The Wachau Valley, located along the Danube River between Melk and Krems, is peaceful and dramatically beautiful, with small historic towns and hidden treasures. Because of its relative seclusion and idyllic natural surroundings, this was a popular location for monasteries during the Renaissance, with over 30 at one time.
The Baroque Servite monastery of Maria Langegg in Aggsbach-Dorf, which also houses the Wallfahrtsmuseum, is one of the best-preserved of these (Pilgrimage Museum).
The wealthy and royal families chose this valley for their summer residences for the same reasons. Schloss Schallaburg, located just five kilometres from Melk, is a beautiful Romanesque Renaissance palace with a Gothic chapel and stunning gardens.
From its cliff-top perch above the river, the ruins of Medieval Aggstein Castle (Burgruine Aggstein) offer spectacular views, and from here, you can also see the town where the famous Paleolithic Venus of Willendorf was discovered.
The most delicious apricots in Austria can be found in the Wachau Valley. The Wachau apricot has been designated a “protected designation of origin” by the European Union due to its rarity. Every spring, about 100,000 apricot trees cover the area in a sea of pink and white blossoms.
Vineyards and villages are located on the north bank of the Danube River, which is less populous on the south bank. The urban architecture of the cities and villages in the Wachau Valley is blended with old monasteries and castles, lending this region a certain architectural charm.