Krems an der Donau Things to Do

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The Grafenegg Castle (Schloss Grafenegg) is located about 10km east of Krems. This is an interesting castle because it looks more like an English castle than an Austrian castle. It was built in gothic style by Leopold Ernst in the mid-19th century and surrounded by a dry moat. Besides the castle itself, the surrounding garden area is very beautiful and relaxing (with benches where you can sit and watch the castle and surroundings).

More photographs of Grafenegg Castle are at the travelogue section of this VT page.

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The Aggstein Castle (Burg Aggstein) is located on a hill overlooking the entire Danube Valley. It was built in the 12th century by the Kuenringer family. This castle was once known as "robber barons" and is said to have imprisoned their enemies on a ledge of rock where the captives face starvation.

The views of the surrounding sceneries from this castle are amazing (see photographs here, part 2 of this tip as well as travelogue section of this VT page). There is a restaurant here where you can have your meals or drinks (see restaurant tip). The castle is opened from dawn to dusk, and entrance fees is 2 euros.

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There are several other castles and historical sites in the Wachau area, besides those stated in my VT Krems, Melk and Durnstein pages. It is possible to visit all of them if you have at least a few days to 1 week to spend at the Wachau area.

To summarise, those covered at my VT Krems, Melk and Durnstein pages include:
- Benedictine Abbey of Melk (Stift Melk)
- Krems old town area
- Schonbuhel Castle (Schloss Schonbuhel)
- Kuenringerburg Castle (at Durnstein)
- Chorherrenstift (at Durnstein)
- Aggstein Castle (Burg Aggstein)
- Gottweig Abbey (Stift Gottweig)
- Grafenegg Castle (Schloss Grafenegg)

Other castles and historical sites at and around the Wachau region:
- Schallaburg Castle (Schloss Schallaburg)
- Maria Langegg church
- Willendorf village
- Burg Oberranna
- Wachau Museum (at Weissenkirchen)

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Krems an der Donau is one of the bigger towns of the Wachau region with a history dating back to over 1000 years. The main highlight of Krems must be the old town area which surrounded by walls and gates. The main gate of Krems old town is the Steinertor with its impressive tall tower and architecture dating back to the 15th century. The old town is quite big and should take a few hours to explore, do some shopping, eating at the restaurants etc. There are maps of the old town to guide you along, the main attractions of the old town area are:

- Weinstadt Museum (Museum of items related to Krem's history and culture)
- Pfarrkirche St Veit (church located at Pfarrplatz area)
- Pfaristenkirche (church located at Frauenbergplatz area)
- Steinertor (main gate of old town area)

More information and photographs are at part 2 of this tip as well as the travelogue section of this VT page.

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Attached here are more photographs of the old town area of Krems, some more photographs are at the travelogue section of this VT page.

Other attractions of Krems outside the old town area are:

- Karikaturmuseum (Museum of Austrian and international figures)
- Kunsthalle (the town's art centre)
- Weingut der Stadt Krems (wine tasting and purchasing area)

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Stift Gottweig (Gottweig Abbey) is situated on a hill about 6km south of Krems on the way back to Vienna. This abbey was founded in 1083 and given the Benedictine Order in 1094. The abbey is of baroque architecture due to re-building work that took place after a fire in the early 18th century.

One of the highlights of this abbey is the beautiful Imperial Staircase. The exterior facade of the abbey buildings is also impressive, and the views of the surrounding areas from here is breathtaking. There is also a restaurant near to the abbey.

The fees and opening hours are as follows:
- Adult (6.50 euros)
- Senior citizen (6 euros)
- Student (3 euros)
- Full guided tour (2.50 euros), Partially guided tour (1.50 euros)

Mid March to mid November (10am to 6pm), tours (11am and 3pm)

More photographs of Stift Gottweig are at the travelogue section of this VT page.

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When you are either travelling by road or ferry along the Danube River between Melk and Krems, you will see the Schonbuhel Castle (Schloss Schonbuhel) located on the south bank of the river.

This castle was built in the 12th century and located about 5km northeast of Melk.

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Besides Krems, 2 other nearby towns in the Wachau region which you must visit are Melk and Durnstein. Melk is well-known for its Benedictine Abbey of Melk (Stift Melk) and Durnstein is a lovely town along the Danube with historical buildings and streets, as well as a castle to top of a hill where King Richard the Lionheart of England was onced imprisoned.

More information and photographs are at my VT Melk and Durnstein pages, so do drop by and have a look if you are interested :)