Danube Cycle Path Stage 5 North Bank: Emmersdorf - Krems

Starting place: 3644 Emmersdorf an der Donau

Destination: 3500 Krems an der Donau

Schlossgasse 3
3620 Spitz

Short description:
Through the enchanted garden of a romantic landscape

The route takes you along the beautiful Danube Cycle Path from Emmersdorf on the Danube, through the Wachau cultural landscape to your destination, the statutory city of Krems on the Danube. Along the way, you pass places such as Aggsbach, Spitz, and Weißenkirchen in the Wachau as you travel through the valley designated by UNESCO as a World and Cultural Heritage site, until you finally reach your destination, the commercial and cultural city of Krems.

ATTENTION:

Due to construction work on the bridge between Mautern and Stein (Mauterner Bridge), there are now restrictions for cyclists! The cycle path is closed and you must use the road.

From the end of October 2025 to the beginning of April 2026, the Danube Cycle Path will be closed due to construction work in the centre of Weißenkirchen. A diversion via the path at the Danube has been set up.

Recommended season:

March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November

Description:

As soon as you leave Emmersdorf , you will be impressed by why UNESCO has declared the Wachau a World Hertige site: Rocky cliffs rise out of steep forest slopes, vineyards gently curve, Danube waves play on sandy beaches, ruins steeped in history, old villages and hospitable wine taverns line your path.

From the ancient Aggsbach, you have an excellent view of the Aggstein castle ruins on the opposite bank, where - according to legend - terrible robber barons were once brought to justice. An archaeological find has made the village of Willendorf famous: the "Venus". The small sculpture of a woman (now in the Natural History Museum in Vienna) is a reminder that the area has been inhabited for 50,000 years.

In Schwallenbach, some historic walls keep the Middle Ages alive, and just before Spitz you will see a bizarre rock formation: the Devil's Wall. The prince of hell once used it to dam up the waters of the Danube. In Spitz, old farmhouses and manor houses from the 16th century, the late Gothic parish church, the Hinterhaus ruins and the Maritime Museum tempt you to take a cultural break.

Rabbits "run" on the roof ridge of the mighty fortified church of St. Michael (municipality of Weißenkirchen) - they are said to have been driven up there by a snowy winter. The main attraction of the Heurigen village of Wösendorf is the late Baroque parish church with altarpieces by the so-called "Kremser Schmidt" (Martin Johann Schmidt, 1718-1801).

The location on the river, the lovely vineyards, wooded slopes and rock formations all around have made Dürnstein one of Austria's most popular tourist destinations. The blue tower of Dürnstein Abbey can be seen from afar, and King Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned in the extensive castle ruins with their stunning views. Soon after passing through the wine village of Unterloiben, you reach Krems, the destination of this stage.

Directions:

Emmersdorf on the Danube - Aggsbach - Spitz - Weißenkirchen in the Wachau - Dürnstein - Krems on the Danube

Route description:

You start your route in Emmersdorf on the Danube. As the name "the gateway to the Wachau" already suggests, the namesake cultural landscape begins here. You travel along the northern bank of the Danube. For the majority of the distance, you stay on the B3, only occasionally leaving the main road.

Passing small villages and steep hills, you make your way to Aggsbach Markt. Castle enthusiasts will be delighted by this stop because from here, you have a fantastic view of the Aggstein castle ruins on the opposite southern bank, whose origins date back to the 12th century. Near Willendorf in the Wachau, you leave the B3 and continue on the L7140 until shortly past Schwallenbach. After that, you cycle on the Danube federal road through the beautiful Wachau landscape.

Shortly after Spitz, you repeatedly leave the B3 and cycle through Wösendorf and Weißenkirchen. Then you finally reach the epitome of scenic beauty in this part of the Danube region, the small town of Dürnstein. Here, you see the landscape features of the Wachau: lush green hills with steep slopes lined with countless vineyards. Combined with the Danube and the right light, it's a sight made for landscape painting. Culture lovers will also not be disappointed here, as you can explore the Dürnstein ruins and the Dürnstein Abbey, established since 1372, which is a city landmark with its blue-white coloring.

After Dürnstein, you move away from the Danube briefly, crossing some fields. Shortly after Unterloiben, you return to the B3 and thus again follow the Danube. A few kilometers later, you arrive in Krems on the Danube.

Here, there is a wealth of sights. Still on the edge of the Wachau, you can admire the characteristic landscape and explore the city. The old town of Krems alone impresses because it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau cultural landscape. Particularly noteworthy is the city's symbol, the Steiner Gate. Additionally, there are countless churches, gates, houses, and museums to discover—a real cultural city. Wine connoisseurs will also feel at home here since numerous wineries make viticulture not just economically important but also an essential part of the city. A truly worthwhile destination and a successful conclusion to this beautiful and enjoyable bike ride.

Additional information:

Verantwortlicher für den Inhalt dieser Tour

Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH