The Danube Valley

Introducing The Danube Valley

The Danube, which enters Lower Austria from the west near Ybbs and exits in the east near Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, carves a winding path through the province’s hills and fields. The dramatic stretch of river between Krems an der Donau and Melk is known as the Wachau and is Austria’s most spectacular section of the Danube. Here the landscape is characterised by vineyards, forested slopes, wine-producing villages and imposing fortresses at nearly every bend. In 2000 the Wachau became a Unesco World Heritage site due to its harmonious blend of natural and cultural beauty.

Tourismusverband Wachau-Nibelungengau (02713-300 60 60; www.wachau.at; Schlossgasse 3, Spitz an der Donau; 9am-4.30pm Mon-Thu, 9am-2.30pm Fri) can help with information on the Wachau and its surrounds.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009