05/22/2026
Second half of day 4 was Melk
Instead of taking the ship directly to Melk, we decided to bike the 30 km (19 miles) from Dürnstein to Melk through Austria’s breathtaking Wachau Valley. The ride took us through gorgeous little villages, rolling vineyards, and nonstop views of the Danube River. We even stopped for a little picnic that Avalon Waterways packed us.
Once we arrived in Melk, the food experiences somehow got even better. First, we visited a local bakery where we learned how to make schaumrolle, a traditional puff pastry horn filled with sweet meringue. Then we headed to a local bee farm for a tasting featuring different varieties of honey, honey wines, and even honey vinegar. I never realized how many unique flavors honey could have until today.
Between biking through the countryside, discovering local traditions, and tasting incredible regional specialties, today felt like the perfect way to experience Austria beyond the typical tourist stops.
