How to visit the Wachau Valley? It’s simple—immerse yourself in one of Austria’s most stunning regions. The Wachau Valley is an absolute stunner, with terraced vineyards cascading down hillsides, the magnificent Danube winding its way past charming villages and towns, and excellent local wines to savor. If you’re wondering how to visit the Wachau Valley, you’ve come to the right place. This travel guide on how to visit the Wachau Valley covers everything from top places to stay and eat to a range of unforgettable activities in the area. Keep scrolling to learn exactly how to visit the Wachau Valley and make the most of your adventure in this breathtaking destination.
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Where is the Wachau Valley?
The Wachau Valley is a stunning stretch along the Danube in Lower Austria, nestled between the towns of Melk and Krems. It’s famous for its terraced vineyards, charming historic sites, and breathtaking river views—a perfect place to relax and explore.
How to visit the Wachau Valley?
Visiting the Wachau Valley is simple and stress-free. Start by taking a train from Vienna to Krems or Melk, then spend your day biking or strolling along the Danube. If you’re staying longer, renting a bike makes exploring the small towns a breeze—but a rental car makes it even easier. We rented one in Innsbruck and drove from the Zillertal Valley, through the Salzburg lakes, right into Wachau. It was so easy to navigate, making the whole experience a piece of cake. Once you are here, slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery and great wine.
As mentioned, the Wachau Valley is a must-add to your Austrian road trip. Don’t miss our favorite stops along the way—like the breathtaking Zillertal Valley and Hintersee in the Salzburg lakes region. Both are perfect for soaking in stunning landscapes and adding a little extra magic to your adventure.
Where to stay in the Wachau Valley?
We based ourselves at Hotel Garni Donauhof and couldn’t have been happier with our choice. This small, family-run hotel is located in Weissenkirchen, literally just across from the Danube. From our cozy, comfortable, and attractively decorated room, we could see the river and a small sandy beach—such a peaceful view. The room did get a little warm without A/C, but we were still really happy with our stay.
The breakfast was truly outstanding, with a wide spread of fresh breads, eggs, fruit, and more. They also served fresh espresso and cappuccinos, which we enjoyed on the small terrace overlooking the backyard. The location is perfect for exploring the valley, and having easy access to the beach and riverside trail made it even better.
Another great perk? The owner has a self-serve wine and beer lounge—you just write down what you take, and she adds it to your room. It’s such a relaxed, thoughtful setup.
Highly recommend staying here—it’s a perfect base for exploring the Wachau Valley.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the sandy beach just across the road. We spent a few hours there reading and relaxing on the picnic benches while taking in the river views—it was such a peaceful break.
Where to eat in the Wachau Valley?
- Heuriger Amon-Ottmann, Weißenkirchen in der Wachau: We stopped here for a glass of wine on their outdoor patio, and since it was September and quiet, it had a very local, laid-back vibe. We ended up staying longer than planned and had a few small bites—cheese, meats, and other snacks—for dinner. It was a relaxing and casual way to enjoy an early evening meal, and the setting made it even better. Walking distance from our hotel.
- Weingut Hermenegild Mang, Weißenkirchen in der Wachau: Yes—this is it! My absolute favorite place to eat in the Wachau Valley. I seriously loved it. The outdoor seating area is absolutely stunning, the local white wine was perfect, and they offer a great selection of cheap small bites, meats, and other plates that are more than enough to make a full dinner. This place was just so good, we ended up eating here twice for dinner. Highly, highly recommend. Walking distance from our hotel.
- Weingut und Restaurant Josef Jamek, Joching: This spot is literally just down the road from the hotel we stayed in, and the outdoor dining area is absolutely beautiful. The food and wine selection was fantastic, but wow, was it expensive. If you’re looking for a higher-end dinner or lunch in the area, this is definitely a great choice.
- Mariandl Café & Mehr, Spitz: This was a fantastic find in Spitz. Tucked right on the picturesque square outside the main church, it offers outstanding views as you dine. We enjoyed a great lunch featuring schnitzel and coffee. I highly recommend stopping by when you’re in the area!
- Gritsch, Spitz: This was a fantastic spot to try their wine. Their tasting room is both beautiful and modern, offering gorgeous views over the vines. The wine itself was amazing—I ended up bringing a few bottles home. It was wonderfully dry and crisp. I highly, highly recommend giving it a try!
Best Things to do in the Wachau Valley
Visit Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey is an absolute must-visit when exploring the Wachau Valley. Perched high above the town of Melk, this stunning Benedictine abbey is famous for its gorgeous Baroque architecture and incredible views of the Danube River. The interior is just as impressive, with its lavish library, ornate church, and beautifully preserved frescoes. Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good view, Melk Abbey is well worth the stop. It’s easy to reach by car or train, and guided tours are available to get the most out of your visit.
Pro Tip: This is a very popular day trip. If you are visiting during the high season, I would go early as you can to avoid some of the crowds and maybe avoid the weekends. Even if it is busy, it is still worth visiting.
