a river runs through it…

Cities On The Danube  

There is something truly magical about the Danube River. Meandering through 10 countries over more than 1,770 miles, its ribbon of liquid history and culture courses its way from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea, offering intrepid travellers an almost unparalleled journey through central Europe.

This enchanting waterway touches monuments and sites of civilisational importance throughout the continent, shaping human settlements and cities since the stone and bronze ages.

Magical Cities, Towns & Landsmarks On The Danube

What accounts for the allure of the Danube for the leisure traveller? Perhaps it is the range of experience to be found on its banks. Wake up in baroque Vienna, meander through medieval, cobbled Regensburg, and top off the evening with a leisurely twilight stroll along the lit-up Danube embankments of Budapest. Each waystation is a distinct microcosm of Europe, with different cuisines, histories and cultures.

Then there’s the environment. Rarely will you see a river that flows through some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes: from the lush vineyards of Austria’s Wachau Valley, to the raw power of the Iron Gates Gorge at the border with Romania. No matter what tickles your fancy, nature and history are both served up in abundance.

 

Scenic Danube River Cruise

The Danube is best seen from the waters that pulse majestically through it, on a cruise ship. We personally love the Viva Danube Cruise – a luxury river cruise, with sensational food and stops along all the major Danube cities.

Whichever cruise you choose, the unobtrusiveness, and its slow and steady pace represent the perfect relationship between travellers and their surroundings. Why?

Convenience and Comfort: No more searching for hotels. Instead of looking for a new place to stay every day or two, you move from town to town in your own floating hotel, with a comfortable bed, outstanding meals, and often excursions included. All you need to worry about is having a good time.

New vistas: The perspective from a river cruise makes for views unlike any you can achieve on foot. Imagine drinking coffee on the upper deck as your vessel passes through the green hills of Bavaria or glides beneath the ornate bridges of Budapest – views from the river that could change your perception of the continent’s famous landmarks.

Immersion in culture: Most of the itineraries roving along the Danube include at least one port-of-call stop at a smaller, lesser-known river town often with fewer tourist attractions, which means more authentic local experience. These small stops give cruisers the opportunity to experience everyday life and traditions that tourists seldom encounter. During my days as a frequent cruiser, I’ve attended wine tastings in the Wachau Valley and been treated to a Serbian folklore performance.

 Relaxation and Leisure: the gentle rhythm of a river cruise moves at a particular pace that is built-in, helping to remove the stress from having to rush or make tight connections. You’re being propelled by the river itself which dictates the pace. Just give yourself over to the rest and relaxation that is offered. Disengage from the work-a-day grind and reconnect with another pace, another way to travel, a much slower one that is more reflective.

The Danube is a destination and a journey, a voyage from above and below. It calls out for us to take our foot off the pedal, to step away, to let the magic of the Danube and our journey along its banks enchant us. History buff, nature lover, or searching for some new and special experience, you want to discover the Danube.

Now let’s touch upon some of the most wonderful destinations that you can enjoy along the Danube.

Cities on the Danube

 

Vienna

Vienna, Austria’s capital, is a city whose glories of the past blend energetically with its present rhythms of life. Its imperial palaces, its squares, its cultural heritage all combine to make Vienna a centre of continental Europe that exemplifies European elegance and refinement. The historic centre of Vienna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – an honour deservedly earned. Wander its storied streets; savour its cuisine; absorb its art traditions: the traveller here is richly rewarded.

Vienna’s History – A complex layering of empire, music and art threads through Vienna’s rich history. Long the capital of the Habsburg Empire, a premier, centuries-long political and cultural powerhouse, its glories still echo today in the fabric of its buildings and museums, in its air and in its reputation.

Formed by the Romans in the 1st century AD as a legionary fort, Vienna developed into a medieval and Baroque city situated on its Danube bridgehead, but it was the Habsburg era, especially in the 18th and the 19th centuries, that defined it as a classical music, philosophy and arts centre.

 

What To See In Vienna

 

Schönbrunn Palace

 Schönbrunn Palace is both a glorious architectural specimen of the Baroque and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For decades, this hedonistic behemoth was the Habsburgs’ summer playground. The overindulgent imperial dynasty had 1,441 rooms to choose from here, each more opulent than the next. Today, visitors can tour extravagantly furnished state apartments, take a stroll through impeccably manicured gardens, or visit the world’s oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which stands in the palace’s groves. 

