The Wachau is the single most beautiful stretch of the entire Danube - a UNESCO World Heritage gorge of terraced vineyards, ruined castles and apricot orchards between Melk and Krems. From Linz you can ride the rails down and sail the prettiest reach by riverboat, crowned by Melk Abbey, a butter-yellow Baroque masterpiece whose frescoed library and marble hall are among Europe's finest monastic interiors. It is the Danube distilled to its most romantic.
What to expect
The riverboat leg between Melk and Krems takes roughly 90 minutes past Durnstein's blue church tower and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was held. Melk Abbey rewards the climb with a frescoed library, a gilded church, and a terrace view straight down the valley. Spring brings apricot blossom; autumn brings new wine in Durnstein's heuriger taverns. Wear comfortable shoes for the abbey's stairs.
Good to know
Only attempt this on a longer Linz call or overnight - the round trip eats a full day. Buy the combi ticket and reserve Melk's timed entry in advance, and check 2026 sailing notes: some midweek MS Austria services are suspended late April to late May. From the Donaupark pier, Linz Hauptbahnhof is a short tram ride.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Linz — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Linz
- Salzburg old town + The Original Sound of Music Tour with Salzburg Panorama Tours
- Cesky Krumlov + the Baroque Castle Theatre, the best-preserved in Europe
- Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut lakes by private car
- Ars Electronica Center and Deep Space 8K, the museum of the future
- Mauthausen Memorial, a sober and essential pilgrimage