Top 15 Things To Do In Melk, Austria

Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 7 min read

Nesting on River Danube, Melk is a charming town that boasts a fascinating culture, rich heritage, and marvelous landmarks. It features a hilly landscape with a balance of gorgeous waterscape. It is a popular destination with tourists who like exploring old cities and learning about foreign cultures. While in Melk, be sure to visit the iconic 11th-century Benedictine hilltop monastery called Melk Abbey. To witness a structure built during the renaissance period, check out the marvelous Schallaburg Castle that’s nesting in the municipality of Schollach within a short distance from the Wachau Valley. Also, you can not finish your Melk adventure without paying your respects at Mariä-Himmelfahrt-Kirche church. For a more in-depth guide, here is a list of fantastic things to do in Melk, Austria. Feel free to browse below.

1. Visit the iconic Melk Abbey (from USD 112.0)

Visit the iconic Benedictine monastery called Melk Abbey and marvel at this 11th-century architecture by booking this fantastic Melk Abbey and Danube Valley Day Trip from Vienna tour package. Through this tour package, you will get to explore Wachau Valley and the Danube River for a day. This tour package lasts for eight and a half hours. It includes a professional guide who will provide you with narration about the town’s history and heritage as you pass along lush greeneries, marvelous landscapes, vineyards, and other picturesque wonders. To top it all off, it includes a convenient and comfortable transport service that will pick you up from Vienna and drop you back after the tour.

Tip from Content Creator

Melk Abbey Melk Abbey Melk Abbey

Melk Abbey or Stift Melk is a place where architectural grandeur, the beauty of gardens and history intertwine. Its magnificent architecture is known worldwide, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And so what is here:

1) a monastery where real monks live;

2) the oldest library;

3) a huge church in 100% Baroque style and where everything is gilded. The first church where I saw boxes as in an opera for nobles;

4) beautiful gardens where you fall into a fairy tale.

A ticket for an adult costs 13 EUR (14.06 USD). I advise you to take a tour right away because it is worth it. The price of the excursion is 3 EUR (3.24 USD).

What I didn't like: the fact that you can't take pictures indoors!

Restaurant: the waiters are friendly, the place is cozy, the food is delicious. MY PERSONAL TIP: The prices are very touristy in the restaurant. If there is an opportunity to eat somewhere in the city, I would use this opportunity.

Parking is free!

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Melk Abbey and Danube Valley Day Trip from Vienna

Duration: 8 to 9 hours

1481 reviews

2. Walk through the streets of Maria Taferl

things to do in melk austria | walk through the streets of maria taferl
Source: instagram

Maria Taferl is a charming Austrian municipality that is also a famous pilgrimage site in the country. Almost half of the land area of the city is virgin forestry. Here, you will find lots of iconic landmarks and sacred sites. One of these is the Basilica of Maria Taferl. Lots of tourists come to this place to offer a prayer and take souvenir pictures. Its high altar is enchanting, with a model of angels that seemed to be coming down from above and a stunning statue of Isaiah. In the municipality of Maria Taferl, you will also find the bustling Maria Taferl Market. Visit this lovely area for a glimpse of the beautiful Austrian heritage.

Maria Taferl

Address: Melk, Austria

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3. Take your kids to Wachaubad


When you’re done with all the sightseeing, visiting iconic landmarks, and other touristy activities, you might want to treat your family to a delightful bonding time at Wachaubad. It is a majestic outdoor swimming pool and recreation area in the town. It features five swimming pools that are ideal for guests of all ages. It also has a built-in waterpark where you can enjoy sliding and swimming all day long. Plus, the green spaces make the place exude a relaxing vibe that you will surely love.

Wachaubad

Address: Fürnbergstraße 12, 3390 Melk, Austria

Website: Wachaubad

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 8pm

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4. Enjoy mouthwatering eats at Stiftrestaurant

things to do in melk austria | enjoy mouthwatering eats at stiftrestaurant
Source: instagram

Want to have a taste of the food scene of Austria? If so, start your engine and drive to Stiftrestaurant. It is a charming restaurant that is popular for its fascinating history and exceptional food. Stiftrestaurant serves not only authentic Austrian dishes, but they also have International cuisines on their menu. Not only that, but the unique ambiance of the place is just another reason to sit back and enjoy the dining experience. It has a lovely indoor setting and laidback outdoor seating. Plus, the pricing won’t break your bank.

