Big day planned for Austria. A day cruising the Danube through the Wachau. This is acclaimed as the most picturesque section of the whole river, we haven't seen much of the Danubue but it would take something pretty good to beat this little cruise.
We left Vienna and drove about 80 kilometres to Melk through Krems, we drove down the southern side of the Danube, intending to come back on the northern side (which we did), caught the boat from Melk, back up the river to Durnstein, stayed there for an hour to inspect the ancient town and abbey, then caught the boat back to Melk. This is one of the must do excursions in Europe. The scenery starts with the a couple of ancient castles on hill tops and continues through hillside grape vineyards. Every time the boat rounds a corner there are so many more things to see. We got off the boat in Durnstein, looked through the chapel which is one of the most decorated and perfect churches we've seen. There are a couple of bejeweled skeletons in glass cases in some side chapels of the main church. These bodies are of unknown origin but were recovered by nuns in the 15th 16th centuries and 'donated' to churches in the area to venerate as saints. All very complicated. Had a look around the town, had an apple pastry for lunch then back on the boat back to Melk.
Got back to Melk in time to have a look at the Abbey. They have a display there in the library which celebrates the 650th anniversary of the opening of the Vienna University. Who ever thought there would be that much history recorded?? There is a ridiculous amount of wealth tied up in real estate and treasures at the Abbey, very well presented and it is a beautiful establishment.
Got back in the car (which wasn't ticketed, towed or clamped - much to Pams amazement) and drove back home to Vienna. The drive in itself was well worth it even if we couldn't have done the boat trip. The drive from Krems to Melk is down one side of the Danube and the drive back is along the other side, it gives you a very good view of each side because the road is often right up against the rivers edge.
The motel restaurant wasn't open, they suggested an Italian place just up the road. We had terrible service and I left without paying (on purpose) Pam made me go back and pay - not happy Jan!!!! This is a 20 minute story which cannot be told in a Blog - I don't want to incriminate myself!!!
It's late - I haven't got time right now to label my photos - check back in a couple of days - it shall be done!
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| The road along the Danube |
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| Our starting point at Melk. There is a lock for the river boats (cruisers/barges) just up to the left. These small canals have been built around the locks in an effort to get the Danube Salmon up the river to spawn. They are have lots of success if you can believe the internet. |
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| Our trusty boat |
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| Away we go |
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| Right up my alley. |
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| Inspecting castles |
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| Watching the rich people cruise by. We lost count of the number of cruise boats on the river. |
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| Another castle on top of the hill. |
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| Pam recording the action |
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| Vineyards on the hillsides. |
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| And the odd castle |
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| and church |
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| The vineyards are in terraces held by rock walls. The walls retain the heat and keep the roots at a constant temperature which (we're reliably informed) makes for better grapes. |
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| More castles than kings around here |
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| There is a church on every corner too. |
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| Trains track above, cars below with a bike track even closer to the river. |
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| Durnstein town with the Cathedral with the blue bell tower. |
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| Down town Durnstein - they (the locals) claim it to be the most picturesque of the Wachau Valley villages. |
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| Busy day in town. |
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| On the balcony |
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| Overlooking the river |
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| Add caption |
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| Main altar |
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| Jewelled up skeleton from somewhere around 1700. |
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| Went for a walk along the river, Pam put her toes in the water - just a bit cold. |
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| Sat on a chair here and had lunch, watching the boats go past as we waited for ours to come back and get us. |
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| Steps up to a cliff top restaurant |
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| The Danube selfie |
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| More wine and churches |
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| Horse, rider and servant statue |
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| The only way to get up to some of the grape vines on the terraced hillsides. |
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| Melk Abbey |
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| Looking from the balcony down to the river where we caught the boat. |
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| Looking the other way, can just see the locks in the distance |
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| The court yard of the Abbey |
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| Abbey selfie |
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| Romeo, Romeo, yadda, yadda, yadda |
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| Abbey alley |
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| Melk town square. |
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