While
staying in Vienna, I will have the opportunity along with the other students
going on the CETS trip to take a day trip on order to tour the Wachau Valley
vineyards. This valley, located about 50 miles outside of Vienna, has been designated
a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its historic vineyards, medieval
villages, and scenic beauty. The Wachau Valley is located along the Danube
River Valley between the two towns of Melk and Krems, (“Wachau Cultural
Landscape,” 2014). The cultivation of this land did not begin until around 800
CE, but evidence of human habitation in this Valley such as figurines have been
found that are 32,000 years old. This would indicate that humans have been
occupying this area since the Paleolithic period. The area we will be visiting
between Melk and Krems has evidence of dense human settlements beginning during
the Neolithic period (around 4500-1800 BCE), (“Wachau Cultural Landscape,”
2014). The Valley was impacted by many conflicts throughout history,
particularly during the Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, (“Wachau
Cultural Landscape,” 2014). The Wachau Valley has a long history filled with turmoil
and upheaval, but even today the landscape and layout of this area represents
its medieval past.
The late nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries brought a change in how the Wachau Valley was perceived. This ancient
area became “a blend of history and legend, art and folklore, wine and
hospitality,” (“Wachau Cultural Landscape,” 2014). It was recognized what an
important economic area this was not only for wine production but also for
tourism. Presently, the area practices sustainable tourism and the medieval
vineyards are protected by law. Medieval references can be seen throughout the
valley, particularly in the layout of the towns and the architecture found on
winegrowers’ farmsteads, (“Wachau Cultural Landscape,” 2014). This is truly a
beautiful region with a long and interesting history, making it an important
destination for anyone staying in and around Vienna.
Past
CETS students have said that the bike tour of the Wachau Valley was one of
their favorite experiences. I am greatly looking forward to visiting this
gorgeous and ancient landscape.
References:
UNESCO. (2014). Wachau
Cultural Landscape. Retrieved from http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/970/
Picture References:
http://www.gaestehaus-weidenauer.at/files/spitz1_othmar_bramberger.jpg
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/10/17/travel/17journeys-span/17journeys-span-articleLarge.jpg
