Dear Fodorites,

Any info would help.

Thanks.
SKPKCP11

. From Melk we take the boat to Durnstein or Krems.
Is the boat dock close to the Abbey or do we need to take a bus?>

It is a short walk down to the dock but beware there are at least two boat docks - one for long-distance boats coming from Passau and one for the boats to Durnstein and Krems so get the right dock - my first time we did not and nearly missed our boat.

Durnstein to me was a real gem - the ruined castle where Richard the Lionhearted was gaoled after being nabbed returning from some Crusade dominates the cute town below. And yes there are trains from Durnstein to Krems - we actually walked the 3 miles or so thru vineyards so if into walking that is possible too. I would spend more time in Durnstein and less in Krems, a pleasant but large town not as romantic as Durnstein IMO.

Trains from Krems terminate at the Franz-Josef Bahnhof station in Vienna.

check out these sites for more details on the Danube - the Wachau Valley boats - www.ricksteves.com and http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/id33.html - these should tell you at least one of the boat companies.

Thanks PalenQ. I have also written directly to the boat companies and I am awaiting their revert.
I need to do some maths, if the combi ticket is more economical or if we do directly on our own each thing i.e. buy train tickets, entrance to Abbey and boat ride ticket separately. Which one would be more economical?
oebb site has not indicated anywhere about this combi ticket for 2012.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11

http://www.ddsg-blue-danube.at/english/html/e_lwac_fp.asp

check out what I thought was the main boat line - DDSG - Blue Daanube line for info on that.

Thanks PalenQ. Do appreciate the guidance and will surely look into it.
Currently the combi ticket is working out more.

Can we use the Einfach Raus ticket for Vienna-Melk and Krems-Vienna sector? We will buy the boat tickets and the entrance to Melk Abbey separately. Is it feasible to buy boat tickets in Melk at the dock itself? Kindly advise.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11

We bought boat tickets at the dock - I think there is no problem ever getting on.

There is a third option for rail - from Durnstein take train or boat or walk to Krems then take a local train across the Danube to St Poletin, on a main rail line back to Vienna - of use if you want to arrive at West Bahnhof in Vienna rather than Franz-Josefs - St Poletin (sp?) where I based for several days is also a sweet regional town to meander around - I enjoyed it more than Krems.

You have various options for this trip.

For boats -

2 lines - Melk to Dürnstein or Krems

DDSG

www.ddsg-blue-danube.at

Brandner

www.brandner.at

In past years - their prices and schedules are almost identical.

Thhe DDSG ship usually the "Prinz Eugen" has a larger open top deck and more seating room.Probably better on a nice warm sunny day.
The Brandner boat - normally the "Austria" smaller upper open deck - main deck inside with large viewing windows and renovated not too long ago.

Both boats leave from adjacent docks in Melk. These are about a 15 minute walk from the Abbey and easy to find. If not using the combi ticket - both firms have ticket kiosks near to the dock.

On weekends - these boats get very full of weekend tourists - in June before school finishes here - many school classes make this trip weekdays

In your work to see the best option

Consider that the Einfach raus ticket does not allow travel before 9 am weekdays - this seriously shortens your sightseeing day.
It is also only good on regional trains - not the faster Railjet, IC etc.

Combi ticket is good for Brandner and DDSG boats. Info for it is usually found on the DDSG website not on oebb.

Abbey tours are in various languages including english - they take about 1 hour or just a little longer.

The Combi can be used anytime. While a little more , it allows you to leave Vienna as early as you wish. A plus.

Depending when you travel the local Wachau trains ( example between Dürnstein Krems - may only run on weekends -
This year a new plan for them to run daily in July and August but just 3 times daily.



In Dürnstein the train station is Dürnstein/ Oberloiben

The bus runs daily - the stop you wish is Dürnstein Parkplatz Ost.
Dürnstein makes for a good stop for the boat journey,
Both lines stop at the same dock - just below the center of the village - 3 minutes and you are on the main walkway of the village.

Both train and bus stop are 5 minute walk from the village center.

The town mentioned above is not St. Poletin but correctly St. Pölten.

