Discovering Krems an der Donau
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Discovering Krems an der Donau

One-day exploration of historic Krems an der Donau

1 day • Easy difficulty • Est. €85

Day 1: Historic Krems and Wachau Valley Highlights

A comprehensive day exploring the historic Old Town of Krems, the iconic Stein am Kamp, and a scenic boat ride along the Danube, capturing the essence of the Wachau Valley.

  • 09:00

    Arrival in Krems

    Arrive at Krems an der Donau station. If coming from Vienna, take the S-Bahn (S40) or regional train. Pick up a local transit pass or bike if preferred.

  • 10:00

    Explore Krems Old Town (Altstadt)

    Wander through the cobblestone streets of the medieval Old Town. Visit the Hauptplatz (main square) and see the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Admire the historic burgher houses and the city walls.

  • 11:30

    Museum Krems or Local Art

    Visit the Museum Krems für Moderne Kunst or explore the local history exhibits to understand the region's Stone Age and Celtic heritage. Alternatively, browse local wine shops.

  • 12:30

    Lunch in Krems

    Enjoy a traditional Austrian lunch at a Heuriger (wine tavern) or a restaurant in the Old Town. Try local Wachau wines and regional dishes like Kaiserschmarrn.

  • 13:30

    Travel to Stein am Kamp

    Take a short bus ride (Bus 100) or a scenic 20-minute walk along the Danube cycle path to Stein am Kamp, the sister town of Krems.

  • 14:00

    Stein am Kamp Exploration

    Explore the charming town of Stein. Visit the Franciscan Church and climb the tower for panoramic views of the Danube and the Wachau Valley. Walk along the riverbank.

  • 15:30

    Göttweig Abbey (Optional/Time Permitting)

    If time and energy allow, take a taxi or local bus up to Göttweig Abbey for stunning Baroque architecture and views over the valley. If too far, skip for more leisure time in Stein.

  • 16:30

    Danube Promenade Walk

    Relax with a leisurely walk along the Danube promenade, enjoying the sunset views over the water and the surrounding vineyards.

  • 17:30

    Afternoon Wine Tasting

    Stop at a local wine bar in Stein for an aperitif. Sample Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, the signature wines of the Wachau region.

  • 18:30

    Dinner in Krems

    Return to Krems for dinner. Choose a restaurant with a view of the river or in the historic center for a memorable end to the day.

Meals: Lunch at Krems Old Town , Snack at Stein am Kamp Wine Bar , Dinner at Krems City Center

Where to stay: Stay in Krems an der Donau for easy access to train connections and the Old Town. Hotels like Hotel Krems or Boutique Hotel am Dom offer good locations.

Getting around: The Old Town is best explored on foot. Use local buses (Bus 100) to get to Stein am Kamp if tired. Bicycles are highly recommended for covering more ground along the Danube cycle paths.

Practical Information

Krems an der Donau is best visited between May and October, when the weather is mild and suitable for walking the historic Old Town or exploring the Wachau Valley’s vineyards. While summer offers vibrant festivals and long daylight hours, it also brings larger crowds. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and wine tasting, with fewer tourists. Winter is quiet and chilly, ideal for cozying up in local wine taverns (Heurigen), though some outdoor attractions may have limited hours. Getting to Krems is straightforward from Vienna. The train journey takes approximately one hour, with frequent direct services from Wien Hauptbahnhof or Wien Westbahnhof. Alternatively, driving via the West Autobahn (A1) takes about 50 minutes, covering roughly 80 kilometers. Once in Krems, the compact Old Town is highly walkable, making a car unnecessary for city exploration. For broader Wachau Valley access, consider renting a bicycle or taking local buses. River cruises are also popular for scenic travel between Krems, Dürnstein, and Melk, offering a relaxing way to view the landscape. Accommodation options range from historic hotels in the Old Town to modern guesthouses near the train station. Staying in the center allows easy access to restaurants and shops, while areas slightly outside the core offer quieter environments. For budget-conscious travelers, hostels and budget chains are available near the transport hub. Budget considerations should account for meals, transport, and activities. Train tickets from Vienna are affordable, but dining in tourist-heavy areas can be pricey. Many attractions, such as walking the Danube Cycle Path or exploring the Old Town, are free. Wine tastings at local Heurigen vary in cost. Entry fees apply to major sites like Gottweig Abbey. Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets, layered clothing for variable weather, and a light rain jacket. Bring a reusable water bottle, as tap water is safe. A power adapter for European outlets and a camera for the scenic Danube views are essential. Always check opening hours for religious sites and museums in advance, as they may close earlier in the off-season.

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