-day hiking tour along the Wachau World Heritage Trail. Join us on this relaxing yet eventful active trip.
Details about the 8-day World Heritage Trail Wachau with Charm
The city of Krems, the Göttweig Monastery, Dürnstein and its ruins - even the first stage is full of highlights. The next day you will first enjoy a ferry ride before the hike passes Austria's largest apricot-growing area. Enjoy with all your senses and try to memorise the wonderful scents of the orchards.
There has to be a break and therefore day 4 is a rest day. It is perfect for taking a stop at one of the wine taverns around Weißenkirchen. Spitz and Melk are not only world famous, but also other destinations on our tour. On the way you hike the ruin Aggstein, which towers imposingly over the Danube and offers impressive views of the region. On the return journey by ship, feel the refreshing breeze in your hair before the journey ends in Krems.
Highlights of the World Heritage Trail Wachau with Charm
Idyllic vineyard hikes: The famous Wachau stone terraces may have been built around the 13th century and still shape the landscape today. Let the romance of this unique place between the vines sink in.
Discover the Danube on ridges: The special geography of the narrow valley offers great hiking opportunities, although the elevations are never higher than 1,000 metres. From the Seekopf and Buschandlwand you have unique panoramas over the Danube or the Alps.
Culinary highlights: Let's be honest - good food is simply part of a holiday! The first-class wines go well with light fish dishes as well as a hearty ‘Jause’ (snack) (including Wachauer Laberl!). For dessert you should enjoy the famous apricot, whether as a dumpling or liqueur.
Dreamy wine villages: The Wachau is one of the most popular regions in Austria, to which the unique climate certainly contributes. When different climatic influences come together, the quality of the grapes and thus the wines is decisively improved. The Wachau wines are fruity, fresh and elegant - a tasting is included on your tour with Eurohike.
Useful information about the World Heritage Trail Wachau with Charm
The Wachau World Heritage Trail not only offers numerous scenic, cultural and culinary highlights, it is also one of the “Top Trails of Austria”. So here you can confidently say that the journey is the destination. Another plus point is that some of the routes can be designed by yourself, depending on your fitness and experience levels.
The Danube region is a special highlight among hiking enthusiasts in Austria - here you will find further tips, tours and interesting facts.
Active holidays with Charm
On our ‘Hiking Tours with Charm’ you can enjoy the full service of our individual active holidays while staying in very special accommodation with that extra something in the best location. That means you can look forward to luxury furnishings and decor in the local style, as well as cuisine at the highest level. Many of our hotels with charm also offer large pools and a wellness area where you can relax after a lovely day of hiking.
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.
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.
Surrounded by sunny vineyards and green forests the mighty gothic parish church of Weißenkirchen is a remarkable sight. Wine growing villages such as Joching, Wösendorf and St. Michael form together with Weißenkirchen the biggest wine grower community of the Wachau region. Visit museums, seize beautiful walking trails or take a boat tour on the 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!
Leave Weißenkirchen via the wine trail, past picturesque wine cellars to the climb up to Seiber. Walk through the forest at first quite steep to Buschandlwand where an observation platform allows stunning panorama views. An alternative route passes through vineyards to the famous wine grower community Spitz an der Donau.
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.
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 Durnstein.
Day
8
Departure or extension
Tour character
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.
World Heritage Trail Wachau, 8 days, charm, AT-WAWKR-08D
Base price
989.00
1,039.00
1,129.00
Surcharge single room
299.00
299.00
299.00
You spend the night in specially selected hotels with special "extras" and can enjoy all the facilities of the charming accommodations (see "Accommodation").
Season1
Apr 1, 2023 - Apr 16, 2023
Aug 28, 2023 - Sep 10, 2023
Arrival daily
Season2
Apr 17, 2023 - Jun 11, 2023
Arrival daily
Season3
Jun 12, 2023 - Aug 27, 2023
Sep 11, 2023 - Oct 7, 2023
Arrival daily
World Heritage Trail Wachau, 8 days, charm, AT-WAWKR-08D
You spend the night in specially selected hotels with special "extras" and can enjoy all the facilities of the charming accommodations (see "Accommodation").
Detailed travel and tour documents 1x per room (German, English)
App for Navigation and GPS-data available
Service hotline
* Boat cruise is only possible starting from mid-April, bus ride as an alternative.
Infos
Arrival / Parking / Departure:
By train from Vienna to Krems and a few minutes walk to the starting hotel.