This is a very uninteresting town- only known for it being the capital of the Austrian state of Niederosterreich.
A regional town selected only as a capital when moved from Vienna due to its central location in the State .
Most state workers are there just for their work and quickly depart in the early time as possible- in the evening most things closing.
Not the best place for a tourist to spend time with so much elsewhere in the area.

some sites to review for added info

www.stiftmelk.at

www.wachau.at

www.duernstein.at

www.krems.at

Boats I think provide bicycles to passengers who want to cycle between docks - on bike paths hugging the Danube so to experience one of Europe's most popular and awesome cycling venues check that out - they did a few years back when I took the DDSG line at least.

http://www.ddsg-blue-danube.at/english/html/e_lwac_kombi.asp#SchiffRadPicknick

You can read about the Ship + Picnic + Cycle options! cycling gives a whole different aspect to one of Europe's most beautiful river valleys - the Wachau Valley, arguable the most scenic part of the whole Danube from sea to German hills!

Looking to the propsed day trip as outlined by the OP and especially with 2 young kids, adding a biking time is not the best thing in my opinion. Perhaps above poster is not familiar with the biking availability in the Wachau area ( Melk- Krems )the bike paths , and boat schedules.

For the past several years , a fine bike service is available to pick up and drop bikes exactly where you wish and at any time and at convenient locations - not just with the boat.

www.nextbike.at

Most travelers prefer this service -

cheap and convenient

1 euro for an hour - 8 euro for a day this summer.

A first time biker is not aware that a bike path exists on each side of the river - each with its own advantages and faults. Limited choices to cross the river -
for young kids and families perhaps not accustomed to longer bike riding - not an ideal option and certainly not the way to optimize sightseeing time.

The boat trip is fun - relatively quick- great views- food and drink available on board

thanks for that great info on biking and options for others if not the OP. One way to get across the river sans bridges is by the boat so boat bike things offer that possibility I guess. Get off where you want without having to cycle a long distance to get there due to lack of bridges or ferries.

Simplify your travel and add options by driving. You are then on your schedule not theirs and you go where ever you want, for how long you want.

Thanks all for the great inputs. As Molker suggested we will most probably take the Combi Ticket so that we get an early start. We had also planned to get off the cruise at Durnstein as we had read great reviews of the place. I hope it is worth it.

Just one quick query :
Is there a bus service between the Melk train station and Melk Abbey and also between Melk Abbey and the Ship station. We do not wish to be stranded as we would like to do the Melk-Durnstein-Krems as a day trip.
Please advise the must sees in Durnstein and Krems.

Through a separate post I will request for the must dos of Vienna.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11

if posters take time and effort to carefully read postings - they find things like time for walking Abbey to Boat etc in prior advice.

Such things as Google maps and more to assist too.

It is a short walk as mokler did indeed say before from the train station to abbey - you can see the abbey from the train as it pulls into Melk station and also a short but longer stroll down to the boat dock - but there are more than one boat dock - you want the one not for long-distance boats but the other dock which if I recall correctly is close to the abbey - we went to the wrong dock once and had to scurry to the correct dock to board our K-D boat.

Thanks Molker & PalenQ for the clarity. All queries answered. Thanks a ton! To be honest not very savvy for using google maps.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11

To find the correct Danube dock be sure to note which boat company you will be taking and then I think there should be signs with the company's name on them pointing you to that boat dock!

As i recall the local boats to Durnstein (do not miss Durnstein!) are closer to the town and are in a dead-end dock and the other port farther out into the Danube itself serving long-distance cruise ships - there are some islands or something you walk across if I recall correctly.

Thanks a ton PalenQ for the clarity.

Much appreciate it.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11

<In his well-known novel The Name of the Rose, Umberto Eco named one of the protagonists "Adson von Melk" as a tribute to the abbey and its famous library>

good reading to whet your appetite for the fantastic Melk Abbey!

Thanks PalenQ. Will definitely try to look it up.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11

Dear SKPKCP11


Please give as much detailed info as possible



I have read today with interest, your several questions over last few months. As I am travelling with wife and 2 kids (aged 4.5 and 9 yrs), this seems very interesting and common, as I am in Vienna for 3 nights and then 3 days in Salzburg.

May I request you to kindly post your final itinerary with the places you are visiting and site seeing etc etc..... It would be very very helpful for me and others who plan a similar trip

Cheers
Salil

"3 nights in Vienna and 3 days in Salzburg" - well I would add 3 days to Vienna and 3 nights to Salzburg for starters!

Thanks PalenQ

Unfortunately my bookings in Vienna are already done.
We reach Vienna on the 28th afternoon and will check out on the 1st... so kind of 3 days. We check in Salzburg on the 1st afternoon and plan to leave by train on the 3rd night.

