The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching along the Danube between Melk and Krems, is renowned for its vineyards, apricot orchards, medieval castles and monasteries. Around 50 OeAD scholarship holders took part in our day excursion visiting Melk, Dürnstein and Krems and enjoying a scenic boat ride on the Danube. The excursion was made possible with financial support of the Province of Lower Austria (Land Niederösterreich).
Our first stop was Melk Abbey, one of Austria's most famous Benedictine monasteries. Founded more than 900 years ago, the abbey stands on a hill overlooking the Danube River. It is celebrated for its magnificent Baroque architecture, impressive library, and breathtaking views of the Wachau Valley. Today, it remains an active monastery where Benedictine monks live and work, while also serving as an important cultural and educational centre.
After lunch at Stiftsrestaurant Melk, we boarded a boat for a scenic cruise from Melk to Dürnstein. Along the journey, we admired the steep, terraced vineyards in the Wachau region, which are renowned for producing some of Austria's finest wines, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
As we approached Dürnstein, we enjoyed splendid views of the picturesque village and its iconic blue-and-white church tower, one of the most recognisable landmarks of the Wachau region. After disembarking, we visited Dürnstein Abbey, an elegant Baroque monastery built in the 18th century. The abbey offers beautiful panoramic views of the Danube River and the surrounding vineyards.
Our final stop was the historic city of Krems, located at the eastern end of the Wachau Valley. Krems is known for its charming old town, with its narrow medieval streets, historic buildings, and numerous cultural attractions. It provided a fitting conclusion to a memorable day exploring one of Austria's most scenic and culturally significant landscapes.
The aim of these events is to provide participants with a deeper understanding of Austria's history, culture and society, while also creating opportunities for networking and social exchange. OeAD scholars come from a wide range of countries and academic disciplines and are enrolled at universities across Austria. These events offer a valuable platform for participants to meet peers from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, expand their professional networks and build lasting personal and professional connections. By combining cultural experiences with opportunities for informal exchange, the events help scholars feel welcome in Austria while fostering a strong sense of community among the international scholarship cohort.
Participant feedback consistently highlights the value of these events. Many scholars emphasise that visits to historic sites provide unique insights into Austria's rich cultural heritage and demonstrate the country's commitment to preserving its history. As one participant reflected:
“For me, the highlights of the programme were the guided visits to Melk Abbey, Dürnstein and Krems, each of which offered a unique window into the region’s history and cultural richness. I particularly enjoyed the boat ride along the Danube, which made the landscape more immersive and added a relaxing, scenic aspect to the day.”
Others appreciated learning about the distinct character of different regions of Austria:
“The valuable takeaway from the event was the learning of Austrian history of the places we visited. It is great to know how Austrian people have preserved their history and culture. Every locality and town has its own special food, culture and vibe.”
The events also play an important role in strengthening the international OeAD scholarship community by helping participants build friendships and professional networks:
“Integrating scholars with others and helping them feel at home while introducing them to the country's history, culture, and inclusivity is the takeaway from the event.”
Beyond their cultural and social dimensions, the events also contribute to participants' professional development. Several scholars noted that observing the organisation of the programme provided practical experience that they intend to apply in their future careers:
“The most valuable takeaway from this event is how architecture, art, and history come together to create a powerful sense of cultural and spiritual continuity. Besides, I learned how to organize events, including selecting venues, managing events, and collaborating with participants. This event provided me with valuable experience when I prepare similar events in my future career in my home country.”
These reflections demonstrate that OeAD cultural and networking events create lasting value beyond the immediate experience. They deepen participants' appreciation of Austrian history and culture, strengthen intercultural understanding, foster international academic networks and equip scholars with knowledge and experiences that they can carry forward into their professional and personal lives.
