Choosing Between Melk, Krems and Graz

Well, since Melk and Krems are both on the Danube and less than an hour apart, they would be the obvious 2. You would have plenty of time to visit Melk Abbey and then explore the small town of Krems. Ferry boats ply the river between the towns and give you the opportunity to see other sights in the Wachau Valley. A good base with several very good hotels is the historic town of Durnstein, located just upstream from Krems.

These 3 cities don't share much beyond the fact they are in Eastern Austria. Melk is close to Krems, but in Melk the huge abbey is the attraction and not much else. Krems has a lovely church, but the locals will direct you across the river to Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned in the towering castle (now a romantic ruin). That's the side where the wineries are lined up for your imbibing.

Graz is the capital of Styria/Steiermark; it's Austria's second largest city and used to be thought of as staid and provincial. No longer! I found it to be a fascinating lively downtown with lots of outdoor restaurants (in summer anyway). Nearby is another famous wine region, the Steirische Weinstraße leading to the Slovenian border.

I must wonder: why these three towns (maybe it's because their names are short and pronounceable?)

Why these 3 towns? We will be spending time in Salzburg, Hallsatt, and on to Vienna. So Melk and Krems are on the way using the river cruise in part, and, I am told that Graz has a fine sense of history, is a good walking town, etc. Krems and Graz has the wine areas although in early October I am not sure what there will be to see. The Melk Abbey is a must.
thanks

Keith

I think early October is a great time to be there. Since the harvest is fairly recent, you will still be able to get new wine. It's fermented but tastes like fresh squeezed grape juice. It's a refreshing treat that isn't exported and only available around harvest. The weather should be decent but the crowds and prices will be smaller. It will be a chance to see a more realistic (less touristy) view of Austrian life and culture.