Krems an der Donau in Austria, in the federal state of Lower Austria. It is the fifth-largest city of Lower Austria and is approximately 70 kilometres (43 miles) west of Vienna. Krems is a city with its own statute (or Statutarstadt), and therefore it is both a municipality and a district.
Main sights
Krems is located at the confluence of the Krems and Danube Rivers at the eastern end of Wachau valley, in the southern Waldviertel.
Krems borders the following municipalities: Stratzing, Langenlois, Rohrendorf bei Krems, Gedersdorf, Traismauer, Nußdorf ob der Traisen, Paudorf, Furth bei Göttweig, Mautern an der Donau, Dürnstein, and Senftenberg.
Main sights
Located in the Wachau valley and resting on the banks of the Danube, Krems holds an important position in the region and is only 70km from Vienna.
This historic city has a rich history of wine production, and also boasts great charm and character with its old architecture and favourable seat on the Danube.
The town has great transport links by rail to neighbouring places and also can be reached from Vienna in only an hour.
Old town
- Bürgerspitalkirche
- Dominikanerkirche
- Dreifaltigkeitssäule
- Göglhaus
- Gozzoburg
- Großes Sgraffitohaus
- Pfarrkirche St. Veit
- Piaristenkirche
- Pulverturm
- Rathaus
- Simandlbrunnen
- Steiner Tor: The gate, erected in 1480, is the second remaining medieval gate
Outside the Old Town
- Frauenbergkirche
- Göttweigerhofkapelle
- Großer Passauerhof
- Karikaturmuseum Krems
- Kloster Und
- Kremser Tor
- Kunsthalle Krems
- Forum Frohner
- Landesgalerie Niederösterreich[5]
- Linzer Tor
- Mauthaus
- Minoritenkirche
- Pfarrkirche Hl. Nikolaus
- Salzstadl
- University Krems
Winzer Krems (Wine tour)
The lower region of Austria where Krems is nestled is a famous wine region and Krems has a history of fine wine production.
Winzer Krems is an established winery and produces some of the finest bottles in Austria since 1938. You can take a tour around the estate and learn about the wine making process and the history of Winzer Krems and even have a sample or two of their fine produce.
With grape varieties including Chardonnay, Neuberger, Yellow Muscatel and Pinot Blanc there will be something to suit everyone’s taste.
Aggstein Castle
This iconic castle that looms high on an outcrop overlooking the Danube has stood the test of time since the 1200’s and now remains as an excellent ruins.
Often said to be impregnable, the castle has never been recorded to have been stormed by force, only conquered by starvation or other devious means.
Owing to its high location and great vantage point, the castle really stands out against the backdrop of the lower Austrian countryside.
Inside the castle you can experience a medieval atmosphere with several permanent exhibitions and also a restaurant.
Schonbuhel Castle
Another fine castle in the Wachau region located just below the town of Melk, the Schonbuhel Castle lies in a similar position to Aggstein castle high above the Danube on a rock over 40m above the river.
Possible remains of a Roman fortress lie here before the castle was constructed and it has had some form of fortification since the 12th century.
You can take audio tours around this fascinating structure and also enjoy the wonderful flower displays in the castle grounds.
Karikaturmuseum
This unique museum is one of the only Caricature museums in Austria and is located right in the centre of Krems.
The exhibitions here are ever changing so you will always find something new and interesting to admire.
The display mainly features different types of cartoon drawings and caricatures from artist including Manfred Dreix and Gerhard Haderer and is really fascinating.
The light-hearted and fun atmosphere of the museum makes it a memorable place to visit.
While there are no descriptions in English, the exhibitions are easy to follow.
Gottweig Abbey
This Benedictine monastery is an impressive sight with its dominating twin towers and colourful exterior design.
Just south of Krems, the Abbey complex is quite expansive and includes the main abbey, a walled courtyard and some gardens.
The red topped towers of the abbey stand out and the whole complex holds an imposing position in the Wachau valley.
This stunning example of baroque design features a museum which showcases parts of the Abbey interior like the striking grand staircase, an apricot orchard, and also gives jaw-dropping views of the Wachau Valley from its terraces.
