Krems an der Donau

Krems an der Donau
Name	Krems an der Donau
State	Lower Austria
District	Statutory city
Population	24876
Elevation	203
Coordinates	48, 25, N, 15...
Postal code	3500
Area code	02732
Licence plate	KS
Website	www.krems.gv.at

Krems an der der Donau. It is a statutory city in the Austrian state of Lower Austria, situated at the confluence of the Krems River and the Danube in the Wachau valley. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it serves as a major center for wine production, culture, and education within the region. The city's history spans over a millennium, with its economic and cultural significance deeply rooted in river trade, viticulture, and its historic role as a trading post.

History

The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with significant findings from the La Tène culture. The city was first mentioned in a document from 995 AD, issued by Emperor Otto III, which referenced the toll station "Chremisa". Its strategic location on the Danube made it a vital trading hub during the Middle Ages, leading to its elevation to city status in 1305. Krems flourished under the House of Babenberg and later the House of Habsburg, becoming a center for the salt and wine trade. It was a significant site during the Counter-Reformation, with the Jesuits establishing a college here. The city endured sieges during the Thirty Years' War and was occupied by Napoleon's troops in 1805 and 1809. In the 20th century, it was the site of a subcamp of the Mauthausen concentration camp during the Anschluss.

Geography

The city is located in the southern part of the Waldviertel region, at the start of the scenic Wachau valley, a UNESCO cultural landscape. It lies on the left bank of the Danube, opposite the town of Stein, with which it merged in 1938. The urban area extends into the surrounding hills, including the Förthof and Weinzierl districts, and is bordered by the municipalities of Dürnstein, Rohrendorf bei Krems, and Senftenberg. The local climate is influenced by the Pannonian Basin, providing favorable conditions for viticulture on the terraced slopes along the river.

Main sights

The Steiner Tor, a preserved late-medieval city gate, is a iconic landmark. The historic old town features the Pfarrkirche St. Veit, a Gothic parish church, and the Dominikanerkirche with its Baroque interior. The Kunstmeile Krems is a prominent cultural district housing the Kunsthalle Krems and the Karikaturmuseum Krems. Other notable sites include the Gozzoburg, one of the oldest secular buildings in Austria, the Weinstadtmuseum Krems in the former Dominican monastery, and the Museum Krems in the former Piarist college. The nearby Göttweig Abbey, a Benedictine monastery, overlooks the valley from the south.

Economy

The economy is traditionally dominated by viticulture and wine production, with the city being a central hub for the Wachau wine region. Major wineries and cooperatives, such as the Winzer Krems, are headquartered here. Other significant industries include manufacturing, with companies like Boehringer Ingelheim operating a large pharmaceutical plant, and the Kremsmesser cutlery factory. The University for Continuing Education Krems and the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems contribute to a growing knowledge-based sector, particularly in health sciences and business.

Culture

The city hosts several major cultural events, including the annual Kremser Musikfrühling festival and the Glatt & Verkehrt world music festival. It is a center for contemporary art, anchored by the institutions of the Kunstmeile Krems. The Kremser Schmidt, a notable Baroque painter, was born and worked here. The literary tradition is represented by figures like the poet Erich Fried, who spent part of his life in the city. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by regional wines, with numerous Heuriger taverns in the surrounding areas.

Transport

Krems is a key transport node in western Lower Austria, served by the Krems an der Donau railway station on the Franz-Josefs-Bahn line from Vienna to Gmünd and České Velenice. The Kremser Hafenbahn provides a rail link to the port facilities. Major road connections include the Kremser Straße (B3) and the Donau Straße (B3a), with the Krems Süd junction providing access to the A22 motorway. Local public transport is operated by bus services connecting the city to surrounding towns and villages in the Wachau and Waldviertel.

Category:Cities and towns in Lower Austria Category:Statutory cities of Austria Category:World Heritage Sites in Austria