Welcome to Hooked on Walking and our walking holidays in Austria. This hiking vacation in Austria is in the Wachau region of Austria which is basically the wine region around the River Danube close by to Vienna. This walking vacation we have graded as a level 2 self guided walking tour. Here in Wachau the Danube is even more beautiful then elsewhere. A friendly climate and steep slopes form ideal conditions for vineyards and orchards. Some of the best wines of Austria are grown in Wachau and of course not to forget the local apricots. This is a varied hiking tour passed steep rocks, over soft hills and through scenting vineyards which simply is blissful. A special feature of this countryside is the many small villages where everything centres on good food and wine. This tour is ideal in all seasons as in spring time the blooming of spring flowers, in summer time the harvest of the fruits and in autumn the grape harvest. Please come and enjoy the Wachau with Hooked on Walking.

Arrival Sunday to Wednesdaysfrom April 14th to September 23rd.
Level 2 self guided walking tour

Day 1 - Arrival at Krems/Stein
Krems is a lovely nice little town. Easy to reach from Vienna or Linz by train or boat.

Day 2 - High up into the vineyards and to Dürnstein
The vineyards start directly on the outskirts of the town and you hike up into the surrounding hills.You can enjoy a lovely view over the river Danube.. Then you walk across the hills to Dürnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was prisoner in the castle of Dürnstein (now a ruin with a very nice view over the Danube valley).
After the Third Crusade, Richard began his homeward journey to England. Put ashore by bad weather he found himself in Austria the home of Leopold, whom Richard had angered by actions during the crusade. Leopold captured King Richard and imprisoned him in his castle. Eager for a piece of the action the Emperor of Germany offered Leopold 75,000 marks for Richard taking him into custody in Germany.
Rumors ran rampant throughout England over the missing king. There is a legend that the troubadour Blondel heard his king singing in a castle and responded with a song that the both of them were sure to know. Whether true or not the fact remains that two Abbots were soon dispatched to journey with him through the network of the church. Even Eleanor, Richard's mother wrote to the Pope for assistance in the matter. Richard was found and soon a ransom was set for his return to England. The sum was 150,000 marks an amount equal to three years annual income and weighing at three tons in silver.
Walking time 4.5 hours , 7.5 miles 12 km.

Day 3 – Walking in the gardens of Rossatz (or to the observation point on Seekopf)
In Dürnstein you cross the river by ferry to Rossatz where you will walk through the gardens of wine and fruits. Later on you will pass the Danube again and walk on the high trail around Weißenkirchen. Walking time 5 hours , 6.7 miles 11km.

Day 4 - Rest day in Weißenkirchen
Many beautiful viewpoints on the river Danube can be found in and around Weißenkirchen. Of course we can also recommend taking part in a wine tasting session.

Day 5 - Weißenkirchen to Spitz via Buschandl wall
A steady climb brings you up to Seiber and then you pass to Kuhberg and to the Buschandl wall. Downhill you follow the gorge Miesingbachgraben and later on you pass the vineyards to Spitz. Walking time 5 hours , 7.5 miles 12km.

Day 6 - Up to the ruins of the fortress of the robber barons of Aggsbach
First today you cross the Danube by ferry to Arnsdorf and follow the Buchtal valley uphill. Shortly before you reach Maria Langegg you join the Austrian St. Jacob’s trail, which you follow up to the ruins of the fortress of Aggsbach. Visit the fortress with a gruesome past, wonderful scenic viewpoints and also stop for refreshments. After your visit in is then by bus to Melk for your overnight. Walking time 5.5 hours 9.7 miles 15.5km.

Day 7 - By boat back to Krems/Stein
First you have the morning free in Melk. Visit the famous monastery with a beautiful garden . At around 1-2pm you board a ferry to Krems . Enjoy the boat trip to Krems, passing by the highlights of your tour Spitz, Dürnstein and Krems.

Day 8 - Individual Departure

Difficulty
A level 2 tour . You should be able to walk 5-7 hours per day with climbs per day up to around the 500-800m

Accommodation
3 / 4 star hotels or guest houses.

2012 Prices

How to get there
By plane to Vienna and then by train or boat to Krems. You can also fly to LInz and then by train to Krems.
To view other walking holidays in Austria

Click below to view our
Cycling Holidays in Austria

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