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna’s inner city is an extraordinary Gothic structure, its distinctive towering spire and rows of colourful patterned roof tiles forming a spectacular city landmark. You can visit the south tower, which rises nearly four times higher than the cathedral nave, for panoramic views across Vienna, or go underground to visit the catacombs and experience the building’s storied past.

The Hofburg Palace

The impressive Hofburg Palace complex – a former Habsburg winter residence that has been split into several museums housing the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Austrian National Library – is one of Vienna’s grandest imperial monuments. And don’t forget to visit the historic Spanish Riding School, home to the elegant Lipizzaner horses.

Belvedere Palace

The Upper and Lower Belvedere, side by side, are twin Baroque palaces surrounded by gardens. The palace’s art collection features the painting ‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt, and from the upper terraces you get sweeping views of the city. 

Vienna State Opera

There would be no visit to Vienna without being touched by its musical legacy. The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is one of the great opera houses of the world. Not only for its spectacular interiors with fine paintings and vine-covered ceilings, but for its performances too. If you can’t catch a show, then take one of the guided tours. 

MuseumsQuartier

Contemporary art lovers shouldn’t miss the Museums Quartier, an area of the city packed with museums, cafes and a vibrant ambiance. The Leopold Museum houses the Museum of Contemporary Art and boasts an excellent collection of Austrian art, while the MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art) is located in the same complex. There are plenty of cafes to kick back with a coffee and watch the people and large outdoor areas make this a great place to spend the afternoon.

What To Know About Travel To Vienna?

Coffee Culture: Vienna is known for its coffeehouses, where artists, thinkers and writers have met for centuries. Take a break with a slice of Sachertorte (a rich chocolate cake) and a cup of Viennese coffee at Café Central or Café Sacher.

Getting Around: Public transport in Vienna is easy. There’s a well-integrated system of trams, buses and the U-Bahn (subway) that will get you almost anywhere in the city. Consider purchasing a Vienna Card, which gives you unlimited travel on public transport and reductions at various attractions.

Music: Vienna’s musical heritage is vast and includes composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Go and see a classic concert in any of the historic halls such as Musikverein or Vienna Concert Hall, or catch something more contemporary.

Year-Round Charm: Vienna is a year-round, time-capsule destination, but the Christmas season is a special time to visit: its Christmas markets, particularly Rathausplatz, are well known for their holiday decor, handicrafts and tasty traditions such as roasted chestnuts and glühwein. 

 Passau

At the intersection of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, the German city of Passau is nestled in the picturesque southeastern part of the country. This city with its ‘City of Three Rivers’ title dazzles anyone with its medieval old town and the Bavarian azure that the Danube River takes on when it traverses Passau, enchanting everyone who comes to visit or takes a river cruise here. 

A Glimpse into Passau’s History – Nowadays a university town of some 50,000 inhabitants, Passau’s history can be traced back more than 2,000 years. It was originally a Celtic settlement before it became a Roman camp, called Batavis. In the early Middle Ages, the settlement developed into an important centre of religion and culture. It gained fame as the bishop’s seat of the Prince-Bishops of Passau, their considerable influence stemming from the city’s strategic position at the intersection of major communication routes, which made it an important trade, communication and cultural centre throughout the centuries.

Things To See In Passau

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Perched above Passau’s centre like a sentry, St Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) is the city’s standout feature and one of its most grand buildings. Baroque, it is the seat of the bishop of Passau and is home to the second largest organ in the world outside the United States, with 17,974 pipes. The interior is equally resplendent, with stucco work, frescoes and altars dominating all. Go to an organ concert to really get a feel for it.

Veste Oberhaus

The medieval citadel of Veste Oberhaus (‘Oberhaus Fortress’) perches on a wooded hill above the city of Passau, giving the highest vantage point over this little trading hub at the point where the Danube was joined by the Rivers Inn and Ilz, forming Germany’s most substantial waterway. Finished in 1219, the fortress today hosts a museum of Passau’s history, art and culture, as well as offering a magnificent circular panorama from its viewing tower over the picturesque riverscapes below. Wander the fort’s extensive grounds, explore the ancient bastions, and marvel at the views from the observation deck. 

Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

The Old Town Hall, with its famous clock tower and fascinating decorated frescoes, stands on the right bank of the Danube and overflows with the centuries-long history of Passau. Built in the late 14th century, it’s a beautiful Gothic building full of intricate designs on the façade and inside its historic council chamber, refurbished in the 17th and 18th centuries, where old wooden panelling mixes with frescoes and paintings of the town’s history. Be sure to see the Glockenspiel that plays on the hour.

Dreiflüsseeck (Three Rivers Corner)

Perhaps the most spectacular example of Passau’s scenery is found at Dreiflüsseeck where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet. The three rivers can be admired from this point, which is also the location for an extended stroll or a boat tour with views of the merging waters. Look at the difference in the colour of the rivers as they come together. Here is a natural display, which celebrates – without hyperbole – Passau’s moniker, the City of Three Rivers.

St. Michael’s Church and Jesuit College

Across the square is the imposing façade of St Michael’s Church, part of the old Jesuit College, whose ornate interior with its gilded ceilings, numerous elaborate side altars and ceiling frescos is famous as a masterpiece of Baroque decoration. The former college buildings, which now form the University of Passau, give the centre a young, vibrant feel. 

Glass Museum (Glasmuseum)

Image courtesy of the Glass Museum, Karlovy VaryThe Glass Museum at Hotel Wilder Mann in Karlovy Vary is an oft-overlooked but welcoming oasis for anyone with an interest in otherworldly decorative arts. In its illuminated confines and gilded halls, the world’s second-largest collection of Bohemian glass awaits. Roughly 30,000 exhibits span a universe of glassmaking history from the Baroque through to Bohémien Art Nouveau and the 20th century.

 

What To Know About Travel To Passau? 

Bike-Friendly City: Start cycling in Passau. The city is the origin of the Danube Bike Path (Donauradweg) that will eventually lead you all the way to Vienna. Rent a bike and go cycling on one of the routes winding along the banks of the river. 

 Boat Tours: Passau’s fantastic geography can be enjoyed most effectively by boat – different cruises provide opportunities for a day trip to Engelhartszell, the Danube’s smallest territory, or a sunset cruise.

Cultural Festivals: Passau has a number of traditional, cultural festivals throughout the year, especially in the summer months. These include the popular European Weeks festival (Europäische Wochen), which offers theatre performances, classical concerts, as well as art and music exhibitions. One of the city’s most famous attractions, the Christkindlmarkt, is its Christmas market, which is also renowned for its wonderfully decorated stalls filled with gifts and seasonal treats and decorations.

Regional Cuisine: Bavarian cuisine is on the menu here in Passau. Try the Weißwurst (white sausage) and Pretzels along with a glass of local beer or Bavarian wine to genuinely taste your region.

Passau is one of those cities that takes your breath away with its history, architecture, river views and cozy urban vibes. From its medieval forts and baroque churches to the lovely rivers, Passau is a delightful city that makes for a great travel experience. Get on your bucket list and grab a plane to Bavaria to soak up everything that the City of Three Rivers has to offer.

Budapest 

From its heyday as a spa town dedicated to healing various ailments and disorders of the body to its position today as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’ and the energetic, upbeat capital of Hungary, Budapest has much to offer a visitor. Almost touching where the forested hills of Buda enter the vast flat expanse of Pest, where the turquoise waters of the Danube double in width, lie two men who were once the local emperors of the city, fought each other, lost their crowns and had their cities joined against their will.

A Glimpse into Budapest’s History – Its shape has been determined by successive civilisations: Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, to name but a few, all of which have conferred their own rich imprint on the city. Created in 1873 by the amalgamation of Buda, Óbuda and Pest, the city proffers a variety of historical strands, reflected in its disparate architecture, culture and collective local defiance.

Things To See In Budapest

Buda Castle

To the west of the Chain Bridge stands Buda Castle, the ornate residence and palace complex which dominates the castle district up on Castle Hill. Owned by the Hungarian government and tourist board since the mid-20th century, the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 13th century and served as a residence for Hungarian kings up until 1944. The Buda Castle complex itself now hosts the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, and from the Fisherman’s Bastion, next to the main palace, you can enjoy amazing views of the Danube and its opposite bank in Pest. 

Parliament Building

One of the best known buildings in Budapest is the Hungarian Parliament Building, considered one of the most magnificent parliament buildings in the world.This neo-Gothic masterpiece, which took 66 years from its conception to its completion in 1904, is the biggest building in Hungary and one of the most beautiful parliament buildings of the world. Visitors can take guided tours that feature the intricate interior decoration, especially the beautiful central hall and the Hungarian Crown Jewels. 

