Lexi Webster
Krems, officially known as Krems an der Donau, is a small town in Lower Austria, located 43 miles west of Vienna. It is nestled in the Wachau valley and sits at the confluence of the Krems and Danube rivers. With a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages, Krems boasts charming old architecture, beautiful buildings, and a well-known wine-making tradition. The town has excellent transport links, with train connections to neighbouring places and a one-hour travel time from Vienna.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Krems an der Donau |
| Population | 23,000 |
| Location | 43 miles west of Vienna, in the Wachau valley, on the banks of the Danube River |
| Transport Links | Good transport links by rail to neighbouring places, including Vienna |
| Distance from Vienna | 70km |
| History | Rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, with several preserved medieval buildings |
| Claim to Fame | Location of the oldest grave in Austria, a child's grave that is over 27,000 years old |
| Economy | Strong wine production and tourism industries |
| Attractions | Steiner Tor gate, Gothic churches, Gozzoburg, caricature museum, boat trips on the Danube River, Winzer Krems winery, Gottweig Abbey, restaurants serving traditional Austrian cuisine |
| Accommodations | Radfahrerherberge Krems, Smile Apartments zum Goldenen Hirschen, Villa Wachtertor |
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What You'll Learn
Krems an der Donau: A World Heritage Site
Krems an der Donau, a small town in Lower Austria, is a city with a rich heritage that dates back to the Middle Ages. In 2000, Krems was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining the likes of Vienna and Wiener Neustadt as one of Austria's important historical places.
The city's historical centre is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, with its cobblestone paths and beautiful buildings. One of the most emblematic sites in Krems is the Steiner Tor gate, which dates back to the 15th century. The gate was once part of the old medieval wall that protected the city from external attacks. Today, it stands as a symbol of the city, along with the adjacent town of Stein, which is why you'll often hear it called Krems am Stein.
Krems is located along the Danube River, which runs through the Wachau Valley, nourishing the entire valley and the well-known vineyards of the region. The Wachau Valley is considered one of Europe's loveliest river landscapes, and Krems serves as its eastern gateway. The valley is also home to important historical sites, such as the Benedictine Gottweig Abbey, which was rebuilt in the 18th century after a devastating fire, and features the largest Baroque staircase in Austria.
Krems itself boasts a unique cityscape, with medieval buildings like the 13th-century Gozzoburg, considered one of Austria's most important inner-city medieval structures, and Romanesque basilicas like the Pfarre Krems St. Veit, which holds 18th-century masterpieces by famous Austrian Baroque painters. The city also has a long artistic tradition, with the Cartoon Museum Krems, dedicated to satirical art, and the Kunsthalle Krems, an international exhibition centre for modern and contemporary art.
Krems an der Donau offers a blend of historical charm and modern cultural attractions, making it a hidden gem in Lower Austria that is well worth exploring.
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The Steiner Tor: A 15th-century gate
Krems, officially known as Krems an der Donau, is a city in Lower Austria. It is a historic city with a rich heritage that dates back to the Middle Ages. The Steiner Tor is a 15th-century gate that forms the entrance to the old town of Krems. It is considered a symbol of the city.
The Steiner Tor was originally built in the late 15th century but was refashioned in the Baroque style during the reign of Maria Theresa in the 18th century. The gate is flanked by two towers, which, like the lower floor of the gate, date from the late Middle Ages. On the right side of the archway is a small stone coat of arms bearing the name of Emperor Friedrich III, along with the year 1480 in Roman numerals. This is believed to commemorate the restoration of the fortifications that were damaged by Hungarian troops in 1477.
The Steiner Tor was once part of a larger medieval wall surrounding Krems, which was systematically razed in the 19th century, leaving only the gate and two remaining towers. The gate was restored to its original state in 2005 to celebrate the 700-year anniversary of the city.
Inside the Steiner Tor, there is a mounted memorial on the inner side of the stone door, commemorating a flood disaster in 1573. Passing through the gate, one enters Landstrasse, the pedestrian area of the old town of Krems.
The Steiner Tor stands as a preserved piece of history and a testament to the longevity and resilience of the city of Krems. It is a popular attraction for tourists and a great starting point for exploring the city's rich cultural heritage.
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Wachau Valley: Wine and apricot brandy
Krems, officially known as Krems an der Donau, is a city in Lower Austria. The city is known for its rich heritage that dates back to the Middle Ages, with cobblestone paths and beautiful buildings reminiscent of that era.
