Beautiful Melk, Austria

Tueday July 1st, 2014

We had fantastic weather for our time in Melk!

We were just docking in Melk as we awoke this morning. Looks like a busy day on the Danube as we spotted several other ships already docked & we had to double dock alongside an Avalon Waterways ship. This happens sometimes & means that if you are on the side next to the other ship you can't use your balcony as they are very close. It also means you should keep your curtains closed when you are getting changed :)

Today's excursion, after breakfast was a trip to the beautiful Melk Abby & a walking tour through the town. Melk is a small town with a population of about 6,000 people, however the Abby is huge & dominates the town.

Phototaken from our ship.

Views from outside the Abby:

The Melk Abby was originally the home of the Babenberg family until it became a Benedictine Monastery in 1089. 

In 1978 it underwent an extensive renovation & although still used by the Benedictine Monks, is also a school, function centre & cultural event venue. In fact Australia's James Morrison is performing there in July.

Here are some photos of the Abby & grounds.

Then we were taken on a walking tour down many steps into the main part of the town. Lot's of beautiful old buildings, many currently being repaired due to the extensive damage obtained in the June 2013 floods. This are was hit really badly, apparently.

We had a coffee in the main square, took more photos & began the 20 minute walk back to our ship. Some snaps along the the way:

The best views of the outside of the Abby was as we walked back to our ship.

Luckily as we approached our ship the other one was leaving, so no obstructed view from our balcony.

Once back on board we were greeted with a slice of warm, traditional onion tart & a glass of local elderflower wine. Very good indeed!

Just time to download photos and a quick rest before lunch.

Next we leave here at 1.15pm & head towards Durnstein for another excursion later this afternoon. As you can see, no rest for the wicked! I think we do have an hour of scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley first though.

More later.

Betty & Mike