Krems, Wachau Valley Austria

Our first stop was The Gottweig Abbey run by Benedictine monks. It's a beautiful setting in the hills with an abundance of grape vines and apricot trees. The monks produce wines and apricot products to fund the abbey and all of their activities in the surrounding area. They run parishes, schools and other ministries. Like most prominent properties in the area, the Abbey was taken over by the Nazis, but the Benedictines were able to reclaim what was left of it.
We had dumplings with an entire apricot in the center...yuuuum. The rest of our day was sitting on the top deck while sailing to Passau, Germany. The Danube cuts through the Wachau Valley. It's a beautiful region with old fortifications, castles and vineyards.
We have enjoyed many locks, and can watch the bow cam when we're inside!Read more