St. Stephen’s Basilica

St Stephen’s Basilica, named for the first king of Hungary, is a neo-classical cathedral dominating the skyline of central Budapest. Its opulent interior is mosaics. Make your way up to the observation deck of the dome for marvellous 360-degree views of the city, and if possible be in town for an organ concert to hear it fill the space.

Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge, the first permanent structure to join Buda and Pest on the banks of the Danube, was finished in 1849. The suspension bridge, its lions perched at either end, stands for Budapest’s unification and its strength and determination. A stroll along it rewards with a panoramic view of the Danube, the Buda Castle and Hungary’s parliament.

Heroes’ Square

Located on one of the grandest squares of the city –Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere)– Heroes’ Square plays hosts to one of the greatest monuments in the city: the imposing Millennium Monument, with the seven chieftains who founded Hungary and a couple of other historical figures. At each end of the square, there are two major museums of the city: the Museum of Fine Arts on one end and the Hall of Art on the other.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Budapest is famous for its spas, and Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the largest and one of the most popular. The neo-baroque spa complex, in the heart of City Park, includes a series of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and steam rooms. The mineral waters are said to be healing. To soak in the sulphur waters – a quintessential Budapest experience – is to be initiated in the local embrace of the waters.

Great Market Hall

Budapest’s oldest and largest indoor market, the Great Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok) dates back to 1896. Inside, its sensory overload of colourful stalls selling fruit, vegetables, meat, spices and Hungarian specialities such as lángos and paprika is enough to make anyone salivate. It’s the place to go for food, delicacies and unusual souvenirs.

What To Know About Travel To Budapest?

 Ruin bars: Budapest’s nightlife is legendary, and ruin bars are a great way to experience it. These bars – set in abandoned buildings and decorated in kitschy, hodge-podge style – have a unique ambiance. Szimpla Kert is the best-known ruin bar.

Public Transport: Budapest’s public transport system is one of the best and easiest in the world. Metro, trams and buses can take you about anywhere in the city. Its oldest metro line (called Line 1) is the second oldest in the world, dating back to 1896.

Culturally Speaking: Budapest is still lined with bars and bistros, and galleries are beginning to fill up the neglected nooks of the city, while visitors flock from all corners of the globe for the Budapest Spring Festival, the Budapest Jazz Festival and the acclaimed Sziget Festival, Europe’s fifth-biggest outdoor music festival, held annually on Óbudai island.

Danube Cruises: if you are wanting to see Budapest afresh, then one of the best ways to see the city is from it’s waterways. Daytime cruises will give you the opportunity to see most of Budapest’s landmarks, while evening cruises have a romantic and magical atmosphere with the city’s lights lights reflected back in the waters of the Danube. Many of the evening options have dining and entertainment included.

Budapest really should be visited because it offers a feast for the senses. The city itself has a long history, a wealth of beautiful architecture, and a lively popular culture, providing a stimulating combination of old and new. Visitors can revel in Budapest’s baroque and art nouveau churches, stroll across the Chain Bridge that links the two halves of the city, or gaze up at the gothic Palace of Justice and Parliament Building that dominate the skyline of Pest. And after spending the day taking in Budapest’s magnificent sights, visitors can unwind in one of the city’s 150 art nouveau thermal baths, or visit one of the many ruin bars that have opened their doors in the former mansions, shacks and shops of the Jewish quarter. No matter the choice that tourists make, they will find themselves simultaneously immersed in Budapest’s mesmerising history and dazzled by its modern energy like never before. 

Bratislava

Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, is a city that blends old-world and modern Europe. Built on a bend of the Danube River, not far from Vienna, this quiet capital has medieval heritage, extravagant baroque architecture, a cosmopolitan café culture, and a vibrant contemporary arts scene. Wandering among antique facades, you might chance upon a tiny jazz club, where local musicians take the stage to showcase their talent. Climb the hill and enter the pre-castle gate where you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the red roofs of the city and the Danube river.

Bratislava’s History – Since its origins as a Celtic settlement 2,000 years ago, via a notable Roman outpost and an integral part of the middle Ages’ Kingdom of Hungary, to its stint as a centre of Bohemian art in the 17th century, then coronation site of Hungarian kings, at the dawn of the 20th century becoming a part of Czechoslovakia, and finally two decades back after the Velvet Divorce, since dawn of the new millennium becoming the Slovak republic’s capital, it’s been a sure place whose happenings have appeared significant. Perhaps because of this, the influences of its rich and varied history – spiritual, political and temporal – are obvious in its architecture, culture and rituals.

