Damon Mcknight
Melk is a historic town in Lower Austria, situated on the edge of the famous valley of the
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Austria |
| Town | Melk |
| River | Danube |
| Valley | Wachau Valley |
| Region | Lower Austria |
| Architecture | Baroque |
| Historical Mention | 831 as "Medilica" in a record from King Ludwig |
| Municipality | 1898 |
| Market Rights | 1227 |
| Tourist Office | Melk Tourist Office on Babenbergerstrasse 1 |
| Language | German |
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What You'll Learn
Melk Abbey
The origins of Melk Abbey date back to around 980 AD when the Babenberg dynasty, Austria's first ruling family, established their residence in a fortress on the site. In 1089, Leopold II, Margrave of Austria, gave the fortress to Benedictine monks from Lambach Abbey, and it became a centre of monastic life and learning. A monastic school was established in the 12th century, and the library became renowned for its extensive collection of manuscripts, many containing musical compositions.
The current Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736, designed by the famous Austrian architect Jakob Prandtauer. The abbey church is particularly noteworthy, featuring frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger. The whole interior of the church is an outstanding example of high Baroque style. The abbey has been a member of the Austrian Congregation since 1625 and is now part of the Benedictine Confederation.
Today, Melk Abbey is a vibrant spiritual, intellectual, and cultural centre, attracting approximately 550,000 visitors annually. Visitors can explore the abbey church, library, former Imperial guest rooms, and the abbey museum. The town of Melk itself also offers delightful accommodation options and picturesque narrow streets leading up to the abbey, perfect for capturing photos or a leisurely walk.
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Wachau Valley
The Wachau Valley is a stretch of the Danube Valley between Melk and Krems in Lower Austria. It is a 36-kilometre (22-mile) stretch of land that has been settled since prehistoric times. The valley is known for its well-preserved medieval landscape, which has evolved organically over time. The architecture in the towns and villages reflects the development of the region and its society over many centuries.
The Wachau Valley is characterised by its enchanting villages, such as Weißenkirchen, and the freely flowing Danube River that links all the elements. The valley is also home to many castles, monasteries, and ruins, including the famous Dürnstein Castle, where King Richard I of England was held captive by Leopold V, Duke of Austria.
The Wachau Valley has a long and complex history, with records of human occupation dating back to the Palaeolithic period. In the Neolithic period, the local people began clearing the natural forest for cultivation and settlement. The valley was also part of the Roman Empire, with fortifications built along the southern banks of the Danube.
The Wachau Valley is known for its wine-growing regions and the layout of the winegrowers' farmsteads. The farmsteads are typically laid out in an oblong, U-shape, or L-shape, with two parallel sets of buildings. The valley is also known for its Baroque architecture, with many buildings featuring steep, towering hipped roofs.
The Wachau Valley is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning scenery, charming towns, and a glimpse into the region's rich history. It is known for its arts festivals and advent markets, as well as its boat trips and bike trails along the Danube River. The valley is also home to the Benedictine Melk Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most iconic historical destinations.
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Danube River cruises
Melk is a popular tourist destination in Austria, situated on the edge of the famous valley of the River Danube. The town has a rich history and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cruise on the Danube River is a great way to explore Melk and its surroundings.
The Wachau Valley, formed by the Danube River in Austria, is a particularly popular stretch of the river for cruises. The valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved medieval landscapes, lush vineyards and charming villages. The region is also renowned for its wine, with various winemakers competing each year to bear the title of Melk's wine.
A highlight of a Danube River cruise in the Wachau Valley is a visit to Melk Abbey, a Benedictine abbey overlooking the town of Melk. The abbey has a rich history, dating back to around 980 AD when the Babenberg dynasty, Austria's first ruling family, established their residence on the site. The current Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736 and contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg.
In addition to sightseeing and cultural experiences, Danube River cruises offer a range of other activities. Passengers can enjoy wine tasting at private vineyards, explore medieval towns, and participate in exclusive events like private palace evenings with music and entertainment. Cycling is also a popular activity, with many cruise operators providing bicycles for guests to explore the countryside and centuries-old castles along the river.
