Krems an der Donau

A picturesque medieval city on the Danube River, famous as the gateway to the Wachau wine region and featuring well-preserved Renaissance architecture and cobblestone streets. It's an essential base for exploring the Danube Valley and sampling world-class Austrian wines.

Things to do

• Steinerstraße Medieval Walk — Stroll through Krems's best-preserved street lined with Renaissance townhouses, galleries, and cafés showcasing the city's 15th-century charm.
• Kunsthalle Krems — Visit this contemporary art museum housed in a striking modern building overlooking the Danube, featuring rotating exhibitions of Austrian and international artists.
• Piaristen Church — Explore this baroque church with its distinctive yellow façade and ornate interior, a defining landmark of Krems's skyline since the 17th century.
• Danube River Boat Tours — Take a scenic ferry or sightseeing cruise along the Danube to view the Wachau terraces and neighboring villages like Dürnstein and Melk.
• Wachau Wine Tastings — Visit local wine cellars and producers in the surrounding Wachau region to sample crisp Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners directly from vineyard estates.
• Krems Museum (Stadt Museum) — Discover the city's history through local artifacts, medieval finds, and displays on Danube culture and regional heritage.

Food to try

• Wachau Apricot Desserts — Sample local apricot strudels, dumplings, and confections made from the region's prized Marille apricots, a specialty since the Habsburg era.
• Danube Fish Specialties — Try fresh pike-perch (Zander) or catfish prepared simply with Austrian butter and herbs, reflecting centuries of Danube fishing tradition.
• Grüner Veltliner with Local Cheese — Pair crisp local Grüner Veltliner wine with aged Austrian cheese at traditional wine taverns for an authentic Wachau experience.
• Erdäpfelpuffer — Enjoy these golden Austrian potato pancakes served with applesauce or sour cream as a hearty local side dish or light meal.
• Tafelspitz — Indulge in this traditional boiled beef dish served with root vegetable broth and horseradish cream at established local restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Wine Culture & Heuriger Visits — Experience Heuriger wine taverns in nearby villages where locals gather for casual wine, bread, and cheese; dress casually and expect a convivial, unpretentious atmosphere.
• Danube Promenade Evening Ritual — Join locals for a sunset walk along the waterfront promenade (Uferzone) with coffee or wine—a cherished daily custom especially on weekends.
• Respectful Photography & UNESCO Heritage — The Wachau valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site; respect private vineyards and ask permission before photographing locals or entering wine cellars.
• Austrian Politeness & Greetings — Greet shopkeepers and café staff with 'Guten Tag' and use formal address (Sie) until invited otherwise; Austrians value courtesy and punctuality.

Nearby

• Wachau Valley — 7 km
• Dürnstein — 11 km
• Göttweig Abbey — 11 km
• Spitz — 16 km