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A staggering riverwalk
Krems-Dürnstein-Weißenkirchen-Spitz-Aggsbach-Melk
Wachau, a green region, land of the Danube. An outstanding river walk along the Austrian stretch of the Danube river… Imagine combining the clean and tidy Austrian countryside with a series of castles and abbeys and the constant presence of a river that is the protagonist of the history of Europe. The result is a region full of great charm that preserves a green and romantic landscape and that has maintained a good balance between man and nature. You will walk along with the place where, at one time, Richard the lion-heart of England was held captive!
Here in Wachau, the Danube river is more beautiful than in other places. The climate is mild and the sweet hills create the ideal conditions for the cultivation of vineyards and orchards. Some of the best wines of Austria are produced in the Wachau area. The most famous one is the Riesling, but we find also Chardonnay, Traminer, and Pinot Blanc. Moreover, do not miss the delicious apricots cultivated in this area. The walking paths are varied and include rocky trails, dirt roads, and quiet asphalted roads. The rolling hills with fragrant vineyards are the scenery of this Riverwalk. The surrounding countryside is dotted with small villages where everything is focused on food and wine. The Wachau valley is a guarantee for a relaxing holiday and unforgettable emotions.
The 7-day version of this trekking tour has no resting day in Weißenkirchen
The daily program of the 8-day tour
Individual arrival at Krems The route notes will be handed over in the first hotel of this tour.
Overnight with breakfast in Krems
Just outside of town, beautiful vineyards start to spread out and you walk uphill into the green hills along the Danube. Soon you will enjoy a beautiful view of the river, Krems and the impressive Benedictine monastery of Göttweig. You walk always in this amazing hilly countryside and pass the ruins of the 12th century Castle of Dürnstein, a UNESCO world heritage site, where, according to legend, King Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner returning of the third crusade and then was released by Blondel. You walk downhill towards the historic centre of Dürnstein, recognizable by the blue tower of the monastery, rebuilt in 1710 in baroque style
Overnight stay with breakfast in Dürnstein
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Walking time: 4.5 hours
Ascent / Descent: +375 m – 375m
In Dürnstein you will cross the river by ferry until Rossatz of which the old town centre was devastated twice by fire, in 1626 and 1886. You walk through the biggest apricot plantation of Austria, and then you walk on ancient walking paths until Seekopf. An absolutely amazing view of the Alp mountaintops will await you.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Weißenkirchen
Distance: 11 km / 6,8 miles
Walking time: 5 hours
Ascent / Descent: +535 m – 535m
Weißenkirchen is a small winemaking village with 1500 inhabitants. Today you will be surrounded by sunny vineyards, situated between the Danube river and green forests. In Weißenkirchen there is the beautiful Gothic church to visit. You could explore the surrounding on foot or rent a bike near the station or make a boat tour on the river Donau and enjoy the view of the romantic villages and castles from the river.
A beautiful uphill walk will lead you to Seiber and then to Kuhberg, up to the Buschandl wall. Then you start to descend and follow the ditch Miesingbachgraben. Amongst beautiful vineyards you continue your walk until the market town of Spitz with its castle dating back to the 12th century and late gothic church . An alternative itinerary is offered, a terraced trail through the vineyards up to Spitz.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Spitz
Distance: 12 km / 7,5 miles
Walking time: 5 hours
Ascent / Descent: +535 m – 535
You will cross the Danube by ferry and follow the Buchtal valley in uphill direction. Just before arriving at Maria Langegg, you take the Austrian trail of Saint Jacob, that you will follow up to the ruins of the fortress of Aggsbach. You will visit the fortress which has a rather macabre story about the time of the Robber Baron Scheck von Wald, enjoy wonderful views and make a relaxing break. You reach Melk with its famous Benedictine abbey.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Melk
Distance: 15,5 km / 9,6 miles
Walking time: 5, 5 hours
Ascent / Descent: +690 m – 690m
Today you will visit the baroque monastery with its beautiful gardens in Melk. The abbey was founded in 1089, but the current abbey is from the Baroque period of the beginning of the 18th century. After your visit you will make a wonderful boat tour along the Danube until Krems, passing again the most interesting places of your journey Spitz, Dürnstein e Krems, but now seen from the riverside.
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to the Donau and Unesco world site the Wachau area.
Impressions
Krems-Dürnstein-Weißenkirchen-Spitz-Aggsbach-Melk
LEVEL 2,5
medium difficulty; you walk along paths in good conditions and walking trails. Daily walking time varies from 4 to 6 hours and includes short and steep climbs.
On some days, it is possible to have easier options. A walking experience is needed. Appropriate mountain equipment is also necessary (hiking shoes or hiking boots etc.).
Total km: 51 km /31,7 miles
DEPARTURES:
Arrival on Friday from 14/04/2023 until 28/04/2023 and arrival on Saturday until Wednesday from 29/04 until 23/09/2023
PARTICIPANTS:
1 or more people.
START / FINISH:
Krems / Krems
Walking in Salzkammergut
This walking tour takes you to one of the most amazing regions of Austria, Salzkammergut, a perfect place for a walking holiday enjoying the lakes and mountains.