Exploring Melk, Austria: Top Attractions And Hidden Gems

Melk, a picturesque city in Lower Austria's Wachau valley, is a great place to visit if you're looking to explore beyond Vienna. Nestled on the banks of the River Danube, Melk is brimming with rich history and stunning architecture. Here are some of the top attractions Melk has to offer:

- Melk Abbey: This magnificent Baroque structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the focal point of the town. Founded in 1089, the abbey has a rich history and boasts incredible architectural gems, including frescoes and a marble hall.

- Jauerling Wachau Nature Park: Just a 20-minute drive from Melk, this nature reserve offers a charming escape for hikers and nature lovers. Explore shady forests, vineyards, glittering brooks, and majestic mountains with various hiking routes to suit all difficulty levels.

- Schallaburg Castle: During the winter months, especially around Christmas, the Romanesque architecture of Schallaburg Castle provides a unique setting for a Christmas market. Enjoy traditional food, glühwein (mulled wine), musical performances, and family-friendly activities.

- Stadtmuseum Melk: For history and archaeology enthusiasts, the Stadtmuseum Melk (City Museum Melk) is a must-see. It houses a variety of exhibits, including a middle Neolithic period idol with a bird's face, ancient texts, and prehistoric collections.

- Old Town Melk: Wander through the narrow streets of Old Town Melk, located below the Benedictine Abbey. Explore the Town Hall Square, Hauptstrasse, Main Square, Kremser Strasse, and Wiener Strasse to soak in the centuries-old architecture and local culture.

Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, natural escapes, or historical insights, Melk has something for everyone.

Visit the Benedictine Melk Abbey

Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey that overlooks the town of Melk in Lower Austria. It is one of the biggest and most beautiful European Baroque ensembles. The abbey is part of the Wachau Cultural Landscape, a World Heritage Site.

History

The abbey was founded in 1089 when Leopold II, Margrave of Austria, gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks from Lambach Abbey. In the 12th century, a monastic school was founded, and the monastic library soon became renowned for its extensive manuscript collection. In the 15th century, the abbey became the centre of the Melk Reform movement, which reinvigorated the monastic life of Austria and Southern Germany.

The current Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736 to designs by Jakob Prandtauer. The abbey church features frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger. In the later 18th century, the Abbey of Melk became a centre of Enlightenment thought and social exchange, and there was even a Masonic lodge, as a number of monks were Freemasons.

What to See

The Marble Hall features a ceiling fresco by Paul Troger, which creates an optical illusion of a curved and rising ceiling when it is, in fact, flat. The library is another must-see, with its shimmering gold and glistening wood, surrounded by books from floor to ceiling. About 16,000 books are meticulously arranged between columns of decoratively carved wood. The abbey church is considered a textbook example of High Baroque architecture and is thought to be one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the world.

Explore the Old Town

Melk's Old Town is a stunning area in downtown Melk, showcasing centuries-old architecture and narrow passageways that tell a fascinating story about this breathtaking town. Nestled just below the Benedictine Abbey, here are some of the most iconic sights to see:

• Hauptstrasse – One of the most iconic streets in the Old Town, situated in the heart of the village centre.
• Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz) – Home to the old House for Itinerants (Lebzelterhaus) from 1657, with its fine painted windows, and the Rathaus, bearing the town's coat of arms.
• Kremser Strasse – Here, you can visit parts of the old town wall and the Nibelungen Memorial Tablet (Nibelungen-Gedenktafel).
• Wiener Strasse – Another iconic street in the Old Town, located in the village centre.
• Main Square (Hauptplatz) – The bustling main square forms the heart of the village, along with the Town Hall Square, Hauptstrasse and Kremser Strasse.
• Sterngasse – Wander down this street to find the old abbey tavern dating from 1736, with its stone statue of the Coronation of Our Lady.

The Old Town is the perfect place to socialise with locals and get some travel tips. It's also a great spot to try some delicious local food and immerse yourself in the culture of the city.

Tour the Stadtmuseum

Stadtmuseum Melk, or the City Museum Melk, is a fascinating museum located in the heart of Melk in Lower Austria. The museum features a range of antique items, ancient texts, displays, and other valuable objects and prehistoric collections.

