Roman ruins, the glory of Renaissance and Baroque, gothic monasteries and churches, culinary fine dining, and picturesque old towns are part of this tour from Mautern to Krems. Through imposing gates and via scenic squares you walk until Gozzoburg (castle) and to Hoher Markt (High Market) the historical heart of Krems.
Description
Wachau World Heritage Trail: from Mautern to Krems
The diverting tour starting in Mautern leads you through medieval town of Stein and on into the picturesque old part of Krems. You will be accompanied by art and churches on this about 4 kilometer long tour. Through imposing gates and historic places you follow the way to Gozzoburg (castle) in Krems.
Starting point of the tour
Mautern, town hall square
Destination point of the tour
Krems, High Market
Route description Wachau World Heritage Trail 14: Mautern - Krems
At the town hall in Mautern you are walking underneath the white archway and keep going along the wall of the Roman fort „Favianis“ direction Danube. After passing Römerhalle on the right and also castle of Mautern, you turn left at the roundabout and cross the imposing Danube bridge. On the north shore of the river the way leads to the right through Linzer Tor (gate) into medieval town Stein. You follow Landstraße (street), keep left at the first crossing and immediately after turn left again into Hintere Fahrstraße (street). There you can have a rest at one of the taverns. The road leads up to Frauenberg (women‘ s hill), where you turn right to Frauenbergkirche (church). It is a good location to get a view of the surrounding area including picturesque Stein, Mautern and Göttweig abbey.
You pass through the church and via Frauenbergstiege (staricase) you walk down back to Steiner Landstraße (street). Taking the left the way leads past Minoritenkloster (monastery), where the art quarter begins. Through Kremser Tor (gate) you leave Stein and enter the world of art. Kunsthalle (art gallery), Karikaturmuseum (cartoon museum) and the Lawer Austrian house of literature are on the way until you reach the prison of Stein. You follow Schillerstraße (street) pass „Kloster Und“ (abbey and gallery) and reach „Kremser Stadtpark“ (city park). You keep left and walk through Steiner Tor (gate) into the old part of town. At the other end of the pedestrian zone you reach the area where the daily market takes place, turn left and walk up to the church at church square. Right up through Margarethenstraße (street) shortly after you will reach High Market which also marks the tour end. If you still have time you can visit Gozzoburg.
Directions
Highway A1 until exit Melk, following S33 to Mautern or Krems.
Parking
At the Römerhalle in Mautern or in the parking garages of city center Krems.
Please note that there is a chargeable short stay parking system diverted into zones of city center Krems and Stein. More information you can find on the homepage of Krems Stadt Krems
The villages can be reached 7 days a week by public transportation. Its possible to get back tot he start of the tour.
Mautern and Krems are connected via bus WL 720:
On the south shore (Bus WL 720: from trainstation Krems via Mautern-Rossatz-Arnsdörfer-Aggsbach Dorf-Schönbühel-Melk trainstation) buses are departing every two hours seven days a week.
On the north shore (Bus WL 715 from trainstation Krems via Dürnstein-Weißenkirchen-Spitz-Aggsbach Markt-Emmersdorf-Melk trainstation) hourly buses depart 7 days a week.
Travelling on weekends or public holidays shuttle bus service Göttweig (WL 723: Krems-Mautern-Unterbergern-Oberbergern-Göttweig-Furth-Mautern-Krems) is operating on a fixed route. It has to be called one hour prior of departure. Phone: 0043 810 810 278 to make reservation and more info at.www.vor.at
Stations for the bike rent system „nextbike“ (1€ per hour) is located in Mautern at the „Römerhalle“ and in Krems. www.nextbike.at
Author's tip
The old quarters in Krems and Stein are unique ensembles containing Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. The Wachau World Heritage Trail draws a line through the towns, but you can also stroll around as you like to explore the small alleys, labyrinthine squares and secrets which are all worth to visit. Gozzoburg is one of the most important central located gothic castles north of the Alps. It is situated directly at Hoher Markt (High Market) and can be visited with a guided tour www.weinstadtmuseum.at. At the art quarter Kunsthalle and Karikaturmuseum offer great exhibitions www.kunsthalle.at www.karikaturmuseum.at.
