The Beautiful Wachau Valley

Categories

The Wachau Valley is a beautiful stretch of the Danube River that is known for its wine and fortresses.  Carved out of the hills by the Danube River, the Wachau Valley is perfectly situated for vineyards.  Except for where the vineyards have been carved out, the hills are covered with lush forests and topped with fortresses.  We had the distinct pleasure of sailing through this stunning part of the world on a river cruise with Avalon Waterways River Cruise.  It is the perfect way to see the are and take in its beauty.

 

Have you ever heard the term “Robber Baron” and wondered where it came from?  Well, I did!  Rulers often gave the duty of guarding the river systems to barons.  It was their sole responsibility to collect taxes and ensure the safety of the ships sailing up and down the rivers.  The barons grew quite rich doing the duty for their rulers; however, for some of them, that was not enough.  Rather than being content with collecting taxes and keeping the rivers safe, they would plunder and kidnap those sailing up and down the rivers.  Holding wealthy merchants for ransom seemed to be more profitable than collecting taxes.  One of the most famous hostages of the Wachau Valley was King Richard the Lion-Heart of England.  Who knew, even kings could be ransomed?  King Richard was held in Durnstein by Duke Leopold V.

 

The entrance to this beautiful valley starts around Melk and ends around Krem.  The entire area is flanked by vineyards and fortresses.  It is a very beautiful section of the Danube River and for wine lovers a must visit location.  For bike enthusiasts the bike trail that starts in Linz continues on as far as Krem, the end of the Wachau Valley.  This region can be visited by bike, car, or river cruise. 

If you would like to learn more about our experience on a river cruise on the Danube River with Avalon Waterways River Cruise, click here.  If you would like to see a few of our photos from this amazing river cruise, click here.  When you are ready to take your next grand adventure, contact us, your river cruise specialists.  We are your land and cruise travel experts and we are here to assist you with every aspect of your next great escape.