Große Krems

The Große Krems is a river in the Waldviertel region of northern Lower Austria. It forms part of the Krems river system, which includes the smaller Kleine Krems. The river originally flowed into the Danube at Krems an der Donau, but after the Danube power station at Altenwörth was built, its mouth was moved there instead. The Große Krems winds through a rugged granite landscape in its upper course, passing through places like Großreinprechts. It later flows through the Kremstal wine region, where it passes Senftenberg and the ruins of Lengenfeld. The Krems is recognised as the backbone of the Kremstal wine region, shaping its vineyards and character. Beneath Burg Hartenstein castle, at the point where the headstreams meet, lies the Gudenus Cave, a site inhabited since the Stone Age. The river’s course also takes it through the Tulln Basin near Krems after leaving the granite and gneiss plateau of the Bohemian Massif. Its waters have long influenced the area’s geology and human settlement. Visitors to the Große Krems can follow its path through scenic valleys and rolling hills. The riverbanks offer quiet spots to observe the changing landscape, from rocky uplands to gentler plains. Near Burg Hartenstein, the Gudenus Cave provides a glimpse into the region’s ancient past. The surrounding area is known for its vineyards, where local wines reflect the river’s influence. The Krems remains a natural feature that connects history, geology and local life.