Location: Melk
Top Things to do in Melk
What to do and see in Melk, Austria: The Best Places and Tips
Melk (older spelling: Mölk) is a city of Austria, in the federal state of Lower Austria, next to the Wachau valley along the Danube. Melk has a population of 5,257 (as of 2012). It is best known as the site of a massive baroque Benedictine monastery named Melk Abbey.
Restaurants in Melk
1. Melk Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Melk Abbey is one of the biggest and most beautiful European Baroque Ensembles. Its splendid architectur ist famous worldwide an part of UNESCO´s World Cultural Heritage. Since 1089, Benedictine Monks have continually been living and working in Melk Abbey. Following the rules laid down by St. Benedict, they try to translate into action the words ORA et LABORA et LEGE (pray, work and read) by working in pastoral care, education as well as organizing numerous cultural Events. A visit to the abbey includes the abbey museum, the marble hall, the balcony, the library, the church, the abbey park with the baroque garden pavillion (open May-October)and the Bastion.April to September: Visits are possible daily with (10.55 a.m. and 2.55 p.m.)or without guided tourOctober to March: Visits are possible only with a guided tour. For individuals: 10.55 a.m. and 2.55 p.m. / tour for Groups may be reserved.Recommended time to spend at the abbey: 2,5 hoursADVISE for your visit: If possible, visit Melk Abbey around midday or in the afternoon, it´s not so crowed. Large monastery parking lot free of Charge.
Reviewed By zauberin - Calgary
Melk Abbey: XVIII Benedictine Abbey above the town of Melk. It offers spectacular views of the town and valley as well as an interesting guided tour of beautiful historic baroque interiors. If you have a chance, take the trip to the Abbey. It's only 1 hour away by train from Vienna. We purchased a Combo-ticket: train to Melk and Danube cruise, with a stop at Krems where you can take the train to Vienna. You have plenty of time to visit the Abbey and the pretty town of Melk; in addition the cruise sails along a stretch of the Danube that is very scenic. The last stop is Krems, another pretty town along the Danube. It's a one day excursion that one can undertake on his/her own.
2. Burgruine Aggstein
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By Haraldy2k - Wollongong, Australia
We decided to go castle hunting as we had time to kill. Given the location off the motorway, it certainly did kill some time hunting it down. Followed by a trek (via car) up the mountain to reach it.
Arriving near closing time, we did not do the tour. But at least we have been in a castle over 1000 years old...
3. Schallaburg
Overall Ratings
4 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Dieter B - Zaventem, Belgium
Our Viennese friends (couple & a 3,5y old) took us to Schallaburg, and we had a surprisingly interesting yet relaxing half day. The current exhibition (India and the Maharajas) was tastefully integrated within the castle walls, offered a good overview of the history of the Indian subcontinent (not my forte), and was definitely child-friendly (stamps to be collected in some rooms, clothes for an Indian dress-up party, smells of Indian spices & herbs, feeling textures of ethnic textiles, etc.). After a pick-nick near the dragon-shaped playground, we relaxed in the beautifully kept Gardens, sitting in beach chairs in the shades of the apple orchard...Very relaxing indeed...
4. Artstetten Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 60 reviews
On the trail of Archduke Franz Ferdinand... Slightly off the Wachau - in the middle of a dreamy park - there is the "fairytale castle of Artstetten". The permanent exhibition "Archduke Franz Ferdinands Life & Actions" offers a glimpse into the multifaceted world of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his family. The visitor will also find relaxation and entertainment - on the beautiful Terrace with a view over the large park, in the museum shop with its large colorful assortment...
Reviewed By DERtravels - California
The Castle is cozy in comparison to other Castles in the region. This is still home to Princess Anita and her family, great granddaughter of Archduke Ferdinand. The museum is a good combination of telling history and family heirlooms. A very nice gift shop and a cafe are on site
5. Maria Taferl
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Mary Ann L - Southington, Connecticut
A beautiful basilica elevated in 1947 and pilgrimage sight dedicated to Maria Taferl. Services were first held here in 1660. The transept and pulpit to the high altar are absolutely beautiful. The switchback road getting to this town is only to be driven in good weather. The view is spectacular.
6. Mostviertler Schienenradl
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Fritz_3100 - Sankt Polten, Austria
Mit zwei Schienenradln geht es 11 km zuerst geradeaus, dann bergauf (bis zu eine rJausenstation), dann bergab und wieder geradeaus. Eine lustige Tour!
7. Oskar Kokoschka Haus Pochlarn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By furettejl - Saint-Jorioz, France
Si vous faites du cyclo-tourisme sur le Danube en Basse Autriche, si vous voyagez en voiture arrêtez vous au musée d'"OK", d'Oskar Kokoschka dans le village de Pochlarn. Visite 6 € de ce petit musée sur 2 plateaux avec boutique, et salle pour un film retraçant la vie du peintre Oskar Kokoschka, en allemand sous titre en anglais. Une bonne expo thématique par an (avril/octobre)tiree de l'œuvre de ce peintre expressionniste. Dans la maison du peintre, un délicieux musee, à découvrir dans ce petit village.
8. Venus Museum in Willendorf
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Pirat_Burka - Bratislava, Slovakia
you will just pay 2 euros and you can see a small room with few artefacts. Staff was a bit rude in time of our visit. Free visit to excavation site, but all writing were in german language. Good scenic view, i recommend this place much more then the museum. And it is only 50m from museum.
Small place for a bit rest.
9. Venusium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By elisabeth-nick - Nottingham
A small but fascinating museum explaining the excavation of the Venus, and the discovery of similar ancient artefacts from across Europe. Moving and well kept for visitors.
10. Schloss Poeggstall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By rodneycs - Linz, Austria
As state Exhibitions go this was very disappointing. and you could see everything in less than an hour for which the entry fee was eleven Euros for adults or ten Euros for pensioners.. A limited amount of information was available in English and it was English and not American as can be seen in the use of the word gaol!
On the first floor of the initial round building there was an exhibition about the history of the castle. In the next building which was across a dry moat there were three floors about human rights. Various rooms were suggested were unsuitable to children under 13 and was surprised that they should skip learning about the Nazis.
The picture shown above for the castle is of the parish church for Poeggstall and not really part of the castle at all.
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