Krems an der Donau looks like a fairy-tale Austrian town, but beneath those cobblestones and Baroque facades lies a winemaking culture over a thousand years old. This is the gateway to the Wachau Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of steep terraced vineyards, medieval abbeys, and apricot orchards clinging to the Danube cliffs. Most river cruise passengers spend a few hours here without scratching the surface. Don’t be one of them.
—
Arriving by Ship
Krems sits directly on the Danube, and most river cruise ships dock right at the town’s dedicated passenger pier — no tender required. The dock is a flat, easy 10–15 minute walk along the riverbank into the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town), or a quick taxi ride if you’re short on time.
The port area itself is pleasant, with cafés and cycle paths running alongside the water. Once you’re moving, Krems reveals itself fast: within five minutes of walking, you’re already inside the medieval gate tower.
—
Things to Do
Krems packs an extraordinary amount into a compact footprint. History, wine, art, and some genuinely stunning hiking trails are all within reach.
History & Culture
- Kremser Altstadt (Old Town) is one of Austria’s best-preserved medieval town centres — wander Obere and Untere Landstraße for free, any time, and spot Gothic arcades, Renaissance courtyards, and Baroque churches on every block.
- Kunstmeile Krems is a string of contemporary art museums along a single street, including the Karikaturmuseum (Cartoon Museum) and the Kunsthalle Krems — combined entry around €15, open Tuesday–Sunday from 10am.
- Göttweig Abbey (Stift Göttweig), a Benedictine monastery perched dramatically above the valley, is a 20-minute drive from Krems and charges around €8 entry — the panoramic views alone are worth it.
- Steiner Tor, the 15th-century gate tower marking the entrance to the Old Town, is free to admire from outside and makes for one of the best photographs in the Wachau.
Wine & The Wachau
- Weingut Malat or local Vinothek stops offer guided tastings of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling — the Wachau’s two flagship whites — for around €10–20 per person.
- Wachau Valley wine bike tour lets you pedal through the vineyard-draped valley with a guide and stops at working wineries. 🎟 Book: Wachau Valley Wine Tasting Bike Tour from Vienna
- Wachau World Heritage Hike takes you through terraced vines, ruined castles, and ancient apricot groves — a full-day experience for serious walkers. 🎟 Book: Wachau World Heritage Hike
Families & Self-Guided Fun
- Krems Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour turns the Old Town into a two-hour puzzle — perfect for curious travellers and families who want structure without a strict group tour. 🎟 Book: Krems an der Donau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour
- Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe’s great riverside routes; rent a bike in Krems from around €15/day and ride towards Dürnstein, the romantic ruined castle village 8km upstream.
—
What to Eat
Krems eats like a serious Austrian town, not a tourist trap — expect hearty regional cooking, local wine on every table, and a strong café culture that takes its Torte very seriously.
- Zwiebelrostbraten (roast beef with crispy onions and roasted potatoes) — a Wachau staple found at most Gasthäuser; expect to pay €16–22 at spots like Gasthaus Jell in the Old Town.
- Wachauer Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings in buttered breadcrumbs) — the region’s most iconic sweet, made with local Wachau apricots; look for them on lunch menus for around €8.
- Grüner Veltliner by the glass at any Heuriger (wine tavern) — a glass typically costs €3–5 and pairs perfectly with a cold cuts platter.
- Marillenbrand (apricot schnapps) — the Wachau’s liquid souvenir, served as a digestif in most restaurants for €3–4 a shot.
- Café Hagmann is the town’s beloved old-school konditorei for coffee and cake — a Melange (Viennese coffee) and a slice of Nussstrudel will set you back around €8.
—
Shopping
The streets around Untere Landstraße are lined with independent shops selling regional products — and this is genuinely one of the better cruise ports for buying something worth taking home. Look for Wachau apricot products: jams, chocolates, schnapps, and dried apricot slices are all made locally and priced fairly.
Avoid generic Austrian souvenir shops near the riverbank and head instead to specialty food stores and the local Vinothek for wine. Quality Grüner Veltliner starts around €8–12 a bottle — buy a few to enjoy onboard.
—
Practical Tips
- Currency is Euro (€) — cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but carry a little cash for wine taverns and markets.
- Tipping is expected — round up the bill or leave 5–10% in restaurants; saying “Stimmt so” means “keep the change.”
- The Old Town is entirely walkable — you don’t need a taxi or bus unless heading to Göttweig Abbey or further into the valley.
- Go ashore as early as possible — the Old Town is quieter before 11am and wine tastings can fill up by midday.
- Give yourself at least 4 hours — two for the town, two for wine or a short valley excursion.
- Weather in spring and autumn is ideal — summer is warm but busy; the harvest season (September–October) is the most atmospheric time to visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the cobblestones are uneven and some vineyard paths involve steep climbs.
Pack your appetite, your curiosity, and an extra bag for wine — Krems an der Donau is one of those rare ports that rewards every minute you invest in it.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
📍 Getting to Krems an der Donau, Austria
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
Leave a Reply