Valentina in Shorts

Summer in Wachau. Every summer since I have been in Austria, I love to spend a weekend in the Wachau Valley when Nature gives us the most delicious apricots I have ever eaten and such idyllic landscapes.
Most known for its wines and apricots, the Wachau Valley is a picturesque country region of Niederösterreich, Lower Austria. Not so far from Vienna, it develops along the Danube river with historical abbeys on hilly landscapes.
The Danube river between the most known towns of Melk and Krems, is perhaps the most beautiful in Austria and was inscribed as “Wachau Cultural Landscape” in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Site. Melk has a Benedictine abbey and former residence of the Babemberg and Krems a millennial historical center. However there are many other adorable villages, in my opinion, even more characteristic. For this reason the best way to visit the Wachau Valley is by bike!

It is possible to cover the entire stretch of the river in both directions along the cycle lanes N°6 through meadows, vineyards and apricot orchards. Stop and taste a glass of wine in one of those little villages full of wineries! Willendorf (where there is the Museum and the archaeological site of the Venus of Willendorf), Schwallenbach, Spitz, Wösendorf, Joching, Weissenkirchen, Dürstein, Oberloiben. (I have listed you the villages from Melk to Krems, according to the direction of my usual cycle lane and the flow of the Danube river).
It is about 40 km, basically flat, except for a few short rises. So don’t worry because if I do it, I swear anyone can do it! Guaranteed! We always rent the Nextbike bikes through its phone app, starting in Melk and reaching Krems. In Krems, or wherever there is a deposit place (reported also in the app), you can easily leave your bike. And just for 1€/hour!

I really suggest you to take your time for discovering the little villages. Deviate your route through the little streets of Spitz, Wösendorf, Joching, absolutely Weissenkirchen and Dürstein. All of them are so pretty! Along your route, if you are tired or you want to stay for the night, you will find many possibilities, private rooms and B&Bs. Otherwise I can really recommend to spend the night at Steigenberger Hotel in Krems and enjoy the summer garden and pool! I had a wonderful stay there at the beginning of January. If you want read more about my stay at Steigenberger Hotel, check my blog post HERE.

Now I make my jam with, of course, the Wachau Valley apricots!
Valentina ♥