Melk to Krems - Bike or Boat???
Jun 22nd, 2008, 02:57 PM
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Melk to Krems - Bike or Boat???
We are going to catch an early train from Vienna to Melk. We have read that you can bike or take the boat from there to Krems. Obviously the bike allows for stops anytime, but is the ride difficult and how are the towns along the way? Does the boat stop anywhere? Happy travelling!
Jun 22nd, 2008, 03:59 PM
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Hi,
The ride between Melk and Krems is right along the river, and almost pancake flat. It is rather scenic, especially as you get into the Wachau wine region closer to Krems. For this section alone, a bike is worth it because the little wine villages are charming, and you can stop for tastings.
Krems has loads of "Heurigen", which are like wine bars where you can sample a variety of wines, and usually get something small to eat. Look for the pine boughs out front.
Make sure to have a look at the abbey in Melk before setting out on your bike, it's quite impressive.
Gute Reise!
The ride between Melk and Krems is right along the river, and almost pancake flat. It is rather scenic, especially as you get into the Wachau wine region closer to Krems. For this section alone, a bike is worth it because the little wine villages are charming, and you can stop for tastings.
Krems has loads of "Heurigen", which are like wine bars where you can sample a variety of wines, and usually get something small to eat. Look for the pine boughs out front.
Make sure to have a look at the abbey in Melk before setting out on your bike, it's quite impressive.
Gute Reise!
Jun 23rd, 2008, 02:36 AM
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For boat trip info look to
www.ddsg-blue-danube.at
the boat stops in Spitz and Dürnstein on the way to/from Melk Krems.
Bikes are permitted on the boats.
Nice bike paths can be found on both sides of the Danube. But the best is probably on the north side.
These are paved, well marked and generally free of any other traffic.
From Melk to Krems you ride downstream and generally slightly downhill.
The wind normally from your back to help you.
Many towns to ride through . Nice scenery and many vineyards to pass.
You also can take a regional train that runs along the river also.
many towns have small stops ( Bahnhofs) bikes permitted on many of the trains so no trouble.
Many wine taverns , restaurants etc. along the route - do not wait until Krems to stop.
Aug 6th, 2008, 11:58 AM
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This thread is just what I was looking for. We are considering riding a bik from Krems to Spitz or anywhere(Duernstein) attractive & rewarding.
Is there a bike rental place at the Krems train station or near the boat landing?
Is there a bike rental place at the Krems train station or near the boat landing?
Aug 6th, 2008, 10:47 PM
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Near to the ship station- perhsaps 250 - 300 meters upstream is a bike rental place - a very good and professional shop
R and R Rad Service
Steiner Landstrasse 103
this street runs along the river - shop easy to see as usually many bikes outside under a tent .
www.rundumsrad.at
or look to the
www.ddsg-blue-danube.at
boat website
they have some combi offers like one way boat trip bike rental and picnic basket
The entire distance Melk- Krems is about 30- 35 kilometers.
Krems - Spitz -perhaps 15 -18 km.
Krems - Dürnstein 6-8 km.
I think a day rental 11- 15 euro
Aug 7th, 2008, 11:52 AM
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We biked from Krems to Spitz and then took the boat back to Krems to pick up our car. The whole day was just lovely. The views are gorgeous, and the path is perfect for biking.
In addition to checking out the little wineries, we also stopped at a small schnapps distillery and purchased a bottle of apricot schnapps.
We picked up our bikes at the small gas station located directly across the street from the boat dock.
Tracy
In addition to checking out the little wineries, we also stopped at a small schnapps distillery and purchased a bottle of apricot schnapps.
We picked up our bikes at the small gas station located directly across the street from the boat dock.
Tracy
Aug 7th, 2008, 06:14 PM
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Tracy, did you reserve your bikes somewhere and they had them ready at the gas station or you did it all there without reservation?
I can just see ourselves biking happily through a few wineries. How long did it take you to bike to Spitz and then boat cruise down river?
I can just see ourselves biking happily through a few wineries. How long did it take you to bike to Spitz and then boat cruise down river?
Aug 8th, 2008, 07:59 AM
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Just a few comments re biking - think about a boat upstream Sitz etc. and then back to Krems -
1. it is slightly downhill overall-
2. prevailing wind is usually at your back going downstream-
3. Not being smart but time Spitz - krems depends on the number of stops - many opportunities and amount of wine consumed.
Actual journey in Kilometers is probably about 15-17
9-10 miles.-
Also bike rental place mentioned above was at the Shell gas station- the sign is still above the small room on right side of the station- but never see people or bikes there anymore - no idea if they still do this . If they do -strange hours as I pass this place several times weekly -and see no one around - never stop at the station- prices too high there for benzin.
Is also a guy in mautern that delivers bikes for rental
www.rentawachaubike.at
know nothing about them
Aug 8th, 2008, 10:04 AM
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The gas station must have been the Shell Molker is referring to. The bikes were kept in a locked storage closet around the side of the gas station. We did not have to reserve in advance, although we were there in early May and it was fairly quiet in the Wachau Valley.
We biked along at a leisurely pace, and stopped quite a bit, so I think it took 3-4 hours.
Tracy
We biked along at a leisurely pace, and stopped quite a bit, so I think it took 3-4 hours.
Tracy
Aug 8th, 2008, 03:41 PM
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Appreciate your good tips Molker, especially about riding downhill and going with the wind, goota to make it easier for my wife. Now I should probably take the train from Vienna to Spitz and rent a bike in Spitz. I tend to be impatient sitting on a slow moving riverboat.
Tracy: Good to hear that it could be done in 3-4 hours (with 2-3 tasting stops maybe?),that would really be the max that my wife would agree to. I have to suggest it at the spur of the moment when we're in Spitz preferably after a couple of glasses. That means I have to suggest to her to wear sneakers & shorts from Vienna. Anything else I should think of?
Tracy: Good to hear that it could be done in 3-4 hours (with 2-3 tasting stops maybe?),that would really be the max that my wife would agree to. I have to suggest it at the spur of the moment when we're in Spitz preferably after a couple of glasses. That means I have to suggest to her to wear sneakers & shorts from Vienna. Anything else I should think of?
