About Krems an der Donau

Krems an der Donau is the eastern gateway to the Wachau Valley, one of Europe's loveliest river landscapes. It is also one of the oldest cities in the land. This history extending back more than a thousand years is evident everywhere - in the streets and squares, in the old monasteries and churches, in the town houses and fortifications.

The historical center of Krems is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Over the centuries, builders and architects have created a unique cityscape here that has been lovingly cared for and preserved. These efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 1975 Krems was singled out as a "Model City for Historical Preservation" and in 2000 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. With all this history, you might think that the city is dominated by the past. In reality, Krems is very open to modern life: Contemporary art and culture play an important role here, adding variety and energy to public areas throughout the city.

Enjoying the Arts Krems has a diverse calendar of events as a festival venue. Thousands of visitors flock to Krems year after year to attend the Danube Festival, East-West Music Festival, Wachau Film Festival, Folk Music Festival, Children's and Young People's Theater Festival and the many other musical and theatrical events staged here. The city wine museum, housed in one of the most beautiful monasteries in the land, has a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Krems has a new Arts Mile featuring the new caricature museum, Kunsthalle Krems, the NÖ Literature Center and a number of other culture institutions with a diverse lineup of special events.

Economy and Education Krems also has a rich tradition as an economic and educational center. Its Bio Science Park is an attractive location for companies engaged in bio-tech and in application-oriented research. As the site of the Danube University, a technical college and a broad range of secondary schools, Krems is a major center of Austrian education. The more than 9,000 secondary and university students studying here play a vital part in the life of this city.