Marked by ruined castles, terraced vineyards, and medieval towns the Danube Valley is delightful in every aspect. For the traveler the most picturesque stretch lies between Melk and Krems, which are locally known as Wachau.
Needless to say a boat trip is the way to explore in this area and boats operate from April through to October between Melk and Krems with some services that originate in Vienna.
Two recommended companies are DDSG Blue Danube (www.ddsg-blue-danube.at) and Brandner (www.brandner.at).
If you are looking for trips that go into Germany then you should check out Donauschiffart Wurk + Kock (www.donauschiffahrt.de).
A note to cyclists – Most boat operators will allow you to take your cycles along at no extra charge.
Krems An Der Donau
Krems is cute and quaint but to be honest you will probably only want to make this a stopover in a bike or boat trip through the Danube Valley.
Stop at the tourist office (www.tiscover.com/krems), Kloster Und, Undstrasse 6 for information on the region.
The boat station (schiffsstation) is a 20-minute walk from the train station along Donaulande.
Melk
Here at Melk you cannot help but be impressed by the Benedictine Monastery that towers of its town and river.
Alight from the train and walk straight ahead down the Bahnhofstrasse turning right into the Rathausplatz at the bottom of the hill. Follow the signs to the tourist office.
The tourist office (www.tiscover.com/melk) is the place to stop and get more detailed information on this area.
Whilst in Melk you should take time to visit the Stift Melk (www.stiftmelk.at), which sits on a hill that overlooks the town.
Stift Melk is an ornate abbey that has been home to monks since the 11th century. The building that you will see today was built in the 18th century after the original was destroyed by fire.
This building is lauded for its imposing marble hall and magnificent library and is an elaborate example of baroque architecture.
Should you decide to stay in Melk then you will find a good range of accommodation including the tranquil Camping Melk and the modern HI Judendherberge.
For something a little more luxurious then you can stay at the Gasthof Goldener Stern (www.sternmelk.at). The rooms are all individually decorated and romantic.
Boats leave Melk from the canal by Pionierstrasse, which is 400m behind the monastery.
Linz
There is an Austrian saying ‘In linz beginnt’s’ (it begins in Linz) but at first glance you may wonder what began in Linz?
But look closer and you will see that Linz is blessed with a leading edge cyber center and a world- class contemporary art gallery. Both of these are signs that this country’s technological industry got its kick- start in the Upper Austrian capital.
Linz may well be industrial by nature but it also offers a lot of culture and indeed won the title of European Capital of Culture in 2009.
Whilst in Linz be sure to check out the eye-catching Lentos Kunstmuseum (www.lentos.at).
Constructed like an asymmetric tray table with legs the Kunstmuseum looks particularly beautiful at night when it is lit up.
You will find works here by Warhol, Haring, Matisse, Kokoschka, Picasso, Schiele and Klimt.
Right across the Danube is where the Ars Electronica Center (www.aec.at) is located. This place is great for anyone turned on by technological wizardry. Spend time strapped into a flight simulator over Linz and rearrange the world’s mountain ranges on at a time using ‘Gulliver’s World’.
As can be see the Danube Valley is a great place to visit.
Source: Europe on a Shoestring – The Lonely Planet
