Overview:

Wachau Valley is a picturesque and famous Austrian region along the Danube River between Krems and Melk in Lower Austria. With its breathtaking views and diverse culture, Wachau Valley provides a perfect destination for visitors wanting to explore Austria's stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. The Wachau Valley is roughly 40 miles long, with many castles, palaces, and monasteries along the way. The valley provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to explore some of Austria's most stunning romantic scenery, including the Danube river, rolling hills, vineyards and ancient crags which make it a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to its natural beauty, Wachau Valley is also known for its vibrant cultural life, offering a range of art galleries, museums, concerts and art exhibitions. The cities of Durnstein and Spitz are also worth visiting, with their cobbled streets, timber-frame buildings and historic churches. The Wachau Valley is a favorite stop for tourists, whether it is for a leisurely day trip or an extended holiday. The region offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as cycling, canoeing, walking, and even rock climbing. With its vineyards, orchards, and landscapes, visitors can appreciate the wine culture of the region, while also enjoying the hospitality of the local people. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Austria
Prominent Features:

1. Danube River: The Danube River is the largest and most important river in the Wachau Valley and runs through the whole region from Passau to Vienna. Along its course, it provides a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards, making Wachau Valley one of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe. 2. Wachau Valley Vineyards: The Wachau Valley is home to many top-notch vineyards producing some of the finest wines in the world. These vineyards offer beautiful views of the valley, and you can even go on tours of the vineyards or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the region’s many wine taverns. 3. Melk Abbey: Nestled on a hill overlooking the Danube River, the Baroque Melk Abbey is one of Austria’s most visited tourist attractions. Here you can explore the impressive interior full of painted ceilings and Golden Age sculptures, as well as the abbey’s beautifully landscaped grounds. 4. Historic Towns: The small towns and villages of the Wachau Valley are full of historic and architectural charms, ranging from the cobbled streets of Dürnstein to the splendid castles of Aggstein and Göttweig. Take a stroll through the idyllic streets and discover architectural gems such as churches, chapels and ruins. 5. Salzburg: Located just a short drive away from the Wachau Valley, Salzburg is a charming old city bursting with Baroque architecture, medieval churches, and captivating museums. Be sure to soak up the old-world atmosphere while exploring the narrow streets of Salzburg’s old town. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Austria.

History:

The Wachau Valley is the most renowned wine growing area in the Lower Austrian region and its rich history dates back to at least the Roman Empire. The settlement of the area began around 400 B.C., when Celtic and Germanic immigrants moved into the Armanen area of today’s Wachau. The valley served as a refuge for the famous St. Martin’s Church at the beginning of the Migration Period and, in the 11th century, the Benedictine Abbey of Melk was founded on the site of an old Celtic shrine. The Wachau has seen many rulers over the years, from the Bavarians in 1240 to the Habsburgs, the Thurn-und-Taxis family, and the Nazis. In the 17th century, the valley experienced an economic boom and its vineyards were world-renowned. During this period, the renowned winemaker and estate owner Count Rüdiger von der Wachau established the first strict quality control and labeling system for wines in the region, which is still in use today. When Napoleon occupied Austria in 1806, he passed numerous reforms to promote wine production, such as simplifying the taxation system and repealing earlier restrictions concerning export and production. After his campaign, the production of wine in the Wachau increased, and many of the famous vintages we know today were created. In 1983, the Rhine valley, the Wachau valley, and their neighboring areas in Austria were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and are now protected from further development and damage. The UNESCO recognition has helped to preserve the riverside towns and villages and the beautiful hillsides that have made the Wachau famous. Its wines already have a long and venerable history and the Wachau valley continues to honor its traditions today, all while utilizing the latest technology to improve the quality of its wines. Visit one of the famous monuments of Austria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. It is a popular wine region that stretches some 40 km from Melk to Krems, along the Danube River. 3. Its landscape is dotted with charming towns and picturesque vineyards, all overlooked by rolling hills. 4. The Wachau Valley is renowned for the production of its apricot jam, called "Marillenmarmelade". 5. Wachau Valley’s most popular attractions include the 12th century Melk Abbey, the wine-making village of Dürnstein, and the ruins of the castle from where Richard the Lionheart was taken prisoner in 1193. 6. The Lentos Museum in Linz is one of the major modern art museums in Austria. It houses over 40,000 works of art from ages past and present. 7. In the Wachau Valley there are many outdoor activities to participate in such as hiking, biking, rafting, and kayaking. 8. This region is home to one of the best preserved Baroque towns in Lower Austria: Weissenkirchen. 9. Spielberg Castle, built on an andesite hilltop or Anstiegberg, is a medieval castle that overlooks the Danube. It’s also a popular film and television set. 10. In summer, the Danube plays host to many annual musical and cultural events, such as the Ancient Music Festival and the Singing Schools Festival. One of the historical monuments of Austria, it tells the story of a bygone era