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Spitz, a small village in Lower Austria, is known for its wine production, cycling and hiking trails, and medieval architecture. Located in the heart of the Wachau Valley, Spitz offers a rich cultural and historical experience with its narrow cobblestone streets, Baroque houses, vineyards, and castles. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from exploring the natural landscape to visiting museums and monasteries. With options for budget-conscious travellers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Spitz is a charming destination that provides a glimpse into Austria's cultural heritage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Spitz an der Donau, Wachau, Lower Austria |
| Attractions | Smooth hills, vineyards, cobbled streets, Baroque houses, main square, parish church, coat of arms, St. Michael cemetery, ossuary, castle ruins, museums, heurigers |
| Activities | Hiking, cycling, boat cruises, wine tasting, sightseeing tours, day trips, walking tours |
| Transportation | Ferry across the Danube River, train, bus |
| Hotels | Various hotels and bed and breakfasts near attractions |
| Best time to visit | Autumn for Spitzer Weinherbst, December to February for lower hotel prices |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore Spitz's medieval old town, vineyards, cobbled streets and Baroque houses
- Visit the St. Michael cemetery, which features a restored ossuary
- Take a boat cruise in the Wachau Valley, sampling local wines
- Go hiking in the surrounding hills, taking in the views of the valley and surrounding landscape
- Visit the nearby towns of Weissenkirchen and Dürnstein, and explore the iconic Melk Monastery
Explore Spitz's medieval old town, vineyards, cobbled streets and Baroque houses
Spitz, a charming town in Lower Austria, is brimming with medieval allure, lush vineyards, and stunning landscapes. Here is a guide to exploring its old town, vineyards, cobbled streets, and Baroque houses.
Old Town, Vineyards, and Baroque Houses
Spitz's old town exudes medieval charm, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and Baroque architecture. Start your exploration by wandering through the winding lanes, soaking in the atmosphere of this ancient settlement. Keep an eye out for the Baroque houses, characterised by their ornate facades and elegant details.
One notable landmark in the old town is the St. Michael cemetery, where you can find the restored ossuary right next to the church. The ossuary offers a glimpse into the past through a small window, providing a view of the interior with its incredible details.
Vineyards and Wachau Valley
Spitz is renowned for its viticulture, and the surrounding vineyards are a testament to this. Head to the well-known Tausendeimerberg vineyard, located near the ruins of a castle on the Jauerling mountain. This vineyard, with its picturesque setting, is a perfect spot to learn about wine-making traditions and taste the local vintages.
To delve deeper into the world of wine, visit Spitz during autumn, when the Spitzer Weinherbst attracts visitors with its celebration of wine culture. You can also take a private hiking tour of the historic places around Spitz, including the Wachau Valley, where you can indulge in wine tasting on traditional wooden boats.
Exploring the Castle Ruins
No exploration of Spitz's medieval heritage is complete without visiting the castle ruins that overlook the town. These ruins, built in the 12th century, bear the legacy of the Knights of Spitz, who conquered and expanded the castle in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle's strategic location on a rocky ridge of the Jauerling mountain, the highest in the Wachau region, adds to its allure.
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Visit the St. Michael cemetery, which features a restored ossuary
Spitz, Austria, is a charming town with plenty of attractions for visitors. One such attraction is the St. Michael cemetery, which features a restored ossuary and is well worth a visit. Here is some more information about it:
The St. Michael cemetery is located in the Wachau Valley in Spitz, Austria, and it is right next to the church. The cemetery is home to a restored ossuary, which is a room or building where bones are stored and is a unique and intriguing sight. A small window offers a glimpse into the interior, where you can see the incredible arrangement of bones. This site is a testament to the long history of the town and the surrounding area.
When planning a visit to the St. Michael cemetery, it is worth noting that the autumn season is a particularly special time to visit Spitz. The town is known for its viticulture, and the Spitzer Weinherbst festival attracts visitors every year to celebrate the harvest. The cemetery and ossuary can be a peaceful and contemplative place to visit during this festive time.
To get to Spitz, you will need to take a ferry across the Danube River. The ferry operator is known for being friendly and welcoming. If you take the ferry early in the morning, you can experience the mist across the river, which adds to the enchanting atmosphere of the town.
In addition to the St. Michael cemetery, Spitz offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, with 20 hidden gems to discover in the region. The Hohe Stein climb is a popular option, as it offers a wonderful view of the Wachau and the surrounding landscape from above. So, whether you're interested in history, nature, or local culture, Spitz has something for everyone.
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Take a boat cruise in the Wachau Valley, sampling local wines
Wachau Valley is renowned for its exceptional wines, particularly the Grüner Veltliner. A boat cruise through the valley is a perfect way to explore the picturesque region of Spitz, Austria. The Danube River flows gracefully through the valley, treating visitors to stunning landscapes, charming villages, and vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see.
A typical boat cruise in the Wachau Valley combines a scenic river cruise with a delightful wine-tasting experience. As you glide through the valley, you will be immersed in the beauty of the region, with its vineyards, castles, and charming towns. The cruise will also take you past the historic town of Dürnstein, known for its picturesque streets and iconic blue church tower.
During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to visit a local winery and sample a variety of exquisite wines, including the famous Grüner Veltliner. You will learn about the winemaking process and the unique terroir of the region, which contributes to the production of world-class wines. The boat tour may also include onboard dining options or meals, but it is always a good idea to pack some snacks and a water bottle for the journey, especially if you have specific dietary preferences.
