Wine along the Danube

Krems is a lovely nice little town. Easy to reach from Vienna or Linz by train or boat.

The vineyards start directly on the outskirts of the town and you hike up into the surrounding hills. You can enjoy a lovely view of the River Danube. Then you will walk across the hills to Dürnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was a prisoner in the castle of Dürnstein (now a ruin with a very nice view over the Danube valley).

After the Third Crusade, Richard began his homeward journey to England. Put ashore by bad weather he found himself in Austria the home of Leopold, whom Richard had angered by actions during the crusade. Leopold captured King Richard and imprisoned him in his castle. Eager for a piece of the action the Emperor of Germany offered Leopold 75,000 marks for Richard taking him into custody in Germany.

Rumors ran rampant throughout England over the missing king. There is a legend that the troubadour Blondel heard his king singing in a castle and responded with a song that both of them were sure to know. Whether true or not the fact remains that two Abbots were soon dispatched to journey with him through the network of the church. Even Eleanor, Richard’s mother wrote to the Pope for assistance in the matter. Richard was found and soon a ransom was set for his return to England. The sum was 150,000 marks an amount equal to three years annual income and weighing at three tons in silver.
Walking time 4.5 hours, 7.5 miles 12 km.

In Dürnstein you cross the river by ferry to Rossatz where you will walk through the gardens of wine and fruits. Later on, you will pass the Danube again and walk on the high trail around Weißenkirchen. Walking time 5 hours, 6.7 miles 11km.

Many beautiful viewpoints on the river Danube can be found in and around Weißenkirchen. Of course, we can also recommend taking part in a wine tasting session.

A steady climb brings you up to Seiber and then you pass to Kuhberg and to the Buschandl wall. Downhill you will follow the gorge Miesingbachgraben and later on you pass the vineyards to Spitz. Walking time 5 hours, 7.5 miles 12km.

First today you cross the Danube by ferry to Arnsdorf and follow the Buchtal valley uphill. Shortly before you reach Maria Langegg you join the Austrian St. Jacob’s trail, which you follow up to the ruins of the fortress of Aggsbach. Visit the fortress with a gruesome past, wonderful scenic viewpoints and also stop for refreshments. After your visit in is then by bus to Melk for your overnight. Walking time 5.5 hours 9.7 miles 15.5km.

First, you have the morning free in Melk. Visit the famous monastery with a beautiful garden. At around 1-2pm you board a ferry to Krems. Enjoy the boat trip to Krems, passing by the highlights of your tour Spitz, Dürnstein and Krems.

Depart after breakfast.