Melk

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
Getting around:
Belvedere Palace 18th-century palaces with art collection Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 90k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Melk Abbey Famous hilltop Benedictine monastery Abbey · ★ 4.7 · 17k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Aggstein Castle Medieval castle with Danube views Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 6k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Schnitzelwirt Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Austrian · ★ 4.5 · 5k Closes soon · 9 PM
Schallaburg Historic castle museum & gardens Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 4k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Rathauskeller - Der Melker Gasthof Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Austrian · ★ 4.6 · 3k
MARIANDL Shopping Mall has three floors, and shops are quite okay. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
LÖWENPARK Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 2k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Wed
BILLA PLUS A great supermarket with good variety and exellent fresh produce. Supermarket · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 7:15 AM Wed
Mole Melk Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k
Stifts-Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Haubis Backstube & Café Melk - Löwenpark Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM Wed
Hotel-Restaurant zur Post Laid-back hotel with dining & a sauna Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
EUROSPAR Nice selection, nice prices. Supermarket · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM Wed
Madar Café Restaurant zum Fürsten Great location, nice atmosphere, great beer, but food quite terrible. Restaurant · ★ 3.6 · 1k
Pasta e Pizza Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Italian · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Cafe Teufner Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 5:30 AM Wed
KuK Stadtkaffee Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Wachauarena Melk Event venue · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Quick Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Madar Cafe Central Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 3.5 · 0k
Kalmuck Wein | Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Wachaubad der Stadtgemeinde Melk Outdoor swimming pool · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
DDSG Blue Danube Schiffahrt GmbH Boat tour agency · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:45 AM Wed
Mahlzeit in Melk Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Schmankerlfleischer Josef Sdraule In-store shopping·In-store pickup·Delivery Butcher shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Wed
Bäckerei Konditorei Johannes Mistlbacher e.U. Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Wed
Restaurant zur Post Melk Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Eissalon zur Post Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Sundae restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Bakery Teufner GmbH Bakery · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM Wed
INTERSPORT Melk In-store shopping·In-store pickup Sporting goods store · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Gasthof Martin Jäger Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Müller In-store pickup·Debit cards Drug store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Corrado Cafe Excelent wine, ice cream and coffee. Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Stadtpark Melk Park · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Das Kult in Melk Absolutely amazing' perfectly salted fries beautiful vibes Self service restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Temporarily closed
Fussl Fashion Street Melk Onsite services Clothes and fabric manufacturer · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Wed
Tastedillery Melk In-store shopping·Curbside pickup·Delivery Distillery · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Kasio Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Italian · ★ 3.8 · 0k Closes soon · 9:30 PM
Vinera Dine-in·No delivery Italian · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Wed
Noodle King Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Asian · ★ 4 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
DONAUPERLE Eisdiele Dine-in·Takeout Sundae restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Stadtpfarrkirche Mariä Himmelfahrt Catholic church · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
circle | Vielfalt unter einem Dach Motel · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Aussichtsplattform Stift Melk Observation deck · ★ 4.8 · 0k
IBO CAFÉ Dine-in·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Wachau Info-Center Melk Onsite services Tourist information center · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Barockgarten Park · ★ 4.6 · 0k
H1 Melk Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Wed
Flussstrand Luberegg Public bath · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open 24 hours
Restaurant Wachauerhof Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Wachauer Spezialitäten | Lechner | Melk In-store shopping·Curbside pickup·Delivery Souvenir store · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Badestrand Pielachmündung Swimming lake · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Wieser Wachau Café & Shop in Melk/Donau Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Paradiesgarten Garden · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Robert´s Super Food Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Wed
Braunschaumrollen Bakery · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Restaurant Wachauer Stube I diehipfingers Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k
Wachauer Kunsthandel Must visit when in Melk! Gift shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Little Italy Beach Public bath · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Goldhaubenvenus Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
ONLY Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Wed
Melk Abby Panorama Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Gricht Dine-in·No delivery Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Vogelteich Swimming lake · ★ 5 · 0k

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.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

Cruise Lines at Melk

Cruises Departing From Melk

Cruises Visiting Melk

Ship Schedule at Melk

Melk Location

Other Cruise Ports in Austria

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melk best known for?

Melk Abbey, a Baroque monastery perched above the Danube.

Where is Melk located?

Melk lies on the River Danube in Lower Austria, west of Vienna.

What can visitors do in Melk?

Visit Melk Abbey, explore the Old Town, and enjoy Wachau Valley scenery and river cruises.

Is Melk part of the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes, the Wachau Valley, including Melk, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.