Wachau Valley

ticket booth on the south side, entrance at the east· Cheap

The must-see in Melk. The abbey is built on a bluff overlooking the Danube River to the northwest and the town center to the south. Most of the design of the present abbey (a reconstruction started in 1702) was by the architect Jakob…

Hoher Markt 11

Built in the 13th century, this is one of the most significant medieval city buildings in Austria, and is now used for special exhibits. In 2006 and 2007 restoration work uncovered a remarkable set of 13th-century frescoes; along with the…

5km south of Melk· Cheap

A well-preserved German Renaissance castle, on a site occupied since the Roman occupation; the foundation dates to the Romanesque period. Special architectural features include the courtyard with terracotta figures and the Renaissance…

Emmersdorf 31

The 16th-century residential building houses a small private collection which has more than 2000 hand tools dating from the 17th to 19th centuries.

· Moderate

Various art and culture sites, among them:

access by footpath only· Free

Built in the 12th century, the castle is best known for being the prison of King Richard the Lionhearted of England from December 1192 to March 1193, after he was captured by Austrian Duke Leopold V while returning from the Third Crusade.

· Free

The ruins are located on a rocky ridge of the Jauerling, the highest mountain in the Wachau, and near the well-known Tausendeimerberg vineyard. The castle was built in the 12th century, and conquered by the Knights of Spitz, who modified…

2km W in St. Michael

A succession of churches have been built in this spot atop a small Celtic sacrificial site. The current structure dates from around 1500 with later Baroque additions and renovations.

Obere Landstraße

One of the old city gates, dating from the 15th century.

The Gothic 14th-century fortified church dominates the town, and is additionally surrounded by a defensive wall with watchtowers. It was built in several phases between the 13th and 18th centuries.

Oberloiben· Cheap

The outdoor natural swimming pool is fully maintained with biological means only and no chemicals. There is a children's section and an adult section, as well as a lawn for relaxing and sporting facilities.

Dr Karl Dorrekstraße 30

Movie museum and independent cinema. An onsite café, Filmbar in Kesselhaus, offers regional specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.

This 285m hill is on the eastern outskirts of Melk, and has great views of the Abbey and the river.

Luberegg 20

Located in a former 18th-century castle, the Heuriger serves both cold and hot regional specialties as well as a good selection of local wines. Guests can dine in a lovely garden with impressive views of Melk on the other side of the river.

Dürnstein 10

Located in an early 18th-century house close to the centre of town, this is a good place not only to sample the local wine but also regional cuisine, in a rustic atmosphere.

Weißenkirchen

The family-run vineyard has been operating since 1919, and has won multiple awards for its Grüner Veltliner as well as its Riesling. Their Heuriger serves typical regional cold dishes, with a few vegetarian options.

Dürnstein 21

Operating since 1780, in 1905 this was the birthplace of the Wachauer Laberl, a wheat and rye sourdough roll which is commonly served in Heurigen.

Unterloiben

The family-run vineyard is especially known for Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, and has a well-known restaurant specialising in Wachauer cuisine. In the summer guests can dine outdoors in a large apple orchard.

Wachaustraße 280

Serves regional cuisine with an emphasis on local fish and produce, using both traditional and modern recipes and techniques. In nice weather diners can enjoy the pleasant garden which directly overlooks the river.

Mühldorf, 5km NW of Spitz· Expensive

Located on the border between the Wachau and the Waldviertel, this 13th-century castle has been completely restored and now has a few double rooms as well as holiday apartments, complete with antique furniture.

Marktplatz 7· Expensive

Located in a building dating from the 16th century, the hotel has been owned by the same family since 1908, and operated as a hotel since 1980. It also has a highly-regarded onsite restaurant.

Altes Schiffmeisterhaus, Hinterhaus 16· Expensive

The hotel dates from 1680, and has a highly-regarded onsite restaurant, non-smoking rooms, and garden with sunbeds. A public swimming spot on the riverfront is located directly in front of the hotel.

Yachthafenstraße 19

Open from mid-March to the end of October, the campground has sites for tents and caravans, as well as four mobile homes for rent. Has a small café onsite with free satellite TV and Wi-Fi, and can rent bicycles by the day or half-day.

Dürnstein 2· Expensive

The former castle now houses a five-star hotel, open April through October. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centre, free bicycles, as well as an onsite restaurant and gift shop.

at the back of the courtyard of the Altes Rathaus· Pricey

Located in a 15th-century house behind the old city hall. This hotel has five simple but comfortable rooms, all with TVs and private terraces, as well as holiday apartments. There is also a lovely garden for guests.