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Melk, a small town in Lower Austria, is a popular tourist destination. The town is most famous for the Melk Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that dates back to 1089. The abbey is renowned for its beautiful Baroque architecture, library, museum, and church. In addition to the abbey, visitors can enjoy the town's old architecture, the banks of the Danube River, the old post office, and the nearby Schallaburg Castle. The town is also a common stop on guided tours of the Wachau Valley and nearby towns such as Hallstatt and Salzburg.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main attraction | Melk Abbey |
| Other attractions | The old town, Wachau Valley, Stadtpfarrkirche Maria Himmelfahrt church, Schallaburg Castle, Artstetten Castle, Aggstein Castle ruins |
| Activities | Cruising the Wachau Valley, strolling around the old town, admiring the architecture, visiting the abbey museum, touring the abbey, exploring the abbey gardens, enjoying a boat ride in Hallstatt |
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What You'll Learn
- Visit Melk Abbey and its museum, library, church and gardens
- Explore the town's architecture and old town
- Discover the banks of the Danube and the old shipping master's house
- Tour Artstetten Castle and its gardens
- Visit Schallaburg Castle, a stunning fortress and important piece of Renaissance architecture
Visit Melk Abbey and its museum, library, church and gardens
Melk Abbey, also known as Stift Melk, is a Benedictine abbey overlooking the town of Melk and the Danube River. The abbey was established in 1089 and houses the remains of Austria's first ruling dynasty, the House of Babenburg. The current facade of the building was constructed in the 1700s in a Baroque style. Inside the abbey are various religious exhibits, ornate pieces that adorn the walls, and a 3D model of the building. The abbey also houses a museum and a library, which are definitely worth visiting. Unfortunately, no photographs are allowed inside the library, but you will be amazed by the myriad of colours and textures in the glorious rooms.
The Melk Abbey Church is another highlight of the abbey. The church features artistic decorations by prominent masters in their fields, including interior designer and sketch artist Antonio Beduzzi, fresco and altar painting artist Johann Michael Rottmayr, altar painting artist Paul Troger, and sculptor Lorenzo Mattielli, among others. The left-side altar in the transept contains the mortal remains of St. Coloman in a sarcophagus, while the altar to the right is dedicated to St. Benedict but remains empty. The meaning of the Melk Abbey Church is inscribed on the high altar: "NON CORONABITUR NISI LEGITIME CERTAVERIT" ("Without a legitimate battle there is no victory").
The abbey also boasts magnificent gardens that are definitely worth exploring. The grounds include a grand entrance, a rose garden, and a baroque park designed in 1750, updated in 1822 as an English landscape garden, and revitalized in 2000. The park area is terraced, with carefully tended shrubs and lush green grass adorned with sculptures. There is also a herb garden, where you can go from plant to plant, smelling the scents and taking in the beautiful colours.
The abbey is located on a rocky outcrop high above the Danube and the city of Melk. It can be reached on foot or by a short bus ride from the town. A grand staircase takes visitors from the bus drop-off point to the abbey grounds, where a cobblestone walkway leads through a gate into the courtyard.
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Explore the town's architecture and old town
Melk is a beautiful little town in Austria, with the magnificent Melk Abbey as its main attraction. However, the old town centre is also worth exploring, as it has preserved much of its original architectural heritage.
Begin your exploration of Melk's old town by strolling along the banks of the Danube River. Here, you'll find the old shipping master's house and stunning views of the river. Then, head south of Linzer Strasse to discover the old post office, built in 1792, which now houses a local museum.
Just a short walk from the old post office, you'll find yourself in Rathausplatz, where you can admire the old House for Itinerants (Lebzelterhaus) from 1657, with its fine painted windows. Nearby, in Sterngasse, stands the old abbey tavern, dating back to 1736. It features a stone statue of the Coronation of Our Lady. Wander down Kremser Strasse to see parts of the old town wall and the Nibelungen Memorial Tablet.
If you're interested in religious sites, be sure to visit the Stadtpfarrkirche Maria Himmelfahrt, a beautiful church located near Melk Abbey. This church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. For a truly unique experience, join the worship services on Sundays or the daily prayers at noon to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Melk.
Lastly, don't miss the opportunity to explore the charming village of Maria Taferl, located high above the Danube and offering breathtaking views of the Danube Valley. Here, you'll find the Basilica of Maria Taferl, an Early Baroque pilgrimage church built between 1661 and 1711. This twin-towered church is renowned for its marble doorway, Baroque ceiling paintings, and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Joseph and the legend of the Virgin.
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Discover the banks of the Danube and the old shipping master's house
Melk, a city in Lower Austria, is a great place to visit for those who enjoy scenic views, historical sights, and outdoor activities. One of the must-visit places in Melk is the banks of the Danube River, where you can discover the old shipping master's house and take in the stunning views of the river and the surrounding area.
The Danube River has played a significant role in the history and development of Melk, and exploring its banks offers a unique perspective on the city's past and present. The old shipping master's house is a reminder of the river's importance as a trade route and the people who worked to facilitate commerce and transportation.
Today, the banks of the Danube provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. Visitors can stroll along the shoreline, enjoying the fresh air and picturesque scenery. For those seeking a more active experience, there are bike trails along the Danube that offer a unique way to explore the region. These trails wind through beautiful fruit orchards and charming villages, providing opportunities for detours and exploration.
In addition to the natural beauty and historical insights, the Danube River is also a great place for outdoor activities. Visitors can go for a swim in the river to cool off during the summer months. There are also boat cruises available, providing a different perspective on the city and its surroundings. These cruises often depart from Krems and offer a relaxing way to experience the beauty of the Danube Valley.
For those interested in exploring further, there are several castles and ruins located along the Danube, just a short distance from Melk. These include the spectacular ruins of Aggstein Castle, which stands over 300 meters above the river, offering magnificent views of the Wachau Valley. The castle has a rich history, having been the base of the "robber barons" who attacked and plundered ships and wagons in the valley below.
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Tour Artstetten Castle and its gardens
Artstetten Castle, located around 16 kilometres north of Melk, is a stunning chateau that was the hereditary castle of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Hapsburg throne. The castle is in a beautiful location, with an extensive park landscape of Artstetten Castle Park stretching out around it. The castle is most famous for being the final resting place of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Duchess Sophie von Hohenberg, who were assassinated in 1914. The castle is filled with historical objects relating to the archduke and the Hapsburg family, including an exhibition dedicated to the life of the Archduke. The permanent exhibition "Archduke Franz Ferdinands Life & Actions" offers a glimpse into the multifaceted world of the Archduke and his family. The castle also features an impressive castle park, which is still maintained by the owners, and a cafe with a sunny terrace.
The gardens and park are particularly notable for their outstanding display of peonies, with over 1,000 plants blooming in May and June. The castle is also surrounded by a historic castle park, where the history of the aristocratic landlords becomes tangible, underlined by the beauty of the historic park landscape.
To get to the castle, you can take a train from Wien Westbahnhof to Pöchlarn, and then take bus NG1A to Artstetten centre. From there, it's a short walk up to the castle. Guided tours of the castle park are available for guests, with a 50-minute option that requires advance booking of at least 20 people. The castle also offers exclusive evening tours upon request.
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Visit Schallaburg Castle, a stunning fortress and important piece of Renaissance architecture
If you're looking for things to do in Melk, Austria, a visit to Schallaburg Castle is a must. This stunning fortress is just 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Melk and is considered one of the most important pieces of Renaissance architecture in Lower Austria. The central part of the castle was built during the German Renaissance Age, starting around 1540 by the Losenstein dynasty, who renovated it into a Renaissance style. The castle is a combination of a Romanesque residential palace and a Gothic chapel, with Italian Renaissance patterns.
The aesthetically pleasing castle boasts a well-decorated, two-storied arcaded courtyard with elegant cantilevered staircases. The decorations are in terracotta mosaic, depicting a range of characters from mythology, including the legendary Hundefräulein, a female human figure with a dog's head. At the gate entrance, two large smoke-spewing dragons, each 30 metres long and 6 metres high, provide entertainment for children who can slide down their mouths.
The castle's Mannerist gardens are also a delight, with roses, ornamental trees and bushes, herbs, and two Renaissance apple orchards. The castle functions as a museum, with a new exhibition every year. Previous exhibitions have covered a range of topics, from the history of Venice to the First World War. In winter, the castle also hosts a Christmas market and an escape room.
When visiting, it's important to note that the castle is currently undergoing renovations, which may affect what you can see and access. English language guided tours are available upon request, and the Niederösterreich-card is valid here, offering a discount.
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Frequently asked questions
Melk is a small town on the banks of the Danube in Lower Austria. The town is most famous for the Melk Abbey, a beautiful Baroque abbey that dates back to 1089. The abbey is home to a monastic school, a museum, a library with approximately 100,000 books, and a church. Other attractions in Melk include the old town, the banks of the Danube, and the old post office, which has been converted into a local museum. Outside of the town, there are several castles within a short distance, including Schallaburg Castle and Artstetten Castle.
The Melk Abbey is a popular tourist destination in Melk, Austria. The abbey is home to a monastic school, which has been continuously operating since the 12th century. Visitors can tour the abbey, including the museum, the library, and the church. The abbey is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture, frescoes, and golden ornaments.
The Abbey Church is considered the finest Baroque church north of the Alps. It is famous for its twin towers, outstanding interior with 18th-century ceiling paintings, ornate choir stalls, confessional chair, artistically carved pulpit, and high altar with figures of the patron saints of the church, St. Peter and St. Paul. The church also has two altars dedicated to Saints Coloman and Benedict, with St. Coloman's skeleton kept in a sarcophagus at one of the altars.
There are several attractions near Melk, Austria, that are worth visiting. These include the town of Dürnstein, known for its twelfth-century castle and wineries; the city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart; and the lake district, including Hallstatt and Lake Hallstatt. There are also several castles near Melk, such as Schallaburg Castle and Artstetten Castle.
A day trip from Vienna to Melk, Austria, can include a visit to the Wachau Valley, a cruise on the Danube River, and a tour of the Melk Abbey. The trip typically takes about 12 hours, including transportation, and offers beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and a relaxing boat ride.