Visit Wineries or Wine Bars
This area is famous for its delicious wine. I’m a big fan of their white wines—especially the rieslings. Not only is it worth sampling the wine, but it’s also amazing to drive or walk through the valley, where steeply terraced hillsides and the flowing Danube River create a breathtaking landscape. In my “Where to Eat” section, you’ll find my favorite wine bars and wineries that I’ve visited.
Explore Charming Villages in the Wachau Valley
Any trip to the Wachau Valley should include wandering around charming small towns and villages.
Durnstein
Visiting this charming, fairy-tale village isn’t a hidden secret—every travel guide recommends a stroll through its enchanting streets, and they’re all right. With Durnstein castle perched above the town, scenic vineyards, and authentic local buildings, it will definitely be a highlight of your trip. Be sure to snap plenty of photos of the castle, the blue church, and the beautiful town center! Make sure to take your time and wander this is a beautiful town!
There are also some lovely walks around Dürnstein. I followed a loop that took me through vineyards, along the river, right through the town, and back to the parking lot. I’ve searched for more information on this route for hours but haven’t been able to find any details. There was a sign and map at the parking lot entrance. Apologies if that map isn’t available anymore—it was a truly memorable walk. Here is the parking lot.
Pro Tip: Go early if you are visiting during the high season. It gets busy and parking could be an issue. We were there at the beginning of September and there was no one there. Perfect!
Melk
If you visit Melk Abbey, you should also explore the small town of Melk. It’s a charming, pedestrian-only town with quaint shops and plenty of spots to enjoy a coffee or a meal. The town boasts fascinating architecture, pretty fountains, and of course, the Abbey looming above it all. It’s a great place to wander and soak up the atmosphere, so don’t skip the town while visiting the Abbey.
Spitz
Spitz was 100% my favorite small town we visited. This place is absolutely beautiful—charming, quiet, and full of character, with a lovely church and inviting main square. I loved wandering through the town and discovering different viewpoints overlooking the vineyards; it’s just stunning.
Make sure to have a great meal at Mariandl Café & Mehr (see above), then relax with a glass of wine at Gritsch. This winery boasts gorgeous views from its outdoor patio—and you can even stay there! It’s the perfect recipe for a wonderful day or afternoon in Spitz.
Weißenkirchen in der Wachau
This was my base while exploring the Wachau Valley—a charming, quiet town perfect for wandering. It even has a sandy beach where you can relax by the river; I highly recommend it. With plenty of wine bars and wineries to try, it’s a great central spot with lots to do nearby. Check out our “Where to Eat” section for our favorite spots!
Krems an der Donau
Not a village—definitely a city. There are plenty of pedestrian-only medieval streets here where you can simply wander and soak in the sights and outstanding architecture. The pedestrian zone, known as Landstraße, forms the heart of the old town (Altstadt). Spend plenty of time roaming these narrow streets lined with historic buildings, hidden courtyards, and charming cafés.
Art lovers, take note: there are two must-visit museums in this area. The Landesgalerie Niederösterreich houses thousands of impressive art pieces from Lower Austria, spanning classical to contemporary works. I also loved the satirical art at the Karikaturmuseum Krems, where witty, humorous pieces offer a playful take on society and culture. Both are worth a visit, especially if you enjoy art and a dose of local history.
Beyond the museums, enjoy the mix of old-world charm and modern comforts as you explore. Whether you’re stopping for a coffee or simply admiring the architectural details, Krems offers so much to explore and experience.
Enjoy the Danube River
The Danube River is absolutely beautiful, and with the terraced vineyards cascading over the hills, you have something truly special. Slow down, take your time, and enjoy every moment. There are fantastic biking and walking trails along the river in the Wachau Valley—get out there and take in the stunning views. When you’re in Weißenkirchen in der Wachau, relax on the small sandy beach with a great bottle of local white wine. Just remember to pause and really savor where you are.
Pro Tip: If you’re eyeing that small sandy beach, head down the path to the right and keep your eyes peeled—there are a few secluded little stretches of sand tucked away in case the main beach gets busy.
Day Trips
- Mauthausen Concentration Camp: We visited this stop on our drive from the Salzburg area to the Wachau Valley—about a 50-minute drive away. It’s a must-visit, though I won’t sugarcoat it: this place is incredibly hard to experience. The history here is emotionally devastating and challenging, but we all need to bear witness to these tragic events. The stories you’ll hear will both bring tears to your eyes and inspire you. Don’t miss it.
- Vienna: And since Vienna is just over an hour from the valley, you should definitely carve out some time to explore this beautiful capital. In Vienna, don’t miss top sights like the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the vibrant MuseumsQuartier. The city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and elegant architecture make it the perfect complement to your journey through the Wachau Valley.
Travel Resources
- Zillertal Valley Travel Guide
- Hintersee Travel Guide
- Moon and Honey Hiking
- Austrian Wine Information
Final Thoughts on How to Visit the Wachau Valley
This is how to visit the Wachau Valley. What do you like to do while visiting the valley? What are you looking forward to doing while in the Wachau Valley? Comment below!
