What to do in Wachau

Activities, attractions and tours

This image was uploaded as part of Wiki Loves Monuments 2011.
This image was uploaded as part of Wiki Loves Monuments 2011.

Wachau Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Wachau has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Wachau is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Wachau to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Wachau Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Wachau.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Wachau attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Saxon Switzerland National Park

Immense forests sweep across the scenic rocky terrain of the Saxon Switzerland National Park (Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz). With its highest peak reaching around 1,824 feet (556 meters) above sea level, the picturesque reserve contains a breathtaking landscape of mountains and canyons. Trek through undulating meadows to encounter quaint villages, fields, sandstone mountains and the Elbe River.
Learn more
Saxon Switzerland National Park showing a river or creek and views as well as a large group of people

2. Semper Opera House

Nearly two centuries of tumultuous history awaits at Dresden’s stunning opera house. The Semper Opera House is a palatial building perched on the banks of the Elbe River and is home to the Saxon State Orchestra and the Semperoper ballet. Admire its diverse architecture, which comprises elements of a number of periods. Book tickets to take in a musical event inside.
Learn more
Semper Opera House showing a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

3. Church of Our Lady

Despite dating back to the 18th century, Dresden’s iconic church remained a pile of rubble for half a century following the 1945 bombing of Dresden. Today, following a long reconstructive period, the Church of Our Lady has been returned to its original state, and is considered one of the most important examples of Protestant sacred architecture in the region. Climb its arched dome or take in a concert within its cavernous nave.
Learn more
Church of Our Lady which includes a church or cathedral, interior views and religious elements

4. Zwinger Palace

Among Dresden’s most recognizable buildings is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The Zwinger Palace dominates the northwestern boundary of Dresden’s Old Town, close to the Royal Palace and the opera house. Visit the Zwinger Palace to stroll through its decadent gardens and courtyards, to see a large collection of art and artifacts and to admire the opulent interior of the palace.
Learn more
Zwinger Palace featuring château or palace and a statue or sculpture

5. Old Market Square

Dresden is famous across the world for its Christmas Market, or Striezelmarkt, but the Old Market Square bustles year round. Mentioned for the first time in 1370, it was the heart of the city until its destruction in 1945. Today, after a brief time as a parking lot under the GDR, it has been reborn, hosting markets, sporting events, performances and more throughout the year. Come for a specific event or just wander by and see what’s on, a perfect way to experience the real Dresden.
Learn more
Old Market Square showing street scenes and a square or plaza as well as a couple

6. Koenigstein Fortress

Koenigstein Fortress is an impressive 13th-century fortress in Saxon Switzerland, Germany. Used as a state prison for centuries, the fortress is now one of Saxony’s most popular tourist attractions. Take a guided tour to view the gatehouse, the well house, the parade ground and other spots.
Learn more
Koenigstein Fortress which includes château or palace

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

Recommended things to do in Wachau

Number of things to do
123
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Dresden Self-Guided Audio Tour: Semperoper, Frauenkirche, and many more: CA $12
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Wachau

Discover the most popular places to visit in Wachau

Castle Seifersdorf

Find out about the history of Seifersdorf with a stop at Castle Seifersdorf. Take in the fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Castle Seifersdorf

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Wachau

Dresden featuring a square or plaza

Dresden

Europa, Deutschland, Sachsen, Landkreis Bautzen, Radeberg, Schloss Klippenstein, Heimatmuseum

Radeberg

Die Talsperre Wallroda

Arnsdorf

Frequently asked questions

Is Wachau worth visiting?
Wachau offers an interesting mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local cuisine, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Wachau?
Castle Seifersdorf and Lichtenberger Church are two good places to kick-start your vacation adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Wachau while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Wachau?
You can't leave without exploring Radeberger Brewery, rated the top tourist attraction in Wachau.
Is three days enough to stay in Wachau?
Three days in Wachau is plenty of time to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Radeberger Brewery, Castle Seifersdorf and Lichtenberger Church are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots like Dresden.
Is Wachau a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Wachau, like Radeberger Brewery and Castle Seifersdorf, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 3 kilometres from the city centre of Wachau is Leppersdorf and Feldschlößchen is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Wachau with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all the family, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Wachau with kids.

What to do in Wachau for adults?
Radeberger Brewery and Museum Pfefferkuchen-Schauwerkstatt are just two of the things to do in Wachau. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Wachau?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Wachau is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can visit without getting your cash out. Lichtenberger Church is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.