Damon Mcknight
Krems an der Donau is a small town in Lower Austria, located in the scenic Wachau valley on the banks of the Danube River. Named a World Heritage Site in 2000, Krems is a great day trip from Vienna, with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a thriving wine industry. From exploring medieval landmarks like the Steiner Tor gate and the Gozzoburg, to visiting the unique Caricature Museum and sampling local wines, there's plenty to see and do in this charming Austrian town.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Wachau Valley, on the banks of the Danube River |
| Population | 23,000 |
| Distance from Vienna | 70-80 km |
| Heritage | Medieval streets, buildings, and walls |
| Attractions | Steiner Tor gate, Gottweig Abbey, Town Hall, Weinstadt Museum Krems, Caricature Museum, St. Jakobsweg, St. Veit Church, St. Nikolaus Church, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Gozzoburg |
| Food | Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Fledermaus, Sachertorte, Apricot Brandy |
| Activities | Boat trips on the Danube, Wine tours and tasting, Motorbike museum |
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What You'll Learn
Explore the historic Old Town, including the Steiner Tor gate
The Steiner Tor is a must-see when exploring the historic Old Town of Krems. This preserved medieval gatehouse tower is an iconic landmark and a symbol of the city. Standing at approximately ten meters high, the structure dates back to the late 15th century and features intricate carvings and a baroque facade.
As you pass through the Steiner Tor, you'll find yourself on Landstrasse, the pedestrian zone of Krems. Here, you'll be greeted by cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and quaint shops. The area surrounding the gate is just as captivating, with well-preserved medieval structures such as the Gozzoburg Castle, Pulverturm (powder tower), and several churches like Piaristenkirche and Dreifaltigkeitssäule.
The Steiner Tor holds significant historical value as the only surviving gate out of the four that once existed in Krems. The main tower bears inscriptions and coat-of-arms from different eras, commemorating important figures such as Emperor Friedrich III and Maria Theresa. A memorial stone inside the gate also marks a devastating flood that occurred in 1573.
Located at the intersection of Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße and Plankengasse streets, the Steiner Tor is easily accessible and serves as a gateway to the Old Town. With no admission fee, visitors can freely walk through this historic site and imagine the days when it stood as a fortified wall protecting Krems from invaders.
After exploring the Steiner Tor, there are numerous other attractions within walking distance. These include the Gozzoburg Castle, Kunstmeile Krems art museum, and the Wine Experience World, where you can learn about the town's renowned wine-making history.
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Visit the Caricature Museum, dedicated to satirical art
The Karikaturmuseum in Krems is one of the only caricature museums in Austria. It is located in the centre of Krems, a small town in Lower Austria, and is a top destination in the Wachau region. The museum is dedicated to satirical art, including cartoons, comics, and illustrations. It is a lively place for high-quality and socio-political exhibitions, attracting thousands of visitors to the Wachau region every year. The exhibitions are ever-changing, featuring different types of cartoon drawings and caricatures from artists such as Manfred Dreix, Gustav Peichl, and Gerhard Haderer. The light-hearted and fun atmosphere of the museum makes it a memorable place to visit.
The museum is conveniently located and offers a unique experience, providing a window into the real lives and preoccupations of Austrians, as well as their sense of humour. The Karikaturmuseum is an excellent destination for a family day out, with a striking façade featuring an eleven-pointed jester's cap and a friendly face. The interior also has many curiosities, including a snail-shell staircase and a glass floor connecting the two floors.
The caricatures and cartoons on display are thought-provoking and entertaining, inspiring and delighting both viewers and artists of all disciplines. The works of Manfred Deix, an Austrian caricaturist, are particularly notable, as he provoked, shocked, and shattered social taboos. His unsparing cartoons were a tireless criticism of social constraints and have long been considered classics of Austrian caricature, influencing many other artists.
The museum is open daily, with varying hours depending on the season. From March to October, it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., while in the winter months, from November to February, it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is easily accessible by train and bus from Vienna and Salzburg, and it is approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the Krems train station.
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Wander along the Danube River and enjoy the views
Krems, a small town in Lower Austria, is nestled in the Wachau Valley and sits on the banks of the Danube River. The river is one of the most important in Europe, so it makes sense to wander along its waters and take in the views during your stay in Krems.
The town is a popular stop for river cruises, with around 200,000 passengers stopping here each year. You can take a boat trip from Krems to Melk, further west along the way. The full route takes approximately three hours, and there are options to stop off at smaller towns along the way. As you sail along, you can admire the splendid scenery and rolling hills, especially in spring when they are sprinkled with pinky-white apricot blossoms.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also opt to travel by bike or bus. The three- to four-hour downhill journey from Melk to Krems takes you through the most scenic stretch of the Wachau Valley. The south side of the river has a dedicated, paved bike path, offering quieter and more rural views, while the north side has more attractions but heavier traffic.
For a truly memorable experience, time your visit to coincide with the apricot season. The Wachau apricot is unique to the region, having arrived from Asia over 2,000 years ago. Indulge in the sweet, juicy fruit, or sample the local apricot brandy, Marillenschnaps.
As you wander along the Danube, keep an eye out for impressive churches and abbeys. The Katholic Pfarrkirche Hl. Nikolaus, a 12th-century church with a Gothic style, is worth a visit. You can also explore the Pfarre Krems St., a Romanesque basilica from the 1200s with ornate altars and depictions of Christ.
The Steiner Tor, one of the last remnants of the medieval walls that once surrounded the city, is another must-see attraction. Passing through the Steiner Tor, you'll find yourself on Landstrasse, the pedestrian area of town.
So, whether you're strolling along the river, savouring the views from a boat, or exploring the historic sites nearby, the Danube River and its surroundings have much to offer during your visit to Krems.
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Sample Austrian cuisine and Wachau wine at local restaurants
Nestled in the Wachau Valley, Krems is a small town in Lower Austria with a rich history of winemaking. The Wachau region is known for its high-quality wine and apricot brandy, or Marillenschnaps.
When in Krems, you can sample Austrian cuisine and Wachau wine at local restaurants. The town offers a range of different restaurants and bars, catering to all kinds of cuisine. However, for traditional Austrian food, you might want to try Zum Kaiser, a highly regarded establishment set in a quiet location next to a small square. Here, you can enjoy a cosy atmosphere and traditional dishes such as Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Fledermaus, and Sachertorte pastry.
For Wachau wine, you can visit the established winery Winzer Krems, which has been producing some of the finest bottles in Austria since 1938. They offer tours of the estate, where you can learn about their winemaking process and history, and taste their fine wines.
In addition to Winzer Krems, there are many shops in the town centre where you can buy a souvenir bottle of local wine. You can also take a river cruise along the Danube River between Krems and Melk, stopping off in smaller towns along the way, and enjoy wine tastings as part of the experience.
The Wachau region offers award-winning gourmet cuisine and traditional country inn fare. The Best-of-Wachau label is awarded to businesses that meet strict criteria for ambience and fine wining and dining, preserving traditions while also innovating. These hosts offer an authentic Wachau experience, with cuisine featuring homemade specialties and regional products.
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Take a boat trip to Melk, a charming nearby town
A boat trip to Melk is a great way to experience the beauty of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley is packed with small villages, castles, abbeys and ruins, all nestled between sloping vineyards.
The boat trip from Krems to Melk takes approximately three hours, with options to stop off at smaller towns along the route. The DDSG Company operates boat trips along this section of the river. You can admire the splendid scenery as you sail past, including the beautiful villages of Emmersdorf, Spitz, and Dürnstein. You will also float by interesting sites such as Schönbühel Castle and the ruins of Aggstein Castle.
Melk itself is a charming town, with its huge abbey, Melk Abbey, beaming over the Danube Valley. The abbey is one of Europe's great sights, with its impressive Baroque church, symmetrical towers, and impressive interior. The abbey museum, Marble Hall, library, and café are all well worth a visit.
After exploring Melk, you can either return by boat or opt for a different mode of transport. Cycling is a popular choice, with a dedicated, paved bike path on the south side of the river, and you can also take a train back to Vienna.
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Frequently asked questions
Wellen Spiel offers charming views of the Danube River and traditional Austrian food for around 20€ per person. Kaiser Von Osterreich offers a similar menu in a luxurious setting for at least 30€ per person. 2STEIN offers more basic options like hamburgers.
The Steiner Tor gate dates back to the 15th century and was once part of the old medieval wall that protected the city. The Gozzoburg is a medieval building from the 13th century. The Weinstadt Museum Krems is the town's history museum.
The Caricature Museum Krems is one of the only cartoon museums in Austria. The Kunsthalle exhibition centre displays modern and contemporary art.
The Wachau Valley, where Krems is located, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Danube River runs through the valley, and boat trips are available.