Since SKPKCP11 has asked several queries and all the posters have assisted and I found his trip interesting, have requested SKPKCP11 to post his final itinerary, so that Can use most of it.

A bit more information:

It is not that easy to get from the train station to Melk Abbey. I got lost and had to follow a couple of Americans who were reading instructions from a Rick Steves guidebook, so suggest that you have some sort of directions to get from train station to abbey. The way is not marked and goes through some medieval lanes and roads, so it's not a direct path.

At the abbey, there are two tour groups, one in English and one in German. Their departure times are staggered but very close, like one leaves at 11 and the other at 11:15 (so they don't run into each other!).

If you want to do the boat tour of the Wachau Valley, you HAVE to do the 11/11:15 tour in order to get to the boat dock in time to catch the boat. Bring a lunch as you will not have time enough to do a sit down lunch.

To get to the boat dock from the abbey, go downhill to the "main drag", turn right and go all the way to the end, then turn right again. At the end of the main drag there is a Chinese restaurant (I think). The proprietor's young daughter will be happy to give you directions to the boat dock - in Chinese.

Durnstein: if you want to visit the castle at the top of the hill, there are two ways up/down. One is easier than the other; the bad one is almost like having to walk up a perpetual staircase. How to find the easier path? From the boat dock, get to the "main drag" of Durnstein. Once there, turn right. GO PAST THE OLD GATE. Take the first road on the LEFT, which is a fairly wide road between houses. (Believe that the way that is marked to go up to the castle is the bad road - you can come DOWN this way)

I'll see if I have some photos to help explain.

Thanks for posting this 'easytraveler' - will be heading there in September and you have helped immensely with my planning.

With Melk Abbey sitting high above the village of Melk, it is about impossible not to easily find it with no trouble.
Simply depart the station walking downhill toward the main part of the small town. You will soon find the pesestrain zone with cafes, shops etc. simply turn right on the pedestrian zone and walking slightly up hill on streets toward the Abbey. If I remember correctly small signs help you. Note that Abbey in german is the word Stift .
10 - 15 minute walking time -

Note that you may tour the Abbey on your ownin summer at anytime . No need to wait for a tour unless you wish.
With or without the tour you see the same things.

For the Danube boat cruise with DDSG or Brandner -
simply walk down from the Abbey through the pedestrian zone to the corner where you find the major 2 lane highway of the area. Simply turn right there ( do not cross the bridge as this way leads to the Danube passenger multi day cruise boats.
Follow the roadway several hundred meters to a Gas Station on the left side ( perhaps a BP station ) walk on the roadway just past the gas station to the boat docks -
trip may be 10- 15 minutes.

For Melk info including a Map/ Stadtplan

www.melk.gv.at

print the map if you wish to assist you.

Thousands make this waqy with no troubles.

For Dürnstein- Perhaps the above poster has not been on the castle paths lately.
The way now with information signage in german and english to explain those invoved in the times pertaining to Richard the Lionhearted.
Dürnstein boat dock from Melk - immediately turn right as you leave the boat dock - you walk several hundred meters on a paved promenade along the Danube. Fine picture taking opportunities along this way of the Blue Steeple , old homes etc.

You will find a paved pathway just before the small ferryboat on the left side.
Take this pathway , passing the Alter Klosterkeller heuriger and simply stay on this way till the top passing the nice markers as you go. This the easy way. .

Here are some photos (labelled "Getting Up to Durnstein Castle Ruins) on worldisround):

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/371394/index.html


Molker: I was up there last year. The easy way and the hard way were pointed out to me by a local resident with whom I had struck up a conversation.

The American couple in Melk had lived and worked in Europe for about 20 years. The third member of their family was their son who was visiting from attending some European university (I forget which one), so all three are quite familiar with European towns and roads.

I just didn't think it was necessary to fill in all these minor details.

We all have our opinions. Certainly I'd follow Molker's on Austria any day.

Dear SKPKCP11

It seems you dont want to share the itinerary, though you have asked all the posters for all information for several months.

This doesnt look very appropriate.

Salil

Dear Fodorites,

Thanks for the valuable info.

