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Domäne Wachau/Kellerschlössl
Photo: Domäne Wachau/Monika Loeff
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From Krems to Dürnstein you are walking through the historic quarters of Krems and Stein, ensembles of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings along the way, through cellar alleys and into the Krems-Valley and Wachau wine terraces. At the end of the stage you reach medieval Dürnstein the pearl of the Wachau with its famous ruin and monastery.
easy
Distance 12.4 km
Duration3:44 h
Ascent339 m
Descent340 m
Highest point306 m
Lowest point207 m
Wachau World Heritage Trail: from Krems to Dürnstein
The tour starts at the high market (Hoher Markt) and the „Gozzoburg“ castle in Krems. Passing the Piarist church we come to „Kreuzbergstiege“ (stairs) and futher into the vineyards of Krems, where great views await you many times. Through the old part of Stein you reach the vineyards of Stein whith its ruin. Following the old winepaths you enter wine growing area Wachau via Pfaffenberg (hill). Along the impressive „Ried Loibenberg“ (vineyard) you reach the nature preserves „Höhereck and Kellerberg“. Below the ruin of Dürnstein you enter a fascinating rock and forest landscape. Finally you reach the Kuhberg (cowhill) where you get some nice views again and a couple of minutes later you arrive at Kremser Tor (gate) in Dürnstein.
Author’s recommendation
The Gozzoburg (castle) at high market in Krems belongs to the most precious gothic city palaces north of the Alps. Info: www.museumkrems.at or phone: 0043 2732 801567.
Abbey Dürnstein is an exceptional example for Austiran Baroque. The blue tower is a landmark of Dürnstein and the Wachau. Info: www.stiftduernstein.at or phone: 0043 2711 227.
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
306 m
Lowest point
207 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Show elevation profile
Safety information
On hot and sunny days make sure to always take enough drinking water with you. The stone terraces and the vineyards are located in a very exposed area so the sun is strong and according to that it can get very hot.
In case of an emergency call the mountain rescue Wachau: 140
Tips and suggestions
Best of Wachau: The most famous and recommendable restaurants and accommodations in the Wachau „UNESCO-World-Heritage“ you find here at www.bestof-wachau.at.
You can find more information about restaurants and accommodations at www.welterbesteig.at .
Taverns are in Krems, Stein, Förthof and Dürnstein. Several taverns are also open in winter. Please see the current calendar for opening hours (Heurigenkalender) at www.welterbesteig.at .
For easy and convenient organization of the tours its good to have the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal application. Just download for Android or iPhone.
Public transport
The villages can be reached 7 days a week by public transportation (bus or train). Its possible to get back to the start of the tour.
On the north shore (Bus WL 715 from trainstation Krems via Dürnstein-Weißenkirchen-Spitz-Aggsbach Markt-Emmersdorf-Melk trainstation) hourly buses depart 7 days a week, more information: www.vor.at
Wachautrain operates on weekends and public holidays (3 times a day). More information: www.noevog.at
Stations for the bike rent system „nextbike“ (1€ per hour) are located in Krems and Dürnstein. More information: www.nextbike.at
Bike ferry Dürnstein to Rossatz: the ferry operates from April to October. More information here.
Directions
Highway A1 until intersection St.Pölten, following S33 to Krems or B3 until Dürnstein.
Parking
At the car park in the city center of Krems or at the parking lots a littel outside of Dürnstein all with parking fee! Please note the parking system in the zones of Krems and Stein downtown which are just for a certain time and parking fee. More information you find on Krems homepage www.krems.gv.at.
Coordinates
DD
48.412019, 15.601767
DMS
48°24'43.3"N 15°36'06.4"E
UTM
33U 544530 5362271
w3w
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Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!
Equipment
Hiking boots, raincoat, enough to eat and drink, a trail map and maybe a list of open taverns. You can find an equipmentlist on www.welterbesteig.at section service/tips.
