Schönbühel an der Donau

Schönbühel an der Donau Review

To return to the Wachau from Schallaburg, head back toward Melk and take Route 33 along the south bank. This route, attractive any time of year, is spectacular (and thus heavily traveled) in early spring, when apricot and apple trees burst into glorious bloom. Among the palette of photogenic pleasures is Schönbühel an der Donau, whose picturesque castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the river, is unfortunately not open to visitors. Past the village of Aggsbachdorf you'll spot, on a hill to your right, the romantic ruin of the 13th-century Aggstein Castle, reportedly the lair of pirates who preyed on river traffic.