Wachau 3 rivers - Centre-Based Tour

Romance and culinary art

Itinerary

Route

Tour profile / level 1-2

Fully developed, flat cycle path directly along the banks of the Danube. Also very suitable for beginners and children; Kamptal cycle path easy gradients, cycle path is not always asphalted, also gravel and forest paths; Göttweig roundtrip with steep ascent to the monastery.

Day 1: Krems/Mautern

Individual arrival. Use the day to explore the surroundings and let it end with a glass of original Wachau wine.

Day 2 - 5: Routings/program suggestions

Below you can find our suggestions for the nicest bike tours in the surroundings. It is up to you, which ones you choose and combine...or if you do something completely different. The Wachau is one of Austria´s nicest and most famous regions - and you can plan this home-based tour however it suites you best.

Tour 1: Danube cycle path Krems/Mautern – Tulln, approx. 43 km + train ride

Ride the centerpiece of the classical Danube cycle path. Especially the beautiful flower-town of Tulln should not be missed. You can also visit the famous garden fair called “Die Garten Tulln” from April until October. Catch the included train Tulln - Krems. Only possible on day 2 between 01.04 - 29.05.

Tour 2: Krems/Mautern – Aggsbach/Aggstein – Melk, approx. 37 km + train ride

IMPORTANT: due to a rockfall in Aggsbach in the Wachau valley, this cycle section to Melk or Pöchlarn is currently not passable for an indefinite period! Use the left bank of the Danube (no crossing with the bike ferry in Spitz!) The roadworks will probably last until summer 2025.

After a rich breakfast you start your bike tour. Commencing in Krems you cycle along the Danube cycle path through picturesque villages. In Aggsbach you should not miss to visit the charterhouse. It was founded by Heidenreich Von Maissau in 1380. If you are still fit enough for a steep ascend, you can make your way to the ruins of Aggstein. As you cycle onwards, small wine taverns can be found along the waysides. The imposing monastery of Melk greets you from afar and is, at the same time, today’s final destination. You get back to Krems by train. Only possible on day 2 between 30.05 - 31.10.

Tour 3: Traisental cycle path St. Pölten – Krems/Mautern, approx. 40 km + train ride

In the morning you take the train to St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria. Stroll through the baroque city centre and enjoy a coffee in the country’s second oldest pedestrian zone. Visit the town hall square and the cathedral square, both testimonies to a long Roman past. Modern highlights of the city are the Festspielhaus, the Landtagsschiff and the Lower Austrian Provincial Museum. Along the Traisental cycle path you cycle back to the Danube via Herzogenburg, with its impressive Augustinian Canons’ Monastery and Traismauer. The last few kilometres you cycle along the Danube cycle path back to your hotel in Krems/Mautern. Only possible on day 3

Tour 4: Melk – Spitz – Weißenkirchen – Dürnstein – Krems/Mautern, approx. 37 km + cruise

This day starts with a cruise trip to Melk. Take your time to visit the beautiful monastery. We recommend visiting the Venus from Willendorf, going for a walk in the lovely town of Spitz with its “1000-bucket-hill” and exploring the castle and the ruins of Dürnstein. In Dürnstein you will also enjoy a typical Wachau snack (included). Only possible on day 4

Tour 5: Kamptal Cycle Path Rosenburg – Krems/Mautern, approx. 42 km + train ride

A train gets you to Rosenburg in the morning. The correspondent renaissance palace offers, and additionally a beautiful scenery, bird of prey demonstrations. You cycle along the Kamptal cycle path towords Gars am Kamp. The former residency of the Babenberg clan – the ruins of Gars-Thunau, awaits you. You pedal back to Krems and pass through the historic wine town of Langenlois which invites you to have some coffee or tea break in the picturesque old town.

Please note, that Rosenburg castle is opening only in May – customers who arrive in April are not able to visit the castle. (of course the bike tour is possible anyway!) Only possible on day 5

Tour 6: Krems/Mautern – Furth – Göttweig – Angern, approx. 25 km

This route first takes you from Krems along the danube and then through the wine-growing region of Kamptal to Langenlois. Langenlois is considered the largest wine town in Austria and invites you to linger with its small coffee houses, cellar alleys and countless wineries. Depending on your mood, you can follow the Kamptal Cycle Path even further before making your way back to Krems. The small community of Schönberg, located at the foot of the Manhartsberg, convinces for example with the scenically impressive nature park Kamptal-Schönberg.

Route 7: Day trip to Vienna

If you want to explore a metropolis you can catch a train from Krems to Vienna (approx. 1 h, not included). Meet the beautiful multicultural, musical city of Vienna between Mozart, Sissi and the St. Stephans Cathedral. Also do not forget to eat the famous Wiener Schnitzel.

