Melk

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Kunsthistorisches Museum
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Austria

Kunsthistorisches Museum

9.2
4.8/5
624 reviews
The Kunsthistorisches Museum was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph specifically to house the art collections accumulated by the Habsburg dynasty over the centuries. Designed by architects Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer, it officially opened in 1891. The museum building itself is a work of art, with its Renaissance-style facade, towering octagonal dome, and marble-decorated interiors complementing one another; the grand staircase leading to the upper floor features murals painted by Klimt and others, and the hall beneath the dome is equally worth pausing to admire. The collection is mainly divided into the Picture Gallery, the Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection, the Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities, the Coin Collection, and the Kunstkammer. The Picture Gallery is the highlight of the entire museum, with the paintings of Pieter Bruegel the Elder being particularly precious—the museum holds over ten of his oil paintings, including masterpieces such as "The Tower of Babel," "The Hunters in the Snow," and "The Peasant Wedding," a concentration of works rarely seen among museums worldwide. In addition, Raphael's "Madonna of the Meadow," Caravaggio's "The Crowning with Thorns," Vermeer's "The Art of Painting," Velázquez's portraits of the Spanish royal family, and Arcimboldo's "Four Seasons" series are all displayed here. The Kunstkammer houses the golden salt cellar crafted by Cellini, regarded as a representative masterpiece of Renaissance goldsmithing. The entire museum is worth spending the better part of a day savoring in detail, and ample time should be set aside especially for the Picture Gallery and the Bruegel room.Vienna · 75 km from Melk

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Featured Culture & history in Melk

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From Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Trip with Danube Boat Tour
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Duration: 8 hrs
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From€132.23
Trip to Wachau Cultural Landscape and Melk from Vienna, Austria: summer boat ticket + winter monastery
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From€167.57
Hallstatt + Melk Abbey + Orth Castle one-day self-guided tour [bookable for one person]
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From€108.88
From Vienna: Hallstatt Day Trip with Audio Guide & Melk Stop
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Duration: 12 hrs
English
Free cancellation
From€98.89
From Vienna: Salzburg Day Trip with Guided Tour, Audio Guide
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Duration: 13.1 hrs
English
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From€138.89
Vienna: Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey Tour with Danube Boat Trip
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4.5/5
· 40 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
Free cancellation
From€119.00
Vienna to Hallstatt Trip & Melk Abbey Stop in 22 Languages
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4.5/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 12 hrs
Free cancellation
From€89.10
Private Day Tour of Hallstatt and Salzburg from Vienna
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4.8/5
· 142 reviews
Duration: 11–12 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
95.8% of travelers recommend
From€772.12

Featured Food & drink in Melk

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Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting from Vienna
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4.8/5
· 608 reviews
Duration: 510 mins
Free cancellation
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86 consecutive positive reviews
From€202.19
3 Castles & Wine Private Tour in Wachau Valley with Melk Church
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Duration: 8–9 hrs
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From€436.51
From Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting
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4.9/5
· 74 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
Free cancellation
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97.3% of travelers recommend
From€199.00
Vienna: Chocolate Workshop in Chocolate Museum w/ Tasting
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4.6/5
· 242 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
English
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Chocolate Museum Vienna BO-YO: Entry Ticket + Workshop
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Duration: 1 hr
English
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From€39.00
Vienna: Evening Food Tour with Dinner, Wine & Cocktails
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 4.5 hrs
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From€175.00

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Melk Today's weatherMostly clear 0-7℃
Melk weather for the next 2 days11/6: -1-8℃, 11/7: -2-7℃

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What travelers say about Melk

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Sadman AayanOctober 14, 2026
5.0
Wachau Cultural Landscape – A Charming Austrian TreasureWachau Cultural Landscape is a breathtaking destination in Austria, famous for its beautiful Danube River views, charming villages, historic castles, and picturesque vineyards. The harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes this region truly special. Walking through its peaceful surroundings feels like stepping into a postcard, with stunning scenery at every turn. Visitors can explore historic landmarks, enjoy scenic river cruises, discover local traditions, and capture unforgettable photographs. The changing colors of the landscape make every season attractive in its own way. Whether you love history, nature, or relaxing escapes, Wachau Cultural Landscape is a wonderful destination that deserves a place on your travel bucket list.

Wachau Cultural Landscape

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非你不渴February 24, 2022
5.0
Melk Abbey is a monastery that I like very much. I often imagine the scenes of the nuns moving around in it. It is actually a bit like the deep palace in China, and may not be so free.

Melk Abbey

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leeryssApril 3, 2016
5.0
There are few people below Melk Abbey, but it is still very lively in the morning market. The various delicacies make you want to drool. You can take a boat tour of the Wachau Valley, or you can visit the monastery leisurely.

Melk

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软的咩咩November 4, 2026
5.0
Even as someone who doesn’t know much about art, I was stunned by this museum. Every part of it filled with incredible artwork and breathtaking architecture. Art lovers, architecture enthusiasts would definitely enjoy this place. We spent around 2.5 hours exploring and it was absolutely worth it, no regrets at all !

Kunsthistorisches Museum

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chuanlanzhengOctober 5, 2026
5.0
Scanning the QR code at the entrance was quick and easy. The Belvedere Palace's art exhibition spans three floors, enough to easily fill a whole day. The park outside features fountains and sculptures depicting various figures from ancient Greek mythology. I sent photos and pictures of the sculptures to Doubao, and he explained them in detail.

Belvedere Palace

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What are the must-do things in Melk?

Don't miss these attractions in Melk: Wachau Cultural Landscape, Melk Abbey, and Skilift Jauerling. If you like Culture & history, try From Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Trip with Danube Boat Tour. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting from Vienna.

You can give Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting from Vienna and 3 Castles & Wine Private Tour in Wachau Valley with Melk Church a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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