Rocky ground

The picturesque abbey courtyard, an Augustine exhibition with a meditation path and a ceiling fresco by "Kremser Schmidt": This is the baroque Dürnstein abbey, widely regarded as the symbol of our region, with its distinctive bell tower. You can also visit the cloister and the crypt as part of a tour.

In the immediate vicinity lie the Dürnstein ruins, where Richard the Lionheart was held captive once upon a time. Those who tackle the peak, accessible all year round, are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views.

Between the Danube, vineyards and apricots, the 180 km long hiking trail winds through the most beautifulroutes and historical pathsof the Danube valley and the Wachau wine landscape – passing 20 castles, ruins and palaces, in amongst steep terraces and vineyards, three monasteries and the Jauerling – the highest peak on the Danube river.

The World Heritage Trail is divided into 14 stages, thereby offering unique ways to have an exceptional hiking holiday.

Nestled into the changing landscapes with changing outlooks, the golf courses around the Danube offer variety for both beginners and experienced players. What’s on offer, uniquely designed around Weißenkirchen an der Donau, ensures some wonderful hours spent playing golf, whether it’s in Ottenstein or Lengenfeld.

By the way, our guests receive a green fee discount. We’ll be happy to reserve the tee-off time you want at the course you choose. 

Whether it's the white sandy beaches that grace the length of the Danube, open air swimming poolsin Spitz, Weißenkirchen and Melk, or the only entirely biological swimming pool in Lower Austria in Dürnstein, a beach holiday in the Wachau valley will soon make you forget that there's no sea!

Taking a dip not enough for you? We take care of the action, too. Wake boarding, water skiing, mono-skiing, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)... the final free-flowing stretch of the Danube, is unforgettable.

Whether it’s on the Achleitenwand, a crag in Weißenkirchen itself, around the Dürnstein castle ruins or the Wachau ridge – the Wachau valley offers great, varied climbing in uniquelandscapes, for normal climbers, as well as those more used to sport or high-performance climbing.  Somewhat deeper into the Forest Quarter, a rope climbing garden has been created, for little and large visitors alike, right by the remarkable castle of Rosenburg. 

It’s easy to roller-skate or stroll along the banks of the Danube. And in Weißenkirchen itself, there is also a tennis court and beach volleyball pitch.

Palatial scale and excitingly designed museum rooms await visitors of the world-famous abbey, which has been continuously inhabited by Benedictine monks up until the present day.

The Emperor’s Staircase and imperial rooms, Marble Hall and Library, an unforgettable view from the balcony over the Danube valley, the high Baroque collegiate church with precious frescoes, paintings or the more-than-250-years-old Abbey park, Melk Abbey is a one of the best excursions in the area.

Tire out your muscles and awaken your soul. Unique mountain biking through the Forest Quarter and the Dunkelsteiner Forest offers fun, family time and tough stretches or gentle routes along the Wachau Danube Valley, whichever you prefer. Here you’ll find everything a real biking region needs.

Our top tip? The Danube Cycle Path, one of the most beautifulbike paths in Europe , honoured with the ADFC quality bicycle route seal of approval.

The highest apricot gardens of the Wachau valley combined with baroque splendour. This is what you’ll find in the impressive Benedictine Göttweig monastery, a spiritual centre in the heart of Lower Austria.

The monumental Emperor’s Steps with a ceiling fresco by Paul Trogers is considered among the most beautiful and baroque staircases in Europe. There are similar art collections in the neighbouring princes and imperial rooms.

At a height of 233 metres, the lower Austrian National Shrine to our Lady of Sorrows offers a majestic view over the Danube valley and the hilly landscape of the hills of the Mostviertel region, right to the Alps.

The oak tree with the religious icon (Maria Taferl) was also planted at the construction of the pilgrimage church in 1660. Inside the basilica, there is also a treasure chamber with frescoes, that depict the appearances of the original stories as well as miraculous hearings and deliverances.