10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Wachau Valley
LOCATION: Wachau Valley is a scenic region in Austria, located along the Danube River. It stretches for about 30 km between the towns of Melk and Krems, and is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and vineyards.
BEST TIME FOR VISITING: The best time to visit Wachau Valley is from April to October when the weather is mild and sunny. The region is especially beautiful in the autumn months when the foliage turns golden and the grape harvest is in full swing.
TOP 5 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
- Melk Abbey: A magnificent baroque monastery overlooking the Danube River.
- Dürnstein Castle: A medieval fortress that was once home to Richard the Lionheart.
- Danube Cruise: A scenic boat tour along the river, with views of the vineyards and castles.
- Aggstein Castle: A ruined castle perched on a rocky outcrop above the river.
- Göttweig Abbey: A grand Benedictine abbey with stunning views of the valley.
CURRENCY: The currency used in Austria is the Euro (EUR).
LANGUAGE: The official language of Austria is German, and this is also the main language spoken in Wachau Valley. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
VISA REQUIREMENTS: If you are a citizen of the EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Iceland, you do not need a visa to visit Austria. Citizens of other countries should check the visa requirements before traveling.
SAFETY: Wachau Valley is a safe destination for tourists, with low levels of crime. However, visitors should take normal precautions, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding unlit areas at night.
TRANSPORTATION: The easiest way to get around Wachau Valley is by car, as this gives you the most flexibility to explore the region. However, there are also regular trains and buses between the towns of Melk and Krems, and boats that ply the Danube River.
FOOD AND DRINK: Wachau Valley is known for its excellent wines, especially the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling varieties. Local specialties include smoked ham, apricot jam, and Wachauer Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings). There are many traditional restaurants and wine taverns in the region where you can sample these dishes.
ACCOMMODATION: There are many accommodation options in Wachau Valley, from luxury hotels to guesthouses and campsites. The most popular towns for tourists are Melk, Dürnstein, and Krems.
CULTURE AND CUSTOMS: Austrian culture is heavily influenced by its imperial past, and this is reflected in the architecture