Parking: limited free parking at the hotel, no reservation possible. Public parking garage available for approx. EUR 20 per week, no reservation required.
Things to note:
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
2x ferry crossings Danube, bus fare from Aggsdorf to Melk (only 8-day tour), approx. EUR 6 per person
Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
The location could hardly be any better: the 1,000 year old historic city centre of Krems is only a few minutes on foot from the hotel.
Steigenberger Hotel & Spa
★★★★
The location could hardly be any better: the 1,000 year old historic city centre of Krems is only a few minutes on foot from the hotel.The Steigenberger Hotel and Spa offers a magnificent view of the Danube and the surrounding vineyards. A visit to one of the many vintners or a boat trip on the Danube should be a must.
The family run hotel ‚Gartenhotel Pfeffel’ is located between vineyards and has a wonderful view of the Danube.
Gartenhotel Pfeffel
★★★★
The family run hotel ‚Gartenhotel Pfeffel’ is located between vineyards and has a wonderful view of the Danube. One of the highlights of the hotel is the mondern panorama wellness and spa area with pool and sauna. Furthermore, relish an exquisite dinner made of home grown products from the garden and enjoy the wines from the family vineyard estate.
The former ‚Schiffsmeisterhaus’ dating back to 1574 was lovingly renovated and equipped with numerous antiques and original handicraft
Renaissancehotel Raffelsberger Hof
★★★★
The former ‚Schiffsmeisterhaus’ dating back to 1574 was lovingly renovated and equipped with numerous antiques and original handicraft. The Boutique hotel ‚Raffelsberger Hof’ combines the architectonic remnants of the late Renaissance with the high demands of the modern hotel business. You spend the night in elegantly furnished rooms and start the day with a delightful breakfast in the Baroque breakfast room.
The family-run inn Prankl presents itself welcoming and traditional, renovated with great attention to detail.
Gasthof Prankl
★★★
The family-run inn Prankl presents itself welcoming and traditional, renovated with great attention to detail. In earlier times, the historic building served as a rest stop for boats men, today you will find heartful decorated and furnished rooms, an award-winning restaurant, always accompanied by a gorgeous view of the Danube. Relax on the sun loungers in the garden and enjoy your breakfast at the hotel terrace on sunny days with a great view.
With direct view onto the monastery and located in the centre of Melk. A 4th generation family-run business since 1893 with beautiful and comfortable rooms.
Hotel zur Post
★★★★
With direct view onto the monastery and located in the centre of Melk. A 4th generation family-run business since 1893 with beautiful and comfortable rooms. The restaurant offers seasonal Austrian dishes made with local ingredients and houses an on-site vinothek.
Wir sind eine Woche von Krems nach Melk gewandert. Eigentlich hatten wir die Reise im April gebucht, wegen Corona müssten wir in den August verschieben. Eine Umbuchung war problemlos möglich. Aufgrund der sehr hohen Temperaturen sind wir meistens die kurze Route gelaufen. Alle Hotels waren sehr schön und wir wurden überall freundlich aufgenommen. Unsere Highlights waren Dürnstein und Spitz. Wer gerne Wein trinkt, zum Heurigen geht und wunderschöne Ausblicke liebt, ist hier richtig.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Ulrike Sommer |25.07.2020
Zauberhafte Blicke auf Donau, beschauliche Orte und Weinberge ...
Zum zweiten Mal war ich (mit Eurohike) auf dem Welterbesteig unterwegs und bin begeistert! Sehr gut geplante Tour (oft mit Alternativen), sehr unterschiedliche, aber durchweg ausgesprochen ansprechende Quartiere. Jeder der Orte - Krems, Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen, Spitz, Melk - hat seine eigenen Reize und Besonderheiten, wir haben in jedem den Abend nach den Touren genossen. Was sehr besonders war: Dürnstein und Melk sind üblicherweise von Kreuzfahrt- und Bustouristen geflutet, in diesem Jahr waren wir abends in Dürnstein nahezu allein mit einigen wenigen Touristen und Einheimischen - und haben das sehr genossen, ebenso wie die Aufmerksamkeit unserer Gastgeber, die nur wenige Gäste zu betreuen hatten. Die Touren sind trotz der geringen Höhe (immer unter 1000 m) auch für geübte Wander*innen nicht komplett unanstrengend. Super war, dass wir von der ursprünglich geplante Tour in den Pyrenäen so unbürokratisch und ohne Kosten umswitchen konnten. Herzlichen Dank für die auch in diesem Jahr tolle Betreuung in der Zentrale!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Steffen S. |25.09.2019
Alles gut "gelaufen".
