Excursion to the Wachau Valley from Vienna. Where to go for a weekend from Vienna: Wachau Valley. General impressions of the Wachau Valley

Where would you like to go by car in Europe for the May holidays?
The choice was between Holland and Austria. We were looking at accommodation options - and then Bukin decided for us: he sent such a tasty offer for Krems an der Danube that Holland was no longer considered. So, it's decided. Our seventh journey through Belarus-Poland was to Austria and, based on various sources, was compiled as follows:

Voronezh - Moscow - Biała Podlaska (Poland, proven hotels for relaxation after the journey and the border) - Olomouc (one of the favorite Czech cities, never gets boring and located on the way) - Wachau Valley in Lower Austria (thanks to Alexander - travel.drom report .ru/28870/) – view road in the Alps and Bad Mittendorf (hotel thanks to Sveta – Begun12) – Graz (thanks to a colleague who adores this city) – resort Baden near Vienna (my husband has long dreamed of visiting all the Badens of Europe) – Byala- Polyaska - Moscow-Voronezh.

This time the transfer through Moscow was connected with the second couple of our crew and their car - as a result, we had a beautiful ride around Europe in a Cadillac. Expensive, of course, in terms of fuel, but photos in an open hatch in the Alps compensate for the costs. (Although, knowledgeable people later told me that we did everything wrong - we should have taken topless photos... Well, I don’t know... Perhaps..)

By the way, the same booker then sent several times a replacement for the chosen accommodation, other options at the same price. We were upset at first, but in the end everything turned out quite well, we don’t regret anything. The route as a whole went well.

Interesting? Then we went with fresh memories.
May 2

On the route Voronezh-Moscow (started from Moscow at 8.00) -Biała-Podlaska - Olomouc I will not stop for long, except for the remark that from our usual Domachevo our three-ton Cadillac was turned onto the Warsaw Bridge. The Domachevsky crossing is either undergoing reconstruction or is closing completely. But cars over 3 tons are no longer allowed across this bridge across the Bug...
However, we were pleased with the Warsaw Bridge, we didn’t hesitate for a long time - at 21:00 local time we were at the Skala Hotel in Biało Podlaska, traditional for the first night in Schengen, and enjoyed the Polish beer Żywiec. By the way, the supermarket opposite the Rock, where we usually bought food before the next rush, was completely closed, which is a pity.

May 3
A jog in the morning in B-Podlaska, wonderful pancakes among other things for breakfast – traditions are the right thing... Forward, Austria is waiting.
By the evening of May 3, the Czech Olomouc was as usual deserted, and the Svyatovaclav Brewery, as usual, was full...

Man, can you take the girl to the hotel?..

May 4th.
Before lunch we wandered around the city of Olomouc, rediscovering it and making sure that we had not seen much again...

Didn't take a photo...

The trip from Olomouc to Krems an der Donau took three hours, including a stop at the Olomouc City-Globus supermarket and a stocking of Czech beer (they were scared by the prices of Austrian beer. In the end, I had to drink a double amount - both Austrian and Czech, so as not to waste). Well, some wine for the girls... We're driving in a Cadillac... We also stopped for a smoke break near a funny roadside farm-tavern with a lot of livestock:

Along the entire road from Belarus to Austria, we were accompanied by bright rapeseed fields.

Then vineyards began to appear more and more often

And castles

There were no closed borders, no document checks between the Czech Republic and Austria, and the rumors turned out to be false. Patrol crews near the borders were seen, but they were clearly bored...

Krems-on-the-Danube.

The city of Krems began as an ancient outpost built in the 10th century. It received city rights in the 12th century and was almost equal in development to Vienna. In the vicinity of the city, vineyards grew and winemaking developed. The first coins of Austria were minted in Krems - they were called “Krems pfennigs”. The events of the Thirty Years' War did not cause noticeable damage to the city. The houses and churches of Krems were built by famous architects and builders of Austria. Since the Middle Ages, the best craftsmen have worked here. Krems was known as a city of developed education, thriving science, and art.
In the 21st century, Krems remained a cultural and economic center and a famous university town. It is included in the UNESCO list. The entire ancient core of Krems has been declared a historical landmark.

