Summary
A Trip To Wachau – The Most Beautiful Valley In Austria
This is a contentious one. 🙂
Austria is replete with stunning natural sights, making it easy for others to assert that their valley is more beautiful. However, when a place’s beauty is so widely recognized that it has obtained UNESCO World Heritage status, you can be certain it holds that title securely!
Despite its UNESCO designation, the Wachau Valley (with the Danube River coursing through it) wasn’t a destination I had previously known about before visiting Vienna.
Wachau is conveniently located just about an hour from Vienna (maybe up to 1.5 hours if you take breaks for snacks and photography), which made the decision to visit a no-brainer.
Our journey commenced with a focus on the exquisite wine and food experiences available. Our first stop was Weingut Holzapfel-Prandtauerhof, a renowned restaurant and vineyard located in Weißenkirchen—a quaint village within Wachau.
We were set to stay at this hotel, which is why it was our first stop, and along with a delightful lunch, we also planned for a bit of wine tasting.
Little did I know before my arrival, Weingut Holzapfel-Prandtauerhof is an intriguing establishment built by the monks who constructed the magnificent Melk Abbey.
The dĂ©cor, vibrantly colored and typical for the region, adds to its charm. Here, don’t expect glass-and-steel structures; rather, embrace the pastoral aesthetics and character.
After our hotel settlement, we headed to the courtyard for lunch, starting with what I presumed was a small starter that turned into a splendid platter of Austrian treats, akin to a lavish afternoon tea experience. Our focus was on cured meats, dips, breads, and wine sourced directly from the Weingut Holzapfel vineyards!
Furthermore, apricots are a significant local produce; thus, a taste is highly recommended despite the thick consistency, which locals typically dilute with sparkling water.
Following the delectable starter, we dived into yet another dish, enlarged and equally captivating—definitely not just a palate cleanser!
For the main course, I indulged in pork topped with delicious crackling, alongside scrumptious potato dumplings (the best so far in Austria).
When dessert came around, despite my previous indulgences, I couldn’t miss out on trying a local dessert made from apricots, which turned out to be absolutely delicious.
About an hour after enjoying our lunch, we strolled through the streets of WeiĂźenkirchen and found ourselves tasting wines at the local vineyard (this was more for me as Lloyd was driving).
DĂĽrnstein is another gorgeous town nestled in Wachau, distinguished by its castle that overlooks the area historically significant for housing King Richard The First of England during his imprisonment.
Walking through its charming streets, you will quickly discover countless more reasons to fall in love with Wachau.
In conclusion, Wachau truly embodies a picturesque escape rich in culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delightful cuisine. Whether you’re savoring the local wine or strolling along the Danube, this valley is undoubtedly a must-visit on any journey through Austria.
