Wachau

One of Austria's oldest cultural landscapes, the Wachau Valley or Danube Valley is located in Lower Austria, tucked between the towns of Melk and Krems. Stunning vineyards and orchards, quaint tiny villages, hills, forests (Dunkelsteiner Wald and Waldviertel), majestic castles, monasteries, and ancient ruins are scattered throughout this 36 km (22 miles) long and 22 miles wide stretch of the Danube River. Best time to visit: May-To-Sep Things to do: Go on hiking trails, Take a biking tour, Explore canoeing, Enjoy cruising, Diving deep in the ocean