Mautern an der Donau: Roman Heritage and the Wachau

When looking for a hotel in Mautern an der Donau, start by asking what you would like to focus on during your stay: Roman history, one of the routes or Wachau wine. There are specific points of interest in the town for each of these interests; visiting conditions and timetables are also important when planning.

Favianis and Roman heritage

Mautern has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Danube Limes since 30 July 2021. The World Heritage Site in Mautern includes preserved walls and towers of the Roman fort of Favianis. Mautern has the best-preserved remains of Roman fortifications in Austria. Favianis was extensively expanded in the 4th century, with fan-shaped and horseshoe-shaped towers built, some of which are still visible. The oldest known finds from the area of the present-day town date back further: they come from the transition from the Early to the Middle Bronze Age, around 1700 to 1500 BC.

The Mautern Roman road is another trace of the past. It probably dates from Roman times and remained in use until the modern era. This steep hiking route runs from the southern end of Mauternbach towards Unterbergern; prominent wagon ruts can be seen along it. You should also take note of current restrictions when planning your visit: the Horseshoe Tower and the Roman wall are currently only accessible to a limited extent due to ongoing construction work. The restrictions are expected to remain in place until 2027; check visiting conditions before your trip.

Church, art and exhibition

The parish church of St. Stephen acquired its present appearance through a Baroque renovation led by Carlo Antonio Carlone. Among the church’s most important works of art are 14 Stations of the Cross paintings by Martin Johann Schmidt, known as Kremser Schmidt, dating from around 1770. A visit to the church can therefore also be combined with a look at Austrian Baroque art.

The town hall is currently hosting the small temporary exhibition “Favianis – Roman Mautern.” It is free to visit during public opening hours. As this is a temporary exhibition and access information should be checked for updates, it is advisable to consult the visitor information before your trip. The Roman Museum Mautern is currently undergoing a comprehensive redesign and is being relocated to another site.

Cycling and running routes

A section of the Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Vienna runs through the Wachau directly to Mautern. If you are travelling by bike, Mautern is therefore a named stop along this route. A Nextbike rental-bike station is located in the car park at the Römerhalle.

The Wachau running and Nordic walking centre has six routes ranging from 5.2 to 19.2 kilometres. One of them is specially designed for wheelchair users. The different distances provide a useful guide when comparing routes by length. The Mautern Roman road is a separate, steep hiking route; its direction towards Unterbergern and its prominent wagon ruts give it a historical connection.

Wachau wine and getting there

White wines dominate the vineyards around Mautern. Wachau wines from these vineyards are divided into the categories Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd.

For travel by public transport, the Wachau Line WL2 connects Krems with Mautern. Buses run along the right bank of the Danube every one to two hours; check the timetable before your trip. The nearest major railway station is in Krems an der Donau. Trains towards St. Pölten stop in the neighbouring town of Furth-Palt. This information can help you plan bus and train options separately, without assuming a specific connection between the stations and Mautern.

To decide whether Mautern is right for your trip, you can weigh the themes against one another: the Danube Limes and art sit alongside cycling and running routes and wine from the surrounding vineyards. If your trip focuses on individual historical sites, include their respective visiting conditions in your plans; for getting there, the timetable and train connections are key.

Discover more destinations: Aggsbach Markt, Lengenfeld, Spitz, Grafenegg, Schönberg am Kamp, Mühldorf, Krumau am Kamp, Rohrendorf bei Krems

For the broader travel overview: Krems-Land.