 

What To See In Bratislava

 

Bratislava Castle

From the castle that crowns one of Bratislava’s hills, you have an expansive view across the busy Danube River. Bratislava Castle, a building that was first constructed in the 9th century and has since been rebuilt numerous times, now sports a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It houses some of the collections of the Slovak National Museum, with interesting exhibits on Slovak history and culture. The castle grounds are suited for taking pictures of the city and the Danube. 

St. Martin’s Cathedral

One of the city’s oldest and most important churches, the Gothic St Martin’s Cathedral, crowned the coronation kings and queens of Hungary from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Highlights within the Cathedral include its decorative stained glass windows and elegant altars, along with the impressive collection of historic relics that can be found in the catacombs and treasury.

Old Town (Staré Mesto)

Bratislava’s historic centre, the Old Town district, is a warren of narrow cobbled streets, quaint squares and historic structures. Close to the riverfront in the Old Town district is Hlavné námestie (Main Square): here you’ll find the Old Town Hall and the Roland Fountain. The Old Town Hall is a complex of buildings dating back to the 14th century containing the Bratislava City Museum. Walk along the cobblestone streets, duck into narrow paths and hidden courtyards, and breathe in the vibe of the Old Town district.

Michael’s Gate

 Michael’s Gate is the last of the medieval fortifications of the city that are left standing, and one of the historical landmarks of Bratislava. The gate was built in the early 14th century and is topped by a characteristic green roof, made from copper, with a statue of St Michael slaying his mythical dragon. For the best views of the Old Town from above, go up the tower. You can also check out the Museum of Arms from within the gate, which tells the story of Bratislava’s fortifications and military history.

UFO Observation Deck

 For nice views and a dose of contemporary architecture, wander up to the UFO Observation Deck, atop the Nový Most (New Bridge). You can walk up the stairs to the 95-metre-high restaurant and bar, grab some food and a drink there, or skip the stairs and take the lift, and enjoy fantastic views of Bratislava and the Danube River, or, on a clear day, all the way to the Carpathian Mountains.

Devin Castle

Devin Castle is a historic ruin, a short drive or boat trip from the centre of Bratislava. The castle sits high on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the rivers Danube and Morava, watched over by statues and sculptures. Devin’s remains date from the 9th century and are the subject of many myths and legends. At the venue, you can walk around the old fortifications at the summit, learn more about the site’s fascinating past, and enjoy the natural flora and fauna in the neighbouring woods and valleys.

What To Know About Travel To Bratislava?

 Wine Culture: The Lesser Carpathian wine region, producing some of Slovakia’s best quality vintages (mostly white wines) lies close to Bratislava and its vineyards can be visited in a day tour or a wine tasting or two can be sipped in one of the city’s many cozy wine bars.

Public Transport: The town’s public transport network which includes trams, buses and trolleybuses is very good and easy to navigate. Consider buying a Bratislava Card, which offers unlimited travel on public transport as well as discounts across most attractions.

Social events: Knowing that cultural events are available in Bratislava during all seasons of the year can help me plan ahead, and I will try to attend the Bratislava Music Festival in May, the Bratislava Jazz Days in September and the Bratislava Christmas Market in November. I have noticed that attending social events like bygone promotions, family gatherings, views nestling against greenish wins, rousing opponents and chiding of adversaries while embroiled in a fight can be very beneficial for the town dwellers. If I were to live in Bratislava, I will turn my time around to be more productive, thus contributing greatly into realising the city’s planned logistics.

Culinary delights: Bratislava food abounds with Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and Czech influences. Try traditional ethnic dishes such as bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese), kapustnica (sauerkraut soup), and Slovak pastries trdelník (of the same family as the Hungarian chimney cake – kürtőskalács). There are also many places to eat out, including restaurants, cafes and street food stalls. 

It seems extraordinary to think that Bratislava, one of the oldest capitals in Europe, with its iconic medieval castle perched on a hill and its visual splendour, could still be virtually undiscovered by the current wave of tourists and visitors to Europe. Yet it is. Bratislava may seem small and unassuming, but it has a lot to offer the visitor – medieval historical charm, splendid baroque architecture, art nouveau gems, communist-era concrete monstrosities, Gothic remnants and graphite-molded social realism. It is even home to the extraordinary Mărțís Church – an orange-topped ‘UFO’, perched on the hill opposite its castle.

