Wachau World Heritage Trail 08: Emmersdorf-Melk

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10,05 km
Duration: 3:00 h
Ascent: 177 m elevation gain
Descent: 171 m elevation gain

The villages of Emmersdorf, unique panoramic views, the imperial Schloss Luberegg, the Danube and waterfront promenades await us on the ten-kilometre stage - the baroque Melk Abbey is always visible.

Starting point of the tour: Emmersdorf, Market Street
Tour destination: Melk, Main Square

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10,05 km
Duration: 3:00 h
Ascent: 177 m elevation gain
Descent: 171 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6
Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
6/6

Lowest point207 m
Highest point382 m

Stage tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus

Downloads

Description

World Heritage Trail Wachau: From Emmersdorf to Melk

The stage from Emmersdorf to Melk combines panoramic upland paths with notable points along the Danube. The route first climbs to the village of Rantenberg, where wide views open across the Danube Valley. It then descends steadily to Luberegg Castle, whose historic setting is complemented by gastronomic options, before reaching the river.

Crossing the Luberegg island, the trail continues to the Melk Danube power station. After crossing the river, the route passes the Löweninsel (“Lion Island”) and finally reaches the old town of Melk, bringing this varied stage to a close.

Walking the World Heritage Trail Wachau reveals, step by step, why the Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage region. Finely curated World Heritage Spots make the defining World Heritage Highlights visible—the interplay of cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, exceptional natural habitats and the Danube as a shaping force.

Thanks to excellent rail connections, a relaxed and sustainable journey to the Wachau is straightforward. Within the region, a dense public transport network makes all stages easy to reach by bus, train, ferry and boat, allowing stages to be combined with great flexibility.

The World Heritage Trail Wachau also holds the Austrian Hiking Quality Seal. This certification represents high standards in route design, waymarking, safety and infrastructure, confirming the trail as a reliable, high-quality walking experience at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Equipment Solid hiking shoes, rain protection, sufficient drinks and snacks as well as the Wachau hiking map and a Heurigen calendar. An equipment list can be found at www.welterbesteig.at under the category Service/Tips.
Route description We start in the Market Street of the picturesque Renaissance town of Emmersdorf and go under the viaduct of the Wachau railway, then turn left into Rote Kreuz Street. At the next junction, turn right up to Rothenhof Castle (accommodation). We go left and immediately right again into the little street Waldweg. After about 250 m, we turn right onto Jägersteig and leave the town area. Via forest and meadow paths, we reach Rantenberg. At the road, we turn left and arrive at the stamp station. We keep sharply to the right and cross the hamlet. After the last house, turn left onto a field path. After five minutes, we reach the junction to Dachbergwarte. However, this observation tower is closed. We continue steadily downhill to the hamlet of Hain. In the village, we go left and twice right. It goes downhill, we go under the Wachau railway and reach the imperial Schloss Luberegg from the 18th century. The Heuriger Haferkast`n, which invites you to stop for a meal, is located in the castle. At the zebra crossing, we cross federal road B3, then keep right and walk parallel to the road to Hafenstüberl in Luberegg (here there is also a Danube lake with sandy beach - only when water levels are low). The path turns left and leads over a bridge to the Luberegg island and the Danube. After the bridge, we turn right and now walk next to the Danube directly towards the Melk Danube power plant. We cross the river over the power plant and reach the Melk Löweninsel. Along the Danube, we walk briefly downstream and shortly afterwards turn right to enter the floodplain forest. We turn right once more, pass a barrier and reach the St. Leopold bridge, cross the street and immediately reach the main square of Melk - above it towers the Melk Abbey.
Parking Car parks at the ship docking points on the Danube in Emmersdorf and in Melk
Getting there A1 to Melk exit, then continue on B3 to Melk or B3 and B3a to Emmersdorf
Public transport The places can be reached by public transport seven days a week. Returning to the starting point of the hike is possible.On the north bank of the Wachau, line 715 runs Krems-Spitz-Melk or Melk-Spitz-Krems. This line connects Melk station (Westbahn) with the station in Krems (Franz-Josefs-Bahn). On the south bank, bus line 720 runs from Krems-Mautern-Rossatz-Melk or Melk-Rossatz-Mautern-Krems. www.vor.atThe Wachau railway only runs on weekends and public holidays (three times daily): www.wachaubahn.atRental bike stations Nextbike (EUR 1/hour) are located in Emmersdorf and Melk, www.nextbike.at
Editor’s tip Fun and enjoyment at the Wachau donkey adventure! Information from Ms. Anita Brunner, Tel. 0660/39 11 465, at Pömling 13, 3644 Emmersdorf. www.eselabenteuer.com

Recommended period

Current weather in Emmersdorf an der Donau

4° to 7°

Today, 11.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed2,1 km/h

4° to 9°

Tomorrow, 12.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed2,0 km/h

For places to stop and accommodation, we recommend Best of Wachau businesses: www.bestof-Wachau.at. Best of Wachau businesses are located in Emmersdorf and Melk.

More dining options/opening hours:

In Emmersdorf and Melk, there are several year-round open gastronomy businesses: www.stadt-melk.at; www.emmersdorf.at

Haferkast`n: open daily from 4 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 3 p.m., closed January, February and March, www.pichler-wachau.com; Tel. 02752/71777.

For easy and convenient planning of routes, we recommend the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal app. Simply download for Android or iPhone.