Does anyone have any info about travelling from Melk Abbey to Krems without use of bikes or boat? We will be there early December, and I wasn't sure if bikes/boat were feasible? I would like to see Melk Abbey and explore some wineries in Wachau Valley, so if anyone has a suggested itinerary or ideas on this day trip, that would be helpful. Would prefer to do it on our own instead of a guided tour bus. We will be staying in Vienna. Thanks!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Trains from Melk to Krems an der Donau take one hour with a connection at St.Pölten Hbf. They don't run alongside the river on this route. There are also buses along the river - Wachau Lines 1 & 2 - described in Rick's book and schedules at https://anachb.vor.at/bin/query.exe/en?L=vs_voranachb&.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7025 posts
Train, bus, or combo - maybe with a stop in Durnstein, with the castle ruins above the lovely town.
Posted by
1896 posts
There are two bus lines between Melk and Krems: WL1 and WL2.
WL1 runs along the left bank of the Danube river, WL2 along the right one.
I suggest to choose WL1 because it passes Dürnstein, one of the most picturesque (medieval) towns in the Wachau valley. If weather permits you could walk up to the ruins of the old fortress. From there you have a wonderful view over the Wachau and the Danube river, given that there is clear weather. Even in December there is a slight chance for sunshine. :-)
Here you have the full information about Wachau and the travel options including time tables (all in German and English):
https://www.vor.at/fileadmin/CONTENT/Downloads/Folder/Fahrplanfolder/Mobil_in_der_Wachau_01.pdf
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5372 posts
Just rent a car for the day. The Wachau will be a ghost town, however, so check winery opening days/times. The drive is easy and you’ll be more efficient with a car.