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CK to Vienna via Wachau Valley

Posted by (Columbus, Ohio, United States) on

We plan on getting a private transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Vienna during our trip in late May. We would like to visit the Wachau Valley on the way, including stops in Melk and Durnstein. For the journey between these two towns is the scenery better from a car or boat? It seems like most photos I see of sites along the way (Schonbuehl, Aggstein, etc.) are taken from the river. On the other hand, driving allows us to stop whenever we see something of interest. My husband is a photographer, so that is our main goal.

We also plan on stopping at Kreuzenstein Castle on the way to Vienna. Any other must-stops from CK to Vienna? I’m sure there are tons, so I guess the better question is any sites that would make for a quick stop!

CK Shuttle and Sebastian Tours have confirmed that they can do this private transfer for us with the stops outlined above. Any preference on either company - or another suggestion all together? We realize public transportation would be cheaper, but we will have luggage and prefer the convenience of having a private driver :)

Posted by
388 posts

Hi Jennifer,

I wish I had good advice for you! I was there about 5 years ago for a wedding at Schloss Spitz. There are many vineyards that I remember, so I would think a car to be better for different perspectives.

Have a great time!

Posted by
2280 posts

The pure driving time for Cesky Krumlov - Melk - Dürnstein - Burg Kreuzenstein - Vienna will be about 4:30 hours. You must calculate the time needed for stops, lunch, visiting sights, etc. without having to rush. I guess it will be best to leave at 7am, so you will arrive in Melk at 9am when the Abbey opens for visitors.

Posted by
5696 posts

We used CK Shuttle precovid and were very happy with them- friendly, prompt, professional, with great English- speaking drivers. We haven't used the other company you named.
Have a great trip!

Posted by
507 posts

We just got a shuttle from CK to Linz which was not too long or expensive considering that it was private. Then we were free to do our own travel by train to Melk, where we stayed 2 nights. We saw the Melk Abbey on our arrival day, spent the next day biking to Krems and taking the boat back. On a bike, you can for sure stop for every desired photo - Aggstein ruins are very cool and the views from up there are great. Then we headed to Vienna by train. The best part of staying 2 nights was that free day where our luggage was stored in the room so we had a nice day to enjoy the valley without luggage.

Posted by
5513 posts

That is a lot to do in one day, in my opinion. I've been to all of these places. In Melk, you must visit the Abbey. In Duernstein, your best views are from the destroyed fortress above the town, which requires a hike. Aggestein is best seen from the ruin itself, which requires a car. The best views are by foot, bike or car, not by boat. I am also a photographer (3point14maker on Instagram, if you want to see and there are Wachau and Kreuzenstein photos).

Kreuzenstein takes at least 2 hours if you want to do the tour (you cannot enter unless you are on a tour).

I would suggest that you just get yourself to Vienna and then visit Kreuzenstein by train (only about 20 minute ride out of Vienna) and then visit the Wachau only on your way from CK. But to be honest, the joy of the Wachau is to linger, drink wine, ride bikes, small hikes. It would drive me nuts (no pun intended) to have a driver sitting there waiting for me while I take my photos. I think you just visit the Wachau as a day trip from Vienna.

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