Hi,
I am going to Vienna (4 nights) and Salzburg (3 nights) in October with my mom in 60s and friend and was wondering if you can share your experience in the river cruise (https://ddsg-blue-danube.at/cruises-wachau/?lang=en) vs. train (https://www.wachaubahn.at/en) between Krems and Melk and which one you would recommend.
I welcome any suggestion on any interesting places or itineraries besides Melk Abbey.
Thank you!
Are you all in good shape?
I’ve done it all, trains, boat, bike, bus.
Train is not scenic, it’s just a train from point a to point b. Same with the bus. The boat is fine but you can’t enjoy the villages from a boat, which defeats the purpose. I heavily prefer the bike. If you can bike, then I recommend Melk to Weissenkirchen by bus, then bike from Weissenkirchen to Krems for the train back.
If a bike is not feasible, then do Melk, boat to Duernstein, have lunch and then bus to the Krems train station to get back to Vienna.
Highlights for me in the Wachau are the walk to the top of Tausendeimerberg in Spitz, climb to the fortress ruins in Duernstein, eating Marillenknoedel anywhere, visiting a winery, eating lunch at my Heaven on Earth in Weissenkirchen, and the bike ride from Weissenkirchen to Krems.
Train is not scenic, it’s just a train from point a to point b. Same with the bus.
I disagree with this assessment. Both train and bus run right along the river Danube, so you can see the very same landscape as being on a boat. The day ticket for the train allows you getting off anywhere you want and to resume your journey later multiple times.
Thanks for the replies to everyone!
Emily- if you meant whether we can bike by “in a good shape”, I mentioned one of the travelers in 60s and specifically asked about train vs cruise. Thanks for the suggestions on the itinerary though.
wmt1- good to know about the scenic view in the train.
I will discuss the options with my friend and mom!
Myec - You are very welcome. My parents (in their 70s) biked this stretch (as did my 10 year old) many times. I am creeping up on 60 myself. As an expert on this area, I am just trying to offer options that maybe a day tripper didn't consider.
As for the scenic nature of the boat vs. train, you can't compare. The boat is much more scenic. Both only run a few times per day, so plan your trip accordingly. The bus, however, runs more regularly if you get stuck.
For the area, I believe that the beauty is found in the villages, in the heurigen, vineyards, castle ruins and apricot orchards - not from a moving vehicle. Be sure to make time to stop somewhere and enjoy.
