If there was such thing as a 'national abbey', the Melk Abbey (Stift Melk) would be the one for Austria. Perched atop the hill overlooking the Danube, this imposing Benedictine building is so enormous it almost dwarfs the surrounding area with its overwhelming presence. It is this magnificent monastery that attracts thousands of tourists to the quiet town of Melk every year. Although monks have lived here for over 900 years, the abbey was completely rebuilt in 1732 and has since undergone several further renovations, the most recent one was completed in 2000. Today the Abbey belongs to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Don't miss the stunning Marble Hall and the Abbey Library, as well as the strikingly beautiful Abbey Church with ceiling frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr. Admire fantastic views of the town and the Danube valley from the terrace and walk around the beautiful park with an excellent restaurant just outside the monastery. To sweeten your perfect day, walk to the Eissalon Ebner (Linzer Strasse 1) and enjoy a delicious ice-cream with a postcard-pretty view of the Abbey.

Guided tours in English are offered twice a day at 10.55 and 14.55 and cost €12.50. Discounts for families and student groups. November-March visits are available only with guided tours, to be booked in advance online: www.stiftmelk.at.
Getting there: Regional trains in the direction of St.Valentin leave Vienna Westbahnhof station every hour and stop in Melk in about 75 minutes. One-way fare is €15.70.