Actually, Krems was the beginning of our Austrian tour. I have already mentioned that I found information about the Wachau Valley in Lower Austria, among other things, in the report:
travel.drom.ru/28870/ There is no point in repeating details, coordinates, descriptions - everything is there - reference information from the Internet, distances, and impressions. I'll just add my own impressions.

On the first day we wandered around old Krems, along its pedestrian Landstrasse, getting used to Austria, tasting and smelling it.

We climbed the hill to the main cathedral of the city, admired the views - but a small nasty rain somewhat spoiled our first date with the sights of the Wachau Valley.

Our hotel was located in the town of Senftenberg, 7 km from Krems in the valley of the Krems River.

Seftenberg was proud of its own castle ruins of the same name, which towered above our hotel.

We planned two nights here - and we were right. It was very pleasant to return to a cozy guesthouse with a small courtyard by the cliff, enjoy the silence of this place, listen to the murmur of the river and feast on delicious apricot jam in the morning, which the owners prepare themselves - there are hundreds of their apricot trees growing up the slope.

In the Wachau Valley, the main types of agriculture are the cultivation of apricots and grapes.

And local farmers know how to present the fruits of their efforts in a way that we can study and learn from. The grapes are okay, there is a special soil and climate here - and it’s clear that the wine turns out to be elite - but apricots? We have 4 apricot trees growing in the garden near our house in Voronezh. We don’t even collect the entire harvest. At best, I close the compotes for the winter and freeze a little of the fruits ground with sugar. Even in the summer, almost no one here eats them (sorry, northerners, I know how it sounds, but it’s true..). But how can you make such a great liqueur from apricots? And also dozens of variations of various drinks (not counting apricot soaps, shower gels, etc., etc.). Respect to the Austrians! True, at the tasting, the nectar with pulp strongly resembled crushed apricot doused with vodka, but how beautifully it was all served!..

5 May.
In the morning we got into the car and went to the castle-palace Grafenegg (Grafenegg). 13 km from Krems

Grafenegg was founded in the 14th century. It was first rebuilt in the period 1622-33. The castle owes its present appearance to the reconstruction of 1840 (at that time Count August Ferdinand Breuner became its new owner). The count, who had visited England many times, was inspired by his travels and decided to rebuild the castle in the spirit of English historical romanticism. The work was led by the architect Leopold Ernst. The castle is surrounded by a park of 30 hectares and today is the property of the Metternich-Sandor family. Currently, Grafenegg Castle is most often associated with the Austrian music festival which takes place in a beautiful garden palace complex. This festival, accompanied by concerts and exhibitions, walks through a wonderful park and, of course, an interesting castle, is considered one of the largest international festivals classical music. A unique concert stage was built in the park surrounding the castle. Concert hall can accommodate up to 1,200 people, and additional outdoor seating opens up the opportunity for an additional 1,670 spectators to enjoy classical works.

The castle was open from 10 am, and it looked like we were its first visitors. The park around the castle impressed not only with flowers of all shades, but also with smells and the singing of numerous birds. A heavenly place.

For 6 euros you could wander around the castle itself as much as you wanted on your own and take photographs wherever you wanted - and not a single grandmother would throw herself at your feet shouting “don’t touch.” And the interiors were so rich, I really wanted to touch them. Of course, they touched it - the wooden decoration was sometimes skillfully replaced with painted plastic - the interiors of the castle were restored very painstakingly after the Second World War, an exhibition of the last halls of the palace is dedicated to this work.

From Grafenegg we moved to the Benedictine monastery Gottweig (5 km from Krems - on the other bank of the Danube). It was difficult to remember the names, both starting with “g” and not getting confused - but it’s already working out quite well...

