Leslie Massey
Krems, a small town in Lower Austria, is a charming medieval town with a rich heritage and beautiful buildings reminiscent of the Middle Ages. Located at the confluence of the Krems and Danube Rivers, it is just an hour's drive from Vienna and makes for an excellent day trip. The historic town, which was named a World Heritage Site in 2000, boasts a range of attractions, including picturesque churches, impressive architecture, museums, and traditional Austrian cuisine. The cobblestone streets of the pedestrianised Old Town, largely unchanged since the 18th century, are a highlight, along with the Steiner Tor, a well-preserved 15th-century gate that once formed part of the medieval wall surrounding the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 23,000 |
| Location | 43 miles west of Vienna |
| Currency | Euro |
| Best time to visit | May to September |
| Attractions | Gottweig Abbey, Steiner Tor, Stein an der Donau, Karikaturmuseum, Wachau Valley, Kunstmeile, Parish Church, Gozzoburg, Boat trip on the Danube River, Motorcycle Museum, Caricature Museum, Zum Kaiser, Old Town, Piarist Church, Town Hall Square, Apricot Orchards |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the historic Old Town, including the Steiner Tor gate and the 13th-century Piarist Church
- Visit Gottweig Abbey, a Benedictine abbey with a hilltop setting, Baroque architecture, and expansive grounds
- Wander the Kunstmeile (Art Mile) and discover museums like the Caricature Museum and the Kunsthalle Art Gallery
- Sample traditional Austrian cuisine and Wachau wines or apricot brandy at restaurants like Zum Kaiser
- Take a boat trip on the Danube River, one of Europe's most important waterways
Explore the historic Old Town, including the Steiner Tor gate and the 13th-century Piarist Church
The Steiner Tor gate is the symbol of Krems and the only surviving gate of the four former city gates. The main tower, constructed in the late 15th century, features a series of inscriptions on its exterior, including the AEIOU motto, which stands for "Alles Erdreich ist Österreich untertan" or "All soil is subject to Austria", in memory of Frederick III. The gate also bears three coat of arms from 1756: on the left is the coat of arms awarded by Emperor Frederick III, featuring a crowned double-headed eagle on a black background; on the right is the coat of arms of Ladislaus Posthumus; and in the centre is the coat of arms of Maria Theresa. Behind the Steiner Tor is the Upper Landstrasse, the pedestrian zone of Krems, which has been the main axis of the old town since the Middle Ages.
The Piarist Church, dating back to the 13th century, is another notable attraction in Krems' historic Old Town. This Gothic-style church is characterised by its ornate altars and various depictions of Christ on the outside. The Piarist Church is just one of many impressive religious sites in Krems, with other notable churches including the Minoritenkirche, the Dominican Church, and the Pfarrkirche St. Veit, a Romanesque basilica built in the 1200s that holds the honorary title "Cathedral of the Wachau".
In addition to these architectural landmarks, Krems' Old Town boasts a wealth of cultural offerings, including the Kunstmeile or Art Mile, where you can explore museums such as the Caricature Museum, the Kunsthalle Art Gallery, and the State Gallery of Lower Austria. The Old Town also features picturesque squares like the Town Hall Square, with its pastel-hued buildings, and the Rathausplatz, as well as charming streets like the Steinlanderstrasse, lined with 16th-century houses.
For those interested in history, the Old Town of Krems also holds significant archaeological importance. The earliest coins in Austria were minted here, and the area is home to the oldest known grave in the country, dating back a staggering 27,000 years. This Neolithic gravesite contained the remains of twin infants, sheltered under the shoulder blade of a woolly mammoth and ritually covered in red ochre powder, along with 31 ivory beads.
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Visit Gottweig Abbey, a Benedictine abbey with a hilltop setting, Baroque architecture, and expansive grounds
Krems, a small town in Lower Austria, is a great destination for sightseeing. One of the top attractions is the Benedictine abbey, Gottweig Abbey, which is a 20-minute drive from the town. The abbey is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Wachau Valley and is often referred to as Austria's Monte Cassino because of its sacred fortress-like location.
The abbey has a long and fascinating history, dating back to its founding in 1083 as a proprietary monastery. It became a Benedictine monastery in 1094 and has been a spiritual centre for the region ever since. The current Baroque architecture is the result of a rebuild in the early 18th century after a devastating fire in 1580 and again in 1718. The abbey was designed by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The abbey's impressive Baroque staircase, topped by a celestial blue fresco, is one of the largest in Austria and a must-see. The fresco, executed by Paul Troger in 1739, depicts Emperor Charles VI as Apollo riding in his sun chariot. The abbey also houses a library with 150,000 books and valuable collections of coins, musical manuscripts, and natural history artefacts.
The abbey grounds include a rosy-hued church, a gift shop, a restaurant with a terrace offering magnificent views, and a museum in the Imperial Apartments. Visitors can also explore the highest apricot orchard in the Wachau Valley and learn about apricot cultivation.
Overall, a visit to Gottweig Abbey offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and architectural experiences, set in a breathtaking natural landscape.
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Wander the Kunstmeile (Art Mile) and discover museums like the Caricature Museum and the Kunsthalle Art Gallery
The Kunstmeile (Art Mile) in Krems, Austria, is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and those seeking cultural experiences. Along this art mile, you can discover unique museums, galleries, and exhibitions showcasing a range of artistic styles and mediums.