Route 8: Day of rest in Krems

Today is dedicated to the wine town Krems. After the wine tasting at the winemakers Krems (ger.= Winzer Krems) you should stroll through this lovely town. In the pedestrian area you will find several shops which can be useful if you still need souvenirs for your loved ones at home. The Krems Cathedral, the Piaristenkirche church as well as the "Steiner Tor" invite you to an expedition. If you do not want to spare physical activity today, you may also want to walk up the vineyard hills.

Day 6: Krems/Mautern

Individual departure or extended stay.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please note that certain train tickets are only valid on selected days. Therefore, the respective routes can only be operated on these days accordingly.

Rosenburg Castle does not open its doors until May - guests arriving in April will not be able to visit the castle (the bike tour is still possible, of course!).

Due to a rockfall in Aggsbach in the Wachau valley, this cycle section to Melk or Pöchlarn is currently not passable for an indefinite period! Use the left bank of the Danube (no crossing with the bike ferry in Spitz!) The roadworks will probably last until summer 2025.

Services

  • 5 nights in rooms with private facilities

  • Breakfast (or 5x dinner option for a surcharge, only possible in Cat. Premium)

  • 1x train ride Emmersdorf – Krems incl. bike (May 30 – October 31)

  • 1x  train ride Tulln – Krems incl. bike (only from April 1st to May 29)

  • 1x cruise Krems – Melk incl. bike

  • 1x train ride Krems – Rosenburg incl. bike 

  • 1x train ride Krems – St. Pölten incl. bike 

  • Wine tasting (in German language only)

  • Typical Wachau snack

  • Service-Hotline (also accessible on weekends)

  • Handlebar bag with digital maps and information material per room + Cycling App (we recommend bringing a power bank and phone holder to ensure a smooth ride)

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type
    S1   01.04. - 30.04.25
    Premium (4 * Steigenberger)
    S2   01.05. - 30.06.25
    Premium (4 * Steigenberger)
    S1   01.07. - 31.08.25
    Premium (4 * Steigenberger)
    S2   01.09. - 30.09.25
    Premium (4 * Steigenberger)
    S1   01.10. - 31.10.25
    Premium (4 * Steigenberger)
    S1   01.04. - 30.04.25
    Comfort (Weinresidenz)
    S2   01.05. - 30.06.25
    Comfort (Weinresidenz)
    S1   01.07. - 31.08.25
    Comfort (Weinresidenz)
    S2   01.09. - 30.09.25
    Comfort (Weinresidenz)
    S1   01.10. - 31.10.25
    Comfort (Weinresidenz)

    Extras

    Discount for 3rd person (in one room with 2 adults)
    Children 0 - 6,99 years -100%
    Children 7 - 11,99 years -50%
    Children 12 - 14,99 years -25%
    15 - 99 years  -10%
     
    Bikes & equipment
    Trekking bike 139
    E-Bike 229
    Children’s bike and equipment on request
    Bike helmet 44
    Rental bike disclaimer trekking/E-Bike 22/49
       
    Transfers
    Krems Hotel to Vienna Airport (Economy Car 1-8 PAX) on request
       
    Additional night
    Cat. Comfort (dbl/sgl) 79/109
    Cat. Premium (dbl/sgl) Season 1 115/155
    Cat. Premium (dbl/sgl) Season 2 119/159

    Best - Price - Guarantee

    If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!
    All prices per person in EUR

    Accommodation

    Hotels

    Guesthouse/Wine residence Nikolaihof
    Cat. Comfort

    Built in the typical Wachau style, this modern guest house surrounded by vineyards is only a few steps away from the associated Nikolaihof winery. 17 spacious, modern feel-good rooms are equipped with shower/toilet, satellite TV and air condition (since 2021).

    In a beautiful garden with countless apricot trees there is a spacious swimming pond with a large wooden deck, a sunbathing area and a children’s playground, from the 100 sqm wellness pavilion with sauna and relaxation room you can enjoy a wonderful view to the vineyards. The rich breakfast buffet offers regional delicacies from organic farming.

    With its 2,000-year history, the Nikolaihof winery is not only one of the oldest wineries in Austria, since 1971 they have been cultivating wine according to biodynamic guidelines, without pesticides and herbicides. The wines enjoy an international reputation and are consistently top-ranked in the US-American “International Wine Report. ” The Riesling “Steiner Hund” 2012 was recently ranked 6th out of 100. In the Nikolaihof wine bar, typical Wachau wines are made from organic products Dishes and delicious vegetarian dishes served. For the undecided, the “Nikolaihof Buffet at the Table” is recommended, where all meals are served in small portions at the table (from 4 persons). So you can get to know the variety of Wachau cuisine.

