Day 1: Arrival

Make your own way to Krems

The 1000-year-old city of Krems enchants with historic sights, cultural highlights and culinary delights. In 2000 Krems was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight in Krems.

Day 2: Walk from Krems to Dürnstein

Stage: approx. 12 km, 4,5 hours, metres of ascent/descent: 385 / 391 m

The route leads through Krems’ Old Town up into the Kremser vineyards. The climb is rewarded with glorious panoramic views. Continue to the Old Town of Stein via the Steiner wine landscape to the castle ruins. You follow old vineyard paths to reach the Pfaffenberg and enter the Wachau winegrowing area. Crossing the impressive Ried Loibenberg you reach Dürnstein. Return by bus to Krems.

Overnight in Krems.

Day 3: Walk from Weißenkirchen to Spitz

Stage: approx. 11 km, 3,5 hours, metres of ascent/descent: 506 / 494 m

After a boat trip on the Danube you reach the charming wine village of Weißenkirchen in the Wachau. This stage leads through a unique wine landscape. High above the Danube lies the largest contiguous vineyard area in the Wachau. Across meadows and rocky terrain you reach the Michaelerberg (natural monument). Passing through the Rote Tor, the remnant of the former defensive wall, you enter the wine village of Spitz. Descend through the vineyards to the baroque church square.

Overnight in Spitz an der Donau.

Day 4: Walk from the Spitzer Gräben to Mühldorf

Stage: approx. 11 km, 4 hours, metres of ascent/descent: 487 / 345 m

This high-level walk leads over the panoramic summits of Tausendeimerberg and Setzberg into the impressive stone-terraced vineyard landscape of the Spitzer Gräben to Muthstall. Via Niederranna you walk to Burg Oberranna and continue down into the valley to the Kalvarienberg. Along the Ötzbach, it’s a gentle descent to Unterranna and on to Mühldorf. Return by bus to Spitz an der Donau.

Overnight in Spitz an der Donau.

Day 5: Walk from Aggsbach Markt to Emmersdorf

Stage: approx. 15 km, 5 hours, metres of ascent/descent: 611 / 607 m

Travel by bus to Aggsbach Markt. From the market square, the scenic path leads over the Edelberg to the Bärenreut high plateau. Via Zintring and Felbring you reach the Gossam castle ruins and follow the historic Briefträgersteig to Mödelsdorf.

The stage continues on an old farm track into the Renaissance town of Emmersdorf an der Donau.

Overnight in Emmersdorf an der Donau

Day 6: Walk from Emmersdorf to Weiten

Stage: approx. 18 km, 6 hours, metres of ascent/descent: 632 / 509 m

Today you walk along the Jauerling-Runde to Weiten. The stage starts in Emmersdorf and continues to Schloss Rothenhof and St. Georgen. The path leads up to Pömling and then down to Eitental. Over the Lohsdorfer Höhe and the Kögelfeld, you pass the hamlet of Mörenz to the highest point of the stage, the Spielerkreuz. On an old farm track you reach Weiten with its fortified church. Return by bus to Emmersdorf.

Overnight in Emmerdorf an der Donau.

Day 7: Walk from Emmersdorf to Melk

Stage: approx. 10 km, 3 hours, metres of ascent/descent: 236 / 231 m

The walk leads you from the centre via Schloss Rothenhof to the village of Rantenberg. There is the option of making a detour to Aussichtswarte Dachberg to enjoy the fantastic panoramic views. The path continues steadily downhill to the Danube. On the island of Luberegg you come to the Donaukraftwerk Melk, where you cross the Danube and finally reach Melk’s Old Town. Opportunity to visit Melk Abbey.

Overnight in Melk.

Day 8: Journey home

Departure or book extra nights individually.

On the Welterbesteig Wachau you walk from Krems via Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen and Spitz to Emmersdorf and Melk. 10–18 km per day, 3–6 hrs, moderate ascents. Trails through vineyards, apricot orchards and terraces, past ruins, castles and natural landmarks with views of the Danube Valley. Including a Danube boat trip and return journeys by bus on certain stages. Explore old towns, visit Melk Abbey and round off your evenings at a wine tavern.

Extra nights available.

Tourist tax payable locally.