The Best of the Wachau World Heritage Trail
73.5 kilometres and 2,526 vertical metres in 5 days
Only the best is good enough for us! On the “Best of World Heritage Trail Wachau”, hikers experience the long-distance hiking trail from its most beautiful side: historic old towns, idyllic wine terraces on both sides of the Danube, regional delicacies and, of course, a unique river landscape to behold. From Krems, the World Heritage Trail leads hikers to Melk, where they cross the Danube in Spitz using a roller ferry. On the last day, the boat takes you back to Krems, with a load of new impressions as keepsakes.
The hosts provide a snack along the way and the transport of luggage to the next accommodation.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Individual journey to Krems, overnight stay incl. breakfast in Krems
Day 2: Stage Krems – Dürnstein (World Heritage Trail, Stage 1)
Trail length 12.5 km – hiking time 4h 30min
From the Medieval town centre of Krems and accompanied by magnificent views of the Danube, this popular stage leads visitors through the Wachau vineyards and a forest, to picturesque Dürnstein without any major climbs.
Overnight stay incl. breakfast in Dürnstein
Day 3: Stage Dürnstein – Weißenkirchen (World Heritage Trail, Stage 2)
Trail length 16.7 km – hiking time 6h
Inspired by fantastic views and with plenty of history to boot, the hike leads from Dürnstein along a panoramic high trail through vineyards to the winegrowing village of Weißenkirchen.
Overnight stay incl. breakfast in Weißenkirchen.
Day 4: Stage Weißenkirchen – Spitz (World Heritage Trail, Stage 3)
traillength 10.5 km – hiking time 3h 30min
This trail leads through the heart of the Wachau vineyards with its typical stone terraces and famous vineyards high above the Danube, from Weißenkirchen to Spitz. A wine tasting experience awaits the weary hikers there.
Overnight stay incl. breakfast in Spitz.
Day 5: Stage Spitz – Aggstein/Aggsbach-Dorf (World Heritage Trail, Stage 10)
Trail length 16.5 km – hiking time 5h 30min
The imposing ruins of Aggstein Castle, the baroque pilgrimage church of Maria Langegg and the Dunkelsteinerwald forest are the highlights of the stage from Hofarnsdorf to Aggstein. (Follow the signs to the accommodation on the way to Aggstein!)
Overnight stay incl. breakfast in Aggstein.
Day 6: Stage Aggstein/Aggsbach-Dorf – Melk (World Heritage Trail, Stage 9)
Trail length 17 km – hikingtime 6h
Wonderful views of the Danube and the Jauerling, Schönbühel with its magnificent castle and the town of Melk with its baroque abbey set the scene for the stage from Aggstein to Melk.
Overnight stay incl. breakfast in Melk
Day 7: Boat trip and journey home
Following a leisurely stroll through the old town or a visit to Melk Abbey, you then can take the boat back to Krems. Only then do you realise how far you have travelled in the last few days, while enjoying the view of the Wachau from the water.
Travelling by public transport, experiencing nature:
The Wachau region is easily accessible by bus and train. Tickets, prices and suitable connections can be found at: Mobil in der Wachau
Included services
- 6 x overnight stays incl. breakfast in selected accommodation
- 5 x hiking snacks; the hosts provide snacks along the way (vegetarian or vegan on request)
- 6 x luggage transport between accommodation (1 piece of luggage per person)
- 1 x wine tasting
- 1 x Boat trip from Melk to Krems (one way trip)
- 1 x hiking guide set (incl. hiking map, hiking guide, luggage tag)
Price information
Not included, and payable on site:
- Accommodation tax (from the age of 15)
- Ferry: Spitz – Arnsdorf
- Parking fees in Krems for your car
Prices are without taxation. Read more: www.niederoesterreich.at/taxen
Offer availability
- Bookable from 03/23/2026 to 10/25/2026 (price for single room on requestrice on request)
Organizer
Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH, A-3620 Spitz an der Donau, Schlossgasse 3, GISA number: 13091941. Terms and conditions of business of Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH apply, available on www.donau.com/impressum.