Krems Old Town is the historic heart of Krems an der Donau and one of Austria’s
best-preserved medieval town centers. The area is known for its narrow streets, ancient town
gates, and buildings that reflect centuries of trade and culture.
Walking through the old town allows visitors to experience a blend of medieval architecture,
quiet courtyards, and lively local streets that still follow their original layouts.
For travelers, Krems Old Town offers a relaxed atmosphere for cultural exploration,
photography, and discovering local cafés and shops.
Location
• Krems Old Town, Krems an der Donau, Lower Austri
- 🏰 Steiner Tor (Stone Gate): Walk through the last remaining city gate of the original medieval fortifications—the iconic symbol of Krems built in the 15th century 🧱
- ⛪ Pfarrkirche St. Veit (The Wachau Cathedral): Marvel at the Baroque splendor of this massive church, known for its incredible altars and frescoes by the local master “Kremser Schmidt” 🎨
- 🏛️ Gozzoburg: Explore this rare early-Gothic town palace (circa 1235) on the High Market, featuring high-medieval frescoes and an impressive knights’ hall 🛡️
- 🎨 The Kunstmeile (Art Mile): Stroll from the Old Town toward the district of Stein to visit the Karikaturmuseum (Caricature Museum) or the modern Landesgalerie Niederösterreich 🖼️
- 📸 Obere Landstraße: Capture the essence of the town along its main pedestrian artery, lined with historic sgraffito-decorated houses and charming shopfronts 🤳
- 🚆 By Train: Take a direct ÖBB Regional Express (REX) from Wien Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and departs hourly 📍
- 👟 On Foot: The train station is just a 5-minute walk from the eastern entrance of the Old Town. No public transport is needed to explore the historic core 🚍
- 🚗 By Car: From Vienna, take the **A22** and **S5** (approx. 50-60 mins). Park at the Parkdeck Kunstmeile or the underground garage at Bahnhofplatz 🏁
- ❄️ Winter Hours: While the streets are always open, some museums like Gozzoburg may have limited guided tours in winter; check krems.info before arrival 🕒
- 🍷 Wine Tasting: Visit Winzer Krems (Sandgrube 13) to sample the region’s famous Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners even in the off-season 🍇
- 👟 Wear Layers: The wind off the Danube can be biting in January. Sturdy, warm shoes are essential for the uneven cobblestone streets 🧤
- ⛴️ Danube Note: Scheduled river cruises are generally paused in January, but the promenade remains a beautiful spot for a brisk winter walk 🌊
- 🕘 09:00 – Old Town Exploration: Enter via the Steiner Tor and climb the stairs toward Hoher Markt to see the Gozzoburg and Piaristenkirche 🏰
- 🕚 11:00 – Coffee & Culture: Descend back to Körnermarkt for a coffee at a local bakery and visit the Museumkrems in the former Dominican monastery ☕
- 🕛 12:30 – Danube Promenade: Walk south toward the river to enjoy the modern architecture of the University and the riverside paths 🌊
- 🕒 14:30 – Art & Wine: Conclude your day at the Kunstmeile or with a warm glass of local wine at a traditional “Heuriger” wine tavern 🍷
