World Heritage Trail Wachau Walking Tour
Discover Austria’s Wachau Valley by walking the World Heritage Trail
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
World Heritage Trail Wachau Walking Tour Overview
The Danube is even more beautiful here in the Wachau area, Austria than anywhere else, making the self-guided, eight-day World Heritage Trail Wachau Walking Tour a must-do! The mild climate and steep hills make it ideal territory for orchards and vineyards.
Your hiking week leads along the long-distance World Heritage Trail Wachau, following the ridges of the Danube Valley. On the varied walking routes, you can enjoy magnificent views of one of Austria's oldest cultural landscapes, with characteristic vineyards, apricot gardens, and the impressive Danube River flowing through the valley. The scenic trails lead past steep rocks, gentle hills, and aromatic vineyards. Little hamlets dot the landscape, and apart from the famous wine, delicious apricot delicacies are among the region's unique specialties.
You start your hiking week with your individual arrival in Melk, home to the impressive Melk Abbey overlooking the Danube. Your hiking holiday begins the next day with a scenic walk to Spitz, followed by a shorter hike through the vineyards to Weißenkirchen. After a relaxing day exploring the village and its surroundings, continue to the historic town of Dürnstein and onwards to Krems. On your final walking day, enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Danube back to Melk. The daily hikes vary in length and difficulty, following well-maintained trails through vineyards, forests, and picturesque villages. Although the Wachau peaks are not particularly high, some sections are steep, so surefootedness is recommended.
*You can also book a shorter or ‘charm’ version of this same tour*
Trip highlights
Discover unforgettable views along the long-distance World Heritage Trail Wachau, punctuated by the Danube river and hills steeped with orchards and vineyards.
Spend time exploring quaint, storied towns along the Danube, such as Durnstein, Spitz, and Krems.
Walk past the largest apricot growing area in Austria as you meander old tracks, catching stunning views of the Alps lining your sightline.
Explore picturesque vineyards and discover the Wachau Valley's rich winemaking traditions, complete with a tasting of the region's famous wines.
Day By Day Itinerary
Your hiking adventure begins in Melk, the gateway to the beautiful Wachau Valley and one of the most charming towns along the Danube. Take some time to stroll through the historic old town and visit the magnificent Melk Abbey, perched high above the river. Enjoy your first views of the Danube and soak up the peaceful atmosphere as you prepare for a wonderful week of hiking through the Wachau region.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Melk
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Begin your day with a bus ride from Melk to Aggsbach, where your hike starts with an ascent to the historic Aggsbach ruins. Take some time to explore the impressive observation towers and enjoy a well-deserved break before continuing along the Way of St. James towards Maria Langegg. From here, follow scenic forest trails downhill to the Danube, where a ferry ride takes you across the river to the charming wine village of Spitz.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Spitz
- Distance:
- 5 hours, 15 km, 710 m of ascent, 720 m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Begin your hike in Spitz with an ascent to the Rotes Tor (Red Gate), one of the town's most recognizable landmarks. From here, follow the World Heritage Trail through the heart of the Wachau Valley, enjoying spectacular views of the Danube and the surrounding wine-growing landscape. Continue along scenic trails high above the river before descending through picturesque vineyards and charming narrow alleys to the beautiful wine village of Weißenkirchen.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Weißenkirchen
- Distance:
- 3 hours, 10 km, 440 m of ascent, 450 m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Surrounded by sunny vineyards and green forests the mighty gothic parish church of Weißenkirchen is a remarkable sight. The wine grower villages Joching, Wösendorf and St. Michael form together with Weißenkirchen the biggest wine grower community of Wachau. Visit museums, beautiful walking trails or take a boat tour on the Danube. Enjoy a glass of Wachauer wine in one of the wine taverns. Or do a short hike on the Achleiten circuit to stop by the winegrower!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Weißenkirchen
- Distance:
- 1 hour, 4 km, 160 m of ascent, 160 m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Begin your day by crossing the Danube via the flying bridge to St. Lorenz, where your hike starts. From here, choose between a shorter route through the orchards along the river or a scenic trail following historic paths up to Seekopf. The main route rewards you with spectacular panoramic views stretching all the way to the Alps. Continue through Austria's largest apricot-growing region to the charming village of Rossatz, where a ferry takes you across the Danube to the picturesque town of Dürnstein.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Dürnstein
- Distance:
- 4 hours, 12 km, 590 m of ascent, 620 m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Begin your hike along the banks of the Danube before ascending a scenic trail to the historic ruins of Dürnstein Castle. Continue across gentle hills to a panoramic viewpoint and the charming Fesslhütte, enjoying magnificent views of the Danube, the town of Krems, and the impressive Göttweig Abbey along the way. From here, descend through picturesque vineyards towards Krems, where you'll spend the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Krems
- Distance:
- 4 hours, 13 km, 480 m of ascent, 490 m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Spend your morning exploring the historic town of Krems, where you can admire the famous Steiner Tor and wander through the charming streets of the old town. Afterwards, board a scenic cruise along the Danube and enjoy a relaxing journey back to Melk. Along the way, take in beautiful views of the Wachau Valley, passing the picturesque villages of Dürnstein and Spitz, surrounded by terraced vineyards. It's a wonderful way to reflect on your hiking adventure through this UNESCO World Heritage region.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Melk
- Distance:
- 0.5 hours, 2 km, 10 m of ascent, 20 m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Soak in your last sights of Melk before heading on your next adventure.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts are included. Wine tasting on day 4 is also included.
- Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
- Transportation for your luggage is included, however, you will be walking from accommodation to accommodation yourself. 1 Boat trip from Melk to Krems is included. Please note that some public transport transfers will be required that are not included in this tour.
- 1 wine tasting
- Detailed Digital travel information documents
- App for Navigation and GPS-data available
- Service hotline
Not included
- Flights to and from Vienna
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transfers to and from the trailhead
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- Printed Route Book
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You'll walk mainly on well-maintained trails and partly paved vineyard paths, with some sections offering easier or more challenging route options. Although the peaks in the Wachau region are not particularly high, some ascents and descents are steep, so good fitness and surefootedness are recommended.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts and one wine tasting are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into Vienna International Airport (VIE). You will have to take a train to Melk.
Yes, the tour is dog-friendly.
The World Heritage Trail Wachau Walking Tour ends in Melk, Austria. You can take the train back to Vienna.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book World Heritage Trail Wachau Walking Tour with 10 Adventures?
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Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
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