Dear Salil,

Regret the delay in reverting as I have not been very active lately. I do not have any tight itinerary as I am not holding any bookings for any attractions. We are looking at 3 days in Vienna out of which 1 day will be devoted to Melk trip, 1 day to Schonbrunn & its surroundings i.e. zoo & Prater and 1 day to Ring area. Am yet not very clear on what are the best attractions to cover in the ring area and what to skip as we are with kids and beyond a certain point they will not enjoy the museums and also not sure what route to take which is the best and fastest. Guess we will take it forward once we are there. But will certainly try to do the Hofburg Palace. We will give a skip to the Vienna Boys Choir (which is only on Sunday) and the Spanish Riding School but will try to cover atleast 1 museum time permitting. In an earlier post I had indicated the attractions of the Ring area which we wanted to cover but was advised that it is next to impossible to do them in 1 day. Had earlier wanted to do an evening show and also the Grinzing area but not a good idea with kids and also we are not wine drinkers. Hence, have dropped it. Will keep sometime for the Naschmarkt.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11

If you are looking for things especially for children, there is also the ZOOM museum for children:

http://www.wien.info/en/vienna-for/families/museums/zoom

You have started so many threads that it's difficult to remember what has been recommended to you before.

Thus, I can't remember if Zanoni&Zanoni's gelato has been recommended to you before or not. It too is a fun place for children to see the mounds of gelato and the servers in their funny hats.

http://www.zanoni.co.at/

Thanks Easytraveller for the recommendation. Seriously doubt how much can be done in such a short period. Do you recommend to start the Ring Tour from Hofburg Palace? Have read about Zanoni & Zanoni in another poster's thread and in some trip reports.

Kind regards,
SKPKCP11

Hi, SKPKCP11: I'm sorry but you have me confused, which Ring Tour is this? Is it a tour run by a tour group?

Hello,

I wonder if any of you would kindly check into my plan for a day-visit to Wachau valley and point to me if there's anything that doesn't seem feasible to you?

1. Train from Vienna to Melk

2. Boat trip from Melk to Durstein

3. Durstein to Krems (at this point, getting there on foot as suggested by PalenQ, the thought of little stroll through the vineyards sounds very appealing to me. But is it true that there's this local train running between Krems and Durstein? Is that the section that will be covered by a combi-ticket if I were to purchase a combi-ticket?)

4. From Krems taking train back to Franz-Joseph station, Vienna.

In addition, I wonder do we have better to have all tickets reserved/purchased in advance or it shouldn't be any problem to get the train & boat tickets as we get there?

Many thanks in advance!

there should be no problem buying individual tickets as you go along but I think the combo saves you money - there was a train between Durnstein and Krems but someone I believe says it may not be running and there is a bus instead.

I recommend that you buy the combi ticket. This quick and easy - economic.
No reservation needed at all. Just go to the Vienna Westbahnhof train station ( easy access via ubahn lines U-3 and U-6 to a stop in the lower level of the Bahnhof. Then to ticket counter to buy your ticket - english spoken.

train schedule is found at

www.oebb.at

Taking a eary train allows more time at Melk Abbey and then onward to the boat.

A bus goes about one time per hour from Durnstein to the Krems train station in the center of town.
Schedule is timed to co- ordinate with the train back to Vienna.

A train exists from Durnstein to Krems but this runs only about 3 times per day - often less convenient and only weekends and holidays. charge for bus and train for this trip is just a few euro ( not included in combi ticket )you can pay bus driver.

Walking - this is about 10 kilometers / 6 + miles from Durnstein to Krems- part of the walk along the frequently used bike path -
not worth it in my opinion for optimum use of time during this day.

Bus schedule also at
www.oebb.at

Note that the train from Krems to Vienna makes its terminus at the Franz Josef Bahnhof - this is not the same as your departure station.
Quick ride on the streetcar D to the very city center along the Ring in 5-10 minutes.
The D found in front of the train station.
You want the one direction Sudbahnhof.

If you want to train back to Westbahnhof for some reason then take the shuttle train from Krems to St-Poletin, a train stop on the mainline back to Vienna Westbahnhof.

I believe above poster refers to the town of Sankt. Pölten/ St. Polten- it is not St- Poletin on this route.
Traveling this way requires much more time and also a transfer of train to reach Vienna.
The initial train from Krems to St. Polten is normally a small older regional train lacking comfort anf makes numerous stops on its routing.
The direct Krems - Vienna train I mention to Franz Josef Bahnhof above is a newer double decked train with bathroom facilites.Not just much faster but allows travelers options to have choices of stops in Vienna for connections to public transport

at Heiligenstadt to UBahn line U-4 to such areas as Schwedenplatz, Landmitte, Stadt Park , Karlsplatz / Opera

at Spittelau

to UBahn U-6- westbahnhof, Wahringer strasse etc.

and Franz Josef Bahnhof to mentioned Streetcar D.

