Wachau World Heritage Trail

1. Location & Getting There 

Where is the Wachau located? 

The Wachau is in Lower Austria, about 80 kilometres west of Vienna, nestled between Melk and Krems. https://www.donau.com/en/the-danube-in-lower-austria/information-service/getting-there/  

How can I get there by public transport? 

The Wachau is easily accessible by train, bus and boat. Each stage of the World Heritage Trail starts and ends in a village and is reachable by public transport. Full details at www.vor.at/wachau 

Where can I park my car? 

Information on parking in Krems: Parking in Krems,
Melk https://www.melk.gv.at/de/Buergerservice/Informationen/Parken_in_Melk  and Dürnstein https://www.duernstein.at/urlaub-in-duernstein/parken . 
Paid parking is available in these towns. In other Wachau villages, please follow the local signage.

2. Hiking & Stages 

How long is the World Heritage Trail and how many stages does it have? 

The trail is around 180 kilometres long and divided into 14 stages. It connects all 14 Wachau municipalities and runs like a ribbon through the entire region.

Which stages are easy and which are more challenging? 

Thanks to its topography and the absence of exposed sections, the trail is ideal for beginners and people with a fear of heights.
Easy Stages:
Stage 1 (Krems–Dürnstein),
Stage 6 (Maria Laach–Aggsbach Markt) and
Stage 14 (Mautern–Krems)
All other stages are rated moderate. Stage 11 (Hofarnsdorf-Rossatz) can be considered challenging due to its length (17 km) and elevation gain (700 m).

Which stage is the most beautiful? 

All stages have their own charm. Popular choices include:   

Which stages are suitable for children or teenagers? 

Please check the stage descriptions, distance and elevation gain. You know your child best. There are no exposed or dangerous sections on the trail. 

Can I walk the trail with a pushchair? 

No, none of the stages are fully suitable for pushchairs. However, there are many stroller-friendly walks in Lowe Austria. https://www.niederoesterreich.at/kinderwagengerechte-wanderwege  

Can I hike the trail in winter? 

Yes, with proper gear and stable weather conditions, the trail can be enjoyed in winter. Please note that many local businesses are closed in the off-season. 

How is the World Heritage Trail signposted? 

What should I do if there is forestry work or a trail closure? 

For your own safety, please follow all local signage and instructions from forestry personnel. 

3. Equipment & Preparation 

What equipment do I need? 

Are there refreshment stops or water points along the trail? 

There are no dedicated refreshment points directly on the trail. Please bring enough drinks and snacks with you. However, there are restaurants and shops in the villages. https://www.donau.com/en/wachau-nibelungengau-kremstal/eating-drinking/richly-laid-tables/find-restaurants/  

Are vegan or vegetarian snack options available for the hiking packages? 

Yes, most accommodations offer vegetarian or vegan options on request. 

Can I bring my dog? 

Yes, dogs are welcome on the World Heritage Trail. The trail is largely free of grazing livestock and well-suited for hiking with dogs. Please check with your accommodation in advance to confirm their pet policy. 

4. Accommodation & Food 

Is it possible to have luggage transported from accommodation to accommodation? 

Yes! Book one of our hiking packages to enjoy the trail without carrying heavy luggage. Hiking packages: https://www.donau.com/en/the-danube-in-lower-austria/outings-activities/exercise/wachau-world-heritage-trail/  

Are there accommodations along the entire trail? 

 Yes, each stage ends in a village with accommodation options. https://www.donau.com/en/wachau-nibelungengau-kremstal/sleeping-reservations/packages/room-search/?lang=en 

 Where should I stay to continue hiking the next day? 

 We recommend staying in a stage village for easy access to the next section. https://www.donau.com/en/wachau-nibelungengau-kremstal/sleeping-reservations/packages/room-search/?lang=en  

Where can I find good apricot dumplings? 

The Wachau is famous for its apricots — especially during the spring blossom and summer harvest. Delicious apricot dumplings can be enjoyed year-round at places such as: 

– Weinhof Aufreiter in Krems-Angern https://www.weinhof.at/
– Landhaus Bacher in Mautern: https://www.landhaus-bacher.at/ 
- Café Bruckner in Spitz: https://www.gaestehaus-bruckner.at/cafe/
– Gasthof zur Wachau in Mitterarnsdorf: https://www.gasthofzurwachau.at 

Where can I get the stamp pass and hiking badges? 

The stamp pass is available at local information centres or as a download. https://www.donau.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Bilder_und_PDFs/Ausflug_und_Bewegen/beWEGEn/Welterbesteig_Wachau/Stempelpass_Welterbesteig_2024.pdf 

Hiking badges can be collected for a small fee at all tourism offices along the trail. Information centres with stamp pass distribution and badge sale: 

– Wachau Info-Centre Krems, Körnermarkt 14, +43 2732 82676 
– Dürnstein municipal office, Dürnstein 25, +43 2711 219
– Weißenkirchen tourist information, Wachaustraße 242, +43 2715 2600 
– Spitz tourist information, Mittergasse 3A, +43 2713 2363
– Wachau Info-Centre Melk, Kremser Straße 5, +43 2752 51160 

5. Behaviour & Trail Etiquette 

Can I go mountain biking or horse riding on the World Heritage Trail? 

No, this is not permitted. Mountain biking and horse riding are prohibited on the trail, on the Jauerling Loop, in forests and on private forestry roads. For MTB we recommend the Trailwerk Wachau in Göttweig https://www.trailwerk.at  and the MTB Arena Wachau-Jauerling https://www.donau.com/de/wachau-nibelungengau-kremstal/ausflug-bewegen/bewegung/mountainbiken/  

Can I pick grapes or apricots along the trail? 

No, please do not pick any fruit. You are welcome to buy produce directly from local growers. 

Are there exposed or dangerous sections? Do I need a head for heights? 

No, the trail is well maintained and not exposed. Even beginners and those with a fear of heights can enjoy it. 

Tips for a respectful hiking experience: 

– Stay on marked paths
– Do not leave any litter
– Do not pick fruit or grapes
– Respect and protect the natural environment and wildlife