Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Discover the magical beauty of the Wachau region as you trace the gentle curves of the River Danube. This world heritage landscape paints a picturesque scene, where vineyards flourish on steep hillsides. Enjoy glorious views of one of Austria's oldest cultural landscapes where small hamlets dot the landscape
Explore the majestic Melk Abbey, a UNESCO-listed Baroque gem. Wander through Krems' historic streets and hear the tale of Richard the Lionheart, who was famously captured in the ruins of Durnstein castle after his return from the Crusades. Amidst quaint wine taverns, this legend comes alive, creating an enchanting atmosphere in the village. Richard the Lionheart's defiant act of tearing down the Austrian flag sparked a historic feud with Leopold V, Duke of Austria, adding depth to this remarkable story.
Indulge in the region's culinary delights, from renowned wines to delectable apricot dishes. Wachau is a haven for food enthusiasts, with locals skillfully crafting apricot marmalades, schnapps, and chutneys from the region's bounty. Don't miss the Marillenknoedel, apricot dumplings wrapped in a special dough, a culinary delight that captures the essence of Wachau's flavours.
Your adventure culminates with a relaxing river cruise back to Krems, allowing you to savour the memories of your Danube journey. Along the way, you'll stay in carefully selected 3 and 4-star hotels, some nestled amid sun-kissed vineyards, boasting their own wine cellars, and inviting spas. This walking holiday is tailor-made for those who cherish exquisite food, fine wines, the wonders of nature, rich art and history, and the serenity of lake and river routes. Experience the simple pleasures of life in the heart of this enchanting region.
On this holiday, you'll walk through a variety of terrains, including vineyard paths, riverside trails, and forested routes. The walks are generally moderate, with some ascents and descents, making them suitable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
If you arrive early, you will have an opportunity to explore this wonderful town with its old medieval centre.
Begin your walk from the centre of Krems, making your way through vineyards and forest roads to an observation tower with views over the city of Krems and the Danube. Continue over the hilltops to Fesslhutte and the ruins of Durnstein as you follow this scenic trail to the banks of the blue Danube.
Visit Domane Wachau winery in the afternoon for wine tasting (one wine tasting is included, either in Durnstein or in Spitz).
Take the ferry to the other side of the Danube to Rossatz (paid locally) where you walk through vineyards. Alternatively, you can follow the route through the largest apricot growing area of Austria before ascending to the Seekopf observation tower. There you will have a wonderful view of the Danube valley before walking down a zig-zag trail to St Lorenz. Cross the Danube again to the town of Weissenkirchen (paid locally).
Enjoy a rest day in Weissenkirchen, the biggest wine growing area in the Wachau and surrounded by vineyards. If you'd like a short walk, there's a trail leading through the local vineyards with the opportunity to sample the produce back in the town. There are also museums to visit in the wonderful historic old town.
Today is a gentle start through the vineyards from Weissenkirchen to Joching. There you head through the upper vineyards to the forest and to an observation tower with views towards Gschwendt in the northwest and of the Danube. There is a gentle descent before a final small climb to the 'Red Gate', one of the old seven defence gates of Spitz. It gets its name because of the blood shed when the Swedes took it in the Thirty Years War; here you have a beautiful view of Spitz below.
Enjoy wine tasting at Klosterhof in Spitz after completing your walk (one wine tasting is included, either in Spitz or in Durnstein).
Begin by taking the ferry across the Danube to Arnsdorf (paid locally). A longer walk today, with some quite steep climbs through woodland, culminating in a visit to the pilgrim church of Maria Langegg located in a small village in the hills. The church is a hidden beauty, off the beaten track, built originally about 1600. It is on Austria's pilgrim Route of St James so you could follow it all the way to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, but we only go as far as Aggstein, a ruined castle, and then onward to Aggsbach Dorf, where there is a former Carthusian monastery. From Aggsbach Dorf you take the bus to Melk (paid locally).
In the morning, we highly recommend a visit the imposing Melk Abbey, which dominates the city. As well as visiting the abbey, there are extensive gardens to stroll around; the city of Melk is also worth a visit. In the afternoon you take a river cruise (included) back down the Danube past the towns where you have stayed during your walking week - Spitz, Weissenkirchen and Durnstein, before finishing at Krems for your final night.
Leave Krems.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £189.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Vienna airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
For those seeking a gentle walking holiday in an enchanting corner of Austria, the Wachau Valley is an ideal destination. This picturesque region, known for its charming vineyards, historic towns, and the tranquil Danube, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, perfectly suited for a leisurely escape.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