The monastery complex Stift Göttweig was founded in the 11th century. In 1718, a major fire almost completely destroyed the monastery complex. Abbot Johann Bessel began to restore Göttweig with great zeal. A major role in the restoration of the monastery was played by the court architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, who became more famous for the construction of the Vienna Belvedere. The huge newly rebuilt building turned out to be luxurious and monumental. The lush Baroque decoration of the interior of the monastery, ornate candelabra, frescoes by Paul Troger, one of the largest and most beautiful Baroque staircases in Europe - all this has survived to this day and is open to public access. Today, about 40 monks permanently live in the monastery. Cultural events and exhibitions are held here. Visitors can also try the monastery wine. In 2001, the monastery was included in the list World Heritage UNESCO

Inspection of the territory and the main cathedral here was free, but for the museum - the imperial staircase, the internal chambers, created, among other things, for the spiritual privacy of the imperial family - you had to pay 8 euros. It’s not that we spared money - we just decided that the impressions we saw in Graffineg might overlap - and decided to limit ourselves appearance, booklets (by the way, they were also in Russian - not often in Austria) and a visit to the souvenir department, where, in addition to the notorious apricot delicacies, we saw Russian Orthodox icons for sale.

The next point on our program that day was the town Durnstein .

By this time the weather had completely improved and the beauty of the banks of the Danube was finally appreciated. Truly a Romantic Road.

Well, Durnstein left a lot of positive emotions, especially after lunch at a recommended Michelin restaurant.

Dürnstein is a town where the king of England, Richard the Lionheart, was held captive in a medieval castle and where the Augustinian monastery, founded at the beginning of the 15th century, is located, a pearl architectural ensemble which is the Marie-Himmelfalt church - the symbol of the city. This blue church is visible from afar from everywhere (inside, by the way, there are exhibitions...), and the castle generally hangs over the city, no matter where you are, it is above you. There are a lot of souvenir shops here - and in each one - apricot alcoholic delicacies and souvenirs accompanying apricots... But for some reason they all drink white grape wine in local cafes...

We didn’t go to Durnstein Castle, or rather, to its remains - we have our own ruins in Senftenberg no worse!.. By the way, that’s where we ended the day’s program, rich in impressions.

What do Richard the Lionheart, Umberto Eco's novel The Name of the Rose and the film The Time of the Witch have in common? These dramatic stories have a direct connection to the Wachau Valley. In the city of Dürnstein, King Richard was kept under arrest, ancient history Melk Abbey lit the heart of Umberto Eco, and director Dominique Sena filmed the film “The Time of the Witch” in Kreuzenstein Castle. And that's just a tiny part rich history Wachau, which is the most picturesque and popular place in Lower Austria.

History of Wachau

There are places on earth where people live not for centuries, but for millennia. Convenient location, mild climate, good opportunities for farming, security: such advantages have always been valued. The Wachau Valley is one such blessed place. It stretches for three dozen kilometers along the Danube riverbed. The valley is surrounded by the wooded hills of the Dunkelsteinwald. Fertile soil, protection from winds, temperate climate, a large number of sun and abundance fresh water- everything contributed to the development of agriculture, and the forests supplied game.

Romans and barbarians

The first people appeared in the valley long before our era. The age of the Paleolithic finds is estimated at approximately 30 thousand years. The time of the first settlements dates back, according to various sources, from 4500 to 1800 BC. e. At this time, the areas where modern Krems and Melk are located began to be settled.

About 2,000 years ago, Roman border fortifications stood along the southern bank of the Danube, traces of which remain today. The Romans appreciated the fertility of the valley and were the first to grow grapes here.

The Romans were expelled by barbarian tribes, and in the 10th century power passed to Margrave Leopold Babenberg.

In the 9th century, the name of the area Wachau first appeared, and in the 10th century the name Krems was first heard, which gives the right to consider it the most ancient Austrian city.

Wachau: Middle Ages and modern history

After the decline of Roman power, power passed to local barons. The turbulent history of the Middle Ages also affected the life of the valley. From the 10th to the 13th centuries, wooden cities were built here, the barons robbed ships passing along the Danube and were at enmity with each other. According to local legend, in Durnstein the English king Richard the Lionheart was kept under arrest.

