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Melk Culture & history

Our most recommended Melk Culture & history

Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour

1. Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour

Experience a romantic sightseeing tour by bus and boat from Vienna, introducing you to the beauty of the Wachau and Danube Valleys in Lower Austria. Visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk with a guide. In winter, enjoy lunch in place of the Danube boat trip. Explore the River Danube as it flows around picturesque villages and steep vineyards. Pass by many ancient castles testify to the former importance of the river. One of these is the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where, according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was kept imprisoned, and was eventually freed by his faithful minstrel Blondel. Then take a romantic boat trip along the legendary Danube (only in summer, in winter we offer you a lunch). In the old city of Krems, go to the heart of the Wachau wine-growing region, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural and agricultural history. Then, follow your guide to the Danube River town of Melk. Visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, one of Austria's most famous Baroque buildings and its cultural and spiritual center.

From Vienna: Melk, Salzburg, & Hallstatt Private Tour

2. From Vienna: Melk, Salzburg, & Hallstatt Private Tour

Embark on a fascinating day trip from Vienna to some unique Austrian landmarks. Explore the historic Melk Abbey, the charming town of Salzburg, the scenic Lake Wolfgang, and the picturesque Hallstatt. Customize your itinerary depending on your needs and interests. Melk Abbey Be introduced to the history of Benedictine Abbey. Overlooking the town of Melk and the Danube River, the impressive baroque-style Abbey is home to the famous Melk Abbey library and contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau as well as the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg. During the visit, you can also explore the Abbey church and the garden pavilion. After approximately 1 hour visit of Melk, your journey continues through the Austrian countryside towards Salzburg. Salzburg Move on to the city of Salzburg. Upon arrival, independently explore the beautiful Mirabell Palace Gardens which was used as a filming location for popular "Sound of Music" movie, Mozart Museum, the UNESCO protected Old Town, and catch a spectacular view of the city from the Hohensalzburg fortress. Surrounded by mountains, Salzburg is well known as the birthplace of Mozart and the architecture is heavily inspired by Italian designs. Continue with a scenic drive through the Salzburg Lake District to Hallstatt. Hallstatt Hallstatt is located directly on Hallstattersee. Hallstatt is known as one of the most photographed villages in Europe. Stroll along the Promenade into the colorful town center with numerous small shops, cafes and restaurants. In order to make your visit to Hallstatt more memorable, you have the opportunity to visit the Skydeck directly above the town as well as the Salt Mines for more scenic photo opportunities. In the late afternoon, drive back through the beautiful Austrian countryside to your accommodation in Vienna.

Vienna: Melk Abbey, Wachau, Danube Valley Private Trip

3. Vienna: Melk Abbey, Wachau, Danube Valley Private Trip

Travel in comfort to the picturesque Wachau and Danube Valleys following the Danube River into the countryside filled with dense woodlands and rolling vineyards. Admire stunning landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage Site status, enjoying a full-day trip from Vienna. Explore fabulous places and hidden gems along the way. Sightsee each different village on your own and discover beautiful sights. Stop in Krems where all looks like time has frozen. Walk through Krems Old Town and see Steinertor, Rathaus, and Gozzoburg Krems. See ancient ruins of Dürnstein Castle. According to legend, Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, and eventually freed by his faithful minstrel Blondel. Get to the Spitz and experience a fantastic boat cruise to reach Melk. See wild Austrian landscapes while relaxing. Walk to the ruins of Hinterhaus Castle dated from the XI century, with some prime views of Lower Austria from the top. Walk around and explore the beautiful Abbey Park with the baroque garden Pavillion. Marvel at exceptional architecture from outside and step inside the Abbey Museum, the Marble Hall, balcony, library, and church with amazing chapels and decorations. Stroll around the village and see the hidden local gem of Parish Church of Assumption of Mary, a peaceful place with nice decorations. No worries about return, sit back and relax, the driver will drop you off at your hotel in Vienna.

Other Sightseeing Options in Melk

Want to discover all there is to do in Melk? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Melk

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 196 reviews

We absolutely loved our time on this tour. In Krems we only had 45 minutes but we went to both main churches and explored the alleyways and inspiring views! In Durstein we had an hour and I managed to run up the mountain to the castle ruins and had time to quickly explore town and the river after. If you're hoping to see the castle ruins but can't walk very quickly up a steep hill you won't be able to make it in time for this tour. Lastly, Melk Abbey was amazing and so beautiful. We learned a lot about its history and enjoyed our guide. The timing was very prompt. We had a nice lunch too!

Mr D, our tour guide cum driver, is very knowledgeable about the places we were visiting, he is friendly and professional in his field.

So beautiful and informative! This made my trip to Austria one of THE best trips I’ve ever taken.

Very interesting guide. The time left in the towns visited was very good. Nice visits. THANKS !

Sensational. Very clean car and very polite driver. Beautiful landscapes