Wachau Cultural Landscape
Date of Inscription: 2000
Selection Criteria: (iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(v) to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
(vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Wachau Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Danube Valley in Austria. It is known for its stunning landscape, historic towns, and well-preserved architecture. The region has been inhabited for thousands of years and is rich in culture and history.
Prominent Features: The Wachau Cultural Landscape is a 36-kilometer stretch of land along the Danube River that includes several picturesque towns, castles, and vineyards. Some of the most notable features of the region include:
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees to visit the Wachau Cultural Landscape, but some of the entry fee for Melk Abbey is around €13 for adults and €10 for students and seniors. Admission is free for children under 19 years old.
As for Dürnstein Castle, there is no entry fee to access the castle ruins, which are open to the public. However, there may be fees for specific events or guided tours organized by the castle management.
How to Reach It: The Wachau Cultural Landscape is located about an hour's drive from Vienna and can be easily reached by car or public transportation. Trains run regularly from Vienna to Krems and other towns in the region, and buses and boats are also available for transportation between towns.
Public transport options from Vienna to the Wachau Cultural Landscape include:
Once you arrive in Krems or Melk, there are several local transport options to explore the Wachau Cultural Landscape, including:
Dürnstein is a popular choice for its picturesque setting, charming architecture, and abundance of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. The town is also known for its famous blue church tower, which is a prominent landmark in the region.
Krems is another option, offering a wider range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and holiday apartments. The town is larger and more urban than Dürnstein, but still has a historic charm and plenty of cultural attractions to explore.
Melk is also a good base for exploring the region, particularly for those interested in visiting the famous Melk Abbey. The town has several hotels and guesthouses, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.
Other towns to consider include Spitz, Weißenkirchen, and Emmersdorf, which are all located in the heart of the Wachau and offer easy access to the region's attractions.
Selection Criteria: (iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(v) to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
(vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Wachau Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Danube Valley in Austria. It is known for its stunning landscape, historic towns, and well-preserved architecture. The region has been inhabited for thousands of years and is rich in culture and history.
Prominent Features: The Wachau Cultural Landscape is a 36-kilometer stretch of land along the Danube River that includes several picturesque towns, castles, and vineyards. Some of the most notable features of the region include:
- Melk Abbey: A stunning baroque abbey that sits atop a hill overlooking the Danube River. It is considered one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Austria.
- Dürnstein: A charming town known for its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and picturesque vineyards. It is also known for its connection to Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned in the town's castle during the 12th century.
- Krems: A historic town that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It is known for its well-preserved old town and its connection to the wine industry.
- Vineyards: The Wachau region is famous for its wine, particularly its Riesling and Grüner Veltliner varieties. The vineyards in the region are some of the most beautiful in the world and are a popular destination for wine lovers.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees to visit the Wachau Cultural Landscape, but some of the entry fee for Melk Abbey is around €13 for adults and €10 for students and seniors. Admission is free for children under 19 years old.
As for Dürnstein Castle, there is no entry fee to access the castle ruins, which are open to the public. However, there may be fees for specific events or guided tours organized by the castle management.
How to Reach It: The Wachau Cultural Landscape is located about an hour's drive from Vienna and can be easily reached by car or public transportation. Trains run regularly from Vienna to Krems and other towns in the region, and buses and boats are also available for transportation between towns.
Public transport options from Vienna to the Wachau Cultural Landscape include:
- Train: The easiest and most convenient way to reach the Wachau from Vienna is by train. You can take the ÖBB Regional Express train from Vienna to Krems or Melk, which are the two main towns in the Wachau region. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and trains run regularly throughout the day. From Krems or Melk, you can then take local buses or taxis to explore the surrounding area.
- Bus: Another option is to take a bus from Vienna to the Wachau. There are several bus companies that operate services from Vienna to Krems or Melk, including Westbus and FlixBus. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on traffic and the bus schedule.
- Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Vienna and drive to the Wachau. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on traffic and the route you take.
Once you arrive in Krems or Melk, there are several local transport options to explore the Wachau Cultural Landscape, including:
- Local Buses: There are several local buses that run throughout the Wachau region, connecting the various towns and villages. The buses are operated by Postbus and run regularly throughout the day. You can purchase tickets on board the bus.
- Bike Rentals: The Wachau region is known for its scenic bike routes along the Danube river, and there are several bike rental companies in Krems and Melk. You can rent a bike for a day or longer and explore the area at your own pace.
- Boat Tours: Another popular way to explore the Wachau is by taking a boat tour along the Danube river. There are several boat tour companies that operate in the area, offering guided tours and scenic views of the landscape.
Dürnstein is a popular choice for its picturesque setting, charming architecture, and abundance of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. The town is also known for its famous blue church tower, which is a prominent landmark in the region.
Krems is another option, offering a wider range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and holiday apartments. The town is larger and more urban than Dürnstein, but still has a historic charm and plenty of cultural attractions to explore.
Melk is also a good base for exploring the region, particularly for those interested in visiting the famous Melk Abbey. The town has several hotels and guesthouses, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.
Other towns to consider include Spitz, Weißenkirchen, and Emmersdorf, which are all located in the heart of the Wachau and offer easy access to the region's attractions.