The history of Wachau is closely connected with the development of monasteries. Gradually they became the largest landowners in the valley, competing with the local aristocracy. The most famous and influential was the Benedictine monastery, founded in 1089 on a rocky coast near the city of Melk.

After the transformation of Austria into an empire and the strengthening of the Habsburg dynasty, the Wachau Valley experienced many events: the Turkish War, Hussite unrest, church reforms, fires.

After World War II, winemaking and tourism continued to develop here. Many ancient buildings were integrated into the modern landscape, and ancient crafts were revived.

In 2000, the Wachau Valley as cultural landscape was included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. There are about 5,000 monuments from different periods of history in Wachau, which hundreds of thousands of tourists from different countries come to see every year.

The Wachau Valley is located 80 km from Vienna, and is therefore included in most excursion routes, starting in the capital of Austria.

Winemaking Wachau

Geographical position and the climate of Wachau were perfectly suitable for winemaking, which was noticed by the Romans. Sunny days, high temperatures and cool winds allow the cultivation of grapes with excellent characteristics.

The valley's vineyards and local wine are a real attraction of Austria, and from Vienna gourmets travel to Wachau for white wines.

The approximate area of vineyards in the valley is about 1,500 hectares. The best varieties are given north shore Danube, which faces south, but also south coast They make several good varieties of strong wines.

The characteristics of the local slate soil have a positive effect on the taste of the final product, giving it original mineral notes.

Special events are held in Wachau wine tours with a varied program:

excursion to the vineyards;

visiting wineries and production facilities;

excursion to wine cellars;

tastings;

harvest festivals and wine laying.

For industry specialists, conferences, experience exchange seminars, and blind tastings are held in Wachau.

Attractions of Wachau for tourists

You can spend many days sightseeing in the Wachau Valley. The most popular ancient cities and monasteries, as well as castles.

Melk Abbey

Founded in the 10th century, the abbey played a significant role in history. The Melk monastic reform of the 15th century gave rise to the reform of the church. People came to the abbey to learn from experience, and monks from here were appointed abbots to other monasteries. Then the abbey, together with the University of Vienna, became cultural center Austria. In the scriptorium, works on history, culture, scientific disciplines.

The modern appearance of Melk Abbey amazes the imagination with the splendor of its Baroque forms. It is surrounded on both sides by bastions. Those who enter find themselves in the Gateway, and then in the Prelate Court, which rather resembles a small city square. The similarity is enhanced by the fountain in the middle of the courtyard.

Library

The abbey has always been famous for its library, which the monks began to collect from the very foundation of the monastery. Now the book collection numbers 100,000 volumes, 700 incunabula, and rare manuscripts. A wrought-iron spiral staircase leads from the library to the monastery church. The library and some episodes from the history of the abbey inspired Umberto Eco. In his novel The Name of the Rose, one of the main characters is named Adson of Melk, that is, Adson from Melk Abbey. In the description of the labyrinth library one can find similarities with Melk's library. The dramatic denouement of the novel with the fire in the library and scriptorium also reflects a real episode from the history of Melk Abbey, which experienced a severe fire in the 13th century. The fire destroyed the scriptorium and most libraries.

Architecture

In 1683, the walls of the monastery were stormed by the Turkish army for a month. As a result, the invaders left with nothing, but the abbey was badly damaged. Therefore, it was decided to restore it to new splendor and glory. In 1736, the reconstruction was completed, and after it the monastery in Melk was able to compete in beauty and splendor with the best examples in Europe.

The Marble Room and its frescoes with mythological scenes, the luxuriously decorated spiral staircase, the Imperial Passage - favorite places tourists.

The monastery has a park with a magnificent design, which tourists are also allowed to visit.

Tours run from May to October, from 9:00 to 17:30. At this time, the monastery park is also open to the public.

Melk

The city is located on a small hill. Besides the abbey, there are others interesting places:

Town Hall Square with the city hall, which is over 450 years old.

An ancient city street with authentic buildings.

