Wine, art and apricots: Krems an der Donau

The cultural city of Krems reveals its beautiful side – it inspires the spirit, delights the eyes and senses, and invites you to relax.

Whether you are travelling solo, in a couple or in a travel group: The fifth biggest city in Lower Austria is always worth a visit. Walking routes in nature, a respected art scene and of course, the many cosy wineries ensure you keep coming back for more.

Cultural and culinary enjoyment along the Danube

Krems attracts visitors throughout the year with amazing cultural events. The World Music Festival Glatt & Verkehrt and the legendary Danube Festival with its outstanding programme of performances and music contribute to the cosmopolitan flair. Impressive sounds await you at the Imago Dei Easter festival, while the food and cultural festival Alles Marille in Krems [All about Apricots in Krems] is also a highlight in the calendar for many. Even if no events are taking place, there is plenty to see: Over 20 cultural institutions have settled in the Krems Art Mile, including the 2019 newly opened State Gallery of Lower Austria, the Kunsthalle Krems gallery with changing shows by contemporary artists as well as the unique Caricature museum, which is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Time to finally visit this cultural hotspot.

Old city meets new culinary treats

Krems is only one hour away from Vienna on the Franz-Josef train. Visit the Steiner Tor gate, which is Krems’ landmark and continue to the pedestrian zone in Obere Landstraße. The main intersection in the old town leads to Simandl fountain. The stone man, who is beseeching his wife, is the image of all henpecked husbands, the so-called Simandln, named after a certain Simon Handl, who is said to have been badly subjugated to his wife. We handle things more democratically – we all agreed on a trip to Gozzoburg, where Gozzo by Late, an extremely modern restaurant, is a recent addition. Enjoy a wonderful view across the rooftops of the old town from the viewing terrace.

A tour acrros country

Treat yourself to delicious apricot pastries and ice-cream for dessert in the Café-Konditorei Hagmann patisserie. Then enjoy an extended walk on the free city tour through Krems. Just like that you can also explore the old town of Stein for free. Or wait until the evening and take part in one of the impressive nightwatchman tours. Once you’ve bought a few souvenirs in the Shop der Volkskultur folklore shop, you might want to find out more about wine from Krems. The wine-tasting experience at Sandgrube 13 wein.sinn will answer all your questions! The local winemakers are also happy to meet you in the Weinstein Bar, where even the wine menus in the typical Kalmuck design convey that sense of home.

World Heritage Site and a touch of luxury

If you stay overnight in Krems, you really are spoilt for choice: Will you choose the Steigenberger hotel with organically certified menu and huge luxury spa world or the sophisticated country house style of the Weingut Hutter hotel, with an outdoor pool at the heart of the vineyard? Both venues allow non-residents as well to dine and enjoy the amazing views. You will also be well looked after at Gasthaus Jell guest house, where traditional pub recipes with a creative twist are served in the 100-year-old Swiss pine panelled bar. Talking of age, tradition and heritage: The first stage of the World Heritage trail, which connects the most stunning hiking trails of the 13 municipalities of the UNESCO World Heritage Site region of Wachau, leads directly from Krems to Dürnstein. Unforgettable views included! We know one thing for sure: We will be back.