Rossatz-Melk-Austria_7-30-14

Rossatz-Melk-Austria

Tourist Day

20 miles (32 km)

Total so far: 383 miles (617 km)

World > Europe > Austria > Niederosterreich > Rossatz – map
World > Europe > Austria > Niederosterreich > Melk – map

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Today we were tourists. There are many interesting historic towns to visit and explore on the left bank of the river on route Rossatz-Melk-Austria. We would spend the entire day enjoying these towns.

There is a tiny ferry right from the Rossatz campground that crosses over to Durnstein, the lovely town we viewed last night from our campsite.

Rossatz -Durnstein-blue church

The ferry is supposed to leave once every hour starting at 930 in the morning. We are supposed to ring a bell to attract attention, but we cannot find a bell. The ferry is right next door to the campground in Rossatz. The little ferry crossed to us from the other side; it is stuffed with bicycles. The Danube current is very strong; it’s a unique system the way they come across the river and dock this little tiny ferry.

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria-Rossatz -Ferry to Durnstein

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria-Rossatz -Ferry to Durnstein

: Rossatz -Ferry arrives Durnstein

We crossed the river into Durnstein. A medieval town in its entirety, Durnstein is quite likely the most famous destination for visitors to the world heritage watch list. The castle ruins, the narrow streets and the Baroque abbey, erected on medieval foundations and featuring a blue tower, the site literally breathes history and legend. You can walk to the ruins to discover the truth about the most famous legend, the tale of Richard the lion heart and his minstrel Blondel. It’s a hearty walk to the top of the old ruins.

: Rossatz -Durnstein-castle

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–Entrance to Durnstein

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–Durnstein Castle

Durnstein is a tourist town. All the riverboats and sightseeing boats stop at this town and unload their hordes of people. The old buildings are filled with souvenir shops. Prices for something to eat are double. But the buildings are authentic.

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–Durnstein

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–views from Durnstein

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–views from Durnstein-Danube River boats

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–Durnstein

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–Durnstein

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–views from Durnstein-Danube

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–views from Durnstein-hotel

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–views from Durnstein-hotel

After Durnstein, the bicycle path alternates between vineyards and alongside the main road. Going through the vineyards is lovely. They are terraces way up the mountainside.

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–Vineyards

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–Vineyards

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–Vineyards

We turned up into WeiBenkirchen a very nice easy tour through the streets of another historic town from the main bicycle path.

Vienna-Rossatz-Austria-unique towns-WeiBenkirchen

EV 6 makes a sharp turn up into the town of Wosendorf as well. These are all historic towns with cobblestone streets and authentic buildings.

The route then turns back down to the main road at St Michael’s church.

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria–Bike paths

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria-unique towns

: Vienna-Rossatz-Austria-unique towns

St. Michael’s church was built in the 1500s. It’s the oldest church in Austria. It is in pristine condition for something so old.

Vienna-Rossatz-Austria-St Michael's Church

Our last visit was in Spitz where there is a fine old castle perched on the hilltop.

Vienna-Rossatz-Austria-Spitz castle

Although there were still more charming towns along the route, we headed straight for Melk. It would be 4:00 before we would finish our tourist day!

We stopped in Melk for the night. There is a very nice campground right on the river with lots of nice grassy spots, but no shade. There is a restaurant at the campsite and they have internet. There is a gas station about 10 minutes walk away where one can get a few beers or other supplies, the grocery store was a bicycle ride away up in the main center of town.