    Culinary insider tip close by – the Landhaus Bacher
    It is the epitome of the well-kept country restaurant with traditionally high-class table and glass culture. Probably the best Mediterranean restaurant in Austria (2 Michelin stars) presents Austrian cuisine in its most exciting and innovative way.


    Steigenberger Hotel & Spa 4*
    Cat. Premium

    Harmoniously nestled in the vineyards of Krems, overlooking the Danube, the Steigenberger Hotel & Spa Krems is the ideal starting point for numerous activities in the Wachau Valley. All rooms have shower/toilet, , bath basket with fluffy bathrobe, minibar, flat screen satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, in-room safe.

    Guests can relax in the 1,200 m2 wellness area with indoor and outdoor pools, several saunas, a salt water steam bath and a relaxation room with an open fireplace. Beauty treatments are available on request.

    The elegant Weinberg Restaurant and the cosy wine taverns spoil you with specialities from the Wachau region. You can also enjoy wines from the wine cellar. In summer, meals are served either indoors or on the panoramic terrace.

    Bicycle

    Rental bicycles & equipment

    The following bikes are available for hire:

    • 30-speed trekking bikes with low entry, unisex model and men’s frame available, freewheel
    • 10-speed e-bikes (pedelecs) with low entry, unisex model, hub gears, very limited number of 7-speed e-bikes available 
    • Children’s bikes and accessories on request

    Our rental bikes are equipped with a spacious, waterproof pannier, spare tube and repair kit.

    IMPORTANT: please reserve e-bikes well in advance as they are only available in very limited numbers.


    Breakdowns

    Breakdowns or punctures can occur even with new wheels and the best maintenance. Fix punctures yourself, in case of major damage please contact our on-site staff. Please do not have any repairs done to the bikes without our approval.


    Bringing of own bikes

    You are welcome to bring your own bike. This is specially adapted to your needs and we understand very well that you would naturally like to have it with you on your bike trip. Do not forget to bring a tool bag including necessary keys and spare tube as well as a lock and check the bike for functionality before your departure.

    Useful

    Arrival - Parking - Departure

    Arrival by plane

    Airport: Vienna (VIE)
    With the train - connection you can find here - Ticketprice approx. € 20,- (2h)


    Arrival by car

    Steigenberger Hotel & Spa: Hotel garage € 15,-/night, public parking available, but limited (free of charge)
    Gasthof Nikolaihof: free of charge at the Hotel.


    Arrival by train

    Train station: Krems an der Donau
    Gasthof Nikolaihof: With the bus 1 to the station "Stein Mautern Bahnhof" (25 min) / Taxi approx. € 10,- (7 min)
    Steigenberger Hotel & Spa: With the bus 1424 to the station "Alauntal Am Rosenhügel" (15 min) / Taxi approx. € 7,- (5 min)


    Transfers

    Krems - Vienna Airport and back
    Prices available, see "Dates and Prices".


    Additional information

    Tourist tax (approx. € 1-2,50 per person/night) must be payed on spot.

    Safety equipment
    Please note, that in Austria children under the age of 12 are obligated to wear a bike helmet. Please protect your little ones and bring their own helmet!

    Rental bike disclaimer
    When a traveller hires a rental bike, he/she is generally liable for damage and theft. When booking our rental bike disclaimer, we assume liability so that no financial responsibility has to be borne in the event of loss or damage to the rental bike (when properly used and secured). Only lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as damage due to intent or gross negligence are excluded from this.

    Route information
    Please note that certain train tickets are only valid on selected days. Therefore, the respective routes can only be operated on these days accordingly.

    Rosenburg Castle does not open its doors until May - guests arriving in April will not be able to visit the castle (the bike tour is still possible, of course!).

    Due to a rockfall in Aggsbach in the Wachau valley, this cycle section to Melk or Pöchlarn is currently not passable for an indefinite period! Use the left bank of the Danube (no crossing with the bike ferry in Spitz!) The roadworks will probably last until summer 2025.

    Videos

    Travel stories

    4,7 of 6 Stars | 1
    4,8 29.07.2019 | Neil P. Wachau - 3 rivers - home-based tour

    Wachau Home based Tour

    1) Whilst the hotel was comfortable, it was a long way from Krems and restaurants etc. The exceedingly steep hill to get to the hotel discouraged the use of the bikes in the evening. The hotel bars/restaurants were not very interesting, perhaps they’ll ...
    • Overall satisfaction 5
    • Booking handling 5
    • Travel documents 5
    • Per-Tour information 5
    • Accomodation 4
    • Board 6
    • Route description 4
    • Route-character 4
    • Bicycle + equipment 5
    • Price-performance ratio 5
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