Wachau region, Danube river Austria

First day in Vienna, we opted for a bus/ cruise to see part of the Danube valley.  It was a great trip, still hard to understand the guide with the mix of nationalities and a drizzle of rain to begin- but the coutryside is wonderful- of course as ex-farmers we look to evaluate the crops.

Above: the Durnstein ruin

Once we were on the short cruise, the wonderful aroma of fresh air, the different coloured buildings and very old castles began to appear, as did the possibilities for camper vans.

Schonbuhel castle

Tours were operating all day- tours embarking, disembarking, catching their buses again to the climb to the Melk Benedictine Castle.

And the Abbey!  We had an hour of free time before an escorted quick tour through the musuem rooms of the Abbey.  This garden pavilion is what we found.

 And the frescos on walls and ceiling were specatular.  A great place for coffee and apple strudel, of course!

 A close up of part of the fresco- just for Janeen!


And the view behind it was awe inspiring too.

And the Abbey library- a famous learning place for centuries with many hand written volumes...

And the church itself acheived what the monks wanted to do and still do that nothing is more important than the worship service.