The Lower Austrian Danube region is one of Europe's leading gourmet destinations. Foodies will find an impressive selection of culinary addresses here: from rustic wine cellar lanes and traditional taverns to cosy country inns and sophisticated award-winning restaurants.
The Wachau–Nibelungengau–Krems Valley region is a true paradise for connoisseurs. Whether it's the unmistakable Wachau apricot, fine regional meat and cheese delicacies, precious Wachau saffron, the crisp Wachau Laberl or the exquisite wines of the region – hardly any other area offers such a wide variety of high-quality local products and authentic taste experiences.
Lower Austrian tavern culture
Lower Austrian pub culture stands for a lively combination of creativity and tradition in gastronomy. More information about pub culture can be found here.
Best of Wachau hosts not only offer outstanding quality, but also a genuine Wachau experience. Their kitchens focus on homemade specialities made with regional products and close ties to local food producers. Look forward to gourmet cuisine at award-winning level and traditional, down-to-earth pub fare.
Style and taste: the best places to go
The culinary landscape of the Wachau–Nibelungengau–Krems Valley region is a paradise for discerning gourmets. Between panoramic views of the Danube, historic wine villages and elegant wineries, regional product culture meets creative haute cuisine. Our five top recommendations represent fine dining at the highest level – places where sophisticated dishes, excellent wines and an exceptional ambience combine to create unforgettable taste experiences. If you want to experience the region's finest cuisine, this is the place for you.
Essl Country Inn
If you want to do more than just eat in the Wachau region and would like to enjoy a pleasant atmosphere, Landgasthaus Essl is the place for you. Rustic yet elegant, traditional yet modern – this is a place that appeals to both pub lovers and gourmets.
The Hofmeisterei Hirtzberger in Wösendorf in the Wachau region elegantly combines haute cuisine and wine tradition: a carefully restored early Gothic palace provides the setting for an experience that will delight both gourmets and wine lovers alike.
The Weingut Hotel Restaurant Nigl in Senftenberg stylishly combines winegrowing tradition, culinary excellence and a relaxing stay. Nestled in the terraced vineyards below the Senftenberg castle ruins, the hotel offers regional cuisine, fine wines from its own vineyards and a cosy atmosphere. Culinary delights combine classic gastronomy with modern accents, while the wine selection focuses on varieties such as Grüne Veltliner and Riesling, complemented by red grape varieties and sustainable cultivation. The architecture and location create a special atmosphere.
With its warm hospitality and cuisine that wonderfully combines regionality and creativity, the Wirtshaus & Hotel Weißes Rössl in Mühldorf is a real feel-good place. The kitchen places particular emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and interprets classic tavern dishes in a contemporary and sensitive way.
In Maria Taferl, with spectacular views across the Danube to the foothills of the Alps, the Hotel Schachner delights guests with its award-winning cuisine. The cuisine focuses on a modern, finely composed line that reinterprets classic flavours and impresses with its precise craftsmanship and appealing, high-quality presentation. The atmosphere is particularly impressive: elegant and stylishly designed rooms, a spacious panoramic terrace and a feeling of space that makes every visit a special experience.