Molker,

Great information, thank you!

Yup as usual molker gives great info on Austria - because I think he/she is an Austrian or at least lives there.

I've walked along the river from Durnstein to Krems and agree with Molker that, if you have a short vacation, it's not worth the time to spend it on walking the route. It's not much different from what you will see from the boat from Melk to Durnstein - and the view from the boat is better in many respects.

If you want to stop off in Durnstein and hike up to the ruins of the castle, then you have to factor in that amount of time spent as well.

If, however, you have more time and are a hiker, then that's one of the more pleasant hikes you could take.

I have read this entire thread (and others) and want to thank all of you (and especially Molker) for the valuable information & links that have allowed me to plan the Vienna/Melk/Durnstein/Krems/Vienna day trip. Depending upon the weather, I think we will get an early start and try to do them all (Oct. 3). I have 2 questions:

1.With the Combi ticket, do you have a choice of guided or nonguided Abbey tour? I thought I read this somewhere, but it's all starting to blur!

2. On our return to Vienna by train from Krems, we would like to visit Grinzing ( to experience the heurigens). Where should we disembark and how should we proceed from there? OR should we visit Heiligenstadt since the train stops there & just walk to the nearest heurigen?? Our hotel is on the U4 (Meidling), so would one be easier to return from than the other??

I believe that your combi ticket is for admission to the Abbey and does not include a guided tour. But a guided tour is just 2 euro more if you wish it. You should be able to buy the tour at the ticket office at Melk.

In my opinion a guided tour is not esstential.Tour takes about 1 hour ?

The museum area has excelent signage to provide information and in english too if you decide to do it on your own.
Making the tour yourself allows you to make your own pace spending time as you wish.

So many things- from paintings , precious jewels to reueable caskets used in days past.
The bottom was hinged to allow burial in the casket and then later it was opened , depositing the body and pulled up for later use again- economical !
The viewing terrace to the Danube can take time if you wish photos-
The Festsaal/ main hall area takes some time to appreciate the decor, frescos etc.
Library , for some more, than intersting with ancient volumes- their copy of a Gutenburg Bible sold some years ago to help pay for renovations.

Church- fully renovated a few years ago. Sit and have a look.

Returning to Vienna- you can leave the train at the Heilingstadt stop - just outside you will find among numerous other lines Bus # 38 A- Take the 38 A- note walking impractical for access to heurigers from the station.
this 38A goes to Grinzing- but in my opinion for a nicer experience depart this bus at Armbrustergasse ( 4th stop ) and walk just a short time slightly up hill to the Probusgasse area-
numerous heurigers there- more authentic experience than Grinzing- better wine generally, good buffets and sometimes music too.
Grinzing is found in every tour book - streets of bus traffic, tourist hordes, less than stellar wine generally -
so much traffic that a number of years ago, they were forced to build a major park garage mostly for the busses. Perhaps for some visitors it is OK, But not the most authentic of experiences.

Some ideas for heurigers by Probusgasse among others.
Werner Welser

www.werner-welser.at

Mayer am Pfarrplatz
www.pfarrplatz.at

you can use the 38 A to return to Heilingstadt station and there use the UBahn U- 4 back to the center of Vienna.

Hi newcomer,

we were lucky enough to happen upon Mayer am Pfarrplatz when we were visiting the Beethovenhaus and it was just a lovely way to spend a couple of hours or so.

the buffet was very good and being fans of "german-style" wines, we were very happy trying those too. the general idea is to drink at least as much water as you drink wine and you are expected to order water as well as wine.

We thought that we were doing this, but clearly failed as we still argue about whether we visited 3 Heuriger or 4, that afternoon.

have a great trip!

" German Style " wines - do not understand this comment.I think austrian vintners would take exception to this. Austrian wines are quality controlled , inspected and are acknowledged to be a fine product.
Wines from grapes grown in Austrian soil - vines from centuries old strains using methods of growing - picking and producing refined over centuries.
The grape culture from times as far back as the romans to new methods developed by the latest generation of local vintners in vineyards often passed down over many centuries.

