Things To Do
in Krems an der Donau
Krems an der Donau is a historic Danube city in Lower Austria, gateway to the Wachau wine region. Its well-preserved old town features baroque streets, medieval gates, and riverside charm that invite strolls along the Danube. The town blends cultural institutions, museums, and lively café culture with easy access to vineyards and hilltop views.
Surrounded by vineyards and monasteries, Krems serves as a picturesque base for exploring the Wachau valley and its UNESCO-listed landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Krems an der Donau and check into your charming hotel. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring Austrian pastries and coffee. Take a stroll along the Danube River to soak in the beautiful scenery.
Explore the historic Altstadt (Old Town) of Krems, where you can admire the architecture and visit the Kunsthalle Krems art museum. Stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant serving local delicacies. Continue your afternoon with a visit to the Steiner Tunnel, a unique old railway that offers an interesting insight into the region's history.
Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Danube as you take in the stunning views of the Wachau Valley at sunset. Sample local wines during the cruise and learn about the wine-making tradition of the area. Retire for the night at your hotel, reflecting on the day's experiences.
Start your day with breakfast at a local bakery before heading out to explore the scenic Wachau Valley. Rent a bike and cycle along the Danube cycle path, where you’ll find stunning vineyards and charming villages. Your first stop might be the picturesque town of Dürnstein, famous for its castle ruins.
Visit the Dürnstein Castle, where you can hike to the top for an amazing viewpoint of the valley. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a vineyard, sampling regional wines paired with traditional Austro-Hungarian cuisine. Spend the afternoon visiting local wine cellars and enjoying tastings of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
Return to Krems for a leisurely evening stroll along the riverbank. Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant featuring riverside views, where you can relax under the stars. Cap off the night with a glass of local wine at a nearby wine tavern.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Cappuccino or coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚆One-way local transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 🏨Night in a mid-range hotel | $110-180 |
| 🍷Glass of local wine | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, walkable old town with Baroque architecture
- Access to the Wachau wine region and scenic Danube views
- Rich cultural institutions, museums, and wine taverns
- Nightlife is relatively low-key compared to big cities
- Can be crowded in peak tourism seasons and wine harvest times
- "Grüß Gott" - Hello/Good day
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ich hätte gern …" - I would like …
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please/You're welcome
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?
- "Die Rechnung, bitte." - The bill, please.
- "Ich komme aus …" - I am from …
Places to Visit in Krems an der Donau
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic baroque façades and the lively square provide great morning and golden-hour light for architectural photography.
Waterfront views with reflections of the river and boats; especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
A stretch of contemporary and historic art venues set along scenic lanes, ideal for street and detail shots.
Historic wine cellars and vineyard walls offer textures and colors, particularly in late summer and autumn.
Food in Krems an der Donau
Krems an der Donau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Wachau specialty made with juicy apricots wrapped in dough and rolled in breadcrumbs or toasted crumbs; widely available in bakeries and taverns especially in late summer.
Must-Try!
Cheese dumplings served with herb butter or fried onions, a comforting Austrian staple often found in traditional restaurants around Krems.
A classic breaded cutlet served with potatoes or salad; a common staple at many local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market where locals buy produce, bread, cheeses, and regional specialties; great for tasting fresh Wachau ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting used in public places; greet people in shops and restaurants when entering.
Be punctual for appointments; maintain polite distance in queues and respect personal space, especially in small towns.
German is primary; many locals speak some English in tourist areas; learning a few phrases is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Krems an der Donau
Ensure a smooth experience
Typically 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included; rounding up the bill is common in cafés and casual venues.
Cash and cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; perfect for Danube strolls, outdoor cafés, and vineyard visits. Expect occasional thunderstorms; stay hydrated and shade-friendly.
Harvest season in Wachau with vibrant vineyard colors and many wine-tasting events; ideal for scenic drives and photogenic hillside views.
Cold with potential frost; Christmas markets in the Old Town add festive charm; indoor attractions like museums are good options on chilly days.
Mild temperatures and budding vines; a good time for walking tours, spring produce, and fewer crowds before the summer peak.
Krems an der Donau at Night
Hiking in Krems an der Donau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic ascent to Göttweig Abbey with panoramic views of Krems and the Danube valley.
Wine-country treks along the Danube with vineyard vistas and village stops.
Airports
How to reach Krems an der Donau by plane.
Main international gateway; about 80-110 minutes by rail or road to Krems; frequent connections to Austria and Europe.
Smaller international airport offering regional flights; accessible from Krems via road and rail with a longer transfer time.
Nearby option in Slovakia; convenient for a multi-country itinerary, with rail connections to Krems via Vienna.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of long-time locals, students from nearby institutions, and professionals who work in the Wachau region or Vienna.
Seasonal visitors attracted by wine culture, river landscapes, and the UNESCO Wachau surroundings.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular activity on the Danube with local clubs and scenic water vantage points.
Road and gravel cycling opportunities along the Danube and through the Wachau hills.
Wine-country trails and ridge walks around Göttweig and the Wachau valley.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Krems an der Donau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most menus offer ample egg, dairy, and vegetable dishes; look for Käseknödel, mushroom dishes, and salads. Ask for meat-free versions of regional plates.
Vegan options are increasingly available in cafés and restaurants; request plant-based cheese or avoid dairy and eggs when possible.
Many Austrian dishes can be adapted; many bakeries offer gluten-free bread, and restaurants can accommodate with careful preparation.