My wife and I will be visiting Vienna in June and we would like to take a day trip to the Wachau Valley. The Rick Steves day trip itinerary recommends taking the train to Melk, the boat to Krems and then the train back to Vienna. However, I read some posts on touring this area recommending seeing the villages of Spitz, Weissenkirchen and Duernstein, which you wouldn't see by following the Rick Steves day trip itinerary. One possible modification of this itinerary is to get off the boat in Durnstein to spend some time there, then take the bus to Krems. However, I am also considering renting a car to see the Wachau Valley so we could see whatever we wanted. I would appreciate feedback from people that have done a day trip to the Wachau Valley, especially if you have done so by car.
Posted by
Charm City USA
183 posts
Is cycling an option for you? The Donauradweg is wonderful--cycling village to village with only a few small/short hills. The radweg is separated from traffic and many parts are actually on a completely different route. There are some electric bike rental outfits in Melk (I think) to make it even easier. You can rent regular bikes in Vienna (try Pedal Power for decent daily rates and equipment) and take them up on the train.
By car, yes it's fine, but parking can be quite difficult (esp summer weekends) as the pay lot in Duerenstein completely fills up, plus there can be precious few places in many of small villages.
I have made a day trip: train to Melk, cycle to Krems, train back to Vienna. With a bike you can stop where you wish.
(Also, if you are looking for a very special meal, the Landhaus Bacher just across the river from Krems is extraordinary.)
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19094 posts
Remember, if you are doing the tour with a car, and want to include a boat leg, you'll have to do the boat as a round trip, coming back over the same route you just saw, or take public transportation, back to the car, whereas, without a car, you can just continue onward.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5389 posts
I do this trip a lot, especially in Spring. I'd suggest taking the train to Melk, boat to Weissenkirchen where you can have lunch. We like Weingut Hermenegild Mang, which is right along the river. Bicycle to Duernstein (or take the WL1 bus), climb up to the castle ruins and have dessert (apricot dumpling) on the terrace of the Richard Lionheart Hotel. Take the WL1 bus to the Krems train station where you catch the train back to Vienna. In June the days will be longer, so you'll have plenty of daylight.
Rick's plan doesn't really work well as the boat dock in Krems in quite far from the train station. It is a long walk on a busy street or a bus ride. That's why it is better to get on the WL1 bus in Duernstein which takes you straight to the Krems train station.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Your suggested plan sounds good, but I have a few questions.
- Do all the boats stop at Weissenkirchen?
- Since you suggest biking from Weissenkirchen to Duernstein, I assume they have one-way bike rentals. Is this correct? If so, where would we rent the bikes in Weissenkirchen?
- Rick Steves recommends buying the Wachau Kombiticket for the day trip to the Wachau Valley. If we follow your suggested plan by getting off the boat in Weissenkirchen, would it still be advisable to buy the Wachau Kombiticket or should we buy tickets separately for the trains, boat and Melk Abbey?
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5389 posts
- Do all the boats stop at Weissenkirchen? The Brander ships do; DDSG does not.
2.Since you suggest biking from Weissenkirchen to Duernstein, I assume they have one-way bike rentals. Is this correct? If so, where would we rent the bikes in Weissenkirchen? Nextbike has a place at the Weissenkirchen train station.
- Rick Steves recommends buying the Wachau Kombiticket for the day trip to the Wachau Valley. If we follow your suggested plan by getting off the boat in Weissenkirchen, would it still be advisable to buy the Wachau Kombiticket or should we buy tickets separately for the trains, boat and Melk Abbey? I'm not sure, you'd have to price it out, but I am pretty sure there won't be much difference in price.