Low Danube levels drive 40 percent sales drop in Melk
Wednesday 26th August 2026 on 18:15 in
Austria
Melk’s economy has suffered a sharp downturn after low Danube water levels restricted shipping for weeks, with sales falling by around 40 