Description
As soon as you leave Emmersdorf, you will vividly experience why UNESCO declared the Wachau a World Heritage Site: steep forest slopes are crowned with cliffs, vineyards gently arch, Danube waves play on sandy beaches, historic ruins, old villages, and hospitable wine taverns line your path.
From the ancient Aggsbach, you have an excellent view of the Aggstein Castle ruin on the opposite bank, where according to legend, terrible robbers were once brought to justice. The place Willendorf is famous for an archaeological find: the "Venus." The small female figurine (now in the Natural History Museum Vienna) reminds us that the area has been settled for 50,000 years.
In Schwallenbach, some historic buildings keep the Middle Ages alive, and shortly before Spitz, you will see a bizarre rock formation: the Devil's Wall. According to legend, the devil once tried to dam the Danube with it. In Spitz, old miners' houses and manor houses from the 16th century, the late-Gothic parish church, the Hinterhaus ruin, and the Shipping Museum invite you to a cultural rest.
On the ridge of the mighty fortified church of St. Michael (community of Weißenkirchen), hares "run"—legend says a snowy winter once drove them there. In the Wachau Museum of the town, you can admire one of the elaborate Wachau traditional "gold bonnets" up close. (Note: the Wachau Museum is currently closed due to the situation!) The main attraction in the wine tavern village of Wösendorf is the late Baroque parish church with altar paintings by the so-called "Kremser Schmidt" (Martin Johann Schmidt, 1718-1801).
The location on the river, the delightful vineyards, forest slopes, and rock formations around have made Dürnstein one of Austria's most popular travel destinations. The blue tower of Dürnstein Abbey is visible from far away, and in the spacious, scenic castle ruin, King Richard the Lionheart was once held captive. Soon after passing through the wine village of Unterloiben, you reach Krems, the destination of this stage.
Starting point of the tour
Emmersdorf
Destination point of the tour
Krems
Route description Danube Cycle Path Stage 5 North Bank: Emmersdorf - Krems
Emmersdorf on the Danube - Aggsbach - Spitz - Weißenkirchen in the Wachau - Dürnstein - Krems on the Danube
Route description:
You start your route in Emmersdorf on the Danube. As the name "the gateway to the Wachau" already suggests, the namesake cultural landscape begins here. You travel along the northern bank of the Danube. For the majority of the distance, you stay on the B3, only occasionally leaving the main road.
Passing small villages and steep hills, you make your way to Aggsbach Markt. Castle enthusiasts will be delighted by this stop because from here, you have a fantastic view of the Aggstein castle ruins on the opposite southern bank, whose origins date back to the 12th century. Near Willendorf in the Wachau, you leave the B3 and continue on the L7140 until shortly past Schwallenbach. After that, you cycle on the Danube federal road through the beautiful Wachau landscape.
Shortly after Spitz, you repeatedly leave the B3 and cycle through Wösendorf and Weißenkirchen. Then you finally reach the epitome of scenic beauty in this part of the Danube region, the small town of Dürnstein. Here, you see the landscape features of the Wachau: lush green hills with steep slopes lined with countless vineyards. Combined with the Danube and the right light, it's a sight made for landscape painting. Culture lovers will also not be disappointed here, as you can explore the Dürnstein ruins and the Dürnstein Abbey, established since 1372, which is a city landmark with its blue-white coloring.
After Dürnstein, you move away from the Danube briefly, crossing some fields. Shortly after Unterloiben, you return to the B3 and thus again follow the Danube. A few kilometers later, you arrive in Krems on the Danube.
Here, there is a wealth of sights. Still on the edge of the Wachau, you can admire the characteristic landscape and explore the city. The old town of Krems alone impresses because it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau cultural landscape. Particularly noteworthy is the city's symbol, the Steiner Gate. Additionally, there are countless churches, gates, houses, and museums to discover—a real cultural city. Wine connoisseurs will also feel at home here since numerous wineries make viticulture not just economically important but also an essential part of the city. A truly worthwhile destination and a successful conclusion to this beautiful and enjoyable bike ride.