Stiftrestaurant

Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Straße 3, 3390 Melk, Austria

Website: Stiftrestaurant

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

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5. Explore Wachau Valley


Located close to the Danube River, Wachau Valley is a region in West Vienna that is characterized by its lush forestry, rolling hills, and charming simple villages. It also features vast vineyards and marvelous fortresses that are popular among tourists. Some of the heritage sites in and near Wachau Valley include Melk Abbey, the ruins of Duernstein Castle, and the medieval market towns of Krems. You will also find there the stunning Aggstein Castle, which is a 12th-century castle ruin with spectacular views and an onsite restaurant.

Wachau Valley

Address: Lower Austria, Austria

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6. Browse through the exhibits in Stadtmuseum Melk

Woolaroc Spiro Mounds artifacts
Source: Photo by user Marc Carlson used under CC BY 2.0

Stadtmuseum Melk, which is City Museum Melk in English, is a fascinating museum located in the heart of the beautiful town of Melk in Lower Austria. Its main attraction is a middle Neolithic period exhibit called Idol with bird’s face. Aside from that, it houses antique items, ancient texts, displays, and other valuable items and prehistoric collections. If you are into archeological stuff and history, you will surely love your time in Stadtmuseum Melk. Browse through the artifacts and marvel at the distinctness of the objects preserved in it.

Stadtmuseum Melk

Address: Linzer Str. 1, 3390 Melk, Austria

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7. Explore Melk Old Town

things to do in melk austria | explore melk old town
Source: instagram

If you want to know the culture of the city and taste its delicious food, the best place to go is Melk Old Town. It is a stunning area in downtown Melk which showcases century architecture and narrow passageways that tell a fascinating story of the breathtaking town of Melk. It nests right below the Benedictine Abbey. Here, you will find the most iconic structures in town, including Hauptstrasse, Town Hall Square, the Kremser Strasse Wiener Strasse, and the bustling Main Square. This is a wonderful place to socialize with locals and get some travel tips.

Melk Old Town

Address: Melk, Austria

Website: Melk Old Town

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8. Offer a prayer in the Assumption Church

Religious old book with cross
Source: Photo by user Marco Verch Profe... used under CC BY 2.0

The Assumption church is a marvelous Catholic Church in Melk, which showcases a stunning Gothic architectural design. When you enter the church, you will be left in awe of its timeless beauty and grandiose nature. Its exteriors somehow look like a medieval castle in the center of the busy town. While in town, be sure to drop by Assumption Church. Attend a mass if your schedule permits or just stay for a while and offer some prayers.

Assumption Church

Address: Melk, Austria

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9. Take souvenir pictures of Altes Posthaus Melk

2013.10.26 - Melk - Altes Posthaus Linzer Straße 3 - 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Grubernst used under CC0

Another historical landmark that you will find in the stunning town of Melk is Altes Posthouse Melk. It is a gorgeous post office in term of its exterior and interior. It is considered the grandest post office in all of Austria. Altes Posthaus Melk was built in 1792 with an architectural style transitioning from Baroque to classicist. When you look at its charming facades, you will notice medallions that are said to symbolize depictions of old postmasters. When you visit this picturesque structure, be sure to have your camera ready because you might not find something as beautiful as this anywhere else.

Altes Posthaus Melk

Address: Linzer Str. 3, 3390 Melk, Austria

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10. Try the restaurants in Löwenpark


If you’re feeling hungry while on a tour in Melk, pause for a while, and try the delicious food in Lowenpark. It is a bustling Shopping Mall with global retail brands as well as local ones. You will also find excellent restaurants and laid-back cafes that will surely fill your tummy with some delicious food offerings. Also, there is a supermarket within the site, a farm market, convenience stores, nursing rooms, and many more. Not to mention, it features a spacious parking area that has room for everyone, including cyclers.

