The Best of the Wachau World Heritage Trail

73.5 kilometres and 2,526 m difference in altitude in 5 days

Only the best is good enough for us! On the “Best of the Wachau World Heritage Trail” hikers will discover the long-distance trail from its most scenic side with historic old towns, idyllic wine terraces on both sides of the Danube, regional delicacies and, of course, a very unique river landscape. From Krems the world heritage trail leads hikers to Melk whereby you cross the Danube in Spitz by flying bridge. On the final day you return to Krems by boat with many new impressions.

The hosts provide a snack along the way and the transport of luggage to the next accommodation.

Day 1 – Arrival
Individual arrival, night incl. breakfast in Krems.

Day 2 – Krems – Dürnstein (World Heritage Trail section 1)
Path length 12.5 km – walking time 4.5 hrs
Accompanied by stunning views of the Danube this popular section leads from the medieval town centre of Krems through Wachau vineyards and a forest to picturesque Dürnstein (no major ascents).
Night incl. breakfast in Dürnstein

Day 3 – Dürnstein – Weißenkirchen (World heritage trail section 2)
Path length 16.7 km – walking time 6 hrs
With the prospect of marvellous views and fascinating history the hike leads you from Dürnstein through grapevines across a panoramic high-altitude path to the winegrowing town of Weißenkirchen.
Night incl. breakfast in Weißenkirchen.

Day 4 – Weißenkirchen – Spitz (World heritage trail section 3)
Path length 10.5 km – walking time 3.5 hrs
This path takes you through the heart of the Wachau vineyards with typical stone terraces and well- known vineyards high above the Danube from Weißenkirchen to Spitz. Here tired hikers can look forward to a wine tasting.
Night incl. breakfast in Spitz.

Day 5 – Spitz – Aggstein/Aggsbach village (World Heritage Trail section 10)
Path length 16.5 km – walking time 5.5 hrs
The highlights of this trail section from Hofarnsdorf to Aggstein include the imposing fortress ruins of Aggstein, the baroque pilgrimage church Maria Langegg and the Dunkelsteinerwald region (Please note the signposts to the accommodation along the path to Aggstein!).
Night incl. breakfast in Aggstein.

Day 6 – Aggstein/Aggsbach village – Melk (World heritage trail section 9)
Path length 19 km – walking time 6 hrs
The section from Aggstein to Melk is characterised by beautiful views of the Danube and the Jauerling, Schönbühel with its magnificent castle and the town of Melk with its baroque monastery.
Night incl. breakfast in Melk.

Day 7 – Boat trip and return home
After a leisurely stroll through the old town or a visit to Melk monastery return to Krems by boat. Only then will you realise the distance you have covered in the past few days and enjoy the view of Wachau from the water.

Included:

• 6 x nights incl. breakfast in select B&Bs/hotels
• 5 x daily hiking snacks with regional produce
• 6 x luggage transport to accommodation (1 item of luggage per person)
• 1 x wine sampling of 3 wines
• 1 x boat trip from Melk to Krems (single journey)
• 1 x hiking documents

Not included and to be paid locally:

• Accommodation tax (for adults aged 15 years plus)
• Ferry: Spitz - Arnsdorf
• If arriving by car, there will be parking charges in Krems

Public transport:
Mobil in der Wachau
We recommend travelling here by public transport. Krems is easily accessible by train.

Book: from 1 person – price for single room on request

Organiser:
Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH, A-3620 Spitz an der Donau, Schlossgasse 3, GISA number: 13091941. Terms and conditions of business of Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH apply, available on www.donau.com/impressum.