{"id":7302,"date":"2014-10-29T18:43:52","date_gmt":"2014-10-29T18:43:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/avidcruiser.com\/livevoyagereports\/?page_id=7302"},"modified":"2018-01-12T13:00:49","modified_gmt":"2018-01-12T18:00:49","slug":"day-6-durnstein-melk","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/live-voyage-reports\/viking-baldur-danube-waltz-christmas-markets\/day-6-durnstein-melk\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 6 – Durnstein & Melk"},"content":{"rendered":"

All Things Austrian With Viking River Cruises<\/h3>\n
\"Cruising<\/a>

Cruising Austria’s Wachau Valley today as Viking River Cruises’ Viking Baldur sails the Danube. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Aaron Saunders, Live Voyage Reports<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

December 4, 2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

An eventful day was in store for guests aboard Viking River Cruises\u2019 Viking Baldur<\/em><\/strong> today. Not only would we get to visit two ports of call \u2013 the Austrian towns of Durnstein <\/strong>and Melk<\/strong> \u2013 but we\u2019d also cap off the evening with a fabulous themed dinner onboard, the likes of which I\u2019ve never seen before.<\/p>\n

\"Viking<\/a>

Viking Baldur docked at Berth 21 in Durnstein, Austria today. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

At eight in the morning, Viking Baldur<\/em> pulled up to the small town of Durnstein, Austria, tying up at Dock 21. A picturesque little village, Durnstein is anchored primarily by two things: Durnstein Abbey, with its powder blue-and-white clock tower; and the remains of a medieval castle perched high atop the hills.<\/p>\n

\"Durnstein,<\/a>

Durnstein, as seen from the Danube. Note the ruins of the castle in the background. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Richard the Lionheart is noted as one of Durnstein\u2019s earliest tourists. He arrived here in 1192 and was promptly imprisoned by Duke Leopold V of Austria. It was your typical medieval scenario: Richard the Lionheart had offended the Duke by draping his flags down over Leopold\u2019s during the Battle of Acre and, to a lesser extent, by ordering the murder of the Duke\u2019s cousin. The Duke responded swiftly, imprisoning King Richard in a gorgeous castle nestled in the middle of the wine-producing Wachau Valley.<\/p>\n

\"Busy<\/a>

Busy in the summer months, Durnstein was positively deserted this morning – and that’s not a bad thing! Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Today, no one is being imprisoned, though you can still hike up to the remains of the castle, which is a tough-but-doable 30 minute hike from the town center. We did, however, get the Royal Welcome, as shops opened shortly after eight in the morning on a sleepy Thursday especially for guests streaming off the Viking Baldur<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Some photos of this quiet but picturesque town:<\/p>\n

\"Winter<\/a>

Winter dioramas in a shopkeeper’s window. Fantastic! Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Durinstein<\/a>

Durinstein still retains much of its medieval charms. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Shopkeepers<\/a>

Shopkeepers opened their stores just for us. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Proof<\/a>

Proof you’re in a wine-producing region: vineyards galore. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

At fifteen minutes past ten, it was all aboard for an afternoon of scenic cruising through Austria\u2019s magnificent Wachau Valley. This is, without a doubt, my favorite part of any Danube river cruise, and you\u2019ll want to brave the elements to be up on deck to get the most out of this experience \u2013 though watching from the gorgeous Viking Lounge is perfectly acceptable, too. Program Director Oliver provided commentary from the ship\u2019s wheelhouse as we sailed along.<\/p>\n

\"This<\/a>

This afternoon, guests were treated to several spectacular hours of scenic cruising along the Danube through the famous Wachau Valley. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"For<\/a>

For me, it was also a good opportunity to get some exercise in. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"In<\/a>

In the early afternoon, the sun shone brilliantly through the clouds for the first time this cruise. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"This<\/a>

This palatial residence is probably someone’s quaint summer home by Austrian standards! Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Picturesque<\/a>

Picturesque towns dot this stretch of the Danube. Viewing from the ship’s upper decks is a must. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Of<\/a>

Of course, ship-spotting is also pretty fun, too! Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Viking<\/a>

Viking Baldur comes alongside Melk’s Docking Station 31. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

This afternoon, Viking Baldur<\/em> docked in Melk, Austria. Melk is a quiet little town that is lorded over by the imposing Stift Melk<\/strong>, or Melk Abbey. From the ship, Viking offered guests a guided tour of this magnificent architectural gem, departing in two waves so as to give guests a more personalised experience.<\/p>\n

\"Welcome<\/a>

Welcome to Melk! Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Groups A & B departed the ship at 1:45 p.m., followed by Groups C, D, and E at 2:15 p.m. As there are steep steps that have to be negotiated to get down to the abbey from the coach parking lot, Viking also offered to call taxis for any guests with mobility issues who wished to visit the abbey. Taxis and smaller shuttle vans are able to pull right up to a service entrance, thereby eliminating the need to negotiate 40 or so steps.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been to the Abbey many times, so I gave the tour a pass. My goal was to visit the small but enjoyable Christmas Market in Melk. Sadly, it was closed until the weekend; the market doesn\u2019t seem to open on weekdays.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The imposing Stift Melk…Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"...literally<\/a>

…literally towers over the town itself. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Still, I managed to have an enjoyable stroll around this pretty little town before walking back to the Viking Baldur<\/em> for a quiet afternoon of reading and writing in the Viking Lounge.<\/p>\n

