The best traffic-free bike rides around Emmersdorf an der Donau

Emmersdorf - the western gateway to the Wachau, directly opposite the imposing Melk Abbey. A convenient starting point for excursions into the Wachau, the Nibelungengau, the Waldviertel and the Mostviertel. Worth seeing: the castle church (medieval fortification), the late Gothic parish church and the St. Magdalene Chapel surrounded by old townhouses. Boat jetties in Emmersdorf and Luberegg for private boats, guest jetties in the sports harbour Luberegg, swimming, surfing and sailing in the Luberegg leisure facility, circular hiking trails, guided bike tours, fishing opportunities, tennis courts, campsite.

beautiful view from the Danube bridge onto Schönbühel

Beautiful view from the weir onto the castle and the proverbial blue Danube. Very good cycle paths on both sides, but beware, no protection against sun and wind over the entire route

The bridge over the Danube near Emmersdorf an der Donau connects the town of Emmersdorf on the north bank with Melk on the south bank and is an important section for cyclists along the Danube Cycle Path. The bridge is part of the main road and features a separate, well-secured pedestrian and cycle path, allowing for safe crossing of the Danube. From the bridge, there is an impressive view of the Danube river landscape – particularly popular with cyclists traveling between the Wachau and the Nibelungengau regions. The route is well signposted in both directions, towards Klein-Pöchlarn/Ybbs and Spitz/Krems. Thanks to its direct connection to the Danube Cycle Path, the bridge is a key crossing point between the northern and southern sections of the Wachau and facilitates crossing to the other side of the river on a scenic stretch of the route.

This is a nice playground

The Bründl Chapel in Groß Sierning, also called Mariabründl, was built at a spring that has long been believed to have healing powers. Pilgrims made pilgrimages here as early as the 19th century, and in 1914, the present chapel, built in the Neo-Gothic style with a tower, pointed arch windows, and barrel vault, was ceremoniously consecrated. Inside stands a simple lindenwood Madonna, accompanied by modern reliefs. Numerous legends surround the Bründl, such as the story of a blind shepherd who regained his sight through the water, or of farmers whose livestock were spared from epidemics by the spring water. Today, the chapel, surrounded by ancient chestnut trees, is a quiet place of contemplation.

Final station - train towards Wachau - Krems

A lot of money has been invested in cyclist safety here. The construction of the cycle path under the road bridge over the Pielach River has eliminated an accident hotspot. Years ago, road crossings were required here. However, caution is advised; the road is confusing, and the center line is there for a reason! A little further toward Melk, another underpass was built, eliminating a bottleneck and diverting cyclists from the next road junction.