Lebzelterhaus is a city pharmacy in a building built in 1657.

400 year old bakery with original roof.

Krems

It is considered one of the oldest cities in Austria. It has a picturesque location and is surrounded on all sides by vineyards. It is the center of winemaking and trade in the Wachau Valley. What to see in the city?

The pedestrian main street Landstrasse, which leads along the Old Town.

The old town and the parish church, built in the Gothic style.

Church of St. Nicholas with a painted vault and altar.

Steiner Tor is a medieval gate, a symbol of Krems.

Göttweig Abbey, another ancient monastery in the Wachau Valley. Founded in 1083, reconstructed in Baroque style after a fire in 1718.

Contemporary Museum of Caricature.

Durnstein

A fortified city, which was founded in 1019 on a rock in a bend of the Danube. It is famous for its romantic appearance and well-preserved medieval streets, as well as for being the place where Richard the Lionheart was detained. What to see in the city?

Museum of Wine and Winemaking.

Medieval streets and ancient buildings.

View of the Danube.

Preserved fortifications.

Local monastery with a unique blue tower.

Be sure to try the local bread, the recipe for which is still kept secret.

How to get to the Wachau Valley from Vienna

The Wachau Valley is located 80 km from Vienna and can be reached by train. From railway station In Vienna, trains to Melk leave every two hours. Travel time is about 1 hour 20 minutes. If you want to create a route for a pleasant walk for one day, you can purchase combination ticket(combi-ticket) for 49 euros per person. What's included?

The road to Melk and back to Vienna by train.

Visit to Melk Abbey.

Walk along the Danube from Melk to Krems.

Excursions to the Wachau Valley from Vienna

The Wachau Valley can be visited from Vienna on an organized, guided tour.

One-day programs are designed for 8-9 hours of excursion.

Individual trips with a driver and guide to the main attractions cost from 300 to 700 euros.

The number of people in the excursion group is from 1 to 10.

The program usually includes the main attractions: Krems, Melk, Dürnstein, castle complexes.

Book a tour to Wachau from Vienna, join group trips or sign up for individual excursion in Wachau you can contact one of the local travel agencies.

Conclusion: the Wachau Valley as a tourist magnet for Lower Austria

What do you need to remember when planning to visit the Wachau Valley?

The best time to see medieval sights is in spring or summer, when good weather and lush vegetation are a delight to the eye. But with the onset of autumn, the tourist flow decreases, there are fewer people, so no one bothers you to admire the beauty of the valley..

Wachau has a well-developed infrastructure. Lots of pubs, shops, restaurants, souvenir shops.

In many castles, photography and video shooting are prohibited.

If you are going to group excursion, please note that entrance fees for Wachau attractions are generally not included in the price.

Have you been to the Wachau Valley before? Tell us about your impressions in the comments to the article. If you like ancient architecture, then you will probably be interested in material about the most famous castles in Austria. Subscribe to the newsletter about Austria and stay up to date with the latest interesting events, routes and news.

Between the cities of Melk and Krems, for 30 kilometers, the Wachau Valley stretches. This is one of the most famous sections of the Danube: castles, vineyards, mysterious Nibelungs, fierce Huns, Attila - the whole history of Austria!

Numerous pleasure boats ply along the waters of the Danube. Among the narrow shores sandwiched by rocky hills there are many historical attractions, so the Wachau Valley can be considered one of the most interesting cruise destinations river routes in Europe. In 2000 it was included in list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Melk

The gateway to the Wachau Valley is the city of Melk, which lies 80 km west of Vienna. This town is without a doubt a baroque masterpiece of Austria.

You can get to it from Vienna, although it is easier and faster to come to Melk by train, and from here begin your journey through the valley.

A must-see in Melk is the majestic Benedictine monastery. This is one of ancient monasteries in Austria. The current huge building was built in the 18th century.

Melk is adorable!

And I don’t want to leave here at all

But another attractive town of the Wachau Valley awaits us - for this you can leave Melk and move on.

The town is located on the left bank of the Danube, 4 kilometers west of Krems, and is listed as a world heritage site. UNESCO.

