This exquisite little riverside town on the Banks of the Danube is most famous for its gigantic baroque Benedictine Monastery. Settled since at least Roman times, Melk was the seat of the Babenbergs, and then the Hapsburgs, before being turned over to the Benedictine Monks in the 11th century. It soon became famous as a centre of culture and learning. The famous novelist Umberto Eco was greatly influenced by the Melk Abbey in his writing of The Name of the Rose.

Tourist-wise, other than its monastery, Melk has a cute little old town to explore. The surrounding country-side is prime wine-producing country, so see if you can rent a cycle or a car and go exploring.