Hike the Danube in Wachau

Day One: Arrival in Krems, a charming town on the bank of the Danube with many historic and cultural places of interest. Overnight in Krems Day Two: Krems - Duernstein Head through the historic town of Krems out into the Krems Valley and Wachau wine terraces where you will find some splendid views. Head towards Stein with its historic vineyards and walk the old wine routes to the Wachau wine growing area via Pfaffenberg. Head along the impressive Ried Loibenberg until you reach the pretty village of Duernstein. Return by bus to Krems. Overnight in Krems Distance: 12km; Time 4.5 hours; Ascent: 385m; Descent: 391m Day Three: Krems – Weissenkirchen – Spitz Take a boat ride along the Danube to the charming town of Weissenkirchen. From here head up through the largest vineyards in the area and discover a varied landscape of meadows, woodland and rock formations. The trail ends at the red gate where you enter the town of Spitz Overnight in Spitz Distance: 11km; Time 3.5 hours; Ascent: 506m; Descent: 494m Day Four: Spitzer Graeben – Muehldorf Explore a side valley of Wachau, the Spitzer Graben, via Tausendeimerberg and Setzberg to Muthstall. You could stop to visit the well-restored Oberanna castle (now also a hotel) or continue on along the Rannabach creek downwards to Kalvarienberg and on to Muehldorf. Return by bus to Spitz. Overnight in Spitz Distance: 11km; Time 4 hours; Ascent: 487m; Descent: 345m Day Five: Spitz – Aggsbach Markt – Emmersdorf Take the bus to Aggsbach Markt from here follow a picturesque trail via Edelberg to the Baerenreut plateau. Continue on via Zintring and Felbring to the ruins at Gossam and from there follow the historic postal track to Moedelsdorf. Follow an old trade route to the Renaissance village of Emmersdorf. Overnight stay in Emmersdorf Distance: 15km; Time 5 hours; Ascent: 611m; Descent: 607m Day Six: Emmersdorf – Weiten Today take the Jauerling-Runde hiking trail. The stage starts in Emmersdorf and leads you to Rothenhof castle and St. Georgen. Continue up to Poemling and then down to Eitental. Above the Lohsdorfer Hoehe and the Koegelfeld you reach the highest point of the stage, the Spielerkreuz. An old trade route leads you to Weiten. Return by bus to Emmersdorf. Overnight stay in Emmersdorf Distance: 18km; Time 6 hours; Ascent: 632m; Descent: 509m Day Seven: Emmersdorf – Melk Head up to the village Rantenberg. Here you can visit the Dachberg observation tower and enjoy the fantastic view. The rest of the route heads downhill to the Danube. Cross the Danube and enter Melk old town. Overnight in Melk Distance: 10km; Time 3 hours; Ascent: 236m; Descent: 231m