Tags
Cobble Stone Streets, Flowering Horse Chestnuts, Krems, Melk Abbey, St Vitus Church, UNESCO, Wachau Valley, Wisteria
After a wonderful morning spent exploring the magnificent Melk Abbey D.B. and I had walked down from the hill overlooking the little township and then back towards the river through the little shopping precinct. We had stopped to browse and buy a couple of souvenirs along the way.
Soon back on board our longship, the Viking Tor, we set sail towards Vienna in the early afternoon. We were now passing through the emerald green landscape of the UNESCO protected Wachau Valley.
The valley itself is famous for its rolling hills, old monasteries, castle ruins and fertile grape growing soils. We spent much of the early afternoon just relaxing on the lovely glassed-in aquavit terrace of our riverboat, enjoying the scenery of this wonderful picturesque countryside as we sampled a glass or two of the local produce.
By about mid-afternoon we’d tied up in a little riverside township called Krems (population about 23,000).
Dearly beloved D.B. and I decided we’d like to do a little bit of exploring on our own this time rather than joining the optional winery tour group.
Spotting a smart little red and green sightseeing train, we thought we might be able to get some bearings on this little place by boarding it for a short tour around the small township. Unfortunately it was already 4.00 p.m. and the train was in fact returning from its final run for the day. D.B. decided to have a bit of a chat to the rather friendly local train driver while I encouraged them both to pose for the camera. D.B. being in a teaching frame of mind, decided to give the friendly local train driver some good old Aussie lessons on how to signal a thumbs up! It made for a fun photo anyway.
D.B. and I then continued on our way, exploring the beautiful old cobblestone streets in pretty little Krems on foot.
As we wandered around we saw;
The cobblestoned streets of the old town area.
Some long avenues of flowering horse chestnut trees.
A most beautiful rambling wisteria.
The Pfarrkirche or Parish Church of St Vitus.
The Dreifaltigkeitssaule or Holy Trinity Column dating from 1738.
A delightful old vine-covered building.
Nicely renovated little frontages to very old homes with showy little flower boxes to attract attention.
And lastly some beautiful purple bearded iris.
After about an hour or two spent just wandering we ambled back to the comfort of our ever comfortable floating hotel for yet another sumptuous dinner. Life on board was so relaxed and carefree. Not even a bed to make come morning. D.B. and I just wish we had someone to spoil us like this all the time!
Here are some video links to see more of the beautiful Golden Wachau Valley and Krems:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1qJDBTxFj8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4sD6IjgH4k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_1yGmvcDZk
Related articles/Pinterest Pages
- Day 11 – Melk; And a Most Magnificent Benedictine Abbey. (kidazzleink.com)
- Melk Abbey Infinite (likeitiz.wordpress.com)
- https://www.pinterest.com/aleksandralukac/a-u-s-t-r-i-a/
Exploring on your own always seems more adventurous than going on a planned tour, though circumstances may sometimes demand one over the other. I agree that a spoiled lifestyle is the way to go!
I’m with you on that Mindful ….spoiled is the way to go if you can. I just wish it wasn’t so expensive. Ah well, needless to say we’re currently saving up all of our treasure again for more of the same. Probably in China next time. Regarding sightseeing I do like mixing it up if I can. If we’re in a bigger place I like the organised info-walks so I can get a feel for a place quickly. In the smaller places it can be fun to do your own thing for a while.
Gorgeous pics again, Michelle. The iris and wisteria are beautiful. What a great trip you had. 🙂
Yes it was quite a long trip too as far as river cruise journeys go but I believe it’s one of the most popular ones for Australians. If we’re going to the Northern Hemisphere we like to stretch our stay out a bit because it takes so long to get over there and also to get back again. Oh and thank you for your lovely comments re my photos. I’m so glad you liked them.
Love the little red train!
Yes I thought these little trains in the different European cities were quite fun. Usually a little bumpy but entertaining all the same. A bit sad for us that this fellow had finished his run. They were great just to go for a ride around in to get a bit of a feel for the layout of a place.
The wisteria is absolutely gorgeous — wow.
Thank you Dawn. Along with the St Vitus Church and Holy Trinity Column it all made for a really lovely afternoon.
Yes isn’t it just so pretty Dawn. Such a lovely display it was putting on. Naturally I had to take quite a lot of photos!
Lovely photos 🙂
Thank you Sweetness. I really loved that column of the Holy Trinity. It just appeared to be so white against the beautiful blue sky that day.
You are welcome, have a great day.