Weissenkirchen in der Wachau Cruise Port

Weissenkirchen in der Wachau is a small town in the Krems Land district of Lower Austria, with a population of around 1,500. It sits beside the Danube in the Wachau valley, between Melk and Krems. The 36 kilometre valley is one of Lower Austria’s best known tourist areas, with vineyards, historic villages and architecture lining the river.

The setting is a major part of the town’s appeal. The Wachau was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000 in recognition of its architectural and agricultural history. Weissenkirchen has a collection of old homestead buildings dating from the mid 6th century, while the old town itself is easy to explore on foot. Narrow cobbled streets and colourful historic buildings create a relaxed setting for a stroll through the centre.

St Michael’s Church is one of the town’s notable landmarks. Dating from the 14th century, it features vaulted ceilings, intricately carved wooden altars and stained glass windows. The church adds to the sense of history found throughout Weissenkirchen, where traditional buildings and religious landmarks sit close to the river and vineyards.

Wine is central to the local landscape and economy. Weissenkirchen is surrounded by terraced vineyards cut into the steep, rocky hillsides, with local vintners producing Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Visitors can sample these wines while discovering the traditions of the Wachau wine region. Apricots are another local speciality, with Wachau apricots used to make Marillenknödel, small dumplings filled with the fruit.

One of the town’s more unusual features is its ferry across the Danube. It has no motor or sail and instead uses a rudder set against the river current, with the ferry anchored to a cable above the river. The service carries passengers, bicycles, motorcycles and automobiles across the water.

For river cruisers, Weissenkirchen offers a quiet introduction to the Wachau, combining vineyards, historic streets, local food and a distinctive way of crossing the Danube.