The Wachau Valley is stunning year-round, but visiting during spring or autumn has its advantages. The autumn season is particularly special, as the Spitzer Weinherbst attracts visitors to the region with its vibrant viticulture.
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Go hiking in the surrounding hills, taking in the views of the valley and surrounding landscape
Spitz, a charming little town in the district of Krems in Austria, is known for its picturesque location on the Danube and its diverse range of hiking tours. The geographical location of Spitz offers ideal conditions for varied tours through the surrounding nature.
One of the most popular hiking trails in Spitz is the one that takes you around Tausendeimerberg. This trail gives you the opportunity to see Spitz Church from a distance and up close in the market square. You'll pass by the lower castle and climb to the breathtaking Hinterhaus ruins, with panoramic views of the Danube and the surrounding area. The route then takes you through Spitz Church to the Red Gate, from which the trail ascends towards the mountain and descends to the fortified Church of St Michael. Finally, the road by the river Danube leads back to the train station of Spitz.
Another recommended hike is the one that starts from Spitz an der Donau and goes towards Wösendorf. From there, you continue on foot to the World Heritage Trail in the direction of Buschandlwand, where you can enjoy magnificent views from the Gruberwarte before descending back to Spitz. This hike explores the hills of the Wachau southeast of the Danube and offers a rewarding experience with plenty of altitude and beautiful landscapes.
For those seeking a challenge, there is a long and rewarding circular hike through the foothills of the Waldviertel and the Wachau World Heritage Site. This trail takes you through the Danube Valley and offers a viewing platform on the Jauerling, where you can reflect on your journey.
Spitz also offers easier hiking options, such as the trail to the Tausendeimerberg, a small hill east of Spitz, which is ideal for families with children. This trail provides a playful exploration of nature and is a great way for children to gain their first hiking experiences.
The best seasons for hiking in Spitz are spring and autumn, as the temperatures are pleasant, and the landscape is in its full splendour. During summer, it can get very hot, so it is recommended to opt for cooler regions such as the forest or higher-lying areas.
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Visit the nearby towns of Weissenkirchen and Dürnstein, and explore the iconic Melk Monastery
When visiting Spitz, a charming market town in Lower Austria, you can take a trip to the nearby towns of Weissenkirchen and Dürnstein, and explore the iconic Melk Monastery. All three places are easily accessible from Spitz and offer unique experiences.
Weissenkirchen
Weissenkirchen is a beautiful wine town in the heart of the Wachau Valley, often referred to as the 'heart of the Wachau' due to its central location on the famous 18-mile stretch of the River Danube. The town is named after its most distinctive landmark, the huge, white stone, Gothic church that dominates the town and was originally built in the 14th century as a defence against the Turks. Next to the church is Austria's oldest elementary school, dating back to 1385, which is still in operation. Weissenkirchen is also reputed to be the birthplace of Wachau Riesling, with some of the best sites to visit being Achleiten, Klaus, and Steinriegl. The oldest vineyard, Ritzling, reportedly dates back to the 13th century. For cyclists, the Danube Cycle Path Passau-Vienna runs directly through Weissenkirchen, with tracks along both banks of the river, through villages, vineyards, and orchards. There is also a natural beach on the banks of the river, as well as easy access to riverboat cruises.
Dürnstein
Dürnstein is another charming village in the Wachau region, located just across the Danube from the village of Rossatz. It is known for its beautiful scenery and historical sites, including a 12th-century castle built on a narrow peak of land in the mountains. The castle offers fairytales and legends, as well as stunning views of the surrounding area.
Melk Monastery
The Melk Abbey, or Stift Melk, is a Benedictine abbey located above the town of Melk in Lower Austria. Founded in 1089, the abbey has a rich history and has played a significant role in the cultural and academic life of Austria. The abbey contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria's first ruling dynasty. The monastic library became renowned for its extensive manuscript collection, many of which contain musical compositions. The current Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736, and while it suffered damage during the Turkish invasion in 1683 and a fire in 1974, it has been meticulously restored. The Marble Hall, a popular attraction, was restored after the fire, along with the statues and altars, which were refurbished using eight pounds of gold bullion.
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Frequently asked questions
Spitz is a small village in Wachau Valley, known for its vineyards, cobbled streets, Baroque houses, and rich culture and history. Here are some things you can do when visiting Spitz:
- Go hiking or cycling to explore the surrounding nature and enjoy the wonderful views.
- Visit the restored ossuary in the St. Michael cemetery.
- Take a ferry across the Danube River.
- Explore the town's main square and parish church.
- Visit the nearby Hinterhaus Castle.
- Check out the Spitz an der Donau Station.
- Go wine tasting on traditional wooden boats in the Wachau Valley.
The place is particularly worth visiting in the autumn during the Spitzer Weinherbst, an annual event that attracts visitors. However, if you are budget-conscious, you may want to consider visiting between December and February when hotel prices are generally the lowest.
While there isn't specific information on kid-friendly activities in Spitz, the nearby town of Melk offers a private day trip that includes a boat cruise and skip-the-line access to Melk Abbey.
To get to Spitz, you can take a train, bus, or drive. The Einfach-Raus Ticket is the cheapest option for trains, allowing you to travel on regional trains within Austria for a full day. For buses, you can take a bus from Vienna to Melk or Krems, and then follow the Danube River to Spitz.
