Discover Melk

Baroque design and influences from the English landscape garden come together in Melk Abbey Park. Along with the abbey and the city’s historic sites, this combination shapes Melk’s cultural and garden character.

Abbey and Garden Art

A walk through the abbey park includes the Baroque pavilion, the Jardin oriental, the Benediktusweg and the Walahfrid-Strabo-Garten. Those interested in garden art will find several distinct areas and stops within the park. The abbey itself is one of the most impressive unified Baroque buildings north of the Alps. The abbey church is considered the highlight of the Baroque monastery complex.

Different aspects of the abbey are also showcased inside: the imperial rooms now house the museum. The abbey library is a highlight of the tour, which leads into the two magnificent rooms. On the second floor, the viewing terrace offers views from the Alpine foothills to the Waldviertel and across the abbey grounds. The visitor experience therefore encompasses architecture, a museum and views, as well as the gardens.

Old Town and History

Melk’s historic old town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Haus am Stein is the city’s oldest house to have survived in its original condition. The parish church also reflects a long building history: it developed from a chapel built around 1400, which was expanded into a church in the 15th century. Alongside the Baroque abbey complex, visitors can explore other historical layers of Melk.

The Melk Concentration Camp Memorial is housed in a former crematorium building, which was declared a public memorial in 1962. The memorial contains an overview exhibition on contemporary history. This site has a different focus from architectural and garden art: it turns attention to modern history.

Walking Routes, Art and Green Spaces

The 1.5-kilometre circular route “Der Rote Faden” leads through Melk to historical sights. Along the route, you can access audio tracks on your smartphone; QR codes for them are located on steles and information boards. As a specific route through the city, it differs from the hiking trails around Melk, which pass through flat and hilly terrain, forests and areas along the Danube.

The Stadtpark and the Grüne Kunstmeile also add to the town’s attractions. Melk’s city park covers just over one hectare and opened in May 1886. Along the Grüne Kunstmeile, existing artworks are gradually being complemented by works by living artists. This makes it possible to plan a day that alternates between historical sights, routes through different landscapes and other experiences in the city.

Getting Here and Finding Your Way Around the Region

Melk is located directly on the Western Railway line and can be reached by train. From Melk train station, you can reach the abbey on foot in about 10 to 15 minutes through the city centre. From the Danube Cycle Path, the abbey is just a few minutes away. These details provide guidance for two different ways of arriving; both routes lead to the abbey.

The Wachau UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape stretches along the Danube valley between Melk and Krems. It brings together the free-flowing Danube, vineyard terraces, forests and historic settlements. Regular boat services operate on the Danube; most run between Krems and Melk in the Wachau. If you plan to travel by boat, check the timetable before your trip.

Coffee and Events

Fresh coffee is roasted daily at Café zum Fürsten. Visitors can learn about the roasting technique and taste freshly roasted coffee. This is a distinct culinary highlight in Melk, away from visits to the abbey and old town.

The International Baroque Days at Melk Abbey take place every year at Pentecost. The Melk Summer Games are held annually in summer at the Wachauarena. If either programme is the reason for your trip, check the specific event dates before planning.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pöchlarn, Emmersdorf An Der Donau, Marbach An Der Donau, Melk, Schönbühel An Der Donau, Loosdorf, Sankt Oswald, Persenbeug, Leiben, Artstetten, Weiten, Pöggstall, Hofamt Priel, Ruprechtshofen, Kilb, Maria Taferl, Dorfstetten, Ybbs An Der Donau, Texing, Zelking, Mank, Laimbach Am Ostrong, Dunkelsteinerwald, Blindenmarkt, Nächst Altenmarkt, Bergland, Kemmelbach, Kottingburgstall, Braunegg, Yspertal, Sankt Leonhard am Forst, Hessendorf, Aggsbach Dorf.

Go to the regional travel overview: Lower Austria.