World Heritage Trail Wachau
The World Heritage Trail leads around the entire Wachau, from Melk to Krems, through vineyards and apricot orchards, between cheerful wine taverns and peaceful deciduous forests, along the blue Danube. An incredible, varied and beautiful hiking trail of around 160 kilometres with all the sights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Krems – Dürnstein
The starting stage of the World Heritage Trail. Across autumnal vineyards, through the medieval old towns of Krems and Stein to Dürnstein. A wonderful start.
Dürnstein – Weißenkirchen
The second stage of the Wachau World Heritage Trail takes me to the Dürnstein ruin and I enjoy the view of the Danube valley from the Dürnsteiner Kanzel.
Weißenkirchen – Spitz
Wow. A breathtaking hike on the third section of the World Heritage Trail. Autumnal forests and vineyards and magnificent panoramic views over the Danube valley.
Spitz – Mühldorf
I enjoy the fantastic panorama of the Spitzer Graben across emerald-green vineyards and look for the green lizard. Stage four of the World Heritage Trail.
Mühldorf – Maria Laach
This time I climb the Jauerling. Phew, a strenuous but rewarding fifth stage of the World Heritage Trail, which offers cooling and plenty of panoramic views.
Maria Laach – Aggsbach Markt
The sixth stage of the Welterbsteig offers an easy descent to the Danube between Christmas tree plantations and lots of forest.
Aggsbach Markt – Emmersdorf
The seventh stage of the World Heritage Trail leads me over hills and forests from Aggsbach Markt to Emmersdorf. Including a view of Melk Abbey.
Emmersdorf – Melk
Hiking on the flat, eighth stage of the World Heritage Trail in the Wachau to Melk Abbey through the Danube wetlands and crossing the Danube at Melk hydroelectric power station.
Melk – Aggsbach Dorf
A marvellous ninth stage of the World Heritage Trail in the Dunkelsteinerwald. Several highlights included: Melk Abbey, Schönbühel Castle, Melk old town.
Aggsbach Dorf – Hofarnsdorf
Late autumn hike to the Christmas market at the Aggstein ruin, the Maria Langegg church and the Hoher Stein. One of the most beautiful tours in the Wachau.
Hofarnsdorf - Rossatz
A Roman path takes me into the autumnal Kupfertal and further to the Dunkelsteinerwald with a stop at the Seekopf viewing tower. Downhill through the Steinige Ries.
Mautern – Krems
A walk through the town. The short, 14th and final stage of the Wachau World Heritage Trail through the medieval towns of Krems, Stein and Mautern.