Wachau Vineyard Terraces

This section is a highlight of any cycling tour along the Danube – not only because of the impressive ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned, but also because of the picturesque landscape, which can be experienced particularly intensely here. Between the historic walls and the vineyard terraces of the Wachau stretching across the slopes, a backdrop unfolds that invites you to linger. Those traveling by bike should definitely allow a little extra time for this section – for views, stories, and a sip of regional wine.

Leuthold I. von Kuenring/Dürnstein, "Supreme Schenker in Austria", (1260-1312) described the core of his possessions as "Vinea Wachau Nobilis Districtus", congruent with today's legally delimited Wachau wine-growing region of the "Vinea Wachau" association. The members make a binding declaration that they will serve the Wachau wine culture and only sell wine from the Wachau. In order to emphasize the uniqueness of the wines from the Wachau, the associations classified them into three categories, namely Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd (Wikipedia).

For me, this is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, sections of this route along the Danube. Fantastic panoramic views of the vineyard slopes. An experience to be enjoyed in a relaxed manner. Truly fantastic!