Family travel in Austria: exploring UNESCO castles & abbeys without hotel-hopping chaos
When it comes to enjoying an enviable mix of natural beauty, experiences and cultures, few rivers in the world can compete with the Danube, the iconic stretch of water that flows eastward from Germany to the Black Sea.
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Set along this tranquil stretch of the river, in Austria, is the famous Wachau Valley, one of Europe’s most picturesque river cruising destinations, where every bend on its 30 km stretch is imbued with a sense of timeless wonder.
On a typical, one-way, family-friendly 7-night cruise from Budapest your ship will sail past UNESCO protected baroque abbeys, steep vineyards, medieval castles and dock at fairy-tale villages where cobbled lanes lead to historic monasteries and vibrant markets.
Whichever outing you choose, your river cruise will take care of all the logistics and make sure that everyone in your entourage, from grandparents to kids are kept engaged by creating activities that will be fun for the whole family.
Another benefit of river cruising is that after you board your ship you get to spend the next seven days without having to change rooms, worry about car rentals or constant packing and unpacking, one of the biggest headaches of a vacation with multigenerational families in tow.
Plus, on a Wachau Valley river cruise, you wake up at a new port each morning, enjoying activities that take you right into the heart of the places you visit to ensure a guaranteed, hassle-free vacation experience for the whole family.
Family-friendly attractions in the Wachau Valley
One of the greatest joys of traveling with a family on any river cruise is the intimacy and independence that a small ship provides for all generations to experience. And when you are cruising Wachau Valley, you are exploring Central Europe in miniature.
Tour the monumental Benediction Abbey in Melk
With its baroque architecture, serene landscapes and historical significance, the stunning 11th century Benedictine Abbey in Melk is one of the highlights of a Danube River cruise. Most river cruises stop on the southern bank here to allow passengers to explore this historical gem.
A shore excursion from Melk, will allow the family to explore the ornate library in the abbey, the frescoed ceilings and the tranquil gardens of this magnificent monastery, as it towers over the town of Melk, and offers a unique way to experience the charm of the Wachau Valley.
Hiking Durnstein Castle & wine tasting
Just a few kilometres downstream from Melk is the romantic village of Durnstein, famed for its imposing castle where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned.
As your cruise ship drifts through the UNESCO listed valley towards Durnstein, the first thing that will come into view are the blue church towers of Stift Durnstein Abbey.
A visit to the ruins of Durnstein Castle is a must for cruise guests. A short hike up the hill leads to the ramparts of this medieval fortress.
Wine enthusiasts can sample the Riesling and Gruner Veltliner varieties of wine at the local vineyards, while the town’s cobblestone streets are ideal for wandering through the cozy cafés and historic buildings.
Climb the terraced vineyards of Wachau
The Wachau Valley landscape, around the town of Spitz, is famous for its stone-terraced vineyards that are known to produce some of Austria’s finest wines, by providing the perfect setting for viticulture.
The banks of the Danube and the town’s valley location has created a natural amphitheater for terraced vineyards. Crisp Rieslings and Gruner Veltliners can be tasted from the legendary houses of Hogl and Lagler.
While the harvest time during fall is the best time to visit this region, you will find surreal views and fine wine all through the year.
A river cruise through Wachau is not just a journey, it is a passage through centuries of art, wine and history. From medieval castles, golden abbeys to vineyard-cloaked slopes, every turn of the Danube has its own story to relate.
And for families, the cruise is a lovely low-stress activity that kids will enjoy while watching the scenery glide past while the elders can comfortably see the valley from the deck without having to tackle the steep stairs or the cobblestone streets.
