Krems Day Trip from Vienna – Your Private Chauffeur to the Gateway to the Wachau

Krems an der Donau Day Trip – Your Excursion to the Gateway to the Wachau

Krems an der Donau is one of the most beautiful and most historic towns in Austria, and it lies only about an hour’s drive from Vienna. As the eastern gateway to the Wachau, this thousand-year-old town brings together medieval lanes, a living wine culture and modern art within a very small area. If you want to leave the bustle of the city behind for a day and enjoy cobblestones, vineyard terraces and the quiet flow of the Danube instead, Krems is the perfect destination. Our Wachau Krems tour from Vienna turns this excursion into a completely relaxed experience – no hunting for parking, no timetable, no stress.

At globalane.at we do not see ourselves as an ordinary taxi company, but as your personal companion for a special day. Your private driver collects you directly at your front door, at your hotel or at any other place in Vienna and takes you comfortably to Krems. You set the rhythm of the day: whether you stroll through the old town in the morning, stop at a Heuriger (traditional wine tavern) at midday or visit a museum in the afternoon – your chauffeur adapts flexibly to your wishes.

A transfer to Krems with globalane.at means comfort at the highest level. Instead of dealing with public connections, changeover times and the walk from the station into the town centre, you sit back in an air-conditioned Mercedes and watch the landscape go by. This page gives you a detailed overview of the route, the finest sights in Krems and the Wachau, a concrete suggestion for your day and valuable insider tips for the perfect excursion.

Sights in Krems an der Donau (old town, Steiner Tor, wineries, gateway to the Wachau, art mile)

Krems an der Donau packs a remarkable density of sights into a very small area. From medieval architecture to renowned museums and first-class wineries, the town has something for every taste. Below we present the main highlights you should not miss on your Krems tour from Vienna. Your private driver is happy to advise you on which combination suits your interests and the time you have.

The Steiner Tor – the landmark of Krems

Hardly any image stands for Krems as clearly as the Steiner Tor. This late Gothic town gate from the 15th century marks the western entrance to the old town and is one of the few surviving town gates in Austria. The characteristic round towers and the Baroque central section form an impressive ensemble that is well worth a photograph. The lively pedestrian zone begins immediately behind the gate, which makes the Steiner Tor an ideal starting point for your walk through the town.

The historic old town and the Obere Landstraße

Together with the Wachau, the old town of Krems is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and invites you to wander at leisure. Along the Obere and Untere Landstraße you will find handsome townhouses, quiet courtyards and lovingly run shops. Cobblestones, Renaissance façades and Baroque details tell of the town’s centuries as a trading centre. Numerous cafés and restaurants offer a pleasant break while you take in the Mediterranean atmosphere of this wine town.

The Kunstmeile Krems (art mile)

Over recent decades Krems has grown into one of the most important cultural centres in Lower Austria. The art mile links several first-rate institutions within a short walk: the Kunsthalle Krems with changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich with its striking architecture, and the popular Karikaturmuseum (museum of caricature). If you love art, allow at least two to three hours here. Your chauffeur drops you off close by, so you can step straight into the exhibitions without a long walk.

Stein an der Donau

The historic district of Stein lies right on the bank of the Danube and is considered one of the most romantic corners of Krems. Its narrow, elongated main lane, with pastel-coloured houses, old monasteries and winegrowers‘ homes, takes visitors into another era. From the former toll house to the Minoritenkirche, one architectural gem follows the next. A walk through Stein feels like a journey into the Middle Ages and offers countless picturesque views right by the water.

The wineries and the wine culture of Krems

Krems is the heart of a world-famous wine region, and the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from the steep terraces around the town enjoy an international reputation. Many long-established wineries and welcoming Heurige open their doors for tastings and invite you to try the wines directly at the source. It is especially pleasant to sit with a glass of wine on a sunny terrace and let your eyes wander over the vineyards. Since your private driver handles the journey home, you can enjoy the tasting without a second thought.

The Weinstadtmuseum Krems

Housed in a former Dominican monastery, the Weinstadtmuseum tells the fascinating story of winegrowing and of the town of Krems. The Gothic monastery church is worth a visit in itself, and the collection ranges from archaeological finds to works by important artists such as Martin Johann Schmidt, known as Kremser Schmidt. If you want to understand the cultural roots of the region, this is an ideal place to start. The museum brings together history, art and the wine tradition that shapes Krems so strongly.

The parish church of St. Veit and the Piaristenkirche

Above the rooftops of the old town stands the Piaristenkirche, one of the oldest Gothic hall churches in Austria, with ceiling frescoes by Kremser Schmidt. The climb up the covered Piaristenstiege is rewarded with a wonderful view over the town and the Danube valley. Equally worth seeing is the Baroque parish church of St. Veit in the centre, whose richly decorated interior impresses visitors again and again. Both churches are quiet witnesses to the deep spiritual and artistic past of Krems.

The gateway to the Wachau and the Danube promenade

Krems carries the nickname gateway to the Wachau for good reason. The world-famous Danube valley begins here and stretches as far as Melk, with its vineyard terraces, apricot orchards and medieval castles. A walk along the Danube promenade offers lovely views of the river and the hills on the opposite bank. In the warmer months the popular boat trips through the Wachau also start here – an appealing addition to your day on land that fits easily into our tour.

