Nestled between rolling hills, the mighty Danube, and medieval towns, the Wachau region offers a fascinating interplay of nature, history, and contemporary art. Each season writes its own poetry about this cultural landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between Krems and Melk lies an artistic world in which the Kunstmeile Krems has its very special place.

But it is not only art and history that make the Wachau so appealing – cuisine also plays a central role in the region's lifestyle. The close connection between nature, craftsmanship, and customs is also evident in the Wachau in the numerous festivals, harvest celebrations, and warm hospitality that keep visitors coming back to the region time and again.

The four artistic directors of the Kunstmeile Krems invite you to see the region with new eyes. Their personal ‘artistic bucket list’ brings together places and experiences and motivates you to experience your next trip to the Wachau:

For art lovers, the route between Krems and Spitz is particularly fascinating: in addition to picturesque views, numerous works of art in public spaces offer exciting encounters with contemporary art. A highlight of this art tour by bike is the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich in Krems, which blends elegantly into the historic cityscape with its modern, spectacular architecture. The “Flower Power” exhibition, which runs until February 2026, invites visitors to see the plant world with new eyes. This diversity also grows along the Danube Cycle Path and enriches the journey through the Wachau region in a special way.

But the route offers not only aesthetic but also historical perspectives: the Danube Limes, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, accompanies the route as a silent witness to the Roman past. Those who travel with their eyes open will discover traces of ancient history along the way – from former fortifications to information stations that bring to life the importance of the Danube as the border river of the Roman Empire. This makes the journey through the Wachau region a journey through art, nature, and history in equal measure.

If you want to learn more about this fascinating waterway, be sure to visit the Schiffahrtsmuseum in Spitz. It impressively illustrates how closely people's lives were connected to the river. And if you're in the mood for a completely different form of storytelling afterwards, you'll find illustrated stories in the Karikaturmuseum – humorous, poignant, and always in tune with the times. 

“Experiencing art without going to a museum is, for me, cultural participation in action.” His recommendation: keep your eyes open—artworks are often right by the side of the road, such as the “Wachauer Nase” (Gelatin) in St. Lorenz or the wall design by Ramesch Daha at the prison in Krems-Stein.

This openness to art is part of the special flair of the Wachau region. The Kunsthalle Krems plays a central role in this. Together with the Kunstmeile Krems, it regularly presents art in public spaces, making contemporary works immediately accessible to everyone.

Elisabeth Voggeneder, director of Forum Frohner, describes Stein as a place that calms the soul and inspires new ideas. For her, the museum is a center of creative energy: a space for contemporary art, critical debate, and lively inspiration—right in the historic heart of Stein.

Its proximity to the Danube also makes Stein so special: just a few steps away from the historic center, you can stroll along the riverbank, let your gaze wander over the water, and watch the ships passing by. The historic city walls and winding alleys contribute to a unique atmosphere – as if you were walking through a living history book.

For Elisabeth Voggeneder, Stein is a place that calms the soul and at the same time awakens new thoughts. “A walk through Stein is like a mini vacation – every time. And again and again, I discover something I overlooked before – be it an artistically forged window, a poem on a house wall, or a quiet courtyard full of roses.”

A visit to Il Magazzino is a particularly nice way to end the walk. The Italian restaurant in the center of Stein exudes Mediterranean flair and invites you to reflect on the impressions of the day over homemade pasta and a glass of wine. 

The Wachau is not a backdrop from another era—it is a living region that inspires, surprises, and connects. Anyone who explores the region consciously will quickly discover that every bend in the Danube, every village, and every gallery holds creative treasures. Whether cycling along the Danube Cycle Path, hiking through the Jauerling Nature Park, skiing in winter, or visiting one of the many festivals such as Glatt & Verkehrt or the Danube Festival, the Wachau offers special experiences in every season.

The Kunstmeile Krems is an ideal starting point for art and culture enthusiasts—a real must-see for anyone who wants to experience international and national art in an extraordinary dialogue. Why not start your next weekend trip or upcoming vacation with a visit to the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich, the Karikaturmuseum Krems, the Forum Frohner, or the Kunsthalle Krems?