The Wachau Valley, nourished by the Danube River, is known for its vineyards and wine, as well as its apricot brandy. The Wachau apricot is celebrated for its sweetness and plumpness, which earned it EU protection in 1996. The sunny cultural landscapes of the Wachau Valley, a World Heritage Site, are recognised as the official place of origin of the Wachau apricot. The fruit has been cultivated in the region for about 4,000 years and is considered a market garden and world-ranking wine-growing region.
Each summer, the Wachau apricot is honoured with its own festival during the traditional Spitz apricot festival, a tradition that dates back over 50 years. The festival features fluffy apricot dumplings, fruity apricot punch, and delicious apricot brandy. The highlight of the programme is the parade of the apricot King and Queen, followed by a two-day celebration of folk dancing and singing.
The Wachau Valley is also renowned for its wine. Winegrowing in the region dates back centuries, and the area has become known for its high-quality wines. The unique microclimate and soil composition of the valley contribute to the distinct character and flavour of the wines produced there.
In addition to its natural beauty and culinary delights, the Wachau Valley also offers historical sites and cultural experiences. The city of Krems, located in the valley, is home to medieval buildings such as the Gozzoburg, a 13th-century structure considered one of the most important medieval inner-city buildings in Austria. The city also boasts beautiful churches, including the Pfarre Krems St. Veit, a Romanesque basilica built in the 1200s, and the Katholic Pfarrkirche Hl. Nikolaus, a Gothic-style church along the Danube River that dates back to the 12th century.
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Krems-Wachtberg: A 27,000-year-old grave
The Krems-Wachtberg site is home to the oldest grave in Austria, dating back 27,000 years. The grave contains the remains of twin infants, sheltered under the shoulder blade of a woolly mammoth and ritually covered in red ochre powder. Alongside the infants, 31 ivory beads were also discovered. The burial site dates back to the Ice Age, a time when humans were still competing with Neanderthals for survival and evolutionary dominance.
The discovery of this ancient grave provides valuable insights into the funerary practices and cultural beliefs of our early ancestors. The presence of ivory beads suggests a level of sophistication and aesthetic sense, while the use of red ochre powder may indicate symbolic or ritualistic practices.
The grave's location in Krems, a town with a rich history, adds to its significance. Krems, situated in Lower Austria, was first mentioned in 995 as an established town. The town has a long history of winemaking, with traditions dating back to the time of the Celts. Additionally, Krems was one of the first places in Austria to mint coins, beginning in 1130.
The discovery of the 27,000-year-old grave in Krems-Wachtberg highlights the area's long and fascinating history, providing a glimpse into the lives and practices of our ancient ancestors.
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Krems's rich history: From coins to Roman winemaking
Krems, officially known as Krems an der Donau, is a city in Lower Austria, Austria. Located approximately 70 kilometres west of Vienna, Krems sits at the confluence of the Krems and Danube Rivers at the eastern end of the Wachau valley. The city has a rich history that dates back thousands of years.
Krems was first mentioned in 995 in a certificate of Otto III, but evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. For instance, a child's grave discovered in Krems is over 27,000 years old, making it the oldest grave found in Austria. Additionally, the 32,000-year-old Venus vom Galgenberg statue provides further proof of early settlement in the region.
Around 48 AD, the Romans moved into the area and established viticulture near Krems. The Kremstal wine region, centred around the town of Krems, is one of Austria's oldest wine districts, with a winemaking tradition that has flourished for over a thousand years. The Romans' influence on the area extended beyond winemaking, as it is believed that a Roman fortress once stood on the site of the medieval Schönbühel Castle, which was built in the 12th century.
Krems has a long history of cultural and artistic significance. Notable individuals associated with Krems include Martin Johann Schmidt (1718-1801), a leading painter of the Austrian late Baroque, and several other prominent artists, musicians, writers, and scientists. The city is also home to important architectural landmarks, such as the 13th-century Gozzoburg, considered one of the most significant medieval inner-city buildings in Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
Krems is located in Lower Austria, 43 miles west of Vienna. It is 70km from Vienna and can be reached in an hour. It is also 29km from St. Pölten, where the Museum of Lower Austria is located.
Krems has a rich history and is known for its wine production. There are many historic buildings, including the Steiner Tor gate, the Town Hall, and the Gothic Frauenbergkirche Church. The town also has several museums, including the Caricature Museum, and the Kunsthalle Krems, an international exhibition centre for modern and contemporary art.
Traditional Austrian cuisine is available in Krems, including Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Fledermaus, and Sachertorte pastry. There are also restaurants serving Austrian food with views of the Danube River, such as Wellen Spiel.