\"Melk<\/a>

Melk today was…very quiet. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Markers<\/a>

Markers of past floods adorn this building just outside the town. 2013 hasn’t been added yet, but the discolouration tells the tale. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

If Melk was a bit of a bust, my evening onboard the Viking Baldur<\/em> was not. Tonight, guests were treated to a gala Austrian feast, with different Austrian specialties available in the Restaurant, the Lounge, the Aquavit Lounge, and even the ship\u2019s galley. The culinary offerings were different in each venue, and guests were encouraged to graze and mingle the evening away.<\/p>\n

In all the Viking river cruises I\u2019ve done, this was a real first for me, and a truly unique event. I made a beeline for the galley, situated at the forward end of the Restaurant, and loaded up on sauerkraut, roasted ham, sausages and \u2013 of course \u2013 a salted pretzel. I\u2019ve seen the galley on a Viking Longship once before, but watching the reaction of fellow guests \u2013 particularly when they saw how tight space was in the galley \u2013 was a real education. Guests have a better appreciation for what the culinary team here onboard is able to create using such a small, but efficient, space.<\/p>\n

\"Tonight's<\/a>

Tonight’s Austrian Feast included specialties served straight from Viking Baldur’s galley. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Once I\u2019d enjoyed my samples from the galley, I headed up to the Lounge for some more Austrian delicacies. Austrian schnapps was also on-hand, as were Austrian beers and wines.<\/p>\n

One things I\u2019d never realized before is that Viking has their very own dedicated winemaker that provides the line the red and white wines that are served complimentary at lunch and dinner. Hailing from Austria\u2019s Wachau Valley, these are produced by a man named Erhard Morwald, a fifth-generation Austrian winemaker. \u201cWe are creating vintages that are truly memorable,\u201d he says in the Viking Daily<\/em> program for today. \u201cThere has to be the right combination to properly accent the cuisine. That is what we strive for: well-balanced wines rich in character.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Live<\/a>

Live music from local performers from Melk was also offered to guests. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Feast!<\/a>

Feast! Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Viking's<\/a>

Viking’s hand-made pretzels were amazing…Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"...and<\/a>

…and went well with the Schnapps! Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Indeed, the complimentary wines seem to go well with everything \u2013 but if you\u2019re more particular, I\u2019d recommend purchasing the optional Silver Spirits beverage package that offers complimentary bottles of wine from Viking\u2019s premium beverage list, along with spirits and beers served throughout the day. I had it last week in France on Viking Forseti<\/em>, and I have to admit I miss not having it this week.<\/p>\n

So, full of good food and good wine, guests shuffled off to their rooms around ten this evening, as Viking Baldur<\/em> sails down the Danube, bound for our next series of adventures. Events like tonight\u2019s dinner continue to impress me; the fact that Viking is still, to this day, continuing to add new features and tweak their onboard programs is truly spectacular. This is my third Danube sailing with the line \u2013 and they still continue to both impress and surprise me.<\/p>\n

\"Returning<\/a>

Returning to the Viking Baldur this evening in Melk. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Our Live Voyage Report <\/em><\/strong>aboard <\/em>Viking River Cruises\u2019 Viking Baldur<\/em><\/strong><\/a> continues tomorrow as we travel to Linz and Salzburg, Austria! Be sure to follow along on twitter by following <\/em>@deckchairblog<\/em><\/a> or the hashtag #LiveVoyageReport.<\/em><\/p>\n

Our full journey:<\/p>\n

\"Illustration<\/a>

Illustration courtesy of Viking River Cruises.<\/p><\/div>\n

Viking Baldur - Danube Waltz Christmas Markets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
DAY<\/B><\/th>PORT<\/B><\/th>ACTIVITIES<\/B><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
November 29, 2014<\/a><\/td>Budapest, Hungary<\/td>Flight from Bordeaux, France to Budapest, Hungary. Overnight in Budapest at the Kempinski Budapest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November 30<\/a><\/td>Budapest, Hungary<\/td>Embark Viking Baldur; free time to visit the Christmas Market. Traditional Hungarian dinner onboard.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 1, 2014<\/a><\/td>Budapest, Hungary<\/td>City tour of Buda and Pest, including Castle District - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 2<\/a><\/td>Bratislava, Slovakia<\/td>City tour through Slovakia's capital<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 3<\/a><\/td>Vienna, Austria<\/td>Ringstrasse tour or free time; optional excursion to the Christmas Market at Schonbrunn Palace; optional evening concert. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 4<\/a><\/td>Durnstein & Melk, Austria<\/td>Free time or optional walking tour in Durnstein; tour of Melk Abbey. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 5<\/a><\/td>Linz, Austria \/ Salzburg, Austria<\/td>Full day excursion to Salzburg, Austria; free time. Return to ship late at night. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 6<\/a><\/td>Passau, Germany<\/td>Walking tour & free time<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 7, 2014<\/td>Passau, Germany<\/td>Disembark Viking Baldur; transfer to Munich, Germany for onward journey home.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

All Things Austrian With Viking River Cruises Aaron Saunders, Live Voyage Reports December 4, 2014 An eventful day was in store for guests aboard Viking River Cruises\u2019 Viking Baldur today. Not only would we get to visit two ports of call \u2013 the Austrian towns of Durnstein and Melk \u2013 but we\u2019d also cap off […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":7227,"parent":21107,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7302"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7302"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7302\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21107"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7302"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}