In 1192, returning from the 3rd Crusade to his native land, the English king Richard the Lionheart was captured by the enemy Duke Leopold V and imprisoned in the castle. There he spent more than a year, courageously enduring all the hardships of imprisonment. In 1194, the king was finally ransomed by his people for a fortune - 150,000 marks in silver. And the enterprising duke used the “proceeds” to build fortresses in Enns, Hainburg and Wiener Neustadt.

Whether this is true or a legend is not known for certain, so believe it or not. But - a fortress town on the banks of the Danube with ancient winding streets, gained fame precisely thanks to this story.

And although today only ruins remain of the famous fortress, it is one of the most popular attractions in the Wachau Valley.

There are many walking paths through very beautiful rocky surroundings, shops, restaurants and hotels, so it is quite possible to stay overnight in Dürstein.

The population of Dürnstein is only about 1000 inhabitants. There are many more tourists from arriving ships here than the residents themselves.

From the river side it opens up very beautiful view to the city. The blue and white clock tower is striking. This is the Marie-Himmelfart church, built in 1725, which has become a symbol of the city. One of the legends says that this churchspecially builtto attract merchants passing along the Danube.

The city stands on the very slope, and inThe hikes to the Wachau Valley are simply amazing!

Below, along the river, there is a pedestrian embankment, and here are the berths for cruise ships.

As in the entire Wachau Valley, the slopes of Dürnstein are planted with vineyards. The unique climate of the valley allows the grapes to ripen well and gain sugar. Grapes are everywhere here.

And if there are grapes, then there is wine. The city is full of shops selling the best Austrian wines.

And not only

The Danube here has a very strong current and, unusually after our cruise rivers, clean and clear water.

Paved streets, small shops, small hotels, absence of cars, homeless people, dirt.... Quiet and surprisingly calm.

Those same tiled roofs of Europe that immediately highlight the landscape of any European town with their red clay color.

Walking here is a pleasure!

"We walked for a long time, took few photographs. We stocked up on all sorts of useful things - souvenirs, schnapps, Austrian chocolate and, satisfied, returned to the ship. A little sad, but so many new impressions and new places seen, does not leave time to be sad. I really, really want to come back here, and I will definitely come back to definitely see what I couldn’t see this time... This is the most intense and interesting trip over the past few years!" - tourists who recently visited the Wachau Valley share their impressions.

We invite you to come back here with us to admire other beauties and enjoy the best

Located between Melk and Krems (two oldest cities Austria) the valley is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque corners of Europe. It is famous not only for its sprawling apricot orchards, exceptionally beautiful during their spring blossoms, and for its vineyards laid out on sunny rocky terraces (wine has been produced here for more than...

Show full description

West of Vienna, upstream the Danube, lies the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was here that the history of Austria, then a small border region of the Holy Roman Empire, began more than a thousand years ago.

Located between Melk and Krems (the two oldest cities in Austria), the valley is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque corners of Europe. It is famous not only for its sprawling apricot orchards, exceptionally beautiful during their spring blossoms, and for its vineyards laid out on sunny rocky terraces (wine has been produced here for more than two thousand years!). Almost every bend of the river, flowing among hills overgrown with forests and covered with vineyards, reveals numerous historical and cultural monuments - be they Catholic monasteries or built on the tops of inaccessible hills medieval castles robber knights. In one of these castles, in the town of Durnstein, which you will visit during this excursion, at the end of the 12th century, King of England Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, captured by the Austrian Duke Leopold Babenberg.

You will be able to completely freely stroll through the narrow, winding streets of this historic place, go into one of its cozy shops, treat yourself to the famous apricot liqueur, taste the excellent wines produced in the valley, or buy amazing Durnstein jam.

But that’s not all... Perched above the very bank of the river is the Augustinian monastery with its graceful, heavenly-colored Church of the Ascension of Mary, which, like an ark, seems to float on the Danube waves.

