Krems an der Donau

🎭 Activities

• Wine Festival – September: The Krems Wine Festival celebrates the region’s rich winemaking heritage with tastings of local wines, accompanied by music, food, and festivities. Visitors can explore vineyards and meet the winemakers, while enjoying delicious regional specialties. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture of the Wachau Valley and discover the area’s best wines. 

• Art Exhibitions – Year-round: Krems hosts a variety of art exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing both contemporary and classic art forms. Visitors can enjoy galleries with paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works by local and international artists. The exhibitions are spread across the town, offering an enriching cultural experience. 

• Christmas Market – December: The Krems Christmas Market is a charming event that lights up the town square with festive decorations and numerous market stalls. Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, sample Christmas treats, and enjoy mulled wine and hot chocolate. The cozy atmosphere and beautiful lights make it a perfect way to kick off the holiday season. 

• Classical Music Festival – July: The Krems Classical Music Festival attracts music lovers with its exceptional performances by renowned musicians. The event features concerts in historic venues, including performances by orchestras, soloists, and chamber music ensembles. It’s a cultural highlight for those who appreciate classical music in an intimate setting. 

• Danube River Cruise – Year-round: Krems offers scenic Danube River cruises, where visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the town, vineyards, and surrounding hills. These boat tours provide a relaxing way to explore the region’s stunning landscape while learning about the history of the river. The cruises are an ideal option for a peaceful and scenic day trip. 

• Wine Tours – Year-round: Krems is the heart of the Wachau wine region, and wine tours offer the chance to visit local vineyards, taste unique varieties, and learn about the traditional winemaking process. These tours provide a hands-on experience, with local guides sharing their expertise. Visitors can immerse themselves in the culture of wine and experience the best of the region’s offerings. 

• Open-Air Cinema – Summer: During the summer months, Krems hosts open-air cinema screenings in beautiful outdoor locations. Visitors can enjoy classic and contemporary films while sitting under the stars in a relaxed setting. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a film in the fresh air, surrounded by the beauty of Krems. 

• Summer Concert Series – Summer: The Summer Concert Series in Krems offers a variety of performances, from classical to jazz and pop, in stunning outdoor locations. It’s an exciting opportunity for music lovers to experience live performances by local and international artists. The open-air venues create a perfect setting for enjoying music during warm summer evenings. 

• Farmers’ Market – Spring to Autumn: Krems hosts a vibrant farmers’ market where visitors can purchase fresh, locally-grown produce, meats, cheeses, and other artisan products. The market is a great place to connect with local farmers and sample delicious, homemade food. It’s an ideal way to experience the region’s agricultural bounty and support local businesses. 

• Art Walk – Year-round: The Krems Art Walk is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the town’s best public art installations and galleries. The walk features everything from contemporary street art to historic sculptures, offering a unique perspective on the town’s creative side. It’s a great way to explore Krems while discovering new art and artists. 

• Theater Performances – Year-round: Krems offers a diverse range of theater performances, from classic plays to modern productions. The local theater scene is vibrant, with performances taking place in intimate settings and larger venues. It’s a fantastic way to experience the town’s cultural life and enjoy live theater with high-quality productions. 

• Hiking Trails – Year-round: Krems is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Danube River and the Wachau Valley. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there are trails for all levels of difficulty. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region while getting some fresh air. 

🔹 Small Facts

• The Old Town of Krems: Krems an der Donau boasts a beautifully preserved Old Town, filled with medieval buildings and charming narrow streets. This historic area has remained largely unchanged for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse of life in the Middle Ages. Walking through the Old Town, one can admire structures that reflect Krems’ role as an important trade and cultural center in history. 

• The Krems Wine Region: Krems is at the heart of the Wachau Valley, one of Austria’s most renowned wine-growing regions. The area’s vineyards, which produce some of the country’s best white wines, have been cultivated since Roman times. The rich terroir and centuries of winemaking tradition make Krems a hub for wine lovers. 

• The Kunsthalle Krems: Kunsthalle Krems is a modern art museum that hosts rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary artists. The museum is housed in a former tobacco factory, blending Krems’ industrial past with its modern artistic identity. It is a major cultural landmark in the region and attracts international artists and visitors alike. 

• The Steiner Tor: The Steiner Tor is a well-preserved medieval gate that once served as a vital entrance to Krems. Built in the 15th century, the gate is one of the few remaining parts of the town’s original fortifications. It stands as a testament to Krems’ defensive history and medieval architecture. 

• The Göttweig Abbey: Göttweig Abbey, a Benedictine monastery located just outside Krems, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The abbey dates back to the 11th century and is famous for its Baroque architecture and stunning views of the Wachau Valley. Its historical significance and impressive architecture make it a must-visit for those interested in religious history. 

• The Danube River: Krems is situated on the banks of the Danube River, which has played a key role in the town’s history and development. The river has served as a major trade route for centuries, connecting Krems to other important European cities. Today, the Danube continues to provide scenic views and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. 

• Krems’ Role in the Ottoman Wars: During the Ottoman invasions of the 16th century, Krems played a crucial role in the defense of Austria. The town’s strategic location made it a key point in the military efforts against Ottoman forces. Krems’ fortifications were instrumental in repelling the invasions, and remnants of these defenses can still be seen today. 

• The Krems Cathedral (St. Nicholas Church): The Krems Cathedral, also known as St. Nicholas Church, is a beautiful example of Gothic and Baroque architecture. Built in the 15th century, the church features intricate frescoes and a stunning altar. It remains an important place of worship and a key symbol of Krems’ religious history. 

• The Wachau World Heritage Site: Krems is located in the heart of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cultural landscapes, historic villages, and terraced vineyards. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has a rich history of agriculture, architecture, and cultural exchange. The valley’s unique beauty and historical significance make it a popular destination for travelers. 

• The Krems University of Applied Sciences: Krems is home to the University of Applied Sciences, a leading institution in Austria for education in the fields of health, technology, and business. The university attracts students from around the world and contributes to the town’s growing reputation as a center for innovation and research. It adds a modern, academic flair to the otherwise historic town. 

• The Krems Theatre: The Krems Theatre is an important cultural institution, offering a wide range of performances, from classical plays to contemporary works. The theater’s rich history dates back to the 19th century, and it has been a cultural hub for the community. Today, it continues to host local and international artists, enriching the town’s cultural life. 

• The Krems Clock Tower: The Krems Clock Tower is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks, located in the center of the Old Town. Built in the 16th century, the tower has long served as a symbol of the town’s resilience and its medieval past. The clock tower’s distinctive design makes it a recognizable feature of Krems’ skyline. 

• The Wine Museum: Krems is home to the Wine Museum, which celebrates the town’s long tradition of winemaking. The museum features exhibits on the history of viticulture, from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can learn about the grape varieties grown in the region and the wine production process, making it a must-see for wine enthusiasts. 

• The Krems Rathaus (Town Hall): The Krems Rathaus, or Town Hall, is a historic building that dates back to the 16th century. It was originally used as the administrative center for the town and is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture. Today, the Rathaus remains a focal point of civic life and houses local government offices. 

• The Krems Annual Festival: Krems hosts an annual festival celebrating its rich cultural heritage, featuring music, dance, and local traditions. The festival draws visitors from all over the world to experience the town’s unique combination of history and modernity. It is a time when the community comes together to celebrate Krems’ vibrant cultural scene and historical legacy.