Cruising the Wachau Valley: Sunsets, Apricots, and Vineyards in Krems

It couldn’t have been a more perfect day for a river cruise. The voyage into Krems, Austria, was truly one for the memory books. Blessed with brilliant sunshine, we spent the morning on deck taking in a landscape that looked straight out of a fairytale—rolling green pastures, majestic castle ruins perched on hilltops, steep cliffside vineyards, and charming river towns along the bank.

One fascinating detail caught my eye along the way: the ship’s retractable pilot house! It lowers so the ship can slide beneath some of the remarkably low bridges along the river—a clever piece of engineering I’d never seen before.

Stepping into History in Krems

Nestled in the heart of Austria’s famous Wachau Valley—a UNESCO region celebrated for its steep vineyards and historic fortresses—Krems is one of the oldest towns in the country, with historical records dating back to 995 AD. Entering the town through its impressive, ancient gateway instantly transports you back in time.

Our day was packed with two wonderful excursions:

• Göttweig Abbey: Perched high above the valley, this stunning monastery turns out to be home to the highest apricot orchard in the Wachau Valley. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a choice of local apricot wine or fresh apricot juice. The juice was absolute perfection—sweet, rich, and so refreshing! Before leaving, we browsed their on-site shop, packed with various apricot treats.
• Mörwald Vineyard: In the afternoon, we headed to a local winery—always one of our absolute favorite things to do when exploring a new region. We were treated to an extraordinary experience: the owner himself welcomed our group, and our guide was one of the best we’ve ever had.

Fun fact: We discovered that Mörwald is actually a wine supplier for Viking cruises, meaning we’ve been enjoying their vintages since the day we boarded! Unsurprisingly, the wines were delicious, and we couldn’t resist picking up a bottle to take home.

After a full day of rich history, local flavors, and unforgettable views, it was time to head back to the ship for a cozy dinner and another glass of fine Austrian wine.

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