No need to drink water with the wine or even order it unless you wish to. This is not mandatory, is the " general idea" or expected and many would believe that this only distorts the fine flavor of the product.
If some prefer a little water, you can easily order a " Spritzer "
a mix of wine and sparkling water by the glass. You are not expected to buy a bottle of water.
Most here will order an 1/8 or 1/4 liter glass of wine and slowly drink to savor the fine product.

German-style wines for a Brit or American means a rather sweet white wine I believe - a generality but I find white cheaper Austrian wines quite similar to say Mosel or Rhine whites - I know what molker means and agree with it but I think the generality of German-style wine is appropo here in the context annhig used it.

Just for information -For those who drink white wine here- most everyone would not describe them as " sweet " rather most all are " dry " shown as the word - trocken.

thanks, Pal - who knew that agreeing with someone's recommendation could be so controversial?

and if you read what I posted carefully, Molker, i was not suggesting that the OP dilute the wine with water, but that she drank water as well - which is what we saw all the locals doing, both in Heiligenstadt, and in Gumpoldskirchen, where we stayed during the Wine Festival.

in case there are any austrian wine-makers lurking here on fodors, I hasten to assure them that by likening their produce to German-style wines I was in no way being disrespectful to them, but trying to be helpful to the OP by distinguishing them from, say, French or Italian white wines, which, IMHO, are generally quite different. Pal - many are indeed somewhat sweeter , though not necessarily - a dryer style has become more popular in the last 10 years or so, though it is not altogether to my taste. [i hope that doesn't offend you too, Molker]

Most here will order an 1/8 or 1/4 liter glass of wine and slowly drink to savor the fine product.>>

most people everywhere who enjoy wine do the same, Molker - what i was suggesting to the OP, in a light-hearted way, is that if you visit a number of Heurige, and sample a few glasses of their "fine products" it's easy to over-imbibe.

Not making controversy or take offense but rather attempting to keep the record correct.
I am not a vintner but yearly take good times to assist in the grape harvest, live summers in wine country,enjoy wine and am fortunate to taste the yearly product in the cellars in addition to regular heuriger visits.
Frankly- most here if having water with wine - drink the Spritzer-

Frankly- most here if having water with wine - drink the Spritzer>>

I prefer not to distort the fine flavour of the wine, Molker.

I forget who said it but someone said that Austrians were more German than Germans themselves!

Thank you so much!! The Probusgasse area and Mayer am Pfarrplatz sound perfect to me. We love good wines and are not fans of the large tour bus crowds (when I heard about the new garage parks built to accommodate tours, I knew it wouldn't be for us...)

It's also good to know that we can enjoy the monastery at Melk, even if we miss a guided tour. I had read that some people felt rushed on the tour; I would rather take my time and see everything, if there is sufficient material available to read in English (which isn't always the case in such places).

Thanks again for the suggestions.

the absolute highlight of Melk Abbey to me was the cadavers inside glass cases of previous clerics - just bones as I recall - a skeleton in a glass case!

The numerous exhibit rooms have good information signage on specific and diverse things as you tour.
This is a good assistance and also allows you to spend more time on those things most interesting to you.

A good preparation for your viist is to review the Abbey website. My opinion - a" do it yourself tour" is no problem. Most probably you will want some time for Danube phots from the Terrace and extra time in the magnificent Church.

check here for good info and also descritptions by rooms with some photos too. Perhaps you may wish to print out some info.

www.stiftmelk.at


Enough information should be available to allow easy touring.

Note that the Abbey also has a large school within its walls. This a major and long time mission of the Abbey, 800- 1000 students I think. Often you will see and hear the kids as you tour.

Note some of the very long halls - some of the longest in such facilities.
Royalty often stopped there - the Festsaal/ Marble Hall the scene of galas dinner etc. Other rooms reserved as bedrooms etc.
So much to see in this room- Festsaal- the ceilings fantastic-
look to the windows on the higher level of one wall of this Hall. These can be opened to the room below- this area often housing an Orchestra providing music for events below, while not taking added space in the room itself.
Empress Maria Theresia known to be a frequent visitor.

If time permits, nice gardens to walk through - a gift shop and also a large restaurant with out door dining and two indoor rooms - one non smoking .

It is not unusual to see glass enclosed viewable caskets in Abbeys and Churches in many parts of Austria.
Most Often these are minor saints perhaps sometimes important local persons.
For example, a nearby example is the Church in Durnstein - with the famous blue steeple - 4- 6 such examples there by side altars - skeletons adorned in fine clothing , jewels.

