Lyla Lindsey
Nestled in the Wachau Valley, Krems is a small town in Lower Austria with a rich history of winemaking. The town boasts old architecture, cobblestone paths, and beautiful buildings reminiscent of the Middle Ages. With its charming character and favourable seat on the banks of the Danube, Krems offers a range of unique products and experiences for visitors. From folk costumes to apricot schnapps, there is something for everyone in this picturesque town. In this article, we will explore the best things to buy and do in Krems, Austria, from wine tours to museums and restaurants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 23,000-25,000 |
| Region | Lower Austria |
| Nearest large city | Vienna, 70km away |
| Transport links | Good rail links to neighbouring places |
| Universities | IMC University of Applied Sciences, Donauuni, Landsteiner, University of Applied Sciences |
| Attractions | Caricature Museum, Steiner Tor gate, medieval streets, modern museums, boat trips, wine shops, Winzer Krems winery, apricot souvenirs at Gottweig Abbey |
| Accommodation | Radfahrerherberge Krems, Smile Apartments zum Goldenen Hirschen, Villa Wachtertor |
| Food & drink | Wellen Spiel, Kaiser Von Osterreich, 2STEIN |
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What You'll Learn
Local wine, including apricot wine
Lower Austria is known for its wine, and Krems, a small town nestled in the Wachau valley, is no exception. With a rich history of winemaking, the city is filled with shops selling bottles of local wine. The region's unique soil composition, consisting of primary rock and loess, has contributed to the development of its wine culture. The city's old wineries and young winemakers alike showcase the region's long-standing tradition and ongoing innovation in viticulture.
Winzer Krems, an established winery in the region, offers tours of its estate, providing visitors with insights into the winemaking process and the history of the winery. The winery has been producing some of Austria's finest wines since 1938. For those interested in wine tasting, Sandgrube 13 wein.sinn offers an informative experience, and the Weinstein Bar is the perfect spot to meet local winemakers and enjoy a glass or two.
The Krems Valley Wine Road spans 2,250 hectares of vineyards, with the city of Krems in the east and north and small wine villages south of the Danube. The Grüner Veltliner, a crisp and ubiquitous variety in Lower Austria, is characteristic of the Krems Valley wine region. Other notable wines from the area include the Riesling DAC and Chardonnay, which have been designated as "Kremstal DAC" since the 2007 vintage.
In addition to its wine culture, Krems is also known for its apricot-based products, including the annual creation of the world's largest apricot cake. The residents of Krems come together to bake a 30-metre sponge cake adorned with apricot halves, buttercream, flaked almonds, and a shiny glaze. The city also hosts the Alles Marille festival, celebrating all things apricot, with delicacies such as marillenknödel (apricot dumplings), apricot jams, and apricot brandy.
For those who enjoy a tipple, apricot liqueur and whisky are popular alcoholic beverages crafted from the region's abundant apricots. Kausl, an apricot farm in Krems, produces non-alcoholic apricot nectar, liqueur, schnapps, and four varieties of apricot whisky, including barley and wheat options. The farm also hosts the Structure & Organism exhibition, a unique combination of contemporary art and apricot orchards, showcasing the region's artistic side.
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Folk costumes
The dirndl is considered a folk costume (or "tracht" in German) and was historically worn by peasants in the Alpine regions of Austria, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Over time, it was adopted by the upper and middle classes and spread outside of its original area. Today, it is considered the traditional dress for women and girls in German-speaking parts of the Alps, and different designs are associated with specific regions.
In the Wachau region of Austria, for example, the traditional costume is a blue polka-dotted dress that can be called either "Wachauer Tracht" or "Wachauer (everyday) dirndl." The dirndl has also been featured in popular culture, such as in the film and stage productions of "The Sound of Music," where the character Maria Augusta von Trapp wears a dirndl.
If you're looking to purchase a folk costume or dirndl in Krems, Austria, you may be able to find them in shops on Landstrasse, the pedestrian area of the town. Additionally, nearby Salzburg is known for its traditional costumes, with over 20 specialist stores offering a range of options for enthusiasts.
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Motorbike souvenirs
If you're looking for motorbike souvenirs in Krems, the Motorrad Museum is the place to go. Located in Krems an der Donau, the museum is easily accessible if you're travelling between Salzburg and Wien (Vienna) on the A1.
The museum houses an impressive collection of over 1000 items, including vintage and near-modern motorcycles, with a focus on Austrian brands. The bikes are displayed in alphabetical order, ranging from early 1900s models to modern-day designs. For motorcycle enthusiasts, this museum is a must-visit, offering a glimpse into the history of motorbiking with brands such as Bock & Hollender, Austria Alpha, Triumph, Harley Davidson, and Indian.
While there don't appear to be any shops specifically dedicated to motorbike souvenirs in Krems, the Motorrad Museum likely has a gift shop or similar where you can purchase memorabilia related to motorbikes. You could also take photographs to remember your visit, capturing the unique collection and the passion of motorcycle enthusiasts.
In addition to the Motorrad Museum, Krems offers other attractions for those interested in motorbikes and transportation. The city's location on the Danube River makes it ideal for boat trips, providing a memorable way to explore the region. Furthermore, Krems' rich history in wine-making means there are plenty of opportunities to sample and purchase local wines, adding to the overall experience of your visit.
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Caricature art
Krems, Austria, is a small town nestled in the Wachau Valley, known for its wine production and scenic beauty. Beyond its charming old architecture, medieval streets, and vibrant university life, Krems offers a unique cultural experience through its caricature art scene.
The Karikaturmuseum, or the Krems Caricature Museum, is a must-visit destination in Krems. It is the only museum in Austria dedicated to caricature, satirical cartoons, and critical graphic art. The museum is conveniently located in the city centre, just a short walk from the Krems-Stein boat landing stage on the Danube River. This makes it easily accessible for those arriving by boat or enjoying a stroll along the river.
The Karikaturmuseum showcases the works of renowned Austrian caricaturists, both past and present, including the museum's founder, Manfred Deix, whose works are considered classics of Austrian caricature. The exhibitions feature a variety of cartoon and caricature art, with a focus on socio-political themes. Visitors can delve into the unique sense of humour of Austrians, offering a glimpse into their everyday lives and preoccupations. The light-hearted and fun atmosphere of the museum makes it a memorable experience.
While the Karikaturmuseum primarily displays caricatures, pictorial satire, and comics, it also includes works by artists such as Gerhard Haderer, showcasing different art forms. The exhibitions are ever-changing, with three to four alternating exhibitions per year, ensuring that visitors always have something new and interesting to explore. The museum is a great way to spend an hour or two, especially for those interested in art and humour.
Although the Karikaturmuseum provides a unique insight into Austrian culture and art, it is important to note that most descriptions and image explanations are in German. This may be a slight hindrance for English-speaking visitors, but it should not detract from the overall enjoyable experience the museum offers.
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Austrian food
Krems, a small town in Lower Austria, is known for its wine production and picturesque landscapes. Located in the Wachau valley, it is nestled in one of the most beautiful regions of Austria, renowned for its wine.
The town boasts a rich history of winemaking, with the established winery, Winzer Krems, producing some of the finest bottles in Austria since 1938. The surrounding valleys of Wachau, Kremstal, Kamptal, and Traisental are also famous for their wine, making Krems an ideal place to purchase and sample Austrian wines.
When it comes to food, Krems offers a variety of culinary options, from typical Austrian specialties to international cuisines. The town has many family-run restaurants serving rustic home-cooked meals, as well as establishments offering traditional Austrian dishes with modern twists.
For those seeking authentic Austrian food in Krems, here are some recommendations:
- Wellen.Spiel: This restaurant offers Austrian and European cuisine with great views of the Danube.
- Stadtgasthaus Zum Goldenen Hirschen: Known for its friendly service and good Austrian and European food.
- Landhaus Bacher: Located near the Danube River, this restaurant offers a four-course meal with wine pairings. It is praised for its excellent food, service, and atmosphere.
- Gasthaus Prankl - Altes Schiffmeisterhaus - Martin Prankl: This restaurant combines a great wine list, delicious food, and superb service.
- Hofbrau am Steinertor: Specialising in German and Austrian cuisine, this restaurant also offers a lovely terrace and great beer.
In addition to dining in restaurants, visitors can also purchase Austrian food products in Krems. The town's pedestrian area, Landstrasse, offers various options, including folk costumes and apricot-based products like apricot schnapps, apricot wine, and apricot nectar. The apricot is a popular fruit in the region, and visitors can even indulge in apricot ice cream with apricot liqueur for a unique dessert experience.
Overall, Krems provides a delightful culinary journey through traditional Austrian flavours, enhanced by the region's renowned wines and picturesque surroundings.
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Frequently asked questions
Krems is known for its wine, so a souvenir bottle is a great purchase. You can also buy apricot souvenirs, such as apricot wine and apricot nectar, at Gottweig Abbey, a 900-year-old abbey with its own apricot garden. In the town centre, you can buy folk costumes and apricot schnapps.
Wellen Spiel offers Austrian food with views of the Danube River for around 20€ per person. Kaiser Von Osterreich offers luxury dining for at least 30€ per person. 2STEIN is a more affordable and casual option, with delicious hamburgers for about €15 per person.
Radfahrerherberge Krems is a good option for travellers who want comfort without excessive luxury, with prices at around 60€ per night. Smile Apartments zum Goldenen Hirschen offers luxury facilities and an unbeatable location for around 300€ per night at certain times of the year. Villa Wachtertor has charming rooms and a small garden, with prices at about 90 € per night.
The Steiner Tor is a 15th-century gate that forms part of the old medieval wall that once protected the city. The caricature museum in the town centre features cartoon drawings and caricatures from artists such as Manfred Dreix and Gerhard Haderer. Krems is also home to a 900-year-old abbey with a Baroque church, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a museum.
Krems is accessible by train, taxi, or car. The train from Krems An Der Donau to Wien Heiligenstadt takes around an hour and costs $14-20. The fastest way to get to Krems is by taxi, which takes 51 minutes and costs $160-190. The cheapest way to get there is by car, which costs $14-$21.
