Blue Danube at Wachau

Here in Wachau the Danube is even more beautiful then elsewhere. A friendly climate and steep slopes form ideal conditions for vineyards and orchards. Some of the best wines of Austria grow in Wachau and of course not to forget the local apricots.

The varied hiking tour past steep rocks, over soft hills and through scenting vineyards simply is blissful. A special feature of this countryside is the many small villages where everything centres on good food and wine. Enjoy Wachau.

In spring time the bloom, in summer time the harvest of the fruits and in fall the vintage time.

Day 1 Arrival at Krems/Stein

Nice little town. Easy to reach from Vienna by train or boat.

Day 2 High up into the vineyards and to Dürnstein

The vineyards start directly on the outskirts of the town and we hike high up. Enjoy a lovely view on the river Danube. Across the hills you walk to Dürnstein, where King Lionheart was prisoner in the castle of Dürnstein (now a ruin with a very nice view over the Danube valley). Overnight in Dürnstein.

After the Third Crusade, Richard began his homeward journey to England. Put ashore by bad weather he found himself in Austria home of Leopold, whom Richard had angered by actions during the crusade. Leopold captured King Richard and imprisoned him in his castle. Eager for a piece of the action the Emperor of Germany offered Leopold 75,000 marks for Richard taking him into custody in Germany.

Rumors ran rampant throughout England over the missing king. There is a legend that the troubadour Blondel heard his king singing in a castle and responded with a song that the both of them were sure to know. Whether true or not the fact remains that two Abbots were soon dispatched to journey for him through the network of the church. Even Eleanor, Richard's mother wrote to the Pope for assistance in the matter. Richard was found and soon a ransom was set for his return to England. The sum was 150,000 marks an amount equal to three years of annual income and weighing at three tons in silver.

Day 3 Walking in the gardens of Rossatz
(or to the observation point on Seekopf)

In Dürnstein you cross the river by ferry to Rossatz where you will walk through the gardens of wine and fruits. Later on you will pass the Danube again and walk on the hight trail around Weißenkirchen.

Day 4 From Weißenkirchen to Spitz via Buschandl wall

A steady climb brings you up to Seiber and then you pass to Kuhberg and to the Buschandl wall. Downhill you follow the trench Miesingbachgraben and later on you pass the vineyards to Spitz.

Day 5 Rest day

Many beautiful viewpoints on the river Danube can be found in and around Spitz. Most remarkable point is the so called “Thousand bucket mountain”, the Red Tour and especially the ruin Hinterhaus. Of course we can also recommend taking part in a wine tasting.

Day 6
Up to the ruins of the fortress of the robber barons of Aggsbach

Cross the Danube by ferry and follow the Buchtal valley uphill. Shortly before you reach Maria Langegg you join the Austrian St. Jacob’s trail, which you follow up to the ruins of fortress Aggsbach. Visit the fortress with a gruesome past, wonderful scenic viewpoints and also stop for a refreshment.

Day 7 By boat back to Krems/Stein

Visit the monastery with a beautiful garden in Melk. Enjoy the boat trip to Krems, passing by the highlights of your tour Spitz, Dürnstein and Krems.

Day 8 Tour ends

Individual departure.