fourfortravel

The plan can still work, providing that you check schedules for changes and have flexibility with respect to the weather. The Wachau Valley can be depressingly gray and the vineyards can be barren OR you'll have sunshine sparkling on the autumn foliage. Walking up to Durnstein on anything other than a clear and dry day is both unsafe (dirt and rock-scramble path) and offers lackluster sightseeing. A portion of the exterior facade of Melk Abbey is currently covered with scaffolding, so you may want to manage photo expectations accordingly, as well.

PalenQ

You of course could do that trek in reverse - train first to Krems then boat up the Wachau but boats go slower upstream. And at any time of year high water could scrub the boats like I believe they did last spring?

GinnyJo

Thanks for all your detailed replies!