An eight-arch viaduct defines the centre of Emmersdorf an der Donau. At the same time, the Kolomanistiege connects the town centre with the plateau and the parish church. Between striking buildings, paths along the Danube and routes through the Wachau, you can choose different focuses for your stay.
Viaduct, Stairway and Local History
The viaduct is a landmark in the centre and spans the valley cut in Emmersdorf. Its eight arches make it a distinctive point of reference when visiting the town. The Kolomanistiege leads from the town centre up to the plateau and the parish church. There is a rest area by the stairway with a statue of Saint Coloman; from here, you can enjoy views across the rooftops of Emmersdorf. If you would like to combine architecture with a walk through the town, you will find a different perspective here than along the river.
The churches and the history of the castle also add their own distinctive touches. The Magdalenenkapelle, also known as the Liebfrauenkapelle, rises above the houses in the centre of the market town. The parish church stands on a rock high above the Danube and is dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Luberegg Castle lies opposite Melk. It was built shortly before 1787; Emperor Francis II used it as a summer residence from 1803 to 1811. The construction period and its later use thus belong to different chapters in the castle’s history.
Walks, Danube Wetlands and Cycling
For getting around on foot, Emmersdorf offers hiking, walking, running and relaxation routes. One specific starting point is Georg-Prunner-Platz, where the Kleine Rundweg Emmersdorf, No. 15, begins. The Danube wetlands are also located at the beginning of the Wachau, along the Treppelweg towpath beside the Danube. When planning your day, you can therefore choose between a circular route with a specified starting point and a path through the river landscape, without treating them as the same route.
Cyclists have a different route to consider: Stage 5, the north bank section of the Danube Cycle Path, begins in Emmersdorf an der Donau and passes through the Wachau cultural landscape. This gives you both designated walking routes and a cycling stage starting in town to help plan an active day. The Luberegg recreation area offers opportunities for swimming; there are also fishing opportunities on the Danube in Emmersdorf. Each of these options offers a different way to enjoy the water.
Connections and a Place to Stay
At the Emmersdorf an der Donau stop, connecting buses to Melk and Schallaburg are available. The stop is also the terminus of the tourist service on the Danube-Uferbahn railway line, also known as the Wachaubahn. Wachaubahn trains bound for Krems an der Donau stop there. If you are factoring train or bus connections into your day’s plans, check the timetables before travelling.
When deciding whether Emmersdorf is a suitable place to stay overnight, you can weigh up the different ways to spend a day: local history and churches, walking routes, a cycle tour through the Wachau or activities on the Danube. This way, your hotel search can focus on the things you actually want to prioritise during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Dunkelsteinerwald, Blindenmarkt, Kilb, Braunegg, Maria Taferl, Weiten, Laimbach am Ostrong, Pöchlarn.
Back to the main travel overview: Melk.
