One of the best things about the small towns in Austria and Germany that aren't on the tourist radar is that you can hang out for days and never see another American. We've found this to be true on every one of our trips.

molker
If you see this-- I have been looking for the apartments you described on the river in Durnstein--no luck-- any further info would be helpful.

The Achensee is a Munich "suburb" with people going there every weekend summer as well as winter. The local skiing area is called Christlum and very popular. http://www.christlum.at. Packed with people during the season. During the week it's actually quite nice. It's a short daytrip by car from Munich. On you way from Tölz you will also see the Sylvenstein reservoir tat protects Munich from floodings. It's worth a visit, sometimes you can see remains of the old village of Fall, flooded when the reservoir was build. Easy drive, Maurach is the best option for filling up your gas after the border from Germany.

Sould you be at Jenbach or Maurach and intend to go to Munich, it is far faster and more scenic not to take the Autobahn, but the 181 federal road to Tegernsee and turn left after the border to the Sylvenstein and Tölz. On your way, you will pass Lenggries another very popular skiing area. http://www.lenggries.de. The "Brauneck" is worth visiting.

German and/or Austrian tourists I don't mind. I'd rather that than Americans. I see enough Americans here at home.

For Firstlake

The MalerWinkel in Durnstein

for the village information

www.duernstein.at

on the main page - the photo just above the heading " Where Friends Meet " shows the small cobblestone passadgeway to the house located on the right side - beyond is the Danube

The photos do not lie - this is a beautiful village with much history

For the Malerwinkel

www.wsw.at/boehmer/

website in german but for sure you can understand much and pictures assist.

Owners Hermann and Gerlinde Böhmer - this an old family of Durnstein.
I believe Frau Böhmer speaks some english.

I have had friends stray there and they were most happy .
The little house fully renovated a few years ago.
The exterior must remain the same as before as it is part of the heritage of the village.
It is said that it is the most painted house in Durnstein and the Wachau.
It is located just below the famous Church with the blue steeple and directly on the Danube with superb views.
A bakery just 2 minutes away to get fresh bread and rolls in the morning - several nice restaurants within 5 minutes.
Truly a great place to stay in my opinion and at a fair rate too.

Molker-Thanks so much.