Mountains bursting with wine: UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wachau
Where wine has always been at home, and where climate, soil and expertise mix in the glass to make sure that each drop is nothing short of excellent, there is also pleasure.
Wachau is known not only for its apricots, but also and above all for its internationally outstanding wines. Find out here how best to discover them, and what makes the region unique.
World heritage, relaxing landscapes and wine idylls: Wachau
The Wachau is known for its lush terraced vineyards, where fine-fruity Riesling and Grüner Veltliner grapes thrive on 1,350 hectares of cultivated land. The perfect climatic conditions (caused by the west-Atlantic and east-Pannonian climates mixing) and the mineral-rich loess, gravel and gneiss soils make Wachau one of the best wine regions in the world. Some of the finest wines come from the enchanting Weissenkirchen, the legendary Dürnstein and the idyllic Spitz on the Danube, to name but a few places. The valley’s picturesque villages, unique nature, and long history make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Incidentally, if you want to stay on the safe side, we recommend buying wines which have been awarded the Vinea Wachau Nobilis Districtus quality mark by the winemakers’ association.
Staying on the wine trail: Our tour tips
We love Wachau! It is a true masterpiece, which is best discovered by bike. Our favourite tour is the Danube cycle path, stage 5: “Emmersdorf – Krems”. It leads pleasure cyclists through the most beautiful places in Wachau, past delightful taverns, and through densely overgrown vineyards to many places of interest. Wachau can also be easily explored on foot. Our tip: the Wachau World Hertiage trail, which leads from Krems to Dürnstein, and passes stunning viewpoints, old wine trails, world-famous vineyards, and the ruins of Dürnstein castle. The best-known route is probably the Weinwanderweg Spitz (Spitz Wine Hiking Trail). In just 1.5 hours, this tour reveals the scenic highlights of the region.
Where grapes become wine: Our insider tips
A tour of the Domäne Wachau, which is one of the region’s leading wineries, is a very special experience. The baroque Kellerschlössel castle is particularly worth seeing. World-famous Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd wines can be tasted and bought in the wine shop. The Gartenhotel & Weingut Pfeffel country hotel is also located in Dürnstein, and offers guided winery tours. Learn all about the vineyards, and then toast your new knowledge during a tasting. Our absolute top tip: Ride a segway through the vineyards. This is the easiest – and most action–packed – way to explore the vineyards of Spitz. Driving experience is desirable.