Krems
"In the winter season, Krems has a very special atmosphere," says Susanne Dorfer about Krems.
Krems on the river Danube lies in the heart of the breathtaking scenery of the UNESCO world cultural heritage site of Wachau. Famed for its historic narrow alleyways of the old town, charming vineyards and rich cultural history, Krems offers the perfect combination of tradition and modern day. Visitors can marvel at magnificent Baroque buildings, walk through winter vineyards and much more. With its outstanding wines and numerous events, Krems attracts culture and nature lovers alike – a true gem.
During the winter, the old town particularly appeals with its many Christmas activities. And the varied culinary specialities from the region make a visit here even more enjoyable.
Krems Advent magic – Christmas atmosphere in a world cultural heritage site
In Krems, the early bird catches the worm. From the Kremser Kreuzberg visitors have a marvellous view over sunlit Krems, even in the winter. During sunrise visitors can also enjoy romantic views of the former port town of Stein as well as the Danube and Stift Göttweig (Göttweig Abbey). Back in the Old Town of Krems which is part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage site Wachau, Christmas is in the air. From November Krems Advent magic offers a wonderful Christmas atmosphere for a whole month. Here the wonderfully decorated stands offer select delicacies and regional arts and handicrafts from Lower Austria atmospherically accompanied by barrel organists and alphorn blowers. A winter visit to Krems is also warmly recommended for market lovers. The Farmers and daily market offers a wide range of regional products and the food market on Saturday mornings is a very special highlight. Here the Pfarrplatz in Krems becomes a culinary delight of the Wachau and one of Austria’s finest foods markets! Around 50 regional producers present their best specialities. Tip: the flea market in the old town is held on the first Saturday of the month. Visitors will find a selection of antiquities, bric a brac and possibly even the one or the other precious item.
Wachau chocolate, kidneys with bacon
A well known cake shop with close ties to the local region is Café-Konditorei Hagmann which has been offering customers the well known Austrian cosiness and tradition since 1837. Tip: You must try Wachauerkugeln and chocolate. Inextricably linked with Krems is also the Restaurant Wellen.Spiel, just around the corner from the Krems Art Mile. Situated directly on the Danube, guests can here enjoy a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The boat docking station Krems/Stein is close by which makes it a popular venue in the Wachau. As is the Gasthaus Jell restaurant which perfectly embodies the values of Lower Austrian Wirtshauskultur. The menu features delicious roast pork as well as other regional specialities such as offal and roast kidneys with bacon. MarktSpiel, Zum Kaiser von Österreich, 2Stein, Salzstadl, Schreiberhaus as well as the Hofbräu am Steinertor and Gozzo by Late in historic Gozzoburg, promise further wonderful culinary highlights in the winter. For something cosy, authentic and good, visit the wine taverns Weingut Mayer Resch, Weingut Gästehaus Aigner, Heuriger Müllner and Heuriger Stoiber.
Culture in the heart of the Wachau
Enjoy Krems in many ways in the winter. For example on a city walk or cultural discovery tour warmly dressed in hat, scarf and coat. And in Krems you will be able to discover all types of art. Alone the Krems Art Mile which includes the Caricature Museum, the Kunsthalle, Lower Austrian Artothek and the Lower Austrian State Gallery as well as the Forum Frohner offers a whole wealth of highlights. Incidentally, the famous prehistoric statue “Venus of Galgenberg“ (also known as Fanny of Galgenberg) is 7.2 centimetres tall and was made around 36,000 years ago in Stratzing near Krems! She is, however, beaten in size by about 4 centimetres by the slightly more famous Venus of Willendorf. It was found directly by the Ice Age Hiking Trail which is popular amongst visitors who like to go for a stroll in Krems centre afterwards.
For an enjoyable longer stay in Krems, visitors can choose between the Steigenberger Hotel & Spa Krems, Arte Hotel Krems, Hotel Unter den Linden, Kittenberger Chalets, LOISIUM Wine & Spa Hotel, Weingut & Göstehaus Zöhrer, Weingut Hotel Nigl and the Weingut und Hotel Malat. The journey here can also be very relaxing by public transport: it takes around an hour from the Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof in Vienna to Krems. Direct, no change of train.
