Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Krems, Austria

Summary:

With a population of merely 23,000, Krems an der Donau is a quaint town in Lower Austria that offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities and attractions.

Located in the picturesque Wachau valley along the banks of the Danube River, Krems occupies an advantageous position in the region and is situated just 70 kilometers from Vienna.

This historic town possesses a rich legacy of wine production and features delightful charm and character characterized by its historical architecture and prime location by the Danube.

The town is well-connected by rail to surrounding areas, and can be conveniently reached from Vienna in only one hour.

Let’s explore the top attractions in Krems:

1. Winzer Krems (Wine tour)

The region surrounding Krems is renowned for its wine production, and the town has a distinguished history in this field.

Winzer Krems is a prestigious winery that has been producing exceptional wines since 1938. Visitors can take a guided tour of the estate to gain insight into the winemaking process and the rich history of Winzer Krems, along with sampling some of their esteemed products.

With grape varieties including Chardonnay, Neuberger, Yellow Muscatel, and Pinot Blanc, there is something to appeal to every palate.

2. Aggstein Castle

This iconic castle, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, has endured since the 1200s and remains an impressive ruin.

Frequently described as impregnable, the castle has never been reported to have been overtaken through force, with victories achieved only via starvation or cunning tactics.

Due to its elevated position and commanding views, the castle is a prominent feature against the scenic backdrop of the lower Austrian countryside.

Inside, visitors can experience a medieval atmosphere through various permanent exhibitions, as well as enjoy dining at a restaurant.

3. Schonbuhel Castle

This distinguished castle, situated in the Wachau region just below Melk, occupies a lofty position similar to that of Aggstein Castle, standing over 40 meters above the Danube.

Potential remnants of a Roman fortress lie at this site, and the castle has been fortified since the 12th century.

Audio tours are available for those wishing to explore this captivating structure, plus visitors can enjoy beautiful flower displays in the castle grounds.

4. Karikaturmuseum

This distinctive museum is one of the few caricature museums in Austria and is ideally situated in the heart of Krems.

The exhibitions are dynamic and consistently change, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit.

Featuring various types of cartoon illustrations and caricatures from artists such as Manfred Dreix and Gerhard Haderer, the museum offers a fascinating exploration of visual satire.

The lighthearted ambiance of the museum makes it a memorable destination, and while English descriptions may be limited, the exhibits are generally easy to appreciate.

5. Gottweig Abbey

This Benedictine monastery is a stunning architectural marvel, characterized by its prominent twin towers and vibrant exterior.

Located just south of Krems, the expansive abbey complex includes the main abbey, a walled courtyard, and landscaped gardens.

The striking red towers of the abbey dominate the landscape, showcasing baroque design with a museum that highlights significant elements like the grand staircase, an apricot orchard, and breathtaking views of the Wachau Valley from its terraces.

6. Piaristenkirche

This Roman Catholic church, regarded as the oldest in Krems, was built around 1284, although available records indicate it was consecrated in the 1500s, leaving the exact date uncertain.

The exterior is notable for its tall structure, featuring a typical high reaching tiled roof reminiscent of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna.

The bell tower showcases an ornate Romanesque dome, while the massive copper bell housed within weighs over 5,000 kg.

The interior is designed in the Baroque style, containing a richly adorned altar and a magnificent organ that resides in one of the knaves, making this charming church an inviting stop.

7. Motorrad-Museum

For motorbike enthusiasts, this museum is a treasure trove.

Although it is situated in the smaller village of Egelsee, it is only a ten-minute drive away and absolutely worth the trip.

With an admission fee of just 4 Euros, visitors can marvel at over 170 classic motorbikes, including models from Bock & Hollender, Austria Alpha, Triumph, Harley Davidson, and Indian.

The collection spans from the early 1900s to contemporary designs, providing a fascinating overview of motorbike history.

8. Boat trip on the Danube to Melk

As one of Europe’s foremost rivers, enjoying an exceptional boat trip on the Danube during your stay in Krems is highly recommended.

The DDSG Company operates this section of the river, providing scenic boat trips from Krems to the charming town of Melk further along the river.

The complete journey takes approximately three hours, with opportunities to stop at smaller towns along the way.

Throughout the ride, passengers can relish the stunning landscapes and observe local life along the river.

9. Buy a local bottle of wine

Given Krems’ illustrious wine-making heritage, it is natural that numerous shops in the town center offer local bottles for purchase, perfect as souvenirs for enjoyment at your leisure in Krems or to take home for family and friends.

The Johann Strauss Winery provides an excellent selection of wines to buy and sample. It is advisable to contact the establishment beforehand to verify their hours of operation.

10. Krems old town/town walls

Much of the old town walls of Krems are well-preserved, making a stroll through the town and exploration of the historical center an excellent way to appreciate the local culture.

Winding pathways reveal numerous shops and cafes, while several ancient buildings now serve as shopping venues.

Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere by leisurely walking through the town, absorbing its historical essence and inviting ambiance.

11. Glatt & Verkehrt Music Festival

The Glatt & Verkehrt Festival celebrates an array of musical genres, including Latin American, African, and Balkan music, alongside an impressive selection of fine wines produced in the Wachau region, typically held in July.

This vibrant festival showcases the culinary delights of Krems, featuring exquisite wines and hosting various concerts and live performances throughout the month, creating an invigorating atmosphere with truly diverse musical styles.

12. Kunsthalle

Housed within a beautifully renovated former tobacco factory, the Kunsthalle serves as an exhibition center located in the heart of Krems near the river.

The primary focus of the exhibitions has revolved around 19th-century conflicts, alongside classical and contemporary art.

Established in 1994, it has featured a vast array of displays over the years, attracting numerous visitors and establishing itself as a must-see destination in Krems.

13. Enjoy some excellent food at the Zum Kaiser

Experiencing traditional Austrian cuisine is strongly recommended when visiting a town like Krems.

The nation is well-known for its delectable dishes, including Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Sachertorte pastries.

While Krems boasts a variety of restaurants catering to diverse culinary preferences, Zum Kaiser is a highly regarded venue, offering a first-rate opportunity to savor traditional fare.

Situated in a serene area next to a quaint square, Zum Kaiser features a cozy atmosphere with limited seating, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

14. Sample some Marillenschnaps (Apricot Brandy)

The Wachau region is celebrated not only for its premium wines but also for producing Marillenschnaps, or apricot brandy.

This process transforms ripe apricots into liquor through fermentation, yielding a brandy with approximately 40% alcohol content.

Numerous small orchards produce this enticing beverage, and various homemade varieties of Marillenschnaps are widely available.

The Bailoni establishment located in Krems is one such producer, offering a delightful shop where visitors can purchase different Apricot Brandy products including jams, syrups, liquors, and chocolates.

15. Visit the town of Melk

This charming town, located further downstream from Krems, exudes a remarkable allure and can be readily visited as part of a day trip or a river cruise.

Wander through the picturesque streets to admire the exquisite architecture, including the historic post office, the House at the Rock, and Rathausplatz.

Additionally, remnants of the old town walls and round towers can be observed, enhancing the appeal of Melk.