Leslie Massey
Krems, a small town in Lower Austria, is a historic city on the banks of the Danube River. It is a popular stop on a river cruise and is known for its wine production, old architecture, and rich history. Located in the Wachau valley, Krems offers a range of attractions, including museums, art galleries, and culinary delights. The town is easily accessible by rail from neighbouring places, including Vienna, which is just an hour away. With its cobblestone paths, colourful facades, and charming atmosphere, Krems is a delightful destination to explore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Wachau Valley, on the banks of the Danube River |
| Population | 23,000 |
| Transport | Good transport links by rail to neighbouring places, including Vienna |
| Wine | A famous wine-producing region with many shops selling local wine |
| Food | Traditional Austrian cuisine including Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Fledermaus, and Sachertorte pastry |
| History | Rich history dating back to the Middle Ages; the site of the oldest grave in Austria and the earliest minted coins in the country |
| Architecture | Old architecture, including cobblestone paths and medieval walls |
| Attractions | Steiner Tor gate, Weinstadt Museum Krems, Caricature Museum, boat trips on the Danube River, motorcycle museum, old churches, apricot orchards, and the Benedictine monastery |
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What You'll Learn
Wine-tasting at Winzer Krems
At Winzer Krems, you can embark on a journey through their estate, learning about the intricate process of winemaking and the rich history of the winery itself. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through their time-honoured traditions and the passion that goes into every bottle. You'll get an insider's perspective on the care that goes into cultivating the land and the delicate art of transforming grapes into exquisite wine.
The winery boasts a diverse range of wines, each with its distinct character and flavour profile. During the wine tasting, you'll have the opportunity to sample a variety of their vintages, including their renowned Rieslings, Sauvignon Blancs, and Grüner Veltliners. These wines reflect the unique terroir of the region, with flavours influenced by the warm days and cool nights of the valley.
The tasting experience is an exploration of the senses. As you swirl and sip, you'll discover the nuances of each wine, from the delicate aromas to the complex flavours dancing on your palate. The staff will guide you through the tasting notes, helping you identify the subtle differences and unique characteristics of each varietal. It's a chance to indulge in the local culture and appreciate the art of winemaking that has thrived in Krems for centuries.
In addition to the wine tasting, Winzer Krems also offers a delightful culinary experience. You can savour traditional Austrian dishes, perfectly paired with their wines, enhancing the flavours of both the food and the beverages. From savoury appetisers to decadent desserts, the winery provides a gourmet journey that complements the wine-tasting adventure. So, whether you're a wine connoisseur or a novice, a visit to Winzer Krems promises an unforgettable experience, combining the best of wine, food, and the charming atmosphere of Krems.
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Boat trip on the Danube
The Danube is one of the most important rivers in Europe, so a boat trip on its waters is a must during your stay in Krems. The DDSG Company operates on this section of the river and provides boat trips from Krems to the enchanting town of Melk, which is further west along the way. The full route takes approximately three hours, and there are options to stop off at some of the smaller towns en route. Admire the splendid scenery and watch the world roll past.
From May to September, five boats a day make the 1.75-hour trip downstream, with the return journey taking three hours due to the six-knot flow of the Danube. You can also take a boat from Krems to Spitz, with single tickets costing €31 and return tickets €37.
If you're looking for a more active adventure, you can also ride in a zille, a flat-bottomed boat common to this region. Ferries are another fun way to cross the river and explore the less well-known side of the Danube.
The Danube Stations, with 37 landing stations from Linz to Budapest, are "anchor points" for ships and guests to stop, explore, and enjoy the scenery.
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Caricature Museum
The Karikaturmuseum Krems, or the Caricature Museum Krems, is Austria's only museum devoted to caricature, satirical cartoons, and critical graphic art. It is located in the historic centre of Krems, a small town in Lower Austria, and attracts thousands of visitors to the Wachau region every year. The museum is a short walk from the Krems-Stein boat landing stage and the Danube River. It is nestled between the historic centre of Krems and the medieval old town of Stein, making it an excellent destination for a family day out.
The museum was founded in 2001 by Manfred Deix and Gustav Peichl, two masters of Austrian caricature. The works of Manfred Deix, who passed away in 2016, are classics of Austrian caricature and have influenced many other artists. His unsparing cartoons tirelessly criticised social constraints and shattered social taboos. The museum also features the works of Gerhard Haderer and other renowned Austrian caricaturists, past and present.
