Wachau World Heritage Region

Melk lies on the right bank of the Danube and is considered the official "Gateway to the Wachau". The town is world-famous for the imposing Melk Abbey, one of the most important Baroque buildings in Europe.

Besides the historic old town, numerous events take place here every year – including the Melk Summer Games, the Courtyard Festival in July, and atmospheric Advent markets in winter.

Melk Abbey, a Benedictine monastery , sits majestically atop a rock 60 meters above the Danube. For over 900 years, monks have lived and worked here according to the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Visitors can explore the magnificent Imperial Rooms, the Marble Hall, the world-famous abbey library , and the loggia with its panoramic views of the Wachau Valley. The abbey is also the starting point for a section of the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago). From the Old Town Apartments Melk, the abbey can be reached via a beautiful footpath that leads right through the heart of Melk's old town in 20-40 minutes, depending on your pace.

The Danube Cycle Path is one of the most famous cycle routes in Europe and leads directly through the Wachau region. Highlights along the route include Melk Abbey, Göttweig Abbey, picturesque villages, and traditional wine taverns (Heurige).

Thanks to numerous ferries , it is easy to switch between the banks of the Danube – ideal for leisure cyclists, families and active holidaymakers.

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The Altstadt Apartments Melk are located just 50 meters from the cycle path in the heart of the old town. An easily accessible, secure, and lockable bicycle storage room is available for your bike.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Hiesberg and the Jauerling offer ideal conditions.

The Hiesberg is located in the Melk district and reaches a height of 558 m above sea level. The Jauerling, at 960 m above sea level, is the highest elevation in the Wachau region and impresses with extensive hiking trails, nature experiences, and even transforms into the Jauerling ski arena in winter.

The Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig is located south of the Danube near Krems and, together with Melk Abbey, belongs to the UNESCO cultural landscape of Wachau.

The abbey is situated on a hill and offers a breathtaking view over the Danube valley. It is particularly renowned for its baroque architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

The Basilica of Maria Taferl is located in the Nibelungengau region on a hill 233 m above the Danube.

As an important pilgrimage church, it offers not only religious history but also breathtaking views across the Danube valley to the Alps.

Dürnstein ruins

Located high above the town of Dürnstein, the Dürnstein Castle ruins are world-famous as the place of imprisonment of King Richard the Lionheart. The ruins date back to the 12th century and offer a spectacular view of the Danube.

Schallaburg

Schallaburg Castle , just a few kilometers from Melk, is a cultural center with annually changing exhibitions. The historic gardens invite visitors to linger.

Artstetten Castle

Artstetten Castle houses the Archduke Franz Ferdinand Museum . The lovingly landscaped park makes a visit particularly attractive.

Aggstein Castle Ruins

Aggstein Castle ruins sit approximately 300 meters above the Danube and offer one of the most beautiful views in the Wachau region. Its origins date back to the 12th century. Children love it, and so do their parents. Many events take place there, especially the famous annual Christmas market , also known as the Castle Advent!