What to do in Wachau

Activities, attractions and tours

A detailed statue of a historical figure with inscriptions and decorative elements.

Wachau Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Wachau has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Wachau, 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 to Wachau 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.

Places of interest in Wachau

Wachau is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Wachau, and make it a breeze to explore Wachau and 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 holiday 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 to Wachau, 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 in Wachau.

Wachau attractions

Wachau 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 in Wachau to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Wachau.

Looking for things to do in Wachau 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 of Wachau or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Wachau attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Picture 6 for Activity Dresden: River Sightseeing Boat Cruise

Dresden: River Sightseeing Boat Cruise

£23
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Dresden: River Sightseeing Boat Cruise
Dresden: Zwinger Museum Entry Ticket

Dresden: Zwinger Museum Entry Ticket

£15
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Dresden: Zwinger Museum Entry Ticket
Dresden: Guided City Walk with a Cup of Coffee

Dresden: Old Town Walking Tour: The Fascination of Dresden

£12
per adult
Dresden: Old Town Walking Tour: The Fascination of Dresden
Taste of Dresden Food Walk

Dresden: Delicious Dresden - The Culinary City Walking Tour

£16
per adult
Dresden: Delicious Dresden - The Culinary City Walking Tour
Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German

Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German

£29
per adult
Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German
Dresden Small Group Walking Tour

Dresden Small Group Walking Tour

£26
per adult
Dresden Small Group Walking Tour
Dresden: TimeRide VR Time Travel Experience Ticket

Dresden: Virtual Reality Time Travel Experience Ticket

£20
per adult
Dresden: Virtual Reality Time Travel Experience Ticket
Dresden: History Walking Tour and Chocolate Museum Ticket

Dresden: Old Town Walking Tour & Chocolate Museum Entrance

£14
per adult
Dresden: Old Town Walking Tour & Chocolate Museum Entrance
Dresden: Guided City Walk and Panometer Entrance Ticket

Dresden: Altstadtrundgang inkl. Eintritt Panometer

£19
per adult
Dresden: Altstadtrundgang inkl. Eintritt Panometer
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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.
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A group of people on a cliff overlooking a river and a town.

2. 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.
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An ornate church interior with a central organ, arched ceilings, and intricate woodwork.

3. 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.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a clock.

4. 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.
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A grand building with ornate architecture, a statue of a man on horseback, and a fountain.

5. 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.
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A historic stone castle perched atop a rocky cliff, with a pathway leading up to it.

6. 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.
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A European square with cafes, outdoor seating, and historic buildings.

Recommended things to do in Wachau

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Wachau

Stay near popular Wachau attractions

Castle Seifersdorf

Find out about the history of Seifersdorf when you spend time at Castle Seifersdorf. Take in the fascinating museums in this walkable area.
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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

A historic square with cobblestone pavement, surrounded by classical European architecture and a prominent clock tower.

Dresden

A historic building with a dome, surrounded by lush greenery and a pathway.

Ottendorf-Okrilla

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 holiday 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 kms (2 miles) from the city centre of Wachau is Leppersdorf and Feldschlößchen is 2 kms (1 mile) 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.