The Melk Abbey and Krems, Austria

Its a bright golden abbey nestled high on a hill surrounded by towers.  The view up to the tower and down below once at the abbey is spectacular.  This abbey was built in the 1700's and most impressive are the libraries (still used by monks on-site) and the church with its gold leaf statues and faux marble pillars.  The church is like no other with its extravagant baroque features and frescoes.  Its not surprise that the abbey was originally a palace.

We walked the small town of Melk which was perfect for a cafe and shopping and later the town of Krems.  In the afternoon we sailed on the Danube with a cool welcomed rain.  I'll take rain any day over the high temperatures we had a few days ago.  The Melk region is a wine growing region with beautiful villages and castles.  What a fantastic sail today.

River scenes

The Abbey

Abbey gardens

Krems