The most beautiful cities in Austria

Welcome to one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. Austria’s landscapes, regions and townscapes provide almost the full range of European variety in the centre of the continent. Austria is often associated, rightly, with winter sports, but there is so much more on offer. Its alpine areas are rugged and picturesque, but that’s far from being the whole story.

Krems an der Donau

The trading town on the Danube was prosperous in medieval times and for centuries rivalled Vienna for influence. Hundreds of its historical buildings have been preserved, contributing to the world-heritage profile of the Wachau region.

Krems' churches, gateways, small squares and narrow lanes maintain the feel of times past. Views over the town and the Danube valley are possible from multiple points.

Highlights include the 13th century castle house the Gozzoburg, the extraordinary pictures on the external walls of the Großes Sgraffitohaus, the Gothic Göglhaus, the Pfarrkirche St Veit and the Piaristenkirche. It's possible to wander for days among such streetscapes. The town of Stein, now connected with Krems, also maintains varied historical buildings.

The powerful abbey Stift Göttweig, the smaller medieval town Dürnstein, and the cruising possibilities presented by the Danube and its winegrowing landscapes make Krems the best base to explore the Wachau.