The best hiking trails in Wachau Valley, Austria – Travel your way | Best things to do | Best travel destinations | Road trip planner | Best countries to visit
The Wachau is a stretch of the Danube River Valley between Krems and Melk in Austria, a mere 1-hour drive from Vienna.
The sinuous Danube twists through a landscape of steep terraced vineyards, rolling forested hills, and rocky spurs crowned with medieval castles.
The banks of the river are dotted with riverside villages and carpeted in apricot groves and vineyards. Nature and humanity have shaped this UNESCO World Heritage Site hand-in-hand, creating a romantic river valley that celebrates architecture as much as agriculture.
There are many ways to explore the Wachau Valley, including cycling along the Danube, hiking the World Heritage Trail, eating and drinking in wine taverns (Heurigen and Buschenschänke), and touring baroque monasteries.
Whether you’re planning a day trip, or a weekend getaway, this Wachau Valley travel guide will help you find out when to visit, what to see and do, and where to stay.
When to Visit