Melk Abbey – the landmark of the region
The Benedictine abbey of Melk sits enthroned directly above the town and is part of the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site. The baroque abbey church, the famous library with around 100,000 volumes and the abbey park are worth a visit all year round – and in the rain they are the most obvious indoor option right in Melk.
Tip: Book guided tours online in advance; in summer coach groups arrive daily.
Schallaburg – Renaissance castle with first-rate exhibitions
Schallaburg near Loosdorf is considered one of the finest Renaissance castles north of the Alps and stages a large, elaborately designed themed exhibition every year. The arcaded courtyard with its terracotta figures is worth seeing even without an exhibition, and the garden and adventure playground make it a destination for families.
Our own tip
Can U Escape Loosdorf – escape rooms 10 minutes from Melk
Full transparency: this one is us. In Loosdorf, right by the A1 exit and about 10 minutes' drive from Melk, we run several escape rooms for teams of 2 to 6 people – from mafia thriller to mystery. You are “locked in” for 60 minutes in a room full of puzzles and have to work your way out as a team. Works in any weather, for families (from age 6 accompanied by adults, from 14 unaccompanied), groups of friends, birthdays and team events.
Tip: Book online at can-u-escape.at; slots are often available at short notice.
Why do we name ourselves here? Because this guide would otherwise have a gap: escape rooms are one of the few bad-weather activities in the region aimed specifically at groups. Whether we are any good is for you to judge – a look at our Google reviews helps.
The Wachau: Dürnstein and Spitz
Downstream from Melk the Wachau begins, one of the best-known cultural landscapes in Europe. Dürnstein with its blue abbey tower and the Kuenringer castle (of Richard the Lionheart legend) and Spitz with its wine taverns and vineyard trails are the classics. Loveliest in spring when the apricots blossom and in autumn during the harvest.
Danube boat trip from Melk to Krems
The classic way to experience the Wachau: from the Melk landing stage, boats run downstream towards Spitz, Dürnstein and Krems several times a day from spring to autumn. One way takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the destination; you can come back by boat, train or bicycle along the Danube cycle path.
Tip: Look out for the combined boat + Melk Abbey ticket. Season roughly April to October.
Aggstein – castle ruins high above the Danube
The Aggstein ruins stand on a rock some 300 metres above the Danube and offer one of the best views in the whole Wachau. The sprawling 12th-century castle complex is open to visitors, and in summer there are medieval festivals and a tavern.
Tip: Sturdy footwear recommended.
Maria Taferl – basilica with a panoramic view
On the other side of the Danube lies Maria Taferl, the most important place of pilgrimage in Lower Austria. The baroque basilica is magnificent, but the real star is the viewing terrace: in clear weather the view stretches across the Danube valley to the Alps and the Ötscher.
Haubiversum Petzenkirchen – the bread experience world
The Haubiversum, run by the Haubis bakery in Petzenkirchen, is an experience world all about bread baking: a tour of the bakehouse, shaping your own pastries, a children's bakery and a café. One of the region's most reliable bad-weather tips for families with younger children.
Tip: Reserve the experience tours in advance.
Artstetten Castle – on the trail of Franz Ferdinand
Artstetten Castle, with its striking onion domes, was the family seat of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1914 triggered the First World War. He and his wife Sophie are buried here; the museum tells their story more personally than one expects from grand houses. There is also an extensive castle park.
Göttweig Abbey – the “Austrian Montecassino”
At the eastern end of the Wachau, visible from far away on a hill above Krems, stands the Benedictine abbey of Göttweig. The baroque Imperial Staircase is among the largest of its kind, and from the abbey terrace you look out over the entire lower Danube valley.
Tip: Combines well with Dürnstein or Krems.
What to do near Melk when it rains?
The most reliable indoor destinations around Melk are: Melk Abbey (library, church, museum), the exhibition at Schallaburg, our Can U Escape escape rooms in Loosdorf, the Haubiversum in Petzenkirchen and the museum at Artstetten Castle. All five are at most 25 minutes' drive from Melk and work entirely regardless of the weather.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Melk in one day?+
A proven plan: Melk Abbey in the morning, the old town at midday, and in the afternoon either a boat trip into the Wachau (in good weather) or Schallaburg Castle or an escape room in Loosdorf (in bad weather).
Which places near Melk are good for children?+
The Haubiversum in Petzenkirchen, the garden and adventure playground at Schallaburg, the Aggstein castle ruins and – from about age 6 when accompanied – our escape rooms in Loosdorf.
Roughly what does a day out in the region cost?+
Admission is usually between 10 and 20 euros per person; family tickets are cheaper. A Danube boat trip from Melk to Krems costs around 30 euros. Prices change – please check the official sites in advance.
Do you need a car?+
Not for Melk itself, Melk Abbey or the Danube boat trip – Melk station is central. For Schallaburg, Aggstein, Maria Taferl, Artstetten and Göttweig a car is considerably more convenient. Loosdorf has its own railway station and our rooms are a few minutes away from it.
Day out sorted, evening still free?
Three rooms, 60 minutes, 2–6 players – Mon–Fri from 13:00, Sat & Sun from 09:00 – by prior arrangement.
Opening hours, seasons and prices of the destinations mentioned do change – please check the respective official sites before setting off.