• Begin your tour by admiring the Idol with a bird's face, a middle Neolithic period exhibit and one of the museum's main attractions. This unique piece is estimated to be 6500 years old, making it a significant archaeological find.
• Next, browse through the antique items and ancient texts on display. These include objects such as old writings, Roman stones, and other artefacts that provide a glimpse into the past. Some of these artefacts were discovered during archaeological excavations in the Melk region.
• Learn about the history of the museum itself. The establishment of the museum was decided during a town council meeting on October 5, 1879. Initially, some display cases were set up in the town hall, showcasing antique objects and ancient texts. Over time, the museum's collection grew, and it had to relocate to a larger space.
• Discover the work of Franz Xaver Linde, a pharmacist who played a crucial role in the museum's development. Under his leadership, the museum gained significance, and a printed catalogue of the museum's objects was published in 1903, describing over 400 items.
• Explore the prehistoric collections and archaeological exhibits. The museum houses a rich collection of prehistoric artefacts, including the findings of Josef Aichinger, the first rector of the Melk Seminary. These artefacts provide valuable insights into the area's ancient history.
• Admire the Roman stones on the facade of the building. These stones are remnants from the time when the museum was housed in a building next to the pharmacy.
• Learn about the cultural and historical significance of the museum through their extensive photo and dia collection. This collection includes over 30,000 images, many of which have been digitised for easy access.
• Finally, don't forget to visit the museum's archive, which plays a crucial role alongside the museum's exhibits. The archive includes documentation of local history, providing a broader context to the artefacts on display.

By following this itinerary, you will gain a deeper understanding of the archaeological and historical significance of Melk and its surrounding areas.

Check out Schallaburg Castle

If you're looking for things to see and do in Melk, Austria, then a visit to the nearby Schallaburg Castle is a must. This stunning fortress is renowned for its architectural beauty and rich history, dating back to the 13th century. Here's why you should check out Schallaburg Castle:

• Architectural Marvel: Schallaburg Castle is an exceptional example of Renaissance architecture in Lower Austria. The central part of the castle was built during the German Renaissance Age, starting around 1540, by the Losenstein dynasty. The castle combines Romanesque and Gothic elements with Italian Renaissance influences, resulting in a unique and aesthetically pleasing design.
• Historic Significance: The history of Schallaburg Castle spans over 1000 years. It was first mentioned in a document in 1242 as fortress Schala and has changed hands several times over the centuries. The castle has strong religious significance as well. In 1456, it came into the possession of the von Losenstein family, who renovated it in the Renaissance style and established a Lutheran grammar school.
• Cultural and Educational Hub: Schallaburg Castle has played a significant role in the cultural and educational life of the region. It was a centre of the new Protestant faith and home to a school that promoted a progressive approach to education. The castle also features a historic garden, which includes what is believed to be the last Renaissance shooting range in Europe and the foundations of a ballroom where a precursor to tennis was played.
• Exhibitions and Events: The castle has been a museum since 1974, hosting exhibitions on a variety of themes, including the Renaissance, Venice, Byzantium, and the First World War. It has established itself as one of Austria's largest exhibition centres, attracting visitors from around the world. The castle also hosts special events, such as the Christmas market, offering handmade artworks, regional delicacies, and entertainment for all ages.
• Terracotta Courtyard: One of the most distinctive features of Schallaburg Castle is its two-storied arcaded courtyard adorned with 1,600 terracotta figures. The courtyard reflects the importance of classical education to the builders, blending mythical creatures, gods, coats of arms, and local legends. It evokes a sense of southern flair and provides a charming setting for culinary delights and cosy coffee breaks.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: Schallaburg Castle offers entertainment for the whole family. At the gate entrance, two large smoke-spewing dragons, each 30 metres long and 6 metres high, provide a fun slide for children. The castle's Mannerist gardens, with their ornamental plants and herbs, along with the Renaissance apple orchards, create a culturally rich and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

Stroll along the Danube

Melk, a historic town in Lower Austria, is situated on the banks of the River Danube, where it enters the Wachau Valley. The town is best known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, but there are many other attractions, including the Donauradweg cycling path, several castles, and the Old Town.

The Danube River is one of the loveliest bicycle routes in Europe, connecting riverside towns and scenic natural areas. The Donauradweg cycling path is a great way to explore the area and take in the beautiful scenery. The gently downhill, three- to four-hour pedal from Melk to Krems takes you through the most scenic stretch of the Wachau Valley. Cyclists rule here, and you'll find all the amenities that make this valley so popular with Austrians on two wheels.

If cycling is not your thing, you can also take a boat along this route. From May through September, five boats a day make the 1.75-hour trip downstream from Melk to Krems. You can also hop on a ferry to cross the river at three points: Spitz, Weissenkirchen, and Dürnstein.

As you stroll or cycle along the Danube, you'll be treated to stunning views of the river and the surrounding valley. The Wachau Valley, where the Danube River makes its way toward Vienna, is blanketed with vineyards and dotted with cute villages. The 24-mile stretch of the Wachau between Melk and Krems is especially picturesque.

Along the way, you'll pass by charming towns, historic castles, and crumbling ruins. Just downstream from Melk lies the town of Willendorf, where the oldest piece of European art, the Venus of Willendorf, was found. Further along, you'll reach Dürnstein, a quaint town known for its picturesque old town and the ruin of Dürnstein Castle.

Finally, you'll arrive in Krems, a true gem of a town with a shopper's wonderland old town. From Krems, you can catch the train back to Vienna or continue your exploration of the Danube.

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