Running in the Wachau

The Wachau – a dream for runners

Running, as far as your legs will carry you, clean air deep in your lungs and views of the probably most enchanting landscape in Lower Austria… Running enjoys unbroken enthusiasm and is one of the most flexible sports, as it offers the opportunity to actively move in nature regardless of the seasons. Especially the Wachau makes the runner's heart beat faster, no matter if hobby runner or ambitious athlete. It is not for nothing that every year in late summer the Wachau becomes a place to be for long-distance runners - at the Wachau Marathon, one of the most beautiful marathons in Austria.

Kilometre after kilometre through the landscape along the Danube

The Wachau offers all those who love running a multitude of possibilities to run long distances along the Danube or through the charming hilly landscape.

Let yourself be inspired by tips and infos and look forward to the ideal starting point with the Donauhof hotel or the Landhotel Wachau!

The WACHAUmarathon – a top-class event

Get your room in due time – the start is in Emmersdorf – right in front of the Donauhof hotel.

One of the most beautiful regions in Austria quakes under the legs of innumerable running enthusiasts and the exciting crowd which cheers the runners on along the race between the Danube and the vineyards!

Emmersdorf has built a reputation of being the village where the Wachau marathon has its beginning – the start for the 42 km long distance is at the beginning of the village.

The marathon runners start at the roundabout in Emmersdorf (new route since 2009), run a small round upstream to Luberegg castle (about 2 km) and pass the hotel a second time before they run towards Krems.

The rest of the 39 km leads along the Danube until the finish in the town centre of Krems.

No matter if you want to explore the Wachau in running shoes, with walking poles, inline skates or by bike, Austria’s best-known wine region will enchant you with its unforgettable attractions.

Should you want to participate in Austria’s second largest marathon event as a runner or as a spectator you will find the ideal host in all categories in the Pichler hotels and inns. We look forward to you!

Skating at the Danube

For those who love skating, Emmersdorf offers a small rink next to the Hafenstüberl at the Danube lake.

Longer tours are possible along the Danube cycle path Passau – Vienna or a run around the Danube power plant Melk.