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Are you looking for information about Melk in Austria? Then you’re in the right place.

This little town along the Danube invites you for a day trip where you can enjoy the views of the Danube, the baroque beauty that is Melk Abbey, and the serenity of the Wachau Valley. 

Melk, Austria – the Baroque Jewel along the Danube

I visited Melk recently for the first time and was amazed by how beautiful this town is. There are so many attractions to see; however, I would say you don’t have to spend more than one day here at once.

The Melk is easily walkable if you don’t mind hills, and you can see everything, at least at a glance, in one day.

The History of Melk, Austria

Melk is a small town in Lower Austria. The town has a rich and ancient history:

The town appears in written records in 831. It became a significant defensive site for the Badenbergs, the ruling family before the Habsburgs.

In 1089, the Melk Abbey was founded when Leopold II of Austria gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks. This was the beginning of Melk’s importance as a religious and cultural center.

In the 11th century, the abbey didn’t look like the imposing baroque monument it is now. The change came in the 18th century when it became one of the most beautiful monasteries in Europe.

Since 2000, the Wachau valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Melk Abbey. 

The Benedictine Abbey – Stift Melk

The major tourist attraction in Melk is the Melk Abbey, called Stift Melk in German.

It is a magnificent baroque monastery that is definitely worth a visit.

As mentioned before, since 1089, Benediction monks live and work here. There is also a private school on the grounds where a friend of mine went to. So, if you want your kids to go to school in a really old building, then this is your chance.

Just like the monks still live there, the abbey is used as a religious place. Masses are being held almost daily.

As it is a religious site, too revealing clothes are not permitted. This is more in regards to swim gear than other things, but do keep that in mind when you visit.

Melk Abbey has many things to offer. It has the church, which is spectacular, however, you’re not allowed to take pictures inside. There is also a museum and a park to relax.

You can already see a lot of the outside of the abbey without having to buy a ticket. You can even glance into the abbey church without a ticket to see the dome and other parts of the ceiling.

If you want to see inside the abbey, you have to buy a ticket, though.

The park also requires a ticket, but you can buy that separately if you don’t want to spend the money on the abbey ticket. There is a baroque garden pavilion that is absolutely stunning.

You can check the opening hours and entry prices here.

There is also a restaurant on the abbey grounds which is accessible without a ticket.

The abbey stands high above the Danube, and when you walk around the abbey, you have great views of the Danube.

(Free) Things to Do in Melk

The town of Melk is a picturesque little Austrian town with many cafés and some souvenir shops.

Besides the Benedictine abbey of Melk, it offers a beautiful main street, where it’s just wonderful to stroll around.

If you visit in July, you might even encounter the traditional Austrian fruit, the Apricot. It’s called Marille in German. They sell it in stalls all over the Wachau valley as well as in Melk.

You can have apricot cake in one of the many cafés lining the narrow streets of this picturesque town.

You should also take a stroll to the Danube, which isn’t right in the centre of the town. Melk is one of the usual stops for a Danube cruise, so you’ll likely see a range of elderly people walking from the river to the town centre.

If you have more time, you might want to take a walk along the Danube and enjoy the beautiful world cultural heritage site. And the many boats on the right bank of the Danube.

Along the river are also several cafés and restaurants where you can have a bite.

I truly enjoyed walking through the forest to get to the river. 

In summer, you also get the chance to see the summer festival and the International Baroque Days. This is more of a cultural experience where you can watch plays and performances.

How to get to Melk

Melk is easily reachable by train and car. If you come by car, I would suggest parking outside of the town centre, a bit below where the historic buildings are. 

From 12 o’clock on Saturdays and all Sundays, you can even park for free.

The train station is also in close distance from the town centre, so if you’re staying in Vienna, then I would suggest just taking the train to avoid any hassle. 

Depending on whether you come from the main train station or the West Train station, you can get a train every half hour, even on Sundays. And it takes about an hour, the same it would take by car.

Where to Stay in Melk

Melk offers a large number of lovely hotels and apartments for such a relatively small village. I usually use Booking.com for the best selection of hotels and guesthouses.

Attractions near Melk

I recommend going to Melk for half a day if you don’t want to fully submerse yourself in the abbey museum.

That means you still have some time for the rest of the day. Other attractions I can recommend around Melk are:

• The Dürnstein ruin
• Krems an der Donau (Danube)
• Saint Pölten

The ruin is on top of a cliff and offers great views of the Danube again. However, it’s a lot easier and faster to get there by car than by public transport.

Krems is also a town with a beautiful town centre with many taverns, as well as Saint Pölten, which is not as picturesque as the other two destinations, but still has a few things to offer and many cultural attractions.

If you’re staying in Vienna and want to check out Melk, then I recommend using GetYourGuide and booking the WACHAU, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys tour (below) for an easy day trip that also includes Krems an der Donau and Dürnstein ruin.

Melk, Austria: The small town along the Danube worth a visit – Recap

Melk is a wonderful destination for a half-day trip with the most magnificent baroque monastery people can ask for.

The town centre offers Austrian cuisine in charming historic buildings that scream charm.

You can see the gateway to the Wachau region and enjoy the river Danube from the imposing abbey.

FAQ for a Visit to Melk

What is Melk known for?

Melk is renowned for its magnificent baroque abbey, the Melk Abbey, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town also offers beautiful views of the Danube River and rich historical architecture.

How do I get to Melk?

Melk is accessible by train from Vienna, which is about an hour’s journey. There are also buses that connect Melk with nearby towns. Melk also offers enough parking for cars, especially near the abbey or before the town centre.

What are the must-visit attractions in Melk?

Top attractions include the Melk Abbey, the town’s historic centre, the Danube River promenade, and the scenic views from the surrounding hills.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours of Melk Abbey and the town are available, providing insights into the history and culture of the area.

Are there accommodations in Melk?

Yes, Melk offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts to suit various budgets.

Can I visit Melk Abbey without a guided tour?

Yes, visitors can explore Melk Abbey on their own, but guided tours provide a more in-depth understanding of its history and architecture.