Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
11.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Discover the magical beauty of the Wachau region as you trace the gentle curves of the River Danube. This world heritage landscape paints a picturesque scene, where vineyards flourish on steep hillsides. Enjoy glorious views of one of Austria's oldest cultural landscapes where small hamlets dot the landscape
Explore the majestic Melk Abbey, a UNESCO-listed Baroque gem. Wander through Krems' historic streets and hear the tale of Richard the Lionheart, who was famously captured in the ruins of Durnstein castle after his return from the Crusades. Amidst quaint wine taverns, this legend comes alive, creating an enchanting atmosphere in the village. Richard the Lionheart's defiant act of tearing down the Austrian flag sparked a historic feud with Leopold V, Duke of Austria, adding depth to this remarkable story.
Indulge in the region's culinary delights, from renowned wines to delectable apricot dishes. Wachau is a haven for food enthusiasts, with locals skillfully crafting apricot marmalades, schnapps, and chutneys from the region's bounty. Don't miss the Marillenknoedel, apricot dumplings wrapped in a special dough, a culinary delight that captures the essence of Wachau's flavours.
Your adventure culminates with a relaxing river cruise back to Krems, allowing you to savour the memories of your Danube journey. Along the way, you'll stay in carefully selected 3 and 4-star hotels, some nestled amid sun-kissed vineyards, boasting their own wine cellars, and inviting spas. This walking holiday is tailor-made for those who cherish exquisite food, fine wines, the wonders of nature, rich art and history, and the serenity of lake and river routes. Experience the simple pleasures of life in the heart of this enchanting region.
If you arrive early, you will have an opportunity to explore this wonderful town with its old medieval centre.
Begin your walk from the centre of Krems, making your way through vineyards and forest roads to an observation tower with views over the city of Krems and the Danube. Continue over the hilltops to Fesslhutte and the ruins of Durnstein as you follow this scenic trail to the banks of the blue Danube.
Visit Domane Wachau winery in the afternoon for wine tasting (one wine tasting is included, either in Durnstein or in Spitz).
Take the ferry to the other side of the Danube to Rossatz (paid locally) where you walk through vineyards. Alternatively, you can follow the route through the largest apricot growing area of Austria before ascending to the Seekopf observation tower. There you will have a wonderful view of the Danube valley before walking down a zig-zag trail to St Lorenz. Cross the Danube again to the town of Weissenkirchen (paid locally).
Enjoy a rest day in Weissenkirchen, the biggest wine growing area in the Wachau and surrounded by vineyards. If you'd like a short walk, there's a trail leading through the local vineyards with the opportunity to sample the produce back in the town. There are also museums to visit in the wonderful historic old town.
Today is a gentle start through the vineyards from Weissenkirchen to Joching. There you head through the upper vineyards to the forest and to an observation tower with views towards Gschwendt in the northwest and of the Danube. There is a gentle descent before a final small climb to the 'Red Gate', one of the old seven defence gates of Spitz. It gets its name because of the blood shed when the Swedes took it in the Thirty Years War; here you have a beautiful view of Spitz below.
Enjoy wine tasting at Klosterhof in Spitz after completing your walk (one wine tasting is included, either in Spitz or in Durnstein).
Begin by taking the ferry across the Danube to Arnsdorf (paid locally). A longer walk today, with some quite steep climbs through woodland, culminating in a visit to the pilgrim church of Maria Langegg located in a small village in the hills. The church is a hidden beauty, off the beaten track, built originally about 1600. It is on Austria's pilgrim Route of St James so you could follow it all the way to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, but we only go as far as Aggstein, a ruined castle, and then onward to Aggsbach Dorf, where there is a former Carthusian monastery. From Aggsbach Dorf you take the bus to Melk (paid locally).
In the morning, we highly recommend a visit the imposing Melk Abbey, which dominates the city. As well as visiting the abbey, there are extensive gardens to stroll around; the city of Melk is also worth a visit. In the afternoon you take a river cruise (included) back down the Danube past the towns where you have stayed during your walking week - Spitz, Weissenkirchen and Durnstein, before finishing at Krems for your final night.
Leave Krems.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$416.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
11.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
