Weißenkirchen in der Wachau

Named after the large fortified church which dominates the town (Weißenkirchen = 'white church'), the town began in the 9th century as a monastic vineyard. Today it is still known for its excellent wines, and attracts many tourists travelling through the Wachau region.

• Tourismusinformation

  phone: +43 2715 2600
  address: Wachaustraße 242
  Staff can help with reserving accommodation, and also have on hand town maps, hiking maps, and Heuriger schedules.

By car

Weißenkirchen is located midway between Spitz and Dürnstein on the B3 regional highway, which follows the Danube River along its northern bank.

By train

A regional train passes through connecting Krems with Emmersdorf (four times daily) and Spitz an der Donau (three times daily). Use ÖBB's SCOTTY to look up train information online.

By boat

• Brandner

  phone: +43 7433 2590 21
  Operates twice daily between Melk, Emmersdorf, Weißenkirchen, Dürnstein, and Krems. Timetables and fares can bee seen here. Tickets can be purchased online. Bicycles (€2) and dogs (free, muzzle and leash required) permitted on board.

The town centre is very compact, although visiting nearby vineyards or sights may require a bit of a hike.

By bicycle

• Nextbike

  phone: +43 2742 22 99 01 (hotline)
  After registration (online or by mobile), pick up a bicycle at any Nextbike location, and drop it off at the same or any other Nextbike spot. A map of pickup and drop-off points can be found here (click 'Wachau' for Weißenkirchen); a brochure for the Wachau region is available for download.

• Pfarrkirche Mariae HimmelfahrtThe Gothic 14th-century fortified church dominates the town, and is additionally surrounded by a defensive wall with watchtowers. It was built in several phases between the 13th and 18th centuries. The smaller tower is the original church tower and dates from 1330, while the larger tower was built in 1531 as a defensive structure against Turkish invaders. The interior is a mix of late Gothic and Baroque.

• Wachaumuseum

  phone: +43 2715 2268
  address: Weißenkirchen 117
  The 15th-century building is a venue for exhibitions by local Wachau artists.

• Wehrkirche St. MichaelA succession of churches have been built in this spot atop a small Celtic sacrificial site. The current structure dates from around 1500 with later Baroque additions and renovations.

Most inns and hotels in the area also have good onsite restaurants; see the 'Sleep' section below for individual listings.

• Restaurant Heinzle

  phone: +43 2715 2231
  address: Wachaustraße 280
  Serves regional cuisine with an emphasis on local fish and produce, using both traditional and modern recipes and techniques. In nice weather diners can enjoy the pleasant garden which directly overlooks the river.

• Weingut Hermenegild Mang

  phone: +43 2715 2276
  address: Landstraße 38
  The family-run vineyard has been operating since 1919, and has won multiple awards for its Grüner Veltliner as well as its Riesling. Their Heuriger serves typical regional cold dishes, with a few vegetarian options. It is situated in a pleasant garden, with a large play area for children, and has extra indoor seating for inclement weather.

Budget

• Gästehaus & Heuriger Turm Wachau

  phone: +43 664 2013850
  address: Auf der Burg 140
  The comfortable guesthouse also operates a pleasant Heuriger. Free Wi-Fi and nearby parking.

• Weingut & Gästehaus Thurnhof

  phone: +43 2715 2503
  address: Thurnhof 76

Splurge

• Hotel-Restaurant Kirchenwirt Wachau

  phone: +43 2715 2332
  address: Kremser Str. 17
  Has an onsite restaurant which can accommodate special diets, including vegetarian; the restaurant is closed from mid-November to mid-March. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and pets permitted on request.

• Raffelsberger Hof

  phone: +43 2715 2201
  address: Freisingerplatz 54
  The restored Renaissance castle is now a four-star hotel, open mid-April to November. Facilities include an outdoor pool, spa, and onsite restaurant. Free parking, free Wi-Fi, pets permitted.