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Ruine Dürnstein
Photo: Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal
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What connects the banks
easy
Distance 204.1 km
Duration61:10 h
Ascent7,024 m
Descent6,328 m
Highest point960 m
Lowest point194 m
Relaxed and enjoyable long-distance hiking in the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau: The Wachau World Heritage Trail connects a unique cultural and natural landscape with rich history and regional culinary delights over its 180 kilometers between Melk and Krems. Culture and landscape influence each other; rare natural habitats like dry grasslands and dry stone walls as well as the originally preserved towns and settlements are tangible signs of a long settlement history.
Nowhere else can the Danube be hiked more beautifully than on the 14 stages of the Wachau World Heritage Trail.
But the Wachau offers not only an impressive natural backdrop but also culinary specialties. After a hike through the vineyards, the typical Wachau wines can be tasted at a rustic wine tavern, a traditional inn, or in one of the excellent restaurants.
For a carefree all-around offer, including luggage transport, tastings, and transfers, it is advisable to book one of the versatile hiking packages.
Thanks to good train connections, relaxed and sustainable arrival in the Wachau is easy. In the region, a dense network of public transport ensures that all stages can be conveniently reached by bus, train, ferry, and ship. This also makes it very easy to combine different stages.
Responsible for this content
Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH
Verified partner
Difficulty
easy
Overall difficulty
easy
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Landscape
Highest point
960 m
Lowest point
194 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Show elevation profile
Safety information
Please observe the following tips and notes to make your hiking holiday a pleasant experience:
Stay on the marked paths and wear mountain/hiking boots.
Please do not leave your rubbish on the path.
Carry enough provisions (water/snack) with you.
Take the hiking map with you or use the free hiking app.
Respect the sensitive habitats of plant and animal life.
Tips and suggestions
All information about the stages can be found at www.welterbesteig.at The Wachau hiking map can be requested free of charge from Donau NÖ Tourismus GmbH by phone at 02713-30060-60 or downloaded from the brochure shop at www.donau.com/prospekte.
Public transport
Thanks to good train connections, relaxed and sustainable arrival in the Wachau is easy. In the region, a dense network of public transport ensures that all stages can be conveniently reached by bus, train, ferry, and ship.
From Vienna (Franz Josef Station) to Krems: travel time approx. 1 hour (continue with the regional VOR bus lines 720 or 715) From St. Pölten (Westbahn) to Krems: travel time approx. 30-45 minutes
From Linz: Westbahn to St. Pölten, continue by regional train to Krems or Westbahn to Melk (continue with the regional VOR bus lines 720 or 715).
From Vienna via the A22 and S5 to Krems, then on the B3 along the north bank through the Wachau to the towns along the Danube.
From the A1 West motorway from St. Pölten via the S33 to Krems, optionally continue on the B3 along the north bank of the Wachau or over the Mautern Danube bridge to the south side on the B33 to Melk to the towns along the Danube.
A1 West motorway to Melk exit and along the B33 along the south bank to Mautern, A1 West motorway to Melk, switch to the north bank at the Danube bridge and on the B3 through the Wachau to the chosen starting point at Krems.
Parking
In the parking garages of Krems city center. Please note the paid short-term parking system with zones in the city centers of Krems and Stein. More information can be found on the homepage of the city of Krems www.krems.gv.at
In Melk at the Danube shore near the ship stations, in all other places on public parking areas.
