Wachau Valley

The restaurant of Hotel Schloss Dürnstein, with a terrace above the Danube in Dürnstein.

A traditional, comfortable inn in Melk perfect for a hearty lunch near the abbey. Try the classic Wiener Schnitzel or the local river fish.

A family-run inn and restaurant in Spitz an der Donau, in the heart of the Wachau valley.

This magnificent Benedictine abbey sits high above the river; there is a shuttle bus from the town center to the entrance to minimize walking uphill, and the interior is fully accessible via elevator.

A gentle stroll through the cobblestone streets of this picturesque village is best enjoyed at a slow pace, focusing on the iconic blue church tower and local craft shops.

The valley turns white and pink as thousands of apricot trees bloom, creating a serene landscape for gentle photography walks.

The harvest season brings local wine festivals and tastings, offering a relaxed way to sample the region's world-famous white wines.

Small, intimate Christmas markets appear in village squares and within the courtyards of historic abbeys, featuring local crafts and warm spiced wine.