One notable attraction on the Kunstmeile is the Caricature Museum. This museum, founded by Manfred Deix, is the only one of its kind in Austria devoted to caricature, satirical cartoons, and critical graphic art. It is located in the heart of Krems, just a short walk from the Krems-Stein boat landing stage on the Danube River. The exhibitions here are ever-changing, featuring works by renowned artists such as Manfred Dreix and Gerhard Haderer. The light-hearted and entertaining nature of caricature art makes the museum appealing to a diverse audience of all ages.
Another prominent art space on the Kunstmeile is the Kunsthalle Art Gallery. Housed in a former 19th-century tobacco factory, the Kunsthalle combines industrial heritage with modern architecture. It has been a platform for international contemporary artists, including Arnulf Rainer, Yoko Ono, and Pipilotti Rist. In 2020, the gallery celebrated its 25th anniversary with exhibitions featuring the works of South African artist Robert Rhode and Australian artist Patricia Piccinini. The gallery also boasts permanent installations by Eva Schlegel and Peter Kogler, adding to its distinct atmosphere.
In addition to these museums, the Kunstmeile Krems offers a diverse range of artistic experiences. The State Gallery of Lower Austria, located along the Art Mile, has hosted exhibitions by renowned artists such as Robin Rhode and Patricia Piccinini. The Cartoon Museum Krems, as the name suggests, focuses on cartoons and comic classics, featuring artists such as Schlümpfe and Lucky Luke. These museums and galleries contribute to Krems' vibrant cultural scene, offering something unique and memorable for visitors of all interests.
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Sample traditional Austrian cuisine and Wachau wines or apricot brandy at restaurants like Zum Kaiser
When in Krems, it is a must to sample the traditional Austrian cuisine and Wachau wines or apricot brandy. The Wachau region is famous for its high-quality wine and its production of Marillenschnaps or Apricot Brandy, which has an alcohol content of approximately 40%. The brandy is made by turning apricots into liquor through fermentation.
There are a variety of restaurants and bars in Krems, catering to all kinds of cuisine. However, for a memorable dining experience, Zum Kaiser is a highly-regarded establishment to try some traditional Austrian food. Located in a quiet spot in Krems next to a small square, Zum Kaiser has a cosy atmosphere with a limited number of tables.
Traditional Austrian dishes you can try include Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Fledermaus, and Sachertorte pastry. The latter is a chocolate cake with apricot jam filling, traditionally eaten with whipped cream. Another famous Austrian pastry is the Linzer Torte. Be sure to also try the local delicacies of Lower Austria, such as Waldviertel poppies, Marchfeld asparagus, and Wachau apricots.
If you're interested in trying Austrian wine, you can tour the Winzer Krems estate, learn about the winemaking process, and sample their fine produce, including grape varieties like Chardonnay, Neuberger, Yellow Muscatel, and Pinot Blanc.
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Take a boat trip on the Danube River, one of Europe's most important waterways
The Danube River is one of Europe's most important waterways, and Krems is a great place to experience it. The river flows through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are several boat tours that depart from Krems, allowing you to explore this beautiful region from the water.
One option is to take a boat trip from Krems to Melk, a charming town located about 37 km west. Melk is known for its glorious abbey, the restored Melk Abbey, which is one of Europe's great sights. The abbey was established as a Benedictine monastery in the 11th century and was rebuilt in the 18th century after a fire, so much of what you'll see is Baroque. The abbey boasts a rosy-hued church, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a museum in the Imperial Apartments.
Another boat tour option is to explore the Wachau Valley itself, a stretch of the Danube between Melk and Krems that is renowned for its beauty. This valley is blanketed with vineyards and dotted with quaint villages, including Dürnstein, famous for its ruined castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1193. The valley is also known for its production of high-quality wine and apricot brandy, so a boat trip here can be combined with wine tasting or enjoying apricot-themed treats.
The boat trips along the Danube typically operate from late March to early November, with up to five boats a day making the journey. The trip from Krems to Melk takes around 1.75 hours downstream, while the return trip upstream takes about three hours due to the river's current.
So, if you're looking to explore one of Europe's most important waterways, a boat trip on the Danube River from Krems is a great option, offering a unique perspective on the region's history, culture, and natural beauty.
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Frequently asked questions
Some attractions in Krems include the Steiner Tor, the Kunstmeile, the Caricature Museum, the Gozzoburg, and the Gottweig Abbey.
The Kunstmeile, or Art Mile, is a stretch of museums and galleries in Krems, including the Caricature Museum, the Kunsthalle Art Gallery, and the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich.
The Caricature Museum is a museum devoted to satirical art, featuring cartoon drawings, humorous drawings, comics, and illustrations.
The Gozzoburg is a 13th-century building considered one of the most important medieval inner-city buildings in Austria.
The Gottweig Abbey is a Benedictine Abbey located about 20 minutes south of Krems. The abbey features a rosy-hued church, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a museum in the Imperial Apartments.
There are many great restaurants in Krems, including Zum Kaiser, Wellen Spiel, Kaiser Von Osterreich, and 2STEIN.
