Melk

Austria

Perch high above the Danube River to explore the magnificent baroque Melk Abbey, one of Austria's most stunning monasteries with breathtaking views and centuries of history.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)

🗣 Language German

🕐 Time Zone CET (UTC+1)

☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Sep

🚢 Typical Duration 13-14 nights

💰 Price Range $1,594–$18,843 per person

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to the Wachau Valley UNESCO World Heritage region, featuring stunning riverside monasteries, terraced vineyards, and medieval architecture along the Danube.

Cruises that visit Melk

Build Your Day in Melk

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM

Usually about 11 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Melk Abbey Give yourself at least 2–3 hours to explore everything at a relaxed pace. Abbey · ★ 4.7 · 16k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Rathauskeller - Der Melker Gasthof We just eat here, schnitzel is one of the best eaten in Austria. Austrian · ★ 4.6 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

MARIANDL Shopping I liked some shops, and there are some sales and disconts so it is nice. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

LÖWENPARK Parking places are available for free. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu

BILLA PLUS A great supermarket with good variety and exellent fresh produce. Supermarket · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:15 AM Thu

Mole Melk Great place to eat with a wonderful view over the Danube river Restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Stifts-Restaurant The plates are artistic, food in big portions, and all taste good. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Hotel-Restaurant zur Post Had an excellent lunch on the street and dinner in the outdoor veranda. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k

EUROSPAR Nice selection, nice prices. Supermarket · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

Kalmuck Wein | Bar Really good fresh chicken breast salad and really nice fresh white wine. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu

Mahlzeit in Melk Good Austrian and Romanian food, the owner is really nice and welcoming. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

INTERSPORT Melk In-store shopping·In-store pickup Sporting goods store · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Müller In-store pickup·Debit cards Drug store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Restaurant zur Post Melk Very good food and the service was amazing. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

Das Kult in Melk Amazing staff and service, delicious food and beautiful scenery! Self service restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Fussl Fashion Street Melk Onsite services Clothes and fabric manufacturer · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu

H1 Melk Super good food and ultra hospitable service Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Wachauer Spezialitäten | Lechner | Melk The service was lovely and the prices very good! Souvenir store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Restaurant Wachauer Stube I diehipfingers Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:45 AM Thu

Wachauer Kunsthandel Truly unique and the collection has been picked out with love. Gift shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

ONLY Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Melk

About Melk

Melk stands as a vibrant hub on the Danube River, welcoming nearly 1,000 cruises annually from five major cruise lines including Viking River Cruises, Emerald Cruises, and Amadeus River Cruises. While primarily a port of call rather than an embarkation point, Melk serves as a strategic stop on some of Europe's most popular river itineraries, with most cruises running for 14 nights and visiting destinations like Vienna, Budapest, and Amsterdam. The port enjoys peak popularity during the warmer months from May through September, making it an ideal addition to your Danube River cruise experience.

Stepping ashore in Melk, you'll discover a charming Austrian town crowned by one of Europe's most spectacular Baroque monasteries perched dramatically above the river. The compact town center invites leisurely exploration, offering visitors the chance to wander cobblestone streets, sample local cuisine, and soak in the authentic atmosphere of the Danube Valley. Whether you're a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply seeking to experience authentic Central European culture, Melk delivers memorable experiences during your river cruise stopover.

Melk Abbey's Baroque Splendor

Perched dramatically above the Danube, Melk Abbey is Austria's most iconic monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its stunning Baroque architecture, ornate library with 100,000 volumes, and breathtaking church interior adorned with frescoes. The abbey's terrace offers panoramic views of the river valley that justify the short walk from the port.

Danube Valley Wine Tasting

Melk sits in the heart of the Wachau wine region, famous for crisp white wines and apricot specialties. Visit local wine taverns to sample Grüner Veltliner and Riesling directly from family vineyards, or enjoy apricot strudel and marmalade at traditional cafés. The region's terraced vineyards create stunning photo opportunities along the riverbanks.

Scenic Danube Valley Walks

Hike the picturesque trails connecting Melk to neighboring villages like Dürnstein, passing through UNESCO-protected vineyards and medieval ruins. The riverside paths offer spectacular views of the Danube's curves and the surrounding Alpine foothills. Even shorter walks around Melk's old town provide charming views without requiring extensive time away from the port.

Melk Old Town Market Square

Stroll through Melk's charming pedestrian center featuring the colorful Marktplatz, lined with traditional Austrian shops selling local crafts, ceramics, and souvenirs. Browse artisan bakeries for fresh Apfelstrudel and Sachertorte, or grab a coffee at a cozy café. The compact town center is easily walkable and captures authentic Austrian small-town character.

Medieval Dürnstein Castle Ruins

Just a short walk or boat ride from Melk, the dramatic red-and-white striped church and ruined castle of Dürnstein create an unforgettable scene. Legend claims King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned here during the Crusades. The village's narrow lanes, wine taverns, and riverside setting make it a quintessential Danube Valley experience.