Löwenpark

Address: Löwenpark 1, 3390 Melk, Austria

Website: Löwenpark

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 6:30pm; Sat: 8:30am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

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11. Have some cocktails at Kalmuck


Planning a special dinner treat with some friends while on a delightful vacation in Melk? You might as well ask them to go to Kalmuck in Hauptstraße 10 and turn an ordinary dinner to a chill party. Kalmuck is a lovely bar with a charming interior design featuring rustic accents, cozy indoor seating, and a laid-back outdoor seating. Kalmuck bills itself as the provider of the finest wines and the best cocktails in town. Not only that but they also serve mouthwatering snacks that will surely make your heart cry happy tears.

Kalmuck

Address: Hauptstraße 10, 3390 Melk, Austria

Website: Kalmuck

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri & Sat: 11am - 2am

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12. Experience camping in Fährhaus Melk

Camping at night
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dotun55 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Indeed, Melk has a fair share of nature aside from its old town vibes. If you like gazing at the skies on a starry night while enjoying a bonfire with your friends, you might like to experience camping in Fahrhaus Melk. Fahrhaus Melk is a popular camping site in town. It features different accommodations for its guests from camper buses to minivans. The place also features an excellent kiosk/restaurant where guests can gorge on delicious food. There is also a clean water system in Fahrhouse Melk as well as shower areas.

Camping Fährhaus Melk

Address: Kolomaniau 3, 3390 Melk, Austria

Website: Camping Fährhaus Melk

Price: From 5 USD

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13. Savor flavorful wine in Wein & Wachau

Posted by Vinothek Wein und Wachau on Wednesday, 2 April 2014

Wein & Wachau is a stunning wine bar in Kirchenpl. Wine is a big part of European culture, especially in Melk as they have vast vineyards and a topography that is favorable to the wine industries. Wein & Wachau reflects this side of European heritage. They offer premium wines whether you are a red wine type of guy, a white wine lover kind of person, or a rose kind of girl. While in Wein & Wachau, be sure to try some of their best-sellers such as the Leo Hillinger Cuvee Hill, the Malat Gruner Veltliner Reserve Dreigarten, Salomon Estate Cuvee Barrique Norwood 2004, and others.

Wein & Wachau

Address: Kirchenpl. 5, 3390 Melk, Austria

Website: Wein & Wachau

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 12pm (closed on Sun)

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14. Gorge on excellent eats at Koloman - DAS Kultwirtshaus


You can not end your Melk adventure without trying the delicious food in Koloman Restaurant located in Linzer Street. They feature stunning bright interior design with vintage accents, excellent lighting, with a chic and romantic ambiance. The place itself is Instagram worthy. The food is guaranteed delicious and is made from locally sourced ingredients. They have big burgers, do it yourself pasta, flavorful cocktails, and a lot more. Not to mention, they are served in a grandiose presentation.

Koloman - DAS Kultwirtshaus

Address: Linzer Str. 25, 3390 Melk, Austria

Website: Koloman - DAS Kultwirtshaus

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 1am; Sun: 11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 11pm (closed on Mon)

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15. Check out the marvelous Villa Loos

Villa Loos, Melk 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Thomas Ledl used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Villa Loos is another historical landmark in Melk built by Josef Plecnik in the Abt-Karl-Straße Melk. It is a fascinating 19th-century structure which reflects an architectural idea against historicism. Its exteriors are built with varying materials that do not showcase a particular design principle but is still a beauty on its own. Be sure to visit this uniquely beautiful structure when you visit Melk.

Villa Loos

Address: Babenbergerstraße 12, 3390 Melk, Austria

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Explore breathtaking Melk

Melk is a stunning town on Danube River and it boasts charming old town architecture, marvelous landmarks, a rich heritage, and fascinating culture. Not only that, but it also features an excellent type of cuisine that you should get to try when you visit the town. In a place as charming as Melk, you will never run out of things to do from century-old castle visits to camping in Fährhaus Melk to bar hopping. If you are planning a vacation to Melk any time soon, use this list of things to do in town as your guide to planning an itinerary. May you have a delightful adventure ahead.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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