Between the cities of Krems and Melk, the Danube winds through one of the most spectacular areas of Austria: die Wachau. This valley is renown for its picturesque towns and villages, medieval castles, monasteries, and above all the beautiful scenery. Besides visiting Melk, going through the Wachau is one of the best things you can do around Vienna. If you are in a hurry, you can combine these two things in a day trip. However, it is surely wiser to make the most of your visit by taking some time to explore the region.

Krems - Coming from Vienna, the Wachau valley starts at the town of Krems. Founded in 995, Krems still preserves a slightly medieval atmosphere with nicely ornamented houses, well-preserved medieval city gates, and baroque churches. It is well worth taking at least two hours to wander through the town's cobbled streets and explore some of its sights. Surrounding vineyards and the Danube river give Krems an additionally lovely setting.

Krems
http://www.krems.gv.at

Göttweig - Looking to the south from Krems you can see the Benedictine Stift (abbey) of Göttweig. This baroque ensemble of buildings on a hilltop a few kilometers south of the Danube is also called the "Austrian Montecassino". If you have time, the abbey and the view from the top are worth the visit.

Stift Göttweig
http://www.stiftgoettweig.or.at (in German)

Open: in summer, daily 9 am to 6 pm; in winter, daily 10 am to 6 pm.

Stein - The next town upward the Danube is Stein, which is just a kilometer or so from Krems and can be considered its small sister. Just like Krems, Stein has a charming center that is worth a walk for its beautiful Renaissance façades and arcaded courtyards. There are also two sixteen-century Saltstädel (Salz = salt + Stadel = barn) and the richly decorated Rococo residence of the parish priest.

Dürnstein - Further up the Danube is the Wachau's most picturesque town, Dürnstein. The baroque blue-white Stiftskirche (Stift = abbey + Kirche = church) is built almost directly on the banks of the Danube and gives Dürnstein its unique character. Above the town, on a small hill, there is the Kueringer Burgruine (Burg = castle + Ruine = ruin): from the ruin you have a good view over the town and the surrounding area. A typical Wachau postcard motive and the best view on the town is from the opposite, southern shore of the Danube.

Burgruine Aggstein - Burgruine Aggstein is probably the valley's most impressive castle. It is situated 300m above the Danube on a cliff top and has incredible views down to the river. In medieval times, knights from Aggstein used to block the Danube with a strong chain across the river and demanded a toll. It is a one-hour walk from the Danube up to the castle. If you do not feel up to the climb, or are in hurry, you can still reach the top by car: less romantic, but faster!

Follow the Danube several kilometers southwards, pass by the attractively situated Schloss (palace) Schönbühl, until you reach the superb Melk Abbey and also the end of the Wachau valley.

Transport - The most attractive way to explore the Wachau valley is surely by bike. The well-maintained Donauradweg (Donau = Danube + Rad = cycle + Weg = path) follows the river on both banks. Bicycles can be hired at the train stations of Krems, Melk, Spitz, Pöchlarn, and Ybbs. Some private places also have bikes for hire. Further information is available from the Tourismusverband Wachau-Nibelungengau in Krems or calling this number:
++43 02732 85620

Cruising down the Danube on a river boat is another attractive option, which can be recommended wholeheartedly. For further details, schedules, and prices check out the Wachauschiff's website:
http://www.wachauschiff.at/en/

Trains to Melk, Pöchlarn, and Ybbs depart from the Westbahnhof in Vienna, while trains to Krems and Spitz depart from Franz Josef Bahnhof. If you arrive by train, renting a bike at a train station is the best option to explore the region.

If you travel by car from Vienna, you can take the highway A22 to Stockerau and then follow the road to Krems. Alternatively, you can go on the highway A1 to Melk and follow the river downwards. Nice small streets along both shores of the Danube let you easily explore the Wachau.

Check this website for more information on the Wachau:
http://www.wachau.at/extended/regionen/default.asp?medium=ex_wa