We are planning a 32 night Italy, Germany, Austria, Hungary slow travel train trip. Our first trip to Europe and for our 50th Anniversary spring 2027 so very excited. We would love your input on things we should not miss in and around Durnstein where we will be staying. Now planning Melk Abbey, Danube boat ride Krems to Melk - any reason to go on the Spitz as a starting point? Favorite restaurants, wine tours other points of interest? Best way to travel from Vienna to Durnstein? We were considering train to Krems then the bus or taxi to Durnstein. Thank you!
Posted by
2893 posts
We were considering train to Krems then the bus or taxi to Durnstein.
There are hourly trains from Vienna to Krems.
For continuing your trip to Dürnstein there are several options:
Taxi
Bus: https://webapi.vor.at/api/pdf/ttb?query=&line[]=vor:92715:%20:H:j26:2:0
Train: https://www.wachaubahn.at/en
Boat: https://ddsg-blue-danube.at/cruises-wachau/?lang=en
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
6226 posts
Duernstein is lovely, but it is very touristy now. It is a small village, so this can be overwhelming when there are cruisers. That said, there are quiet corners, which you will want to find. Even better, there are nearby villages with no tourists that you will want to find.
Our favorite villages are Weissenkirchen and Spitz. Our favorite place to eat in the whole world is in Weissenkirchen. The village is full of wine, cute houses and quiet corners. There is a lovely church, which you should definitely explore.
Spitz sits a bit back from the river, but the small square is lovely. There are also much wine here. Definitely walk up the Tausendeimerberg and get some wine from the honesty shop.
To get around the Wachau, my favorite way is by bike. The stretch from Spitz to Krems is epic. You will pass so many smaller villages, wineries and chapel (like Wehrkirche St. Michael). If you are coming in April, then you will be lucky to see what this area is most famous for - the apricot blossoms. It is amazing to ride your bike by the orchards. Of course there is also a bus, the Wachaubahn. Please don't take a taxi.
In Duernstein, you must climb up to the castle ruins.
I will send you the names of the places we love to eat.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for your wonderful response. We will be there the first week of June 2027. We had heard that it can get quite busy during the day so thank you for the ideas on quieter areas to enjoy. We traveled in the US for five years in our RV and really enjoy finding areas that provide a more local vibe. We are looking forward to exploring this beautiful area.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1684 posts
The Marillenmeile (Apricot Mile) across the river by Rossatzbach. The trees will be blooming in April. Café/Konditorei Elisabeth in Weißenkirchen. What I found interesting was where the Danube flowed north and the wine there, Weingut Pomaßl. The ferry at Weißenkirchen too. Weingut + Heuriger Hermenegild Mang, try the Saumaise.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Appreciate the wonderful suggestions! Adding to my notes. We can’t wait to visit this beautiful area. Happy travels to you!
Posted by
2893 posts
Should you like to eat fish, there is no better place than this one: https://www.heinzle.at/
Posted by
OP
5 posts
The menu looks fantastic. On our list!