Lände

Melk and the River

The shore of the Danube provided natural protection. Thus, town fortifications along the landing consisted merely of four towers and short sections connecting the faces of the buildings. The three access points to the Danube were secured by Türln, i.e. small gates. The open area beyond, to the Danube shore, served as a boat landing. In wartime, Melk’s Schützengesellschaft (civilian militia) would muster here and hold exercises.

Shipping and water transport used to be far more important than it is today. Many more boats navigated the waterway, while far more people earned their living from shipping. The difficult trip upstream was accomplished by combining boats into long towed convoys, changing sides several times along the steep banks of the Wachau. One or two shipmaster’s families continuously lived in Melk, who in turn employed shipbuilders, barge builders (Zillenschopper) and day labourers. The era of traditional Danube shipping ended in 1837, when the first steamship travelled upstream.