Thanks again, Molker! You keep adding information that will be extremely helpful on a self-guided tour. We are now less than a month from departure for our trip (5 days Prague & around, 5 days Vienna & around, 5 days Budapest & around, and things are coming together nicely. I'm so excited!!

Hi newcomer,

as an alternative to trying to go to a Heuriger [or two!] on the same day you go to Melk, you could do what we did and catch the bus to the top of the Kahlenberg and then walk down to Heiligenstadt through the vineyards.

we went to Beethoven's summer house, and a number of Heuriger on the way down.

we also went to Gumpoldskirchen as i said above - there are loads there. you can get there on a train from Vienna, but we found it while we were going to [or coming back from] Baden in our hire car.

Thanks for the idea! I know it sounds like doing a lot, but we try to pack in as much as we can on vacation - and, hey, we have to eat, don't we? - so it may as well be someplace fun!

I would not recommend the bus up to Kahlenberg and then walk down in October , especially after a full day in the Wachau / Melk and returning by train.

Melk, Wachau boat is really a full day.

Daylight will be quickly leaving in October by the time you get back to Vienna and attempt this walk - add vineyard darkness and alcohol- an accident waiting to happen.

Enjoy one or more of above other recommendations , drink, eat enjoy the surroundings and have your transport close by without stress.

I would not recommend the bus up to Kahlenberg and then walk down in October , especially after a full day in the Wachau / Melk and returning by train.>>

no, molker, neither would I. this is what I posted:

<<as an alternative to trying to go to a Heuriger [or two!] on the same day you go to Melk, you could do what we did and catch the bus to the top of the Kahlenberg and then walk down to Heiligenstadt through the vineyards. >>

I don't mind your disagreeing with me about something I've posted, but I do object when you do it about something I haven't said at all.

Defensive ! Sensitive ?-- time for people to read postings a little more closely.
I did not mention anyone - only that I did not recommend the trip and gave reasons. It seems some object to valid advice given by locals with a little knowledge of the area.

well that's good - you didn't recommend a trip that I didn't recommend either.

I don't recommend a trip that annhig don't recommend that's for sure!

thanks, Pal.

we cold do with a spot of humour on this thread.

Well, I read ann's post the same as Molker - that she recommended going to a heuriger the SAME day as the trip to Melk.

At best that's an ambiguous phrase because the "[or two!]" interrupted and placed the "on the same day" with "you go to Melk", so that it reads like "on the same day you go to Melk"

Hi again ...i thought I was all set, but I'm getting confused by all of the suggestions! Would the plan of "going to Melk (now I'm thinking "no time for Durnstein"),then taking the boat to Krems & then the 16:00 (or 17:00 - if there is something to see in Krems)train to Wien, then leaving at the Heilingstadt stop, taking 38A to Armburstergasse and going to a heuriger in Probusgasse" be doable?? I certainly don't want to do anything that would be considered unsafe.

A 16:00 train from Melk brings you to the Wien Westbahnhof station at at 17:40. From there it is 22 minutes on the U3 (with a transfer to the) U4 to Heiligenstatdt and another 5 or so to the Armbrustergasse stop on the 38A. Near the stop are a couple of heurigen, but there are many more nearer to the "Grinzing" stop, and the village of Grinzing is charming and lively in the evening. I'd add 45 minutes from Westbanhof to Grinzing, to allow for missed connections, and you're in Grinzing by 18:30.

A 16:27 train from Melk brings you to Wien Heiligenstadt at 18:05, with a change at Hutteldorf. Add 15 minutes or so for missed connectionson the 38A, and you're in Grinzing by 18:30.

Alternatively, there are taxis at Heiligenstadt that can whisk you to Grinzing for less than 10 Euros.

We recently moved from the US to the Grinzing area and feel it's very safe. Is there something in particular that concerns you?

<<as an alternative to trying to go to a Heuriger [or two!] on the same day you go to Melk, >>

how much clearer could this be? but frankly i don't think that this spat is being at all helpful to the OP, who is just getting confused.

THere is no reason why the OP shouldn't plan to go to a Heuriger at the end of the day trip to Melk, in the way that fourfortravel sets out. if the OP and her party have the energy for it, they know what to do. if they decide they haven't, they can go straight back to their hotel.

newcomer - I think that when you are there, it will all fall into place.

have a great trip!

