Austria Photos

Photograph by Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson, Keenpress

A town since Celtic times, Spitz today serves as a vibrant market center in Austria's lush Wachau Valley. Just south stands the famous fortress of Hinterhaus.

Wachau/Melk Abbey had the highest scores in Traveler's Destination Scorecard of Historic Places.

Photograph by Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson, Keenpress

A nexus of impressive white wine production, with local wineries large and small, Spitz spreads the word by hosting a fun and festive summer wine festival.

Wachau/Melk Abbey had the highest scores in Traveler's Destination Scorecard of Historic Places.

Photograph by Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson, Keenpress

Remodeled numerous times, Schloss Schönbühel—a castle originally built in the 12th century—occupies a commanding position on the Danube, perched on a hill near the market town of Schönbühel-Aggsbach.

Wachau/Melk Abbey had the highest scores in Traveler's Destination Scorecard of Historic Places.

Photograph by Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson, Keenpress

Once used as a palace in the 10th and 11th centuries, the Baroque-reconstructed Melk Abbey is a monastery and treasure chest of cultural riches on the Danube. Among the gems here are medieval manuscripts and stunning frescoes.

Wachau/Melk Abbey had the highest scores in Traveler's Destination Scorecard of Historic Places.

Photograph by Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson, Keenpress

An undeniable showplace, Melk Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery and co-ed monastery school, boasts a wealth of exquisite baroque details, thanks to the design vision of architect Jakob Prandtauer.

Wachau/Melk Abbey had the highest scores in Traveler's Destination Scorecard of Historic Places.

Photograph by Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson, Keenpress

Good clean fun: As a result of environmental awareness and model conduct, the town of Rossatzbach boasts a beach and waters pure enough for leisure pursuits.

Wachau/Melk Abbey had the highest scores in Traveler's Destination Scorecard of Historic Places.

Photograph by Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson, Keenpress

In Dürnstein, a summer day's charms include window boxes teeming with colorful life, a handsomely designed inn sign, and well-rendered calligraphy.

Wachau/Melk Abbey had the highest scores in Traveler's Destination Scorecard of Historic Places.

Photograph by Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson, Keenpress

Natural and cultural integrity are the hallmarks of the Wachau Valley villages and towns strung like pearls along the Danube River. Some consider Weissenkirchen the prettiest of the grape-growing villages.

Wachau/Melk Abbey had the highest scores in Traveler's Destination Scorecard of Historic Places.

Photograph by Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson, Keenpress

Situated on the Danube, between Salzburg and Vienna, the town of Melk provides a perfect day-trip reward to those visiting the big cities that flank the Wachau Valley.

Wachau/Melk Abbey had the highest scores in Traveler's Destination Scorecard of Historic Places.