Exploring the Wachau Valley: The Melk 3274 Motorcycle Route

The Melk 3274 route is situated in Lower Austria, beginning and ending near the town of Melk. The road passes through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its picturesque landscapes, vineyards, and historic architecture. The route intersects the Wachau National Park, offering riders a journey through one of Austria’s most celebrated natural and cultural regions. The road also briefly skirts the Nibelungengau valley, though only a small portion of the route is adjacent to this area. An interactive map showing the precise path of the Melk 3274 route can be found at the end of this article.

The Melk 3274 route extends for approximately 9.1 km (5.7 miles), with elevations ranging from 210 m (689 ft) to 493 m (1,617 ft). The road surface is asphalt and is generally of high quality, providing a smooth ride for most motorcycles. Riders will encounter a mix of gently curved and moderately twisty sections, making the route suitable for those seeking a technical but not overly demanding ride. The majority of the road is of medium width (about 68%), with some narrow (6%) and wide (13%) stretches. Most of the route is single-lane (about 69%), with a small proportion offering two lanes (6%). The road passes through inhabited areas for roughly 23% of its length, including the settlements of Am Kirchenberg and Rote-Kreuz-Straße. The maximum speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph), reflecting the road’s passage through both rural and semi-urban environments.

The Melk 3274 route is notable for its proximity to several attractions. The town of Melk is renowned for the Melk Abbey, a baroque masterpiece perched above the Danube River. The road also passes through the Wachau Valley, celebrated for its terraced vineyards and medieval castles. The Wachau National Park, which the route intersects, is a protected area recognized for its biodiversity and scenic river landscapes. While the Nibelungengau valley is only briefly adjacent to the route, it is part of the broader Danube river corridor, which has historical significance in Austrian folklore and literature.

The Melk 3274 route is generally open to motorcycles year-round, with no regular seasonal closures reported. However, as the road passes through the Wachau National Park, riders should be aware of potential temporary closures due to park events, maintenance, or adverse weather conditions. There are no known restrictions specifically prohibiting motorcycles on this route. It is advisable to check local traffic updates or the official Austrian government transport portal for the latest information on road conditions and closures before planning a ride.

Currently, there are no tolls or entrance fees required for motorcycles to use the Melk 3274 route. However, toll conditions and regulations may change in the future, especially in areas intersecting national parks or protected zones. For the most up-to-date information on road tolls and entrance fees in Austria, riders should consult the ASFINAG toll information page. Parking fees may apply in the town of Melk, particularly near popular attractions such as Melk Abbey.