Yes go to Huriger or Hurigen hopefully on the night you return from Melk is fine to me too.

Thanks! I will stick to my plan, then, unless weather or exhaustion dictate otherwise!

I have just done the loop using the OBB combi ticket described at http://www.oebb.at/en/Travelling_in_Austria/Lower_Austria/Offers_and_Products/Wachau-Ticket/index.jsp

1. What you get are three papers: train ticket, Melk Abbey voucher, Brandner/DDSG ship voucher. The train ticket says "Hinfahrt: Westbahnof-Melk, Rückgarht: Krems-Franz Josef Oder umgekerhrt.

2. The web site recommends to take 9:18am train out of Westbahnhof and take 5:03pm back from Krems. There is an earlier train 8:44am, but requires changing at St. Pölten track 4 at 9:36am. From track 5 on the same platform you take another train 11 min later to Melk at 9:37am. This trains arrives in Melk at 9:55am vs. 10:30am recommended by OBB. By arriving 35min earlier, you can visit the garden before the 10:55am English tour. This is helpful if you want to eat lunch in Melk before hopping on the boat. The St. Pölten - Melk 9:37am train is a tiny one car train. You must be waiting between Sektor 5D and 5E, closer to the 5D Sektor mark.

3. The English tour lasted 10:55am-11:50am, but that ends at the furthest end of the Abbey in the library. It is another 5 min back to the exit. You buy the 2EU tour when you go to the ticket office to exchange your voucher to a barcoded ticket you need. If you want to go to WC, don't wait. One tour after another poured into the Abbey just after the opening. There were locker next to WC for 44 places big enough for a 22" carry-on. It looked as a kind you put in your things and just take the key.

4. If you did not visit the garden, but want to do it after the tour, you don't have much time. You have about 90min to allocate between lunch and the garden because if you have lunch in Rathaus sq, you should be heading to the boat dock by 1:30pm to catch 1:50pm boat. If you are starting from the main square, you need about 15min. If you eat lunch after the tour then garden you are really pressed for time since from the Rathaus sq to garden requires an uphill walk.

5. At the dock, you can glance at Brandner (closer dock) or DDSG (little further). When I saw DDSG filled with tour groups, I decided to take the Brandner instead. DDSG ticket booth is on the path you took from Melk. Brandner ticket booth is little inland. DDSG and Brandner sort of tailgate each other all the way to Krems. For the trip I took, Brandner had a dock much closer to Dürstein than DDSG. You can see both from the path. When you get down from Abbey to the river, there is a sign above the bridge:

<right> This is the CORRECT one.
Nr 10,11
Linienschifffahrt Wachau
Scheduled Cruise Wachau

<straight> This is NOT the correct one. Don't cross the bridge!
Nr 7,8,31,35
Kabinenschiffahrt
Cabin Cruises
Themenfahrten

Walk along the river. When you come to a Y, take the narrow left paved path alone the river. The right one goes through the parking lot so you also get to the ship dock.

6. From Krem dock you at 15:35, you can make the 16:01 train back to Wien if you don't want to wonder around in Krems. While the train ends up in Franz-Josef station, you don't HAVE to get off there. In fact, Heiligenstadt or the Spittelau stations offer u-bahn or s-bahn connections than the Franz-Josef station (= none)

Thanks, bookmarking.

greg: very good directions on how to visit Melk from Vienna.

You do have me confused at the end. Are you saying that the same train goes to Heiligenstadt?

My recollection is that there's a U-bahn station nearby and that one gets off the train at Franz-Josef Station and then have to transfer to some kind of local transportation.

Regarding u-bahn connection from the train back from Krems. Look at the map http://www.wienerlinien.at/media/files/2011/wl_svp_internet_deutsch_jan2011_54397.pdf. There is a U4 station "near" at Franz-Josefs, but not at the station like Spittelau. Spittelau connects to both U4 and U6 at the station.

I needed to add that the although the wienerlinien map does not show the OBB route, it stops at Heiligenstadt, Spittelau, and Franz-Josefs like the S40 which is on the map.

As greg's excellent directions in Melk show it can be easy to get to the wrong boat dock - there are two at least - one is rather out in the middle of the Danube - for boats I believe doing long-haul say Passau to Vienna services - the nearer dock to Melk itself is for the day excursions thru the Wachau Valley.

Once my first time there some of my party ended up waiting at the long-distance boat dock before they realized their mistake and had to dash to the other dock to catch the boat.