Krems is a beautiful historic town in Austria. It is the fifth-largest city of Lower Austria and is 43 miles west of Vienna. Krems is full of history and is filled with culture, starting with its Arts Mile. It has many galleries including the Karikaturmuseum, the Kunsthalle krems, the Frohner Museum, and the Lower Austria literature center.
You’ll need to focus your visit on the older part of the city and enter from the west at the Sudtiroler Platz. Park outside as parking is not easy to find.
Nestled at the edge of Austria’s legendary Wachau Valley, Krems an der Donau is a medieval gem that most travelers rush past on their way to Vienna. But those who linger discover a town where cobblestone streets wind between Renaissance facades. World-class wine flows from hillside vineyards, and the Danube River curves through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Here’s how to spend an unforgettable day in this Austrian treasure.
Old Town Wanderings
Begin your day in Krems’s historic Altstadt. The morning light illuminates pastel-colored buildings that date back to the 12th century. Start at the Steiner Tor, the iconic Gothic gate that once protected the medieval town. From here, wander down Obere Landstraße, the main pedestrian street lined with arcaded courtyards and centuries-old townhouses.
Stop for breakfast at one of the traditional cafés along the way. A strong melange (Vienna-style coffee) paired with a buttery Kipferl pastry is the authentic choice. The unhurried pace of the morning allows you to appreciate architectural details often missed in larger Austrian cities. There are wrought-iron signs hanging above storefronts, frescoed facades depicting biblical scenes, and hidden passageways leading to tranquil courtyards.
Don’t miss the Piaristenkirche, an exquisite Baroque church whose white interior seems to glow with ethereal light. It takes just minutes to visit but leaves a lasting impression of quiet grandeur.
Art and Culture
By mid-morning, make your way to the Kunsthalle Krems, one of Austria’s premier contemporary art venues. Housed in a former tobacco factory, this striking space hosts rotating exhibitions featuring both Austrian and international artists. The industrial architecture provides a compelling contrast to the medieval town outside. The museum rarely feels crowded even during special exhibitions.
Alternatively, art history enthusiasts should visit the nearby Karikaturmuseum, dedicated to the art of caricature and satire. This quirky museum offers a lighter take on visual culture. It provides fascinating insights into European political and social history through the lens of humor.
Wine Tasting in the Vineyards
Krems sits at the heart of Austria’s most celebrated wine region. No visit is complete without tasting the area’s renowned Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines. Take a short taxi or bike ride into the surrounding hills. Visit one of the many family-run wineries, or heurigen (wine taverns) that dot the landscape.
Many vintners offer tours of their cellars carved directly into the hillside, followed by tastings on sun-drenched terraces overlooking terraced vineyards that cascade down to the Danube. The winemakers are often present themselves, passionate about explaining how the region’s unique microclimate and loess soil create wines of exceptional minerality and elegance.
Pair your wines with a traditional heuriger lunch—cold cuts, local cheeses, freshly baked bread, and perhaps some Liptauer (spicy cheese spread). The portions are generous, the atmosphere convivial, and the views spectacular.
Along the Danube
After lunch, walk off the wine and schnitzel with a stroll along the Danube waterfront. The promenade offers peaceful views of the river, with cyclists and walkers sharing the path beneath towering trees. In warm weather, you might spot adventurous souls swimming in designated areas of the river.
Consider renting a bike to explore further into the Wachau Valley, where apricot orchards and medieval castles dot the riverbanks. Even a short ride of 30 minutes will immerse you in the landscape that inspired countless artists and poets. The relatively flat terrain makes cycling accessible for most fitness levels.
Riverside Dining
As the day winds down, return to Krems for dinner at one of the restaurants along the Danube. The Donauhotel or Donauwirt offer terraces where you can watch the sun set over the river while enjoying modern interpretations of Austrian classics. Fresh fish from the Danube, seasonal vegetables from local farms, and of course, more excellent local wine create meals that feel both refined and rooted in place.
A Quiet Close
Krems doesn’t pulse with nightlife, and that’s part of its charm. An evening stroll through the illuminated old town, perhaps with a glass of wine at a quiet bar, provides the perfect ending to your day. As church bells mark the hour and the Danube flows silently past, you’ll understand why this corner of Austria rewards those who take the time to truly see it.
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