Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

VIENNA----visiting out to Melk Abbey without a tour group

VIENNA----visiting out to Melk Abbey without a tour group

Old Jul 3rd, 2016, 09:22 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,282
Received 6 Likes on 1 Post
VIENNA----visiting out to Melk Abbey without a tour group

I've seen many tours to Melk Abbey & then a boat ride to Krems on The Danube.

Since we are not fond of buses & crowded tours, we wonder if it is possible (and not too difficult) to
Take the train to Melk by ourselves, then the Danube boat trip to Krems, and train back to Vienna?
TPAYT is offline  
Old Jul 3rd, 2016, 09:49 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
So easy - I've done it - buy an all-inclusive ticket for train to Melk, abbey entrance, boat ride to Durnstein (great old town to get off at) and then bus or boat or walk as I did to Krems for trains back to Vienna - no reservations needed or even possible perhaps for any. check www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com for info on this excursion.

Yes easy - very very easy.
PalenQ is offline  
Old Jul 3rd, 2016, 09:49 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,813
Received 26 Likes on 5 Posts
Well, the following website should give you some helpful information. We have not tried this route, as we tour the Wachau Valley via a personal vehicle, but it should be a good start. In September you can expect many other travelers in search of a similar journey, and crafting your own route may take some to personalise the experience.

http://www.ddsg-blue-danube.at/eng/c...ship_abbeymelk

Or, rent a car for a day and drive the Wachau Valley on your own schedule. At that time of the year the vineyards are gorgeous (in good weather), offering many stopping points for photos and numerous places to drop in for Austrian fare.
fourfortravel is offline  
Old Jul 3rd, 2016, 10:57 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
when I did the boat they had bikes for folks who wanted to ride between docks and catch a later boat - one of the primo biking venues anywhere. Not sure they still have that option.
PalenQ is offline  
Old Jul 3rd, 2016, 11:09 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 11,786
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I agree it is very easy. Purchase your ticket at the train station. We got a family ticket for: train to Melk, entrance to Melk abbey, boat to Krems, train home from Krems. Very simple.
Tabernash2 is offline  
Old Jul 3rd, 2016, 11:41 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,282
Received 6 Likes on 1 Post
Excellent info.

If we have some nice weather in Sept. We will definitely do this.
TPAYT is offline  
Old Jul 4th, 2016, 08:38 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
That could be a big IF IME!
PalenQ is offline  
Old Jul 4th, 2016, 08:59 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,471
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
A car driving to the Abbeye is so easy. Besides Krems you could also visit Durnstein. King Richard 1st was held captive in the ruined castle.

We hadn't done the train, but did the bus and cruise to Melk. Then on another trip driving did, Melk, Krems, Durnstein and was able to just take our time.

I recall going by Krems and the bus driving around a little round about so we could see Krems for a MINUTE and then moving on to the cruise.

I knew we had to return to Krems. Loved Durnstein and had lunch there when we had the car.
iris1745 is offline  
Old Jul 5th, 2016, 10:48 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I got off the boat at Durnstein - as lovely a village as iris says and then walked a lovely 3-4 miles or so to Krems - but buses also do the route and may take you right to the Krems train station whereas from the boat dock it is quite a hike I believe.
PalenQ is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Pat_in_Mich
Europe
2
Oct 19th, 2016 08:49 AM
ashwinb
Europe
20
Jan 24th, 2014 01:47 PM
SKPKCP11
Europe
77
Sep 27th, 2012 05:00 AM
tidy
Europe
13
Apr 17th, 2012 10:15 PM
Stephanie621
Europe
19
Oct 17th, 2004 06:44 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -