Krems an der Donau – Sights and tips for connoisseurs
For many travelers, a vacation in the Wachau begins in Krems an der Donau. This town in the heart of Lower Austria lies at the eastern entrance to the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site – one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe. As wine lovers, we have visited the region several times. But this time we wanted to explore Krems itself more thoroughly.
We were accompanied by Austria Guide Christine Emberger, who led us on a tour through the historic old town. We learned many surprising details: Did you know, for example, that Krems actually consists of two districts – the eponymous Krems and Stein an der Donau, which is known for its well-preserved old town? The latter, by the way, is not the modern part, as is often mistakenly assumed – modern architecture and campus life are more likely to be found around the Danube University.
In this article, we'll show you the most beautiful sights in Krems, give you tips for enjoying the food, and reveal which highlights you shouldn't miss in 2025.
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Krems Austria
Krems is a city on the Danube in Austria. The city has approximately 25.000 inhabitants. Some even call it the "capital of the Wachau." It is certainly the fifth-largest city in Lower Austria and thus the largest in the Wachau region on the Danube.
Do you want to actively experience the Wachau? Here are tips.
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Sights in the old town of Krems an der Donau
On this walking tour through the city on the Danube in Austria, you'll get to know the sights of Krems. But first, check out the Krems an der Donau sights on this map:
Krems an der Donau Sights on a map
Steiner Gate – the landmark of Krems
Our tour begins right next to the city park at the Steiner Tor, the last remaining of the original four city gates. Originally built in the 15th century, it received its Baroque façade in the 18th century. Inside, a marble plaque commemorates a dramatic event: In 1573, an ice jam on the Danube threatened the city – the water towered almost two meters high.
Today, the Danube is much further away, as dams and drylands have reclaimed the floodplain landscape between Stein and Krems. From the Steiner Tor, you can walk directly into the pedestrian zone – Obere Landstraße, lined with cafés, shops, and restaurants.
Körnermarkt & Dominican Church – Trade Culture & History
Schmidgasse takes you from the main square to the Körnermarkt, one of Krems's old trading centers. Wine, grain, and fruit were traded here for centuries. The Dominican Church at the edge of the square—now a venue for art exhibitions—testifies to the town's former importance. In the adjacent museumkrems, you can experience life in the Wachau region in past centuries.
The Dominican Church and the museumkrems – Sights in Krems an der Donau
At the northeast end of the square, the Dominican Church towers over the surrounding houses. It was located outside the city walls, along with the 13th-century Dominican monastery, and was repeatedly attacked. A visit is worthwhile if you're interested in the history of this wine-growing town. The exhibition shows how people once lived in the Danube city.
Dominikanerplatz also served as a marketplace throughout the city's history. Local winegrowers delivered their produce here, arriving via the Danube. Others, however, loaded their produce onto carts or in backpacks and hauled it to the market stalls in this square. Such a market usually lasted several days, as the traders could not make the journey to the market and back in one day. Thus, the market was always a special event in the city's everyday life.
If you follow the Dominikanerplatz towards Schlüsselamtsgasse, you will pass an inner courtyard behind the Dominican church. A tower rises up between the trees, which at first seems inconspicuous. However, its history is interesting. It is part of the former Dominican monastery courtyard. Such facilities were also called harvest courtyards, because the monks packaged the products they grew in their vineyards and orchards in them. Coopers worked in a monastery courtyard, making barrels for transporting wine. Rope makers twisted ropes with which the monastery's products were packaged. There were several of these monastery courtyards along the Danube and also in Krems. Each order had its own courtyard there, which prepared the monastery's products for trade.
📌 museum crems
Körnermarkt 14, 3500 Krems
☎️ Tel.: +43 (0)2732 801-571
🕒 Opening hours (as of 2025)
March 26 – November 1: daily 10am–18pm, last entry 17pm
🎟️ Admission: € 7,50 (adults), free with Lower Austria Card
Wachau Cathedral (St. Veit Parish Church)
Continue to Pfarrplatz, where the imposing "Wachau Cathedral" stands. The town's parish church is affectionately named for its artistic and architectural beauty. The renowned Baroque painter Martin Johann Schmidt – better known as Kremser Schmidt – created some of the most important works of his career here. Behind the church, you'll also find late medieval houses with ornate Renaissance facades – remnants of the time when Krems was a flourishing trading center.
The Renaissance facades date back to Krems merchants, who had their houses decorated with everyday scenes from the Renaissance.
Piarist Church & the view over the city
The steep Piarist Staircase leads you to the Piarist Church, perched high above the city. Formerly part of a monastery, the building now houses a school. Inside, another highlight awaits: a high altar with paintings by the "Kremser Schmidt."
When I asked her why so many monastic orders settled in Krems, Christine Emberger said: "The place also played a role as a trading center for the monks. They shipped the produce of their vineyards and fruit trees from Krems."
Gozzoburg – Medieval splendor
Margarethenstraße continues to the Hoher Markt, another historic marketplace. Here stands the Gozzoburg, once the home of the city judge Gozzo. Today, the building is known for its well-preserved murals and can only be visited as part of a guided tour.
📌 Gozzoburg Krems
Hoher Markt 11, 3500 Krems
🕒 Guided tours: Until 1 November – Sat, Sun and public holidays at 14:00 pm
🎟️ Admission: € 6 (adults), free with NÖ-Card
Restaurants in Krems an der Donau – our gourmet tips
Hofbräu at Steinertor
Located right next to the Steiner Tor, the Hofbräu offers classic pub cuisine with a mix of Bavarian and Austrian specialties—making it the perfect place to start or end your city tour. In summer, you can also enjoy the beer garden.
📍 Südtiroler Platz 2, 3500 Krems
🍽️ Cuisine: Hearty, regional
🍺 Beer from Munich and wines from the Wachau
Wave game restaurant
With views of the Danube and the excursion boats, Wellenspiel is a relaxed spot for lunch or dinner. It offers not only burgers and steaks, but also a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
📍 Welterbeplatz 1, 3500 Krems
🍴 Highlight: View of the Danube & boat pier
🌱 Vegetarian/vegan: yes
Hotels in Krems, the city on the Danube in Austria
We have tested these accommodations ourselves and can therefore recommend them from our own experience:
arte Hotel Krems an der Donau
Located directly in the art district, across from Danube University, it's stylish, modern, and perfect for those who enjoy living close to museums, galleries, and the campus.
📍 Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 23, 3500 Krems
For example, you can visit the arte Hotel Krems book here*. (Advertisement)
The guest house in Göttweig Abbey
Located 10 km from Krems, the Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig offers peace, panoramic views, and a historic atmosphere. Anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle will love this guesthouse. The breakfast overlooking the Danube is a dream!
📍 Göttweig Abbey 1, 3511 Furth bei Göttweig
For example, you can book a room in the guest house in the Benedictine monastery of Göttweig book here*. (Advertisement)
Events & highlights in Krems 2025
You should note these events:
Danube Festival Krems – 2nd – 5th & 9.–11. May 2025
👉 Avant-garde, music, performance and pop culture
Wachau Solstice – June 21, 2025
👉 Torchlight processions, fireworks and boat trips at night
All apricots! – July 3–20, 2025
👉 The big apricot festival with market stalls, apricot dumplings and music
Wachau Marathon – September 14, 2025
👉 Running along the Danube between Emmersdorf and Krems
Commemorative year 2025
👉 80 years since the end of the war, 30 years since joining the EU – with exhibitions and contemporary witness projects
👉 Tip: You can also find all events on www.krems.info
Excursions around Krems – Our recommendations
🏰 Göttweig Abbey
A baroque Benedictine monastery with one of the most beautiful staircases in Europe. From the top, you also have a sensational view over the Danube Valley. It's especially worth a visit during the apricot blossoms in spring or the grape harvest in autumn.
🥾 Wachau World Heritage Trail
A 180 km long long-distance hiking trail with 14 stages – Krems is the starting or finishing point. From there, you can hike to the Donauwarte, Dürnstein, or the vineyards, for example.
🍇 Wineries in the Wachau
Wine tastings at Domäne Wachau, Weingut Malat, or smaller family-run wineries are a must. Many also offer overnight accommodations!
The Wachau on the Danube
You need this for a city tour of Krems an der Donau
- Practical is a Backpack for a city trip, in which you can store all the utensils you need for a day.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for wide feet, in which you can also walk comfortably on paved paths. Also useful are comfortable pumps for the city.
- The region offers beautiful photo opportunities. Therefore you should bring your camera .
- The Wachau travel guide* from the Michael Müller Verlag.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Camping and motorhome tips for Krems
Danube Camping Krems
📍 Yachthafenstraße 19, 3500 Krems
🏕️ Directly on the Danube, with electricity, water and bread roll service
🔥 Ideal for cooking in Dutch Oven or with portable grill
Travel tips for campers
✅ E-bike folding bike to explore the vineyards
✅ Pitch and campsite guide for Europe
✅ You can find the motorhome checklist here
Do you love camping?
- Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you can find information here, for example, as well as booking options. Or would you rather stay overnight instead? roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
- You also want to know where you can go with a motorhome stay in Europe Are you looking for parking spaces and campsites? You can find information about them at this link, for example.
Questions and answers about Krems an der Donau
What are the most beautiful sights in Krems an der Donau?
Highlights include the Steiner Gate, the old town with the Obere Landstraße, the Dominican Church with the museumkrems, the Wachau Cathedral, the Piarist Church and the Gozzoburg.
When is the best time to travel to Krems?
The months of April to October are ideal. The apricot blossoms in spring, the grape harvest in autumn, and the Danube Festival in May are particularly beautiful.
Where can you eat well in Krems?
We recommend the “Hofbräu am Steinertor” for classic pub cuisine and the “Wellenspiel” directly on the Danube with vegetarian options and a great view.
Which events will take place in Krems in 2025?
Important events in 2025 are the Danube Festival (May), the Wachau Solstice (June), the apricot festival “Alles Marille!” (July) and the Wachau Marathon (September).
Can you also visit Krems with a motorhome?
Yes, at Donau Camping Krems there are pitches directly on the Danube – ideal for a motorhome tour through the Wachau.
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
For example, you can reserve your parking space at the airport here.
Arrival by plane, public transport or car to Krems an der Donau
Compare and book flights here* (Advertisement).
✈️ Nearest airport: Vienna Schwechat (VIE)
🚆 Train: Direct connections from Vienna, Linz and St. Pölten
🚗 Car: A1 to St. Pölten, then S33 towards Krems
🚞 Wachau Railway (March–September): Runs along the Danube and is therefore perfect for excursions
By rental car to Krems an der Donau:
Cheap rental cars – book here!
Accommodation in Krems an der Donau Austria :
For example, book yours here Accommodation in Krems*
Or stay overnight in wineries in the Wachauwhere you can experience wine
If you make a reservation using a link marked with *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog. However, the products and hotels don't cost you any more.
Wachau Travel Guide:
The most comprehensive travel guide for the Nibelungengau, the Wachau, the Kremstal, the Weinviertel and the Waldviertel. Here you will find pretty much everything you need to know for a trip to the Wachau. There are also travel tips and information for the surrounding regions. This also makes excursions possible. The small hiking guide at the end of the travel guide also gives route suggestions for hikes with detailed hiking maps. The Wachau, Waldviertel, Weinviertel travel guide is therefore the ideal reference work for a holiday in the Wachau. Order here*.
If you buy via a link marked with *, we receive a commission which we use to run this blog. However, the book does not cost you any more.
Krems residents
The city of Krems an der Donau has around 24.000 inhabitants.
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Source: on-site research. We definitely thank you Klösterreich as well as city marketing Krems for the invitation to this trip. However, our opinions remain our own.
Text : © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs, TravelWorldOnline and caption
