Wachau Radweg

The Wachau Radweg is a 40-kilometer cycling route along the south bank of the Danube between Melk and Krems, through a UNESCO World Heritage valley where the river has cut a passage between steep terraced vineyards and medieval castle ruins. The route is mostly flat and paved, following the river with almost no serious climbing, making it practical for everyday cyclists rather than dedicated riders. Start in Melk, which is about an hour by train from Vienna, and cycle east toward Krems through villages like Spitz, Weissenkirchen, and Durnstein. In April the apricot orchards along the valley sides are in full bloom, which makes this the single best month to ride it. Stop at a Heuriger, one of the small farm taverns where local winemakers sell their own Grüner Veltliner directly from the cellar, and you have covered three of the things Austria does well in a single afternoon.