Wine-Fueled Treks in Krems: Discover the Three Most Scenic Routes

Discover the Scenic Wine Hiking Trails of Krems, Austria

Nestled along the picturesque Danube River, Krems is a charming town in Austria known for its centuries-old winemaking tradition and World Cultural Heritage Site status. This enchanting destination offers a unique wine hiking experience, with three recommended trails that take you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Wachau Valley.

The Stunning Wachau World Heritage Trail

The most captivating wine hiking trail in and around Krems is Stage 1 of the Wachau World Heritage Trail, a 12.5 km easy and scenic route from Krems to Dürnstein. This trail showcases the region's UNESCO World Heritage site, the Wachau Valley, with its terraced vineyards and stunning views of the Danube River. Along the way, you'll pass the Dürnstein castle ruins, vineyards, forest pockets, and charming wine cellar alleys in Stein and Krems, making it a picturesque and accessible hike suitable for all seasons.

Additional Trails to Explore

For those seeking a longer adventure, the entire Wachau World Heritage Trail spans 180 km and is often tackled in sections. This trail features vineyards, apricot orchards, and historic landmarks such as Melk Abbey and Dürnstein.

There are also several hiking routes around Krems and the nearby village of Spitz, offering intermediate to easy hikes with varying distances (around 5 to 18 km) through vineyard landscapes and along the Danube Valley.

Embrace the Wine and Culinary Culture of Krems

Krems, with its medieval architecture, riverside vineyards, and welcoming wine shops, provides a stunning backdrop for wine hiking. Many visitors combine these hikes with wine tasting and local culinary experiences, immersing themselves in the region’s rich vinicultural traditions.

Unique Climate and Wines of Kremstal

The climate in Kremstal, where these trails are located, is influenced by the meeting of the Atlantic and Pannonian climatic zones. This unique climate affects the wine, making it distinct with rapid warming during the day and strong nighttime cooling. The Krems vineyards feature slate soils that contribute to the characteristics of Kremstal wines.

Three Recommended Routes

Route 1 (Krems to Krems-Unterloiben): An easy 10 km trail with a duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes, this route takes you through the historic city centres of Krems and Stein, the Rebtor, Göttweig Abbey, and Wachau. During the right season, visitors can see apricot blossoms.
Route 2 (Krems to Krems-Senftenberg): With a medium difficulty level, a distance of 10 km, and a duration of 2 hours and 20 minutes, this route offers views of green forests, impressive vineyards, small gardens, and castle ruins such as Rehberg and Senftenberg.
Route 3 (Krems to Dürnstein): This easy 12.37 km trail, suitable for culture lovers, has a duration of 4 hours and 40 minutes. It takes you through the Wachau Steinterrassen wine landscape, historic districts of Krems and Stein, and the Dürnstein castle ruins.

Accommodation and Travel

STUWO Apartments Krems offers modern accommodations from early July to mid-September for visitors to the city of Krems. The apartments are easily accessible by bike in 8 minutes or on foot in 20 minutes and offer train connections for all three hikes, making travel to and from the area easy.

Sparkling Wine and Recommended Wines

Former Mayor of Vienna, Michael Haüpl, once encouraged visitors to bring sparkling wine (Man bringe den Spritzwein!). The best wines to try in the Wachau region include Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Muscat.

For more information on accommodation, travel, and other tips, the article provides quicklinks for Last Minute Accommodation, Accommodation Vienna, Accommodation Graz, Vacation rentals, and Semester start tips, among others.

Explore the wine hiking trails of Krems, Austria, and immerse yourself in the region's rich history, stunning landscapes, and exquisite wines.

The Wachau World Heritage Trail, which includes Stage 1 from Krems to Dürnstein, not only offers a scenic wine hiking experience but also showcases the local culinary culture, with charming wine cellar alleys and picturesque vineyard landscapes providing ample opportunities for wine tasting and food-and-drink experiences.
After a rewarding day of travel along the wine hiking trails in Krems, visitors can unwind by indulging in local Austrian food-and-drink, including the best wines such as Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Muscat, which are perfect complements to the region's lovely lifestyle.