Wachau

Wachau is a picturesque river valley along the Danube in Lower Austria, extending roughly 40 kilometers from Melk to Krems an der Donau. The landscape features steep, sun-exposed terraces of vines on the valley’s southern slopes, interwoven with historic towns, churches, and castles. In 2000, Wachau was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape and long-standing viticultural tradition.

Viticulture has shaped the region for centuries, with white wines dominating its reputation. The valley is best known for Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, produced in a range of styles from dry to fragrant and late-harvest varieties. The Wachau DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) governs quality, with the Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd classifications reflecting alcohol content and body. In addition to wine, the region is noted for apricots (Marillen) and fruit-growing. Principal towns include Dürnstein, Spitz, and Weißenkirchen, and notable landmarks such as Melk Abbey and Göttweig Abbey.

Historically, the Danube valley has been a political and cultural crossroads since the Middle Ages, with trade and monastic influence shaping its development. The medieval Dürnstein Castle is associated with the imprisonment of King Richard the Lionheart, and Melk Abbey stands as a prominent Baroque landmark overlooking the river. Today, Wachau remains a major tourist destination, offering wine taverns, hiking and cycling along the Danube Cycle Path, river cruises, and well-preserved architectural heritage.