My wife and I have one week alone after three weeks in Switzerland and Austria with friends. We will start the week from Vienna and fly out of Vienna. We were looking for a relaxing week along the Danube. We like to hike and be active outside. Our time will be September 30 to October 6 before leaving for home October 7. Would Melk or Spitz be a good place to use as a home base for the week? Would you recommend another option for the first week in October?
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5381 posts
I love the Wachau region, but I think even a week there would make me a bit stir crazy. Your week would involve drinking wine, biking and sitting around. Not much hiking that I can think of, more leisurely walks. Spitz is a tiny village and Melk is a slightly larger town famous for the Abbey. Both are connected to other towns by bus and boat.
Posted by
OP
32 posts
Thank you Emily. That is very helpful. Yes, we want to relax, but maybe with a more active daily routine than Melk and Spitz provide. We have explored Slovakia, but not found what to do there for a week in October, either. I think we will divide up our time between Bratislava, the Wachau Valley, and Vienna for the week. Again, thanks for your insights.
Posted by
1902 posts
If you want to stay for a whole week in the Wachau area I recommend looking into the the sights you are interested in, making a plan what to see in which order, especially when biking.
There are the abbeys of Melk and Göttweig, the cathedral of Maria Taferl, the Art Mile in Krems; the remains of the fortresses in Dürnstein and Aggstein, both on the top of a rocky hill, providing a wonderful view; the medieval town centers of Stein and Dürnstein; beautiful little villages like Weißenkirchen; wine museum and experience in the Loisium; a Danube ferry without an engine; and finally, a plethora of places where you can drink wine, get excellent food, and the famous local Apricot brandy.
Not to forget, pray for good weather.
Posted by
OP
32 posts
Thanks, very helpful, indeed.