Weißenkirchen in der Wachau

Named after the large fortified church which dominates the town (Weißenkirchen = 'white church'), the town began in the 9th century as a monastic vineyard. Today it is still known for its excellent wines, and attracts many tourists travelling through the Wachau region.

• 🌍 Tourismusinformation (Tourist Information), Wachaustraße 242, ☏ +43 2715 2600, info@weissenkirchen-wachau.at. Apr-Oct: M-Sa 10:00-13:00 15:00-18:00. Staff can help with reserving accommodation, and also have on hand town maps, hiking maps, and Heuriger schedules. (updated Oct 2016)

The town centre is very compact, although visiting nearby vineyards or sights may require a bit of a hike.

• 🌍 Pfarrkirche Mariae Himmelfahrt (Church of the Assumption of Mary). The Gothic 14th-century fortified church dominates the town, and is additionally surrounded by a defensive wall with watchtowers. It was built in several phases between the 13th and 18th centuries. The smaller tower is the original church tower and dates from 1330, while the larger tower was built in 1531 as a defensive structure against Turkish invaders. The interior is a mix of late Gothic and Baroque. (updated Oct 2016)
• 🌍 Wachaumuseum, Weißenkirchen 117 (Teisenhoferhof), ☏ +43 2715 2268. Apr-Oct: Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. The 15th-century building is a venue for exhibitions by local Wachau artists. €5 (adults), €2.50 (children). (updated Oct 2016)
• 🌍 Wehrkirche St. Michael (Fortififed Church of St. Michael) (2km W in St. Michael). A succession of churches have been built in this spot atop a small Celtic sacrificial site. The current structure dates from around 1500 with later Baroque additions and renovations. (updated Oct 2016)

Most inns and hotels in the area also have good onsite restaurants; see the 'Sleep' section below for individual listings.

• 🌍 Restaurant Heinzle, Wachaustraße 280, ☏ +43 2715 2231, restaurant@heinzle.at. W-Sa 11:30-21:00 Su 11:30-19:00. Serves regional cuisine with an emphasis on local fish and produce, using both traditional and modern recipes and techniques. In nice weather diners can enjoy the pleasant garden which directly overlooks the river. (updated Nov 2016)

• 🌍 Weingut Hermenegild Mang, Landstraße 38 (Weißenkirchen), ☏ +43 2715 2276, fax: +43 2715 2276 6, astrid.mang@gmx.at. Apr-Oct daily 12:00-; closed Nov-Mar. The family-run vineyard has been operating since 1919, and has won multiple awards for its Grüner Veltliner as well as its Riesling. Their Heuriger serves typical regional cold dishes, with a few vegetarian options. It is situated in a pleasant garden, with a large play area for children, and has extra indoor seating for inclement weather. (updated Oct 2016)