Göttweig Abbey – the view over the Danube valley

Only a few minutes‘ drive south of Krems, the Benedictine abbey of Göttweig rises majestically on a ridge. The Baroque monastery is often called the Austrian Montecassino, and from its terrace you have a breathtaking panorama over the Danube, Krems and the wide landscape beyond. The magnificent abbey church, the famous Imperial Staircase and the abbey restaurant make the detour worthwhile. Your chauffeur drives you comfortably up the hill, so you reach one of the finest viewpoints in the region without any effort.

Dürnstein – a detour into the Wachau

If you would like to add a true Wachau highlight to your Krems tour, we recommend a stop in picturesque Dürnstein, only about 15 minutes upstream. The blue tower of Dürnstein Abbey is one of the best-known landmarks in Austria, and above the village stand the ruins of the castle where the English king Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. Narrow lanes, vineyard terraces and the view of the Danube make Dürnstein an unforgettable experience. As your private driver, we arrange this detour flexibly and entirely as you wish.

Best time to visit and insider tips for your day in Krems

Krems and the Wachau are worth a visit at any time of year, and every season has its own character. The following insider tips help you get the most out of your Krems tour from Vienna. Your chauffeur knows the area well and is glad to add personal recommendations tailored to your interests.

Spring (April to June): When the apricot trees of the Wachau blossom in March and April, the landscape turns into a sea of white and pink. This season is especially popular with photographers and nature lovers. The mild climate invites you to take long walks along the Danube promenade.

Summer (July and August): In the warm months the lanes of Krems are full of life. Festivals, concerts and the popular boat trips through the Wachau provide plenty of variety. One tip: start early and use the morning hours for your walk through town, before the afternoon warms up.

Autumn (September and October): The grape harvest fills the whole region with activity, and the famous Sturm and young wine bring a cheerful mood to the Heurige. The golden autumn colours of the vineyard terraces make this the finest season of all for many visitors.

Winter (November to February): In the quieter season Krems shows its contemplative side. The atmospheric Advent market and the old town in its Christmas decorations create a cosy mood. Museums and wineries are open in winter too, and far less crowded.

One general insider tip: do combine Krems with a detour into the Wachau, because only then does the full beauty of the region open up. Try the regional apricot speciality as well, whether as cake, jam or fruit brandy. And because your private driver is doing the driving, you can allow yourself a glass of wine – an advantage that public transport or your own car cannot offer.

Our fleet in detail

For your drive to Krems we provide a modern, well-kept Mercedes fleet. Every vehicle is serviced regularly, spotlessly clean and equipped with all the comfort you expect for a pleasant day out. Choose the right model for your group size and requirements – we are happy to advise you.

Mercedes E-Class: The E-Class is the ideal choice for couples, business travellers and small groups of up to four people. It combines elegant design with a high level of comfort, generous legroom and a quiet, refined ride. For a relaxed day trip to Krems, the E-Class is the perfect balance of style and efficiency.

Mercedes S-Class: If you want the highest standard of luxury and presence, the S-Class is your vehicle. Regarded worldwide as the definition of the luxury class, it offers first-class materials, excellent suspension comfort and a particularly quiet ride. For special occasions, business journeys or simply when you want the best, the S-Class brings the greatest measure of discretion and elegance.

Mercedes V-Class: For larger groups, families or travellers with plenty of luggage, the spacious V-Class is the best solution. It seats up to eight people in comfort and still offers ample luggage space. Thanks to the convenient seating arrangement, everyone can talk and enjoy the view during the journey. That makes a shared trip to Krems a sociable and relaxed experience for the whole group.

Why globalane.at is your partner for a day trip to Krems

A successful excursion depends on the reliability and the good judgement of your driving service. globalane.at has made a name as a premium chauffeur service in Vienna and stands for quality, discretion and an uncompromising focus on the customer. Many satisfied guests trust us with their most important journeys – from the airport transfer to a full day trip into the Wachau.

Punctuality and reliability come first with us. We know how valuable your time is and plan every drive so that you never have to worry. Our experienced drivers know the region, the best routes and the finest places first-hand, and are happy to share what they know.

Discretion and professionalism are a matter of course. Whether a private excursion or a business occasion, you can rely on your chauffeur to act with the greatest restraint and courtesy. Your comfort and your privacy always come first.

Add to that our clear fixed price with no hidden costs, our availability around the clock and our convenient door-to-door service. As we operate across Europe, we can also arrange onward journeys and individual travel plans. With globalane.at you are not simply booking a taxi to Krems, but a dependable companion who makes your excursion a thoroughly successful experience.

Prices

At a clear fixed price, with no hidden costs:

• Mercedes E-Class: from €167
• Mercedes S-Class: from €207
• Mercedes V-Class (up to 8 people): from €183

The fixed price applies from central Vienna; different pick-up or drop-off addresses and additional stops are covered in your individual offer. Send your enquiry now, with no obligation.