Wachau Valley : Krems to Melk and back again

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The Wachau Valley is undisputedly the most beautiful stretch on the Danube in Austria. But it took an hour on the train, 45 minutes to search frantically for bike rental, 4 hours of biking in the scorching midday sun and finally an 80 minutes ship cruise on return to agree with this fact.

Oftentimes I have been labeled as being an over-organizer by the Better Half when traveling. So this time I left it to the hands of spontaneity. We arrived into Krems with no map and no clue as to where we can get one. Heaving from heavy breaths, we finally found the tourist information and located the bikes for rent.

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Our pedaling began on the dot when the clock struck 12 noon. Initially missing the bike lane, we were cycling very close to a possible real accident as we shared the narrow 2-lane road with superbikes, double decker tour buses and many cruising Porsches.

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Back on track after clambering up with our bikes from the road to the elevated bike lane, the route led us into several quaint towns along the river. Surrounding us were views of hills. We saw castle and monastery ruins perched on the hilltop while taking a break from pedaling. The Danube bike trail is one of the most popular cycling routes. Being too young or too old did not deter any of the cyclists enjoying the sunny weather and sweeping views.

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The route cuts through vineyards with plump grapes ready for picking. Occasionally there would be plum trees where we and other cyclists will stop to pick the ripe fruit for a quick energy burst.

About 40kms later, with our tired legs we arrived at Melk and just in the nick of time managed to catch the last ferry back to Krems where we had to return our bikes. Cycling back another 40kms was not an option I was even going to consider!

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The ferry cruised along the Danube as the Wachau valley was awash with hues of vermillion from the evening sun. And it was then that I could sit back and really soak in the fabulous views.

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We did not get the chance to see the towns of Krems and Melk – but only the fabulous views between them.