The opulence of this abbey, or at least the areas built to accommodate and entertain the aristocracy, which is what we saw, just doesn't seem to suggest a life of bare feet, funny haircuts and quiet prayer. The first part of the tour takes you through several rooms which have been turned into a quite modernly decorated museum with religious... More

The abbey at Melk, Austria is one which reflects the royal retreats for which it was used, rather than the quiet contemplation the name implies. The magnificent series of courtyards, gardens, gates, halls pale in comparison to the gilded chapel. I know it was supposed to dazzle, but instead it made me kind of sad. The finest collection in the... More

Well laid out for tourists as you are funneled through different areas providing history of the Abbey and then finally into the church which is magnificent. Everything has been renovated recently so no tarps over anything like many European attractions. Minimal steps to navigate for those with restricted mobility. The timing didn't allow us to get a guided tour in... More

As a day trip from Vienna, buy tickets at any major station. You'll get a train ticket to Melk, a voucher for visiting the abbey, a voucher for a boat to Krems and a train ticket back. The abbey as well as the town are a must-see, the boat offers amazing views of the Wachau valley, the only rather disappointing... More

I visited the monastery in Melk on my way from Salzburg to Vienna. The monastery is quite impressive, newly renewed, finished 2012 , and the church is one of the most beautiful I have seen so far during my travels. More

This fabulous Benedictine abbey nestled atop a rocky hill with a birdseye view of the Danube is a not-to-miss attraction in the heart of Austria's Wachau Valley. Though the original abbey was founded back in the late 11th century, today's structure dates from the 1700s. It is home to a stunning library with medieval manuscripts and a lovely church with... More

This is a "don't miss" is you are on the Danube. Abby-solutely FFabulous. Magnificant building, library and church. More

Based on the excellent suggestions in Trip Advisor, we went by subway and train to Melk on April 3 2012. (Four adults and one 12 y/o). The trip was an easyone (subway to the western train station in Vienna, then a lovely train ride) and quite reasonable. Both the town, the Abbey, and the surrounding areas were beautiful. The food... More

We took a train from Vienna to Melk, a grat Abbey, the town has many cafes and restaurants is very charming, we made a good decision and took a ferry down the Danube which had wonderful scenery of castles, etc, we disembarked at Krems where we walked to town(1 kilometer) from ferry and had a light supper before taking the... More