Sehr schöne Wanderstrecken, die auch für uns Anfänger gut zu bewältigen waren. Die Wegbeschreibungen waren sehr genau, man konnte gar nichts falsch machen. Auch in den Hotels fühlten wir und gut untergebracht, besonders hervorzuheben ist hier das Hotel "Sänger Blondel" in Dürnstein.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Elisabeth H. |25.06.2019
Wachau - eine rundum gelungene Wanderwoche
Es war eine wunderbare Woche und alles perfekt organisiert. Genuss pur :-)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Gabriele und Uwe W. |11.05.2019
Topp Wanderwoche Dank EUROHIKE
Die Vorbereitung und Organisation der geplanten Wanderung durch EUROHIKE war tadellos. Wir erhielten im Vorfeld ausführliche Reiseunterlagen, anhand derer wir uns auf die Wanderung vorbereiten konnten. Die Unterkünfte waren sehr gut. Wunschgemäß erhielten wir 4 Wanderfreunde die Übernachtungen jeweils immer in einem Hotel. Danke für die Organisation. Die Wanderstrecke war sehr schön, manchmal durch die stetigen Anstiege etwas anstrengend aber die Ausblicke und täglich bestes Wanderwetter entschädigten für die Anstrengungen. Nicht immer war die Wegführung eindeutig gekennzeichnet. Teilweise waren dort, wo es eindeutig war 3 Wanderzeichen, dort wo sich der Weg mal gabelte, mussten wir unser Wanderzeichen erst suchen, um den richtigen Weg gehen zu können.
HeleneEdtmeieranswered:
Liebe Gäste, vielen herzlichen Dank für das ausführliche Feedback und Ihr Lob! Beim Welterbesteig haben wir das Glück, unsere Wegbeschreibung auf ein sehr gut ausgebautes Wanderwegnetz abzustimmen. Die Region ist durch viele schöne Wanderwege vernetzt, dadurch ist für alle Wanderer das Richtige dabei. Wir sind uns sicher Sie konnten mithilfe unserer detaillierten Wegbeschreibung die zahlreichen Wegweiser dann doch richtig deuten und freuen uns, dass Sie die Zeit bei bestem Wanderwetter genießen konnten! :-)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Walter Eisenreich |18.04.2019
Bestens organisiertes Wandererlebnis in der Wachau
Bestens ausgearbeitete Reiseunterlagen mit Alternativtouren. Schöne Touren, besonders die Alternativroute NORD von Dürnstein aus: fordernd, am Anfang alpin, sehr reizvoll. Abstieg nach Dürnstein - an der Burg vorbei - interessant (geschichtlich wegen Richard Löwenherz). Gelungene Tourentage - vor allem weil auch das Wanderwetter dementsprechend bestellt war!!! Zu dieser Jahreszeit wenig los - was sehr gut war.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Ernst und Brigitte B. |28.10.2018
Eine wunderschöne, rundum gelungene Woche!
Ein Tag, ein Wanderabschnitt war schöner als der andere. Wir hatten aber auch durchgehend traumhaftes Herbstwetter. Die Routenführung ist perfekt und voller Abwechslung!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Heiko Meier |08.09.2018
Tolles Wandererlebnis Wachau / Welterbesteig
Schöne Wege ,gute Wegbeschreibungen ,Tagesetappen gut zu bewältigen, immer wieder abwechslungsreiche Natur (Wein und Wald) mit toller Aussicht auf die Donau..
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Ingrid Vollnhofer |10.05.2017
Happy Walker
The entire experience with Eurohike was good from beginning to end. I would recommend this company to anyone interested in hiking and biking in Europe. The photo booklet which we followed while hiking in the Wachau was an excellent method for making the route clear. The hotels were lovely, the scenery was beautiful and the Austrians friendly and welcoming.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Simone Press |12.04.2017
Wandern mit Freude
Die Wachau ist ein liebliches Wandergebiet. Die Etappen sind toll und abwechslungsreich und der Genuss kommt ebenso nicht zu kurz! Die Organisation klappte sehr gut und wir fanden das Essen, die Unterkünfte wie auch die Streckenführung top. Sehr zu empfehlen! Und wenn man es sich einmal so richtig gut gehen lassen möchte wählt man Wandern mit Charme. Diesen Mehrpreis haben wir gerne gezahlt.