Absorb the Blumenthal reconstruction, and explore the intricate baroque spires of St Martin’s Cathedral Wherever you find yourself in this multicultural town, there is no shortage of things to see and experience. 

 

Linz

As the third biggest city of Austria, Linz proudly boasts not just an older part of town with equally older buildings, but an innovative style by offering contemporary art and technology at its best along the Danube river banks. With its solid musical sense in multiple forms and an active cultural life Linz offers to every traveller a diversified gamut of experiences!

Linz History – Linz has been inhabited since Roman times, and later developed into a vital trade and industrial centre in the Habsburg Empire. The city’s history as a cultural hub goes back to the mid-18th century, when it became a literary space and the place of musically gifted residents, including the composer Anton Bruckner. At the beginning of the 21st century, the city’s growing arts and technology scene led UNESCO to name it a City of Media Arts.

 

Things To See In Linz

 

Ars Electronica Center

The ‘Museum of the Future’ is the local nickname of the interactive Ars Electronica Center, which showcases exhibits on robotics, artificial intelligence and virtual reality, and tasks visitors with understanding the relationships between art, technology and society. Twice a year, the centre comes alive as it welcomes more than 100,000 people to the Ars Electronica Festival, the largest festival of arts and technology in the world. 

Linz Castle (Linzer Schloss)

Looking down over the Danube, there are a number of interesting aspects to Linz Castle, the historic seat of the prince-bishops. Built for the first time in the 8th century, it was rebuilt in Renaissance style and contains the Upper Austrian Provincial Museum, which covers the history of the region, art, nature and technology, as well as a museum for contemporary art in the monastery buildings. The courtyard has great views of the river and the city.

Hauptplatz

Linz’s Hauptplatz, its main square, is one of the largest in Europe, surrounded by Baroque buildings on all sides. It is the centre of social and cultural life in the city. In the centre of the square, the imposing Trinity Column, a monument created in thanks for the city’s deliverance from plague, war and fire. The square is always full of life, with markets, festivals and events.

St. Martin’s Church

A real gem for Vienna, St Martin’s Church is the oldest church in Austria, with ainky round building hidden away near the main square. In the distance, you can make out the of bureaucrats who keep Vienna itself running. Away from the insanity of this ‘ site that almost feels too peaceful to be believed. 

Lentos Art Museum

The Lentos Art Museum, one of the city’s cultural high points, offers stunning 19th and 20th-century art from the likes of Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. Its ultra-modern, glass-clad building (designed, like so many of Linz’s buildings, by Austrian architect Dietmar Feichtner) is an architectural draw in its own right, with the added bonus of fantastic views over the Danube. 

Pöstlingberg

Pöstlingberg, on the northern edge of Linz, is surrounded by views over most of the city and the Danube. You can reach the summit on the Pöstlingbergbahn, one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world, where you’ll find not just the Pöstlingberg Church, a raised pilgrimage site, but also the Grott funicular that’ll keep children both young and old entertained.

Musiktheater Linz

Linz also has a rich tradition of music, and one evidence of the city’s thriving performing arts scene is the Musiktheater Linz, as well as musicals and concerts.

 

What To Know About Travel To Linz?

 Linzer Torte: Linz is known as the origin of the Linzer Torte, the oldest cake recipe in the world. A cake made with a feuillete dough, filled with a layer of red currant jam and topped with a lattice on top, it is a must-try when visiting the city.

 Public Transport: Linz has a fast and straightforward public transport system of trams, buses and trains, and purchasing a Linz Card allows you to use it for free and enjoy discounts on other tourist attractions.

Events: Cultural events that take place during the year in Linz include the Linz Fest, the Brucknerfest, and the Pflasterspektakel – one of Europe’s biggest alternative street art festivals.

Danube cruises: One of the best ways to overlook the city is with a cruise along the Danube river. There are numerous boat trips on offer with walks round the city sights, the river and the surrounding landscape. Some include dinner and music onboard.