The museum is housed in a building with striking architecture. Its façade features an eleven-pointed jester's cap and a friendly face, and Mr and Mrs Austria stand in front of the door to welcome visitors. The interior features a snail-shell staircase and a glass floor connecting the two floors. The exhibitions are ever-changing, featuring different types of cartoon drawings and caricatures, with a focus on political caricature, humorous drawings, comics, and illustrations. While the museum's displays mainly cater to German-speaking audiences, the exhibitions are easy to follow, and some of the political cartoons can be understood without translation.
The Caricature Museum Krems is a lively place for socio-political exhibitions and is a great way to spend an hour or two. It offers a unique insight into the Austrian sense of humour and the everyday preoccupations of Austrians, providing a rare experience for visitors.
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Weinstadt Museum Krems
The Weinstadt Museum Krems, or the Museum of Krems, is housed in a former Dominican monastery dating back to the 13th century. The museum boasts a beautiful baroque courtyard and the Ordenskirche, a church belonging to the monastery, as well as a historic wine cellar.
The museum showcases the rich history of Krems, with exhibits spanning from ancient times to the more recent past. One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of paintings by the renowned Baroque artist Martin Johann Schmidt, also known as Kremser Schmidt, who spent much of his life in the nearby town of Stein. His paintings, along with other artworks in the museum, provide a glimpse into the region's artistic heritage.
Another notable exhibit is the one dedicated to Kremser Mustard, a renowned culinary condiment. Visitors can learn about the history and significance of this local delicacy. The museum also houses a copy of the Venus of Galgenberg, an ancient green carving of a dancing female figure. This small statuette, nicknamed "Fanny", is approximately 30,000 years old and is the oldest piece of art ever discovered in Austria.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Weinstadt Museum Krems also features temporary exhibitions showcasing contemporary artists. The museum is located in the heart of Krems, a charming city nestled in the Wachau valley along the Danube River. Known for its wine production, Krems offers a range of experiences related to its vinicultural heritage, including tours of established wineries and opportunities to sample fine Austrian wines.
Krems is easily accessible, located just 70km from Vienna and well-connected by rail and river cruises. The city boasts a rich history, as evidenced by the discovery of the earliest coins in Austria and the 27,000-year-old Neolithic gravesite of twin infants found at the Krems-Wachtberg site.
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Old Town of Stein
The Old Town of Stein, a UNESCO site, is a charming example of an old city that has been modernised. The adjacent town of Stein is often called Krems am Stein, owing to its proximity to Krems. The old town of Stein is situated right on the stream, in contrast to the old town of Krems, which is nestled on mountain slopes.
One of the main attractions of the Old Town of Stein is the Steiner Tor (Stein Gate), a medieval tower gate that guards the entrance to the old town. The gate is a fine example of a fortified entrance to a medieval town, featuring two coats of arms and inscriptions. The middle crest on the gate belongs to Empress Maria Theresa, and the right crest is that of Ladislaus the Posthumous. The gate was erected in the 15th century and rebuilt in the Baroque style after being destroyed by Hungarian troops in 1477.
The Old Town of Stein features narrow streets and crooked alleys that lead to various attractions, including galleries, contemporary art, and other sights. The town is also home to richly decorated gates, oriels, and architectural treasures such as the Göttweigerhof, the Minoritenkirche, and the parish church. The Steiner Landstrasse is a notable road that passes by several points of interest, including the Kunsthalle Krems, the cartoon museum, and a monastery, before reaching the Steiner Tor.
The Old Town of Stein is known for its tranquillity and untouched appearance, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past. The town's main street leads directly to the pedestrianised zone, where visitors can explore the town's history and admire its architectural preservation.
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Frequently asked questions
Some attractions in Krems include the Steiner Tor gate, the Weinstadt Museum Krems, the Caricature Museum, and the Wachau Valley.
Traditional Austrian cuisine is a must-try in Krems. Local delicacies include Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Fledermaus, and Sachertorte pastry. For a fine dining experience, try the Kaiser Von Osterreich, or for a more casual meal, 2STEIN serves delicious hamburgers.
Krems has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was named a World Heritage Site in 2000 and is known for its wine production. The city also has a long history of winemaking, with the Winzer Krems winery producing some of the finest bottles in Austria since 1938.
Krems is a great base for day trips to nearby towns and cities. Vienna is only an hour away by train, and boat trips along the Danube River to the town of Melk are also popular.
