Melk to Krems
Todays 40+ km ride will takes us thru the Danube's wine region. We start out by getting lost exiting Melk as we look for the bridge to cross into the left bank. The bridge approach is steep so we have to push our bikes to get to the elevated on ramp. We meet up with a German group we've been playing tag with for the last few days. One of them is 85 years young who was walking his bike faster than we were.

right: steep on ramp out of Melk

below: exclusive bike lane on bridge
Past the bridge, we enter the Wachau wine region of the Danube. It resembles the Napa Valley of California. The road parallels the river, but from time to time wanders off to enter small sleepy towns.

They take great pride in their wine production. Wine bottles are displayed on pedestals and display cases along the country roads. Aside from rows and rows of grape vines, hillsides are terraced to make more room for more grapes. There are lots of hostels and pensions in the small towns. They would make a good home base to explore this wine region.
top: wine altars

right: picturesque sleepy towns

below: wine tasting signs
Since we were passing these towns early in the day, it was too early to go wine tasting.  Heurigers are wine tasting rooms that serve food with their wine for a flat fee.  They are usually marked by wreaths on the door or hanging by a pole.

If I were to go on this trip again, I would spend a few days in this region to soak up on the local wine and culture.
Return to Biking the Danube Page travelbybike.com next page