Melk Abbey: Day Trips and Tours from Vienna

Melk Abbey is a breathtakingly beautiful Benedictine monastery overlooking the Danube River. Located in the small town of Melk, the abbey is one of Austria’s most famous Baroque buildings and has played an integral role in Austrian history.

Not only does Melk Abbey provide insight into the past, but the exquisite monastery is still occupied by monks to this day. Day trips to Melk Abbey from Vienna provide the perfect way to get out of the capital city for the day and explore the splendors of the Austrian countryside.

Check out our helpful guide on Melk Abbey, one of the most exciting day trips from Vienna.

How can you travel to Melk Abbey from Vienna?

Melk Abbey is located on a hill overlooking the small town of Melk, in lower Austria, alongside the Danube River. Melk Abbey is roughly 90 kilometers west of the capital city of Vienna.

From Vienna to Melk Abbey by car

Whether you are traveling in your own vehicle or plan to rent a car, driving from Vienna to Melk Abbey should not take much longer than an hour. There are a few different routes to choose from, but the simplest option is to simply head west on the A1 and take the Melk turn-off.

Once in Melk, you can simply follow the signs or drive in the direction of the abbey, which can be viewed from kilometers away.

From Vienna to Melk Abbey by train

The train journey between Vienna and Melk takes just over an hour, and there are several departures from Vienna’s central station every day. You’ll need to change trains in St. Pölten, but it is a straightforward transition.

Once you arrive at Melk Station, you’ll need to walk up to the abbey, which shouldn’t take you longer than 10 minutes.

Guided tour to Melk Abbey from Vienna

Avoid the hassle of navigating public transport or hiring a car by choosing a guided tour to Melk Abbey instead. A professional tour guide will handle all your travel arrangements and plan your itinerary for the day.

Most Melk Abbey day trips from Vienna are full-day excursions, lasting anywhere between 8 and 12 hours.

What are the Melk Abbey entrance ticket prices?

• Adults: €13 per person
• Pupils and students: €6.50 per person
• Family ticket: €26 for parents and their child/children

What is the typical itinerary for visiting Melk Abbey?

Meet your guide at a central landmark in Vienna or enjoy a complimentary hotel pickup before making your way to the town of Krems, where you will board a boat that will take you up the Danube River toward Melk.

Walk through the picturesque town of Melk and up the hill to Melk Abbey. You’ll be provided with a guided tour of the Benedictine abbey and you’ll see the gardens, pavilions, church, library and other rooms.

Before heading back to Vienna by bus, you may make stops at other nearby towns and attractions, such as Hallstatt and/or Salzburg. Keep in mind that each Melk Abbey day trip from Vienna is different, and you should read specific tour itineraries before making a booking.

What kinds of tours can you take to Melk Abbey?

When it comes time to book your Melk Abbey day trip from Vienna, you’ll find that there are many different types of tours available, including private tours, group tours, tours that include wine tastings and many others.

Guided tours to Melk Abbey from Vienna

Guided tours to Melk Abbey from Vienna provide an affordable and enjoyable way to experience the Benedictine Abbey. Most guided tours travel by both bus and boat, providing you with incredible views of the Wachau Valley along the way.

Take the opportunity to meet new people on a fun-filled, full-day group excursion that aligns with your budget.

Private tour to Melk Abbey from Vienna

Private tours to Melk Abbey can be customized to suit the specific needs and interests of your group and you may be given some control over the itinerary. While these tours are more expensive than group tours, you’ll enjoy a more personal experience.

Like guided tours, private tours also usually travel by both boat and bus through the Wachau Valley.

Day trip to Melk Abbey plus Hallstatt and Salzburg from Vienna

If you want to make the most of your time in the Austrian countryside, you may want to choose a tour that includes other destinations, such as Hallstatt and Salzburg. Not only will you receive a tour of Melk Abbey, but you’ll also get to see two other historic sites.

These tours are typically private tours and travel through the countryside in a luxury vehicle. One of the major highlights of these tours is getting to see where ‘The Sound of Music’ was filmed.

Day tour to Melk Abbey plus wine tasting from Vienna

The Wachau Valley is known for being the heart of Austria’s wine region, where many delicious local wines are produced. Before you go to Melk Abbey, you’ll stop in the little town of Dürnstein, where you will taste schnapps and chocolates.

You’ll also visit a traditional wine tavern, where you will be treated to a wine tasting that allows you to experience a range of regional wines.

What's the price range for day trips to Melk Abbey from Vienna?

Basic Melk Abbey day trips from Vienna usually cost around US$100 per person for a group excursion, including round-trip transfers and entrance fees.

Private tours of the Wachau Valley, which include a tour of Melk Abbey and a wine-tasting experience, typically cost around US$500 per person for a full-day experience.

Private tours that visit Melk Abbey alongside the historic sites of Salzburg and Hallstatt also tend to cost around US$500 per person. However, this price can fluctuate depending on the size of the group.

What will you see and do at Melk Abbey?

Melk Abbey is a large Benedictine monastery, built in a Baroque style, that expands over 300 meters in length. The complex is made up of gardens, multiple halls, a museum, a church, a library and close to 500 different rooms!

The exquisite thousand-year-old monastery is truly a sight to behold. Its intricate architecture, turrets and large dome make it one of the most beautiful structures in all of Austria.

Marble Hall

Marble Hall is one of Melk Abbey’s most impressive rooms thanks to its grand pillars that have been coated in shiny red marble. If you look up at the ceiling, you’ll see an intricate allegorical painting by Paul Troger.

Melk Abbey Park

Melk Abbey Park was originally designed as a Baroque Park but it was later redesigned to be an English garden. The monks use the tranquil garden and its many pavilions for meditating and relaxing. There is also a panoramic terrace that offers incredible views of the region.

The Library

Melk Abbey’s library spans across 12 rooms over two floors. Inside this library, you’ll find a wide variety of rare books and ancient manuscripts, many of which were printed well over 500 years ago!

The Emporer’s Gallery

The Emperors' Gallery is an art gallery space filled with detailed portraits of various Austrian kings and queens. The gallery is nearly 200 meters in length and in addition to the paintings, you can also enjoy stunning views over the Danube River.

The Abbey Church

The church is probably the highlight of any Melk Abbey tour thanks to the church’s colossal size, many windows and intricate architectural details. In 1987, the church received a full restoration so everything is in pristine condition!

What are the opening hours?

Between April and November, the abbey is open to visitors from 9 AM to 5:30 PM on a daily basis. The rest of the year, Melk Abbey is open between 9 AM and 4 PM, but you’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time.

What time of year should you visit Melk Abbey?

The best time to visit Melk Abbey is during the spring and summer months, from April to September. The Abbey and its surroundings are full of flowers and walking around is fantastic. Additionally, guided tours and other services are likely to be offered during peak tourist seasons.

Anyway, it is worth noting that Melk Abbey can be visited all year round and each season has its own charm and unique atmosphere.

Travel tips

• Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites like Melk Abbey. Clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking involved within the Abbey complex.
• Photography is allowed in most areas of the Abbey, but be mindful of any restrictions and respect the privacy of other visitors.
• Take your time exploring the Abbey's interior, including its grand library, stunning frescoes and ornate chapels.
• Enjoy the panoramic views of the Danube River and the town of Melk from the abbey's terrace.