• Wanderer am Welterbesteig bei Spitz

Wachau World Heritage Trail

Current note: We ask for increased caution when staying in the great outdoors, as fallen trees or minor mudslides can block the paths.

Hiking from the Danube to wine to apricots

The Wachau World Heritage Trail is a 180 km long-distance hiking trail and follows the best in scenic trails through the Danube Valley and Wachau wine country. This high-altitude trail follows historical paths to link together the 13 communities of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape containing some of Europe's most enchanting river scenery. The Wachau World Heritage Trail takes you to 20 fortresses, ruins and castles, the Wachau wine region with its stone terraces and steep hillside vineyards, three monasteries and Jauerling, the highest mountain along the whole course of the Danube 960 m. Nowhere is the Danube more beautiful.

This long-distance trail is divided into 14 legs and can be hiked in both directions. The 90 km Jauerling Loop consists of seven legs and three ferry connections, so it lends itself to variation and can be tailored to individual tastes for an unusual hiking experience.

 

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Wachau World Heritage Trail Tours

Packages

Touren App

Touren-App "Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal": Mit dem Tourenplaner kann nach Thema, Schwierigkeit, Sportart, Streckenlänge und Dauer die Wunschtour ausgesucht werden.

To help make the planning of your tours and your stay easy and convenient, we recommend you use the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal App. Explore the Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, on foot on the Wachau World Heritage Trail or start your hiking vacation in the scenic and tranquil Nibelungengau. It is quick and simple to book a vacation package. Set aside plenty of time to visit the well-known TOP excursion destinations or to pedal down the popular Danube Bike Path. The certified Best of Wachau businesses stand for excellent quality that you can see and taste. You can look forward to the premium bon vivant rooms in the loveliest hotels or comfortable private lodgings and to award-winning gourmet cuisine or tasty and traditional tavern fare.

Download the simple Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal App for Android or iPhone.

Service and tips

1. Location & Getting There 

Where is the Wachau located? 

 The Wachau is in Lower Austria, about 80 kilometres west of Vienna, between Melk and Krems. https://www.donau.com/en/the-danube-in-lower-austria/information-service/getting-there/  

How can I get there by public transport? 

 The Wachau is easily accessible by train, bus and boat. 

 Full details at www.vor.at/wachau 

Where can I park my car? 

Information on parking in Krems: Parking in Krems, Melk www.melk.gv.at/de/Buergerservice/Informationen/Parken_in_Melk  and Dürnstein https://www.duernstein.at/urlaub-in-duernstein/parken . 

 

2. Hiking & Stages 

How long is the World Heritage Trail and how many stages does it have? 

 The trail is around 180 kilometres long and divided into 14 stages. 

Which stages are easy and which are more challenging? 

 Stages 1 (Krems–Dürnstein), 6 (Maria Laach–Aggsbach Markt) and 14 (Mautern–Krems) are considered easy. The remaining stages are moderate. There are no difficult stages. 

Which stage is the most beautiful? 

 Each stage has its own charm. Favourites include: 

 – Stage 1 (Krems–Dürnstein) for its views, wine terraces, and views of the Danube river 

 – Stage 11 (Hofarnsdorf - Rossatz) for a more alpine character, rock formations and a stunning panorama 

Which stages are suitable for children or teenagers? 

 Please check the stage descriptions. You know your child best. 

Can I walk the trail with a pushchair? 

 No, the World Heritage Trail is not suitable for pushchairs. 

Can I hike the trail in winter? 

 Yes, with proper equipment and suitable weather conditions. Please note that many businesses are closed in winter. 

How is the World Heritage Trail signposted? 

 With yellow hiking signs and white spray markings. Starting points are also marked with information boards. https://www.donau.com/de/donau-niederoesterreich/ausflug-bewegen/bewegung/welterbesteig-wachau/service-und-tipps/tab-1186/  

What should I do if there is forestry work or a trail closure? 

 Please follow all signage and instructions on site. 

 

3. Equipment & Preparation 

What equipment do I need? 

 Wear hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes. Bring a rain jacket, drinking water, snacks and a trail map and cell phone, perhaps also walking poles. 

Are there refreshment stops or water points along the trail? 

 There are no dedicated refreshment points directly on the trail. Please bring enough drinks and snacks with you. However, there are restaurants and shops in the villages. https://www.donau.com/en/wachau-nibelungengau-kremstal/eating-drinking/richly-laid-tables/find-restaurants/  

Are vegan or vegetarian snack options available? 

 Yes, in most accommodations upon request. 

Can I bring my dog? 

 Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail. Please check with your accommodation in advance. 

 

4. Accommodation & Food 

Is it possible to have luggage transported from accommodation to accommodation? 

  

Yes, this option is available when you book one of our hiking packages: https://www.donau.com/en/the-danube-in-lower-austria/outings-activities/exercise/wachau-world-heritage-trail/  

Are there accommodations along the entire trail? 

 Yes, each stage ends in a village with accommodation options. https://www.donau.com/en/wachau-nibelungengau-kremstal/sleeping-reservations/packages/room-search/?lang=en 

 

Where should I stay to continue hiking the next day? 

 We recommend staying in a stage village for easy access to the next section. 

https://www.donau.com/en/wachau-nibelungengau-kremstal/sleeping-reservations/packages/room-search/?lang=en  

Where can I find good apricot dumplings? 

 Recommended places include: 

– Weinhof Aufreiter in Krems-Angern https://www.weinhof.at/ 

 – Landhaus Bacher in Mautern: https://www.landhaus-bacher.at/  

 – Café Bruckner in Spitz: https://www.gaestehaus-bruckner.at/cafe/ 

 – Gasthof zur Wachau in Mitterarnsdorf: https://www.gasthofzurwachau.at 

Where can I get the stamp pass and hiking badges? 

 The stamp pass is available at local information centres or as a download. https://www.donau.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Bilder_und_PDFs/Ausflug_und_Bewegen/beWEGEn/Welterbesteig_Wachau/Stempelpass_Welterbesteig_2024.pdf 

 Hiking badges can be collected for a small fee at all tourism offices along the trail. 

Information centres with stamp pass distribution and badge sale: 

 – Wachau Info-Centre Krems, Körnermarkt 14, +43 2732 82676 

 – Dürnstein municipal office, Dürnstein 25, +43 2711 219 

 – Weißenkirchen tourist information, Wachaustraße 242, +43 2715 2600 

 – Spitz tourist information, Mittergasse 3A, +43 2713 2363 

 – Wachau Info-Centre Melk, Kremser Straße 5, +43 2752 51160 

 

5. Behaviour & Trail Etiquette 

Can I go mountain biking or horse riding on the World Heritage Trail? 

 No, this is not permitted. Mountain biking and horse riding are prohibited on the trail, on the Jauerling Loop, in forests and on private forestry roads. For MTB we recommend the Trailwerk Wachau in Göttweig https://www.trailwerk.at  and the MTB Arena Wachau-Jauerling https://www.donau.com/de/wachau-nibelungengau-kremstal/ausflug-bewegen/bewegung/mountainbiken/  

Can I pick grapes or apricots along the trail? 

 No, please do not pick fruit. You are welcome to buy produce directly from local growers. 

Are there exposed or dangerous sections? Do I need a head for heights? 

 No, the trail is well maintained and not exposed. 

Tips for a respectful hiking experience: 

 – Stay on marked paths 

 – Do not leave litter 

 – Do not pick fruit or grapes 

 – Respect nature and wildlife