The Wachau is a stretch of the Danube Valley between Melk and Krems, a landscape of high visual quality. It preserves in an intact and visible form many traces - in terms of architecture, (monasteries, castles, ruins), urban design, (towns and villages), and agricultural use, principally for the cultivation of vines - of its evolution since prehistoric times.
Wachau from the Sun Deck
We carried our second cups of coffee up to the Sun Deck. A good number of passengers were already there, happily soaking up the sun and scenery.
Who could blame them? Wachau Valley is known as a particularly beautiful part of Danube, so much so that the Wachau Cultural Landscape has earned UNESCO World Heritage Status.
→ Read more about the Wachau Valley as a UNESCO site here.
This area could be called Austria's Napa Valley since it is such an exceptional wine producing area. (Not a cow in sight, though ... so I will refrain from making any jokes about the two towns' odd-sounding names.)
Dewi was on the Sun Deck as well, giving a very interesting narration. We learned fascinating facts about the passing landscape, the culture and history of the area, and more about the Danube itself.
- Alexander the Great advanced his Macedonian empire to the Danube in 336 BC.
- The Romans often used the Danube as a northern border for their empire. Many of their ancient vineyards can still be seen along the river.
- The Danube later formed the northern border of the Ottoman Empire for centuries.
- Durnstein Castle held Richard the Lionhearted prisoner in 1193.
She also told us anecdotes about some of the buildings, such as St.Michael's church in Weissenkirchen that has seven little rabbits running along its roof.
The sun was warm but it was very breezy and quite cool on the Sun Deck. My long sleeve shirt wasn't enough. I ran down to our stateroom for a lightweight scarf and later returned again for a sweater, but I found myself envying those who had brought a jacket.
Sprechen sie Deutsch?
There's only so much scenery one can appreciate in one sitting. When 11 am came around the lounge filled up as many of us gathered to hear Dewi offer a German language lesson.
It was good for a few laughs.
Melk and its abbey
The ship's only stop today was in Melk, quite possibly the smallest of all the places we visited.
The only reason Bragi stopped there was so we could see Melk Abbey, the massive 1000-year-old, Baroque complex that dominates the pretty little town.
It has earned UNESCO status because of its remarkable frescoes and library, but its museum of treasures is notable as well. This is a sampling of some of the photos Dan captured. You can enjoy a free full screen slideshow of all of them on our photo page. (Link at the end of the article.)
No photography allowed in the Melk Abbey library
Photos were allowed everywhere in Melk Abbey ... until we got to the library and its 100,000 volumes of leather-bound books. The guide kept an eagle eye on Dan the whole time we were in there. I managed to quickly snap a random shot with my phone as we walked in, but out of respect for the rules I didn't try to sneak any more while I was in the room.
A spiral staircase connected the library to two upper floor reading rooms.
Melk Abbey Church
The abbey's sanctuary was over-the-top ornate, covered with gold leaf and stucco everywhere. Our guide explained that the goal of Baroque art was to demonstrate that heaven (up above) is so much better than our present life (where we were standing). There was some significance to having a couple of saints' bodies on display, but unless it was to remind us of our mortality it escaped me.
At the end of our tour we found an outdoor balcony with a lovely view of Melk and the surrounding countryside.
Then we walked down the hill, back to the ship through town. It was a cute little place. We'd have liked to spend some time meandering through the sleepy town's streets but our short time in port meant we couldn't linger. We did find enough time to buy an ice cream before we boarded, though.
Apple strudel demonstration
Once Viking Bragi set sail passengers gathered in the Lounge for a demonstration of how to make apple strudel. Dan was chosen to help demonstrate how easy it is to make. He said it was one of the highlights of our cruise so far.
Next stop: PassauEvening entertainment was dance and fun with Dewi in the Lounge. We had a blast on the dance floor and stayed up far too late chatting with new friends.
Want to see more photos from Melk?
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