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Melk, a small town in Austria, is a popular tourist destination for those interested in exploring old cities and learning about foreign cultures. Located on the banks of the Danube River, Melk boasts charming old-town architecture, a rich heritage, fascinating culture, and excellent cuisine. Here are some of the best things to do and places to visit during your stay in Melk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Attraction | Melk Abbey & Museum |
| Surroundings | Hills, Danube River, Old Town, Gardens |
| Abbey Features | Marble Hall, Balcony, Library, Church, Baroque Garden Pavilion, Museum, Imperial Staircase, Imperial Rooms, Imperial Corridor |
| Abbey Church Features | Twin Towers, 18th-Century Ceiling Paintings, Ornate Choir Stalls, Confessional Chair, Artistically Carved Pulpit and High Altar |
| Other Attractions | Schallaburg Castle, Mariä-Himmelfahrt-Kirche Church, Wachau Valley, Boat Trips on the Danube River, Old Post Office, Villa Loos, Koloman Restaurant |
| Activities | Cycling on Donauradweg, Christmas Market, Historical Tours, Food & Drink Tours, Walking Tours, Water Tours |
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What You'll Learn
Explore Melk's old town centre
Melk is a city in the Austrian state of Lower Austria, next to the Wachau Valley along the Danube. It is best known as the site of a massive Baroque Benedictine monastery named Melk Abbey. The town was first mentioned as Medilica in 831 in a donation of Louis the German. The name is derived from a Slavic word for 'border'.
Melk's old town centre is particularly noteworthy for its preservation of original architectural heritage. The Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz), the Hauptstrasse, and the Main Square (Hauptplatz) form the village centre, together with Kremser Strasse and Wiener Strasse. In Rathausplatz stands the old House for Itinerants (Lebzelterhaus) from 1657 with its fine painted windows, and the Rathaus bearing the town's coat of arms. The old bread store with its tiny towers is about 400 years old and is still covered with the original shingle roof. Behind the old bread store extends the oldest lane in Melk, the Sterngasse, which used to be the main street of the town. The interesting wall paintings on the houses indicate what they were used for. Some other houses contain fascinating courtyards.
In Sterngasse is the old abbey tavern dating from 1736 with its stone statue of the Coronation of Our Lady. Parts of the old town wall and the Nibelungen Memorial Tablet (Nibelungen-Gedenktafel) can be visited in Kremser Strasse. Be sure to venture down to the banks of the Danube, home to the old shipping master's house and great views of the river. Finally, south of Linzer Strasse stands the old post office built in 1792 and now a local museum.
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Visit the historic Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey that stands above the town of Melk, overlooking the Danube River. It is one of the biggest and most beautiful European Baroque ensembles, with its striking yellow facade. The abbey was founded in 1089 when Leopold II of Babenberg gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks, and it has been occupied by them ever since.
The Melk Abbey complex extends over 325 metres and is laid out around seven courtyards. The most prominent part of the complex is the west end, where the twin-towered church rises above a semicircular terrace. The abbey's octagonal domed entrance gate, flanked by the statues of St. Koloman and St. Leopold, leads to the forecourt, offering superb views of the east facade.
The interior of the abbey is just as impressive as the exterior. The Imperial Staircase, with its cherub and stone statue-adorned banisters, leads to the Imperial Rooms, now home to the abbey's museum. The 196-metre-long Imperial Corridor features portraits of Austria's rulers. The Marble Hall is another notable feature, as is the abbey's library, which contains over 90,000 volumes and rare manuscripts, including an original 1,000-year-old rule book. The frescoes and ceiling paintings throughout the abbey, particularly in the library and church, are also well worth seeing.
A visit to Melk Abbey includes the abbey museum, the Marble Hall, the balcony, the library, the church, the abbey park with the Baroque garden pavilion, and the Bastion. The abbey also offers guided tours, and hosts cultural events like the Summer Concerts and the International Baroque Days.
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Tour the 900-year-old Schallaburg Castle
Melk, a small town in Lower Austria, is a great place to visit for its many historic buildings, particularly its old town centre, which has preserved much of its original architectural heritage. The countryside surrounding Melk also has several attractions for tourists. The Donauradweg cycling path is one of the loveliest bicycle routes in all of Europe, connecting riverside towns and scenic natural areas.
One of the most notable attractions near Melk is the 900-year-old Schallaburg Castle, located in the village of Schallaburg in the municipality of Schollach, about 5 kilometres from Melk. This stunning fortress is considered the most important piece of Renaissance architecture in Lower Austria. The central part of the castle was built in the German Renaissance style, beginning around 1540, by the Losenstein dynasty. The castle is a mix of a Romanesque palace and a Gothic chapel, with elegant cantilevered staircases and numerous terracotta decorations depicting characters from mythology. The most notable of these are the legendary Hundefräulein, a woman with the head of a dog, along with ancient gods and animals.
