Today was a day of awe-inspiring sights, delicious treats, and unforgettable music. From the grandeur of the Melk Abbey to the scenic Wachau Valley and ending with a classical concert in Vienna, we were immersed in the beauty and culture of Austria.
Rainy Start in Melk
We woke to a rainy morning as our ship docked in the town of Melk. The crew was out on the gangway and shore, helping passengers navigate the icy sidewalks as we prepared for our excursion to the Melk Abbey. Despite the weather, the anticipation of exploring this historic treasure kept spirits high.
Exploring Melk Abbey
The Melk Abbey (Stift Melk), a Baroque masterpiece overlooking the Danube, was the highlight of our morning. This living abbey houses monks and serves as a secondary school for students aged 10 to 15.
The Imperial Corridor and Museum
Our visit began in the Imperial Corridor, a 196-meter-long hallway adorned with portraits of Austrian rulers, including Maria Theresa and her husband, Francis I. The museum rooms brought the abbey’s history to life (no pictures allowed inside the main rooms of the Abbey):
- Room 1: Introduced the monks’ way of life based on St. Benedict’s Rule, with its first word, Höre (Listen), emphasizing prayer, work, reading, and obedience.
- Room 2: Displayed the oldest portable altar, a small but significant piece of history.
- Room 3: Explored the abbey’s foundation in 1090 and its reforms after fires, floods, and plagues.
- Room 4: Showcased an 18th-century chalice containing relics of John the Baptist.
- Room 5: Featured murals of angels and vestments for different occasions, including Christmas and funerals.
- Room 6: Highlighted changes under Emperor Joseph II, including exposed brick and practical innovations like reusable service caskets.
- Room 8: Held a giant treasure chest with 14 bolts to keep it locked tight.
- Room 9: Concluded with a scale model of the abbey as it stands today.
The Marble Room and Library
The Marble Room dazzled with its high frescoed ceilings, depicting a Greek goddess of wisdom leading the way from darkness to light.
Next, we visited the library, home to over 100,000 books across 10 rooms. The main library, with its 9,000 volumes and intricate frescoes, was breathtaking. The smaller science library added another 7,000 books, and the abbey’s total collection spans works from the 16th to 18th centuries.
The Church
The abbey’s church was the grand finale, with stunning frescoes, gold-covered wood statues, and a 3,500-pipe organ. Its beauty left us in awe.
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| The Abbey even had their own beer |
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| Snow flurries as we arrived back at the ship |
Cruising the Wachau Valley
Back on the ship, we cruised through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its picturesque vineyards and historic landmarks. Highlights included:
- Schloss Schönbühel: A castle perched dramatically on a cliff.
- Aggstein Castle: Cloaked in fog, giving it a mystical feel.
- Dürnstein Abbey: Famous for its striking blue and white tower.
- Hills of a Thousand Buckets: The terraced vineyards of Spitz, known for producing riesling and other white wines.
The misty scenery added a dreamy quality to this part of our journey.
A Sweet Cookie Demonstration
In the afternoon, we joined a holiday cookie demonstration and learned about Austrian baking traditions. Fun facts included:
- Baking season traditionally begins on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
- St. Nicholas visits children on December 6th, while Krampus arrives on December 5th to warn the naughty ones!
- Cookies are stored in tin boxes to preserve their flavors—never in the fridge!
We sampled eight different types of cookies, each more delicious than the last.
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| They shoot them out of the top of the trees that you can't reach. |
Arriving in Vienna
As the ship navigated its final locks, we reached Vienna, the City of Music, in the evening. The excitement of arriving in Austria’s capital was palpable, especially as we prepared for a special night out.
Classical Music Concert: Royal Waltz
After dinner, we ventured into Vienna for the Royal Waltz Classical Music Concert, an enchanting evening celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage.
Vienna and classical music go hand in hand, and this performance brought the connection to life. Held in a beautiful venue, the concert featured a costumed cast of top European singers and musicians from the Original Vienna Salon Orchestra.
The program included famous waltzes, polkas, marches, and operetta excerpts by Mozart, Strauss, Lehár, and more. Highlights included:
- Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II.
- The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár.
- The Blue Danube Waltz, a Viennese classic that made everyone want to dance!
The performers’ skill and energy were mesmerizing, and their elegant costumes added to the magic of the night.
Reflections on the Day
From the history and grandeur of the Melk Abbey to the scenic beauty of the Wachau Valley and the soul-stirring music of Vienna, today was a feast for the senses. As we returned to the ship and watched the lights of Vienna from our cabin, we felt grateful for the unforgettable experiences this journey continues to offer. Tomorrow a full day in Vienna.
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