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Historical significance
Melk, a city in the Austrian state of Lower Austria, is steeped in history and cultural significance. The town was mentioned as early as 831 in the annals of King Ludwig, where it was referred to as "Medilica". In 976, the area around Melk was given to Leopold I, Margrave of Austria, serving as a buffer between the Magyars to the east and Bavaria to the west. The town was also the site of a Roman garrison and the castle-residence of the Babenberg rulers of Austria from 976 to 1101.
The most iconic historical site in Melk is the Benedictine abbey, which was founded in 1089 when Leopold II invited Benedictine monks to take up residence within the fortress walls. The abbey has been a spiritual and cultural beacon for over a millennium, with breathtaking views and a rich history that continues to captivate visitors from around the world. 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. In the 15th century, the abbey became the centre of the Melk Reform movement, which reinvigorated monastic life in Austria and Southern Germany. The abbey suffered severe damage during the 1683 Turkish invasion and again in a fire in 1974, but it has since been restored to its former glory.
The town of Melk itself also holds significant historical value. The historic city centre, with its mix of architectural styles, was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The town's layout and architecture date back to the Medieval Times, with remnants of the ancient city wall and gates still visible. The Rathausplatz, with its elaborate wooden and copper entrance door, is a particularly charming feature of the town. Melk has also been the site of several important cultural events, such as the first official women's Austrian Chess Championship in 1950 and the Melk Summer Games in 1961.
Melk's location along the Danube River has also played a significant role in its history. The town is situated on the edge of the famous Wachau Valley, known for its delicate goods and renowned wines. The Danube River itself has been a source of both high waters and trade, with the Haus am Stein ('house at the rock') built in the 15th century after a high water disaster. Today, Melk is a popular tourist destination, offering scenic cruises and bus tours along the Danube and through the Wachau Valley.
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Transport and accommodation
Melk is a small, quaint town in Lower Austria, situated along the Danube River. The town is easily accessible by train, with the OBB train line connecting it to other parts of the country, including Salzburg. The train station is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Melk and many nearby hotels.
For those travelling by car, Melk can be reached via the A1 motorway. The town is a great starting point for exploring the Wachau Valley and the surrounding rural areas, including beautiful nature reserves and vineyards.
When it comes to accommodation, Melk offers a variety of options, including highly-rated hotels such as Hotel Restaurant zur Post, Rathauskeller Melk, and Hotel Wachau. These hotels are particularly popular among couples and offer great views of the town and the Danube River.
Hotel Restaurant zur Post, located in the historic centre of Melk, provides direct views of Melk Abbey and offers amenities like free Wi-Fi, a sauna, and bike rentals. Meanwhile, Rathauskeller Melk, situated in the Old Town, features a restaurant serving traditional Austrian cuisine and receives excellent reviews for its comfortable rooms and helpful staff.
Hotel Stadt Melk, located below Melk Abbey, is another convenient option, providing easy access to nearby attractions and offering free Wi-Fi, parking, and newspapers. The hotel also boasts spacious and clean rooms, making it a perfect choice for families.
In addition to hotels, there are other unique accommodation options in Melk. The Abbey's Guest House, located within the grounds of Melk Abbey, offers a memorable stay surrounded by the abbey's architectural gems and picturesque gardens.
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Frequently asked questions
Melk is a town in Lower Austria, situated on the edge of the famous valley of the River Danube.
Melk is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its stunning abbey and picturesque location along the Danube. Melk Abbey, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, is a Benedictine abbey above the town, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river. The town itself also offers a great deal of architectural variety, with structures dating back to the medieval period. Melk is also known for its wine, with various winemakers from the region competing each year to bear the title of Melk’s wine.
Melk is a convenient day trip from Vienna, with a direct train connection. It is also a popular stop for those travelling across Austria by car or on a river cruise along the Danube.
