Dürnstein and Melk are located in the spectacular Wachau Valley of Austria. A leisurely day started from our port in Dürnstein, a charming small Austrian village. During morning free time, I took a hike to a pretty Danube overlook, then Barbara and I walked along the Domane Wachau Vineyards. On the return from my hike, I encountered a busker with an accordion. Might he be playing Austrian melodies? No, I think he knew that there were Aussies in town, so he was playing a medley of “Waltzing Matilda” and “Tie Me Kangaroo Down”.
We then cruised to our next port in Melk, passing fairytale castles of the Wachau Valley all along the way. I visited the remains of the 12th century Burg Aggstein Castle, and Barbara visited the 18th century Benedictine Abbey. Sometimes the decisions were difficult to make, with our choices occasionally changing at the last minute. You should clearly see how small towns were our favorite places to visit.
The Scenic Jasper at port in DürnsteinA charming street along the Danube, in DürnsteinThe church in DürnsteinA home built into the rock in DürnsteinA railroad crossing on a tiny road in DürnsteinThe start of my hike in DürnsteinWildflowers along the way of my hike in DürnsteinWildflowers along the way of my hike in DürnsteinWildflowers along the way of my hike in DürnsteinWildflowers along the way of my hike in DürnsteinMore hiking, with only the sound of songbirdsThe summit of my morning hike in DürnsteinThe view from the summit, with castle ruins in the upper leftThe view from the summit, overlooking the DanubeThe Domane Wachau Vineyards, with the town of Dürnstein in the backgroundSaying goodbye to Dürnstein as we cruise through the Wachau Valley on our way to MelkSaying goodbye to Dürnstein as we cruise through the Wachau Valley on our way to MelkPassing by the Melk Abbey, along the DanubeBurg Aggstein Castle ruinsBurg Aggstein Castle ruinsBurg Aggstein Castle ruinsBurg Aggstein Castle ruinsBurg Aggstein Castle ruinsBurg Aggstein Castle ruins
