Spitz in the Wachau: Culture, Wine and Exceptional Views

Spitz combines historical highlights with winegrowing, regional delicacies and unusual experiences on the Danube. Terraced vineyards characterize the surroundings, while the town itself offers exciting destinations for a variety of holiday days, including the parish church, its fortification history and the Shipping Museum. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Spitz can therefore choose between culture in the town, paths through the wine-growing landscape and special perspectives of the Wachau.

Cultural history from the church tower to the ruins

The parish church of Spitz stands out because of its bent longitudinal axis. This feature occurs in only seven churches in Austria. The tower also has a long history: it was built as early as the early 14th century. For a trip with an interest in architectural history and regional culture, the church therefore provides a distinctive starting point for exploring Spitz.

Another historical highlight is Hinterhaus Ruin, which was first mentioned in 1243. The Spitz Shipping Museum, on the other hand, focuses on the historical timber and raft shipping on the Danube. The museum is located in Erlahof Baroque Palace. In Spitz, this makes it possible to combine sacred architectural history, medieval traditions and the importance of Danube shipping as different cultural themes.

Paths, gates and an unusual perspective

The Red Gate is about a 20-minute walk from the center of Spitz. It is the last of the seven fortified gates and offers a beautiful view of Spitz. Take the approximate walking time into account when planning your day if you would like to combine the town center with this historic viewpoint.

The Camera Obscura on the Spitz–Arnsdorf roll-on roll-off ferry offers a special experience. It projects a moving image of the surrounding landscape onto an interior wall of the ferry. It is shown during the ferry's operating hours from April to October; the presentation depends on the water level and weather. It is therefore one of the experiences for which the specific time of travel and the conditions on site play a role.

Wine-growing landscape and regional specialties

The Spitzer Graben is a side valley of the Danube Valley in the Wachau wine-growing region and World Heritage Site. Near Spitz, it runs north toward the Waldviertel via Elsarn am Jauerling to Mühldorf. Those who do not want to limit their stay to the town center will find an independent landscape here with a clear regional character.

The Spitzer Wine Trail leads over stone terraces and through famous vineyards. Along the way, it offers views of Spitz, the Danube and the Wachau. Wachau apricots also grow right in the center of Spitz. At the Marillenkirtag, which has been held for decades in Spitz's church square, this regional tradition takes center stage. At the event “Wachau Apricot – From Blossom to Enjoyment,” exquisite products are sampled.

Choose the right starting point for your holiday

When looking for accommodation, it is worth establishing your preferred daily routine at an early stage. Cultural destinations such as the parish church, Shipping Museum and Red Gate are ideal for travel planning focused on local history. The Wine Trail and the Spitzer Graben set different accents, making the landscape and winegrowing the focus of the day. This allows you to choose a holiday apartment in Spitz according to your personal mix of culture, enjoyment and excursions. Base your decision on the experiences that particularly interest you during your stay.

Other places to consider

If you would like to expand your selection beyond Spitz, you can find more places here: Bergern Im Dunkelsteinerwald, Senftenberg, Mühldorf, Schönberg Am Kamp, Droß, Krems An Der Donau, Mautern An Der Donau and Lengenfeld.

To the higher-level travel overview: Krems-Land.