The highlight of the excursion to the Wachau Valley will be a visit to the Benedictine monastery in Melk - one of oldest monasteries Europe. Its current appearance took shape in the high baroque era, at the beginning of the 18th century. The majestic building, more like a palace than a monastery, stands on a high cliff above the river and makes an extremely strong impression. Here is one of the most beautiful and almost certainly one of the most luxurious churches in Europe - the Church of Peter and Paul, as well as a unique, rich monastery library.

I devoted one day of my stay in Austria at the end of the summer of 2008 to a purely relaxation tour to Wachau - the Danube Valley region. This is a 30-kilometer tourist and wine-growing valley between the towns of Krems and Melk. The name consists of two parts: Wach - a stream flowing in this area (this word is of Moravian origin, and in old times the region was called Wachovia); German Au - a settlement in the floodplain of streams and rivers. A bus took the tourist group to the intermediate pier (in Krems) (I don’t remember exactly the travel time - in my opinion, an hour and a half; as far as I know, a river cruise from Vienna to Melk takes about 8 hours). The charming Austrian guide immediately put on a musical composition on the player that corresponded to the theme of the excursion - of course, it was the waltz “On the Beautiful Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss.

A travel map on which I have marked the starting and ending points - Vienna and Melk, respectively; as well as the Danube bed between them:

Our voyage began from the town of Krems (the road to which we traveled from Vienna by bus) up the Danube, and I noted that the speed of its flow is quite high, and the waters are very cloudy, yellowish in color (not blue at all) - but this is not industrial pollution, but a consequence of the fact that the river bottom is very muddy (there was once an ancient sea here). River cruise lasted approximately an hour and a half; it was a time of the most tranquil mental rest imaginable. The surrounding scenery was superb: mostly coniferous forested mountains with rocky peaks.

In some places they are located harmoniously inscribed in natural landscape vineyards. The development of winemaking is facilitated by a mild climate with fairly frequent sunny days. The sun-facing hillsides and mountains of the Dunkelsteinwald receive sufficient heat to grow excellent grape varieties. In addition to vineyards, there are large plantations of such southern fruit as apricot.

Here and there there are ancient churches and castles, among which the most famous are the ruins of Kunringerburg Castle near the town of Durnstein - according to legend, it served as the place of imprisonment of the English King Richard the Lionheart (the reliability of this legend is highly doubtful).

By the way, the Künrings are the surname of a local aristocratic family that owned part of the Wachau between the castles of Aggstein and Dürnstein. The Künring castles were located on the tops of inaccessible mountains along the banks of the Danube. At the same time, ships sailing along the Danube were attacked by the Künrings. Subsequently, the Künrings were defeated, and their fortresses were turned into ruins,

In Dürnstein itself there is the picturesque Marie-Himmelfart church - one of the pearls of the Austrian Baroque and a symbol of the city. Construction of the church was completed in 1725.

On the way you often come across small villages with ancient and more modest churches, dachas, and boarding houses:

Interestingly, the architectural style of some of the churches here is very similar to Byzantine (which indicates their antiquity). This is a particularly spectacular sight:

What was striking was the fact that one after another (with an interval of 10–15 minutes) the so-called boatels (boat hotels, apparently) from Germany and Switzerland were coming towards us. And other tourist boats. Example of a complex engineering design- viaduct near final stop, Melk city:

Melk

Melk was first mentioned in the chronicle of 831. A short tour of the city took place, mainly focused on visiting the main attraction of Melk - the active Benedictine monastery (in German the word "monastery" strangely corresponds to the word Stift).

The majestic building of the monastery from different angles:

At the first glance at the furnishings of the monastery and its surroundings, it becomes clear that the local Benedictines are by no means advocates of an ascetic lifestyle:

Currently, in addition to fulfilling its direct ecclesiastical purpose, it serves as a museum and the headquarters of a Catholic charitable organization, as well as a storage facility huge number very impressive old books. The museum presents detailed description all kinds of church relics, vestments, etc. (I especially remember the clothes of the bishops, the trim and weight comparable to top-class armor). As usual, the interiors are very beautiful.