A small university town at the eastern end of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, Krems is surrounded by terraced vineyards. In its heyday, during the 12th century, Krems held even more importance than Vienna for its iron, grain, salt and wine trade. As to the latter, the city has played a long and celebrated part in the popularity of the Wachau’s wine culture; the valley’s south slopes in Krems are bathed in sunlight all day and create some of the best Riesling and Veltliner wines in the world. The city’s cobblestone streets, taverns, wine bars and coffeehouses have a timeless appeal.
Sail through a serene tapestry of terraced vineyards, forested slopes, charming towns and castle ruins in Austria’s Wachau Valley, celebrated as perhaps the most scenic stretch of the Danube. Journey 18 miles through this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the river courses through picturesque hillsides. Gaze upon the prolific grapevines and quaint wine-producing villages hugging the shores—the legacy of vintners that stretch as far back as Celtic and Roman times and an echo of the more than 30 monasteries that served as vineyards in Renaissance days.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Göttweig Abbey
Experience a Benedictine abbey where monks work and worship during an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey.
Wachau Valley by Bicycle
Follow the flat bicycle trails along the scenic Danube to Dürnstein on an electric bike, or e-bike.
Göttweig Abbey with Apricot Dumpling Demonstration
Enjoy an exclusive visit to historic Göttweig Abbey before learning how to make tasty apricot dumplings.
Videos
German Language Lesson
Learn a few useful German words and phrases with Rebecca, your Viking tutor. Prost!
Austria’s Göttweig Abbey
Journey to a working baroque abbey where Benedictine monks have worked and worshipped for more than 900 years on a hilltop overlooking the Wachau Valley, following The Rule of St. Benedict.
