There are a few older posts about this but I haven't really found an answer. We are thinking of renting a car to see the Wachau (Krems, Melk...). We have a travel credit that would make a car rental divided by four cheaper than trains/boats/bikes. Has anyone here done this? We are thinking it would have the added bonus of more flexibility but if the train is more scenic and has distinct advantages we would do that instead. Would have to see where we would pick up a car in Vienna. Thanks!
Posted by
1919 posts
No problem driving from Vienna to the Wachau valley. There is a road along either side of the river Danube. I prefer the one on the left (north) side of the river.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1297 posts
You should plan your parking dependent on your stops. I would do this ahead, then plug them into the/a NAVI. You don't want to be driving thru Dürnstein in the middle of the day.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5400 posts
You actually drive under Duernstein not through it.
Sure, drive to Krems or Melk and ditch the car. Hop on a bike at that point. The Wachau is not nearly as fun through a windshield. If you do have a car the one stop I would make is Burg Aggstein.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1297 posts
I witnessed a German tourist driving through Dürnstein in a big BMW it the middle of the day. Tourists everywhere. Of course, you can drive around. Anyway, parking places are limited and, in some cases, require a fee. My tip for driving is plan your parking. You could overnight. Great place for E-bikes. A stop at Café/Konditorei Elisabeth in Weißenkirchen I think is warranted.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5400 posts
But seriously, the road literally goes under Duernstein, not around it. The street through Duernstein is for pedestrians. The big BMW you saw was driving on a pedestrianized street - not cool. All of this simply underscores the fact that you don’t need a car in the village.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1297 posts
If you use a Navigation device, car or other directions can vary. Tourists looking for their hotel, Fewo etc. can find themselves in an awkward situation. Take the time to plan your route and parking. Don't trust the Navi for everything.
Posted by
1919 posts
If you use a Navigation device, car or other directions can vary. Tourists looking for their hotel, Fewo etc. can find themselves in an awkward situation.
People have forgotten to use their common sense, not to talk about enlarging one's ego by having a big/fast/expensive car.