Wachau Valley: Day Trips and Tours from Vienna

Take a day trip to Wachau Valley from Vienna for an authentic taste of the Austrian countryside. A paradise of natural beauty, the valley is a premier winemaking destination with rolling green hills, majestic castles and mysterious ruins.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its cultural landscapes and historical heritage — which includes the fantastic Melk Abbey, Dürnstein Castle and the Medieval town of Krems, are second to none.

You will find below all you need to know about Wachau Valley, one of the most famous destinations for day trips from Vienna.

How to travel to Wachau Valley from Vienna?

Situated in Lower Austria, Wachau Valley is part of the western region of the capital. The valley is a 36-kilometer stretch between the towns of Melk and Krems, along the Danube River. It can be easily reached by car, bus or train from Vienna in a short time.

From Vienna to Wachau Valley by car

The drive from Vienna to Wachau Valley is beautiful. You’ll pass scenic forested hills and gorgeous views. While there are two routes, the shortest is via A22 and S5. This 90-kilometer journey takes a little over an hour, crossing charming towns like Klosterneuburg and Krems an der Donau.

From Vienna to Wachau Valley by public transport

Your journey to Wachau Valley from Vienna requires switching between Bus 720 and a train, and takes around 2.5 hours. Common starting points are Vienna Central T, Vienna Meidling and Praterstern stations.

Guided tour to Wachau Valley from Vienna

Guided tours take the stress out of planning your trips. Many include river cruises and stops in well-known towns such as Spitz, Melk and Dürnstein. These trips include all transportation for the day.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Wachau Valley from Vienna?

While every day tour to Wachau Valley from Vienna is different, they typically range from 8 to 9 hours, with stops in multiple scenic sites. Most tours start with meet-ups at a central point, where you’re introduced to your expert guide.

You board a minivan, bus or coach, and begin your journey through the breathtaking countryside. Popular stops include Krems and the famous Melk Abbey.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Danube Valley, along with Dürnstein Castle — where Richard the Lionheart, the Monarch of England, was imprisoned.

Between May and September, enjoy boat cruises down the idyllic Danube River and gaze at the charming medieval towns and captivating ancient ruins you’ll pass by. In winter, enjoy a sumptuous lunch in place of the boat ride.

Wachau Valley is a treasure trove of delightful local taverns and lush vineyards, where you can indulge in wine and food tasting.

What kinds tours are available to Wachau Valley from Vienna?

There are different tour options for your day trip to Wachau Valley from Vienna. You can choose a full-day or half-day tour.

Guided day tour to Wachau Valley plus Melk Abbey, Krems and Danube Valley from Vienna

An expert local guide takes you to all the major attractions, narrating spellbinding tales about the area you might miss if you visit on your own.

Hobnob with fellow travelers and enjoy a comfortable bus ride with stops at Melk Abbey, Dürnstein and Krems. Most tours include wine tasting and a summer river cruise across the beautiful Danube Valley.

Small-group day tour to Wachau Valley plus Melk Abbey, Krems and Danube Valley from Vienna

Discover ancient ruins and heritage sites in a minivan with an expert guide and a limited number of participants. Offering greater intimacy, you can converse with your guide directly and ask questions for a richer learning experience.

Most small-group tours accommodate seven to eight people, start at a common meeting point and include wine tasting and a summer river cruise.

Private guided day tour to Wachau Valley from Vienna

These private tours are tailored specifically to suit your preferences and allow one-on-one interactions with your guide. Get a private pickup and drop-off, and enjoy the tour at your own convenient pace.

Most are full-day tours with hotel transfers, covering all major attractions, including Spitz, Dürnstein, Melk Abbey, Krems and Danube Valley. Wine tasting and river cruise are other highlights.  

Biking tour to Wachau Valley from Vienna

Wachau Valley offers memorable bike tours with a host of guided activity tours. Bike along scenic valleys and quaint villages, climb up to hilltops and explore castle ruins, and taste fragrant, world-renowned wines from the valley. You can book a private or small-group tour for seven to eight people.

Hiking tour to Wachau Valley from Vienna

The region’s holm oak forests are perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Most tours are private or small-group with 3-hour hikes and designated stops.

What's the price range for a day trip to Wachau Valley from Vienna?

Day trips to Wachau Valley from Vienna vary in cost. Guided group tours are the most pocket-friendly option, covering all the important sites at the lowest price.

Guided tours to Wachau Valley from Vienna cost from €60 per person and include a visit to Dürnstein Castle and a river cruise.

Guided Wachau Valley day tours that visit Wachau, the Danube Valley and Melk Abbey cost from €90 per person, and include a river cruise in summer and leisurely lunch in winter.

Small-group day tours are approximately €160 per person.

Private tours range from €110 per person, offering a 2-hour hike across Seekopf Mountain and Wachau Valley. Private tours with a grand full-day tour of Melk, Dürnstein and Krems cost around €1,500 per group of up to two persons. These include a boat ride across the Danube and a visit to a Heuriger, a local tavern serving specialty wine. Pickup and drop-off services are provided.

What will you see and do there?

A dream destination for tourists from all over the world, Wachau Valley is famous for its stunning landscapes, fields of grape vines and delightful medieval towns. Step into the pages of history and explore striking architecture from the Middle Ages.

Wine tasting at Wachau Valleys

Offering a tranquil respite from city life, Wachau Valley is a world-renowned winemaking region. Visit old-fashioned wine taverns and sample local delicacies. The lush, terraced fields of the Danube Valley produce two of Austria’s most famous white wines, Rieslings and Grüne Veltliners.

Melk Abbey

Towering over the Danube River, Melk Abbey is a magnificent Benedictine monastery. A highly regarded example of Baroque architecture, it was first built in the 11th century and rebuilt several times. Its present version dates back to the early 18th century.

The abbey is famous for its two Melk Crucifixes, one of which is believed to contain a part of Christ’s cross. Its library boasting more than 100,000 volumes is another unique feature.

Dürnstein

Go hiking in scenic Danube Valley, experience a river cruise and witness the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where English monarch Richard the Lionheart was held captive.

According to legend, when Richard the Lionheart returned from fighting the Crusades, he refused to share the riches with the Duke of Austria, Leopold V. The English monarch was taken captive in Dürnstein Castle from 1192 to 1193.

Krems an der Donau

One of the oldest cities in the country, Krems was a capital of iron trade in the Middle Ages. Its rich history is evident to this day. You’ll witness 18th-century cobbled streets and a 13th-century Piarist Church.

Explore art galleries and discover the cheese-filled local pastry called topfengolatschen. There’s also a 27,000-year-old grave, which is the oldest in all of Austria.

Spitz

The charming town of Spitz is full of hidden treasures. The Schifffahrtsmuseum takes you on a journey through the shipping history of the Danube River. Discover the 900-year-old Burgruine Aggstein Castle and magnificent ruins that transport you into a time unknown.

What time of year should you visit Wachau Valley?

Witness apricot trees in full bloom from the end of March to October, which is the most idyllic season to experience Wachau Valley. Autumns in the region are also picturesque, with entire forests covered in sapphire red leaves.

Tours to Wachau Valley from Vienna operate all year. However, some activities may be seasonal. The river cruise, for instance, runs in summer. Due to cultural festivals and markets, Wachau remains sought-after even through the winter.

Travel tips

• Book your day trip to Wachau Valley from Vienna for the best deals in advance.
• Many tours include walking and hiking, so make sure you’re equipped with comfortable shoes and clothes.
• Carry sunscreen, hats and plenty of water to enjoy the outdoors to the fullest.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the beauty and wonder of the region.