The history of Schallaburg Castle began around 1,000 years ago when Sieghard X, Count von Schala, had a residential castle built, surrounded by a mighty mountain wall. The castle first appears in a document from 1242 as fortress Schala. From the 13th to the 15th centuries, the castle was owned by the lords of Zelking, and from 1456 until 1614, it was in the possession of the family von Losenstein. In the 16th century, Hans Wilhelm von Losenstein renovated it into a Renaissance style, and it experienced a golden age. He also founded a Lutheran grammar school for youths of both nobility and non-nobility.
In the 20th century, the castle experienced a steady decline due to two world wars, the Great Depression, and the lack of business acumen of its last owners, the Tinti family. In 1945, it was confiscated by the Russians, and in 1955, it became the property of the new Republic of Austria. Renovation work began in 1968 and continued until 1974. Thanks to the success of the first Renaissance exhibition in 1974, Schallaburg Castle established itself as one of the most important exhibition centres in Lower Austria.
Today, Schallaburg Castle offers English language guided tours, including exclusive evening tours, upon request. The castle also features a Christmas market during the winter season.
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Sample local wines at Wein & Wachau
The Wachau region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its wine-growing and is a great place to sample local wines. The area is a stretch of the Danube Valley between Melk and Krems, with vineyards lining the banks of the river. The Wachau region is known for its distinctive landscape, with vineyards built on steep terraces and stone walls that have made viticulture possible. The grape varieties and wine styles of the Wachau offer excellent options for culinary combinations, whether paired with native Austrian or international cuisine.
The Wachau region produces some of the world's greatest white wines, particularly the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling varieties. These wines have been classified into three categories by the Wachau winegrowers' association "Vinea Wachau" since the mid-1980s, based on their natural alcohol content. Fragrant light wines up to 11.5% ABV are called "Steinfeder", while the classic category of 11.5-12.5% ABV is christened "Federspiel". Powerful reserve wines with a minimum of 12.5% ABV bear the name "Smaragd", referring to the emerald-coloured lizards found in the vineyards.
In addition to these well-known varieties, the Wachau also produces other wines such as Neuburger, Pinot Blanc, and Muskateller. The unique combination of soil, climate, and wine-growing skill has earned the region a protected designation of origin, the Wachau DAC. This designation ensures that wines with regional typicity reflect the diversity and origin of the Wachau. The grapes used for these wines must be harvested by hand, preserving the ancient tradition of the region.
When visiting Melk, there are several options for sampling the local wines. The historic town centre, with its charming inns and restaurants, is a great place to start. The Heurige, one of the most typical inns of the region, offers cosy guest gardens and a chance to taste world-famous wines alongside local delicacies like the Wachau apricot. For a more active experience, the cycle paths along the Danube and hiking routes through the vineyards provide an opportunity to explore the region while enjoying its culinary delights.
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Enjoy a meal at Koloman Restaurant
Melk, a small town in Lower Austria, is a popular tourist destination. The town is known for its beautiful abbey, its historic buildings, and its surrounding natural attractions.
One of the best-rated restaurants in Melk is Koloman, ranked #6 out of 30 restaurants in the town on Tripadvisor. The restaurant offers a large menu with something for everyone, including pasta, schnitzels, and burgers. They also serve traditional Austrian dishes and a variety of cocktails, including non-alcoholic options. The restaurant is located conveniently close to the town centre.
Koloman has received positive reviews for its tasty food and fair prices. The service is also praised as friendly and efficient, with diners receiving their food quickly even during busy periods. The restaurant is also accommodating of guests' preferences, offering to seat diners away from the smoking area if requested.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy a meal in Melk, Koloman is a great option. The varied menu caters to different tastes and dietary needs, and the central location makes it easily accessible. Whether you're visiting Melk for its historical attractions or its natural beauty, Koloman is a good choice for a meal during your stay.
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Frequently asked questions
Melk is a small town on the banks of the Danube River, with a lot to offer. It is one of the oldest towns in Austria, with many historic buildings, churches, museums, restaurants, shops, and cafes.
The main attraction in Melk is the Melk Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture, with an impressive interior that includes the Imperial Staircase, the Imperial Rooms, the Marble Hall, and the Imperial Corridor. The abbey also has a museum, library, church, and gardens.
The old town of Melk, located below the abbey, is known for its stunning architecture and narrow passageways. The Hauptstrasse, Town Hall Square, Kremser Strasse Wiener Strasse, and the Main Square are some of the most iconic structures in the town.
Yes, there are several other beautiful buildings in Melk worth visiting, including the 900-year-old Schallaburg Castle, the old post office, and Villa Loos. The town also has a Catholic church called Mariä-Himmelfahrt-Kirche, which showcases Gothic architecture.
There are several restaurants in Melk that offer delicious food, including Koloman Restaurant and the historic restaurant located inside the abbey.