Linz elegantly mixes its old and new, breakthrough developments and traditional timeworn values The heritage of Linz stretches from medieval casts rich history and culture are best enjoyed wandering while taking in the magnificent Danube views and strolling past the vibrant cafés. Linz Castle, for example, is a medieval magnificence that overlooks the city from a raised spot on the Pöstlingberg mountain, and there is no easier way to reach it than by taking 10 minutes to travel in the Linzer Pöstlingbergbahn funicular railway. Visitors can also marvel at the city’s greatest feats of modernity by taking a visit to the Ars Electronica Center. This captivating space is the place that hosts the Ars Electronica Festival every September, and it offers a look into the future’s many possibilities through innovative design, performances and high-tech techno-art displays. So, pack your bags and set off to a place that seamlessly harmonises its Old World medieval heritage with the effervescence of its ongoing cultural revolution.

 

 Melk

The picturesque town of Melk, located on the banks of the Danube River in Lower Austria, is probably most well-known for its immense and majestic abbey. With beautiful buildings, impressive views, and tranquil scenery, Melk is a popular destination for culture, history and nature alike, offering a chance to escape into another world.

Melk’s History – Melk is first mentioned as a Roman settlement named Namare in the 3rd and 4th centuries. By the mid-10th century, the town had developed into a centre of the ruling Babenberg family, whose dukes and arch-dukes resided at the castle. In 1089 they donated it to Benedictine monks, who transformed it into a monastery. Melk Abbey became a cultural centre of the holy Roman empire and a refuge of the spirit for generations of its monks, churchmen, scholars and artists.

 

Things To See In Melk

Melk Abbey (Stift Melk)

Melk Abbey, high on a rocky outcrop above the Danube, is one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. A masterpiece of baroque architecture and art, it boasts:

The Abbey Church was an extravagant piece of baroque architecture in terms of its scale and rich interiors, with gold-bedecked altars and sumptuous frescoes, for which Johann Michael Rottmayr was one of the leading exponents.

 The Marble Hall: red marble columns and ceiling fresco of the Habsburg virtues.

 The Library: With approximately 100,000 volumes including precious medieval manuscripts it is one of the best decorated libraries throughout Italy, the painted ceiling and carved wood work are mesmerising.

The Abbey Museum: Showcasing religious art, historical artifacts, and exhibits on the abbey’s history. 

The Wachau Valley

Melk is the entrypoint for the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site and some of Austria’s most impressive landscapes, picturesque little towns and vineyards. It’s a great area to cycle, boat or drive around to experience the charming little towns and villages, historic sites and excellent wines. 

Old Town (Altstadt)

The Old Town of Melk, mostly built in narrow cobblestone streets, is characterised by colourful houses and numerous small shops. Take a walk along its alleys to explore the original buildings, the old cafes, and small shops of the town; the town centre is marked by the Rathausplatz, the central square and the centre of life in Melk.

Schallaburg Castle

Just a short drive from Melk is the beautiful Renaissance Schallaburg Castle, with its magificent arcaded courtyard and extensively landscaped gardens, hosting a cultural programme and exhibitions, all further illustrating the region’s history and heritage.

Melk Riverside Park (Stadtpark)

Melk Riverside Park is a great place to go and spend the afternoon, situated on the Danube in the town of Melk. There are walking paths, a few playgrounds and areas to sit down for a picnic. You can also see the Danube and the abbey from the park.

 

What To Know About Travel In Melk

Melk Abbey’s music: Melk Abbey isn’t just a 12th-century bastion of culture and 18th-century architectural wonder. The abbey is also a source of still more culture: it hosts concerts, with the annual Melk Baroque Days in particular providing a backdrop of classical music.

Regional Foods: Make sure to try dishes from the local Austrian cuisine. Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz (boiled beef) and Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings) are regional delicacies, and a glass of wine from the region Wachau would be the perfect side dish. 

Biking Routes: The Melk region is a great area for biking. Parts of the Danube Cycle Path (Donauradweg) are close at hand, providing. On this and side trails through vineyards, through woods, and past historic monuments the views of the Danube are stunning.

Melk has it all: the Baroque abbey, a quaint old town and the picturesque valley of Wachau are all located within reach. Whatever you come here for, you will surely enjoy cultural richness and natural beauty. Melk Abbey is an important cultural attraction in itself, whether you feel more inspired by strolling through its baroque halls or lowering yourself into a cable car for a breathtaking view from above. You can also stroll through the old town or embark on a cruise through the scenic river. No matter what you choose, Melk will surprise and delight you.