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Hiking tour Starting from Dependent on choice of stage
What connects banks
What connects banks
Relaxed and enjoyable long-distance hiking in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau: Over its 180 kilometres between Melk and Krems, the Welterbesteig Wachau combines a unique cultural and natural landscape with a rich history and regional cuisine. Culture and landscape influence one another, while rare natural habitats such as dry grasslands and dry-stone walls, as well as originally preserved villages and settlements, are tangible signs of a long history of settlement. Nowhere else can the Danube be explored more beautifully on foot than along the 14 stages of the Welterbesteig Wachau. But the Wachau offers not only an impressive natural setting, but also culinary specialities. After a hike through the vineyards, typical Wachau wines can be tasted at a rustic Heuriger wine tavern, in a traditional inn or at one of the excellent restaurants.
The Welterbesteig Wachau has also been awarded the Austrian Hiking Quality Seal. This certification stands for high quality standards in route layout, signage, safety and infrastructure and confirms the Welterbesteig as a reliable and high-quality hiking experience in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For an all-round carefree experience, including luggage transport, tastings and transfer services, booking one of the varied hiking packages is recommended.
Why is the Wachau actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
… because nature, culture and human use have interacted here in a unique way for centuries. Carefully curated World Heritage Spots along the Welterbesteig Wachau make this special character visible and tangible. From them, impressive perspectives open up onto the region’s World Heritage Highlights – historic places, distinctive landscape formations, traditional wine-growing culture and near-natural stretches of the Danube, which together make up the Wachau’s outstanding universal value.
Thanks to good rail connections, relaxed and car-free travel to the Wachau is easy. Within the region, a dense network of public transport ensures that all stages can be conveniently reached by bus, train, ferry and boat. This also makes it very easy to combine different stages.
Please follow these tips and guidelines to ensure your hiking vacation is a wonderful experience:
Stay on the marked trails and wear hiking boots.
Please do not leave trash behind on the trail.
Bring plenty of food and water (water and snacks).
Bring a hiking map or use the free hiking app.
Respect the sensitive habitats of plants and wildlife.
We recommend the following equipment:
Hiking boots
Backpack
Weatherproof clothing (e.g. rain gear)
Headwear
Sun protection
Adequate provisions (water, snack)
Wachau hiking map and/or mobile tour planner
In the parking garages in downtown Krems. Please note the paid short-term parking system with designated zones in the downtown areas of Krems and Stein. For more information, visit the City of Krems website at www.krems.gv.at
In Melk, along the Danube promenade near the ferry terminals; in all other locations, in public parking areas.
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.
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).
Plan sufficient time to visit the worthwhile excursion destinations in the region, e.g. the Kunstmeile Krems with the Lower Austria State Gallery, Melk Abbey and Göttweig Abbey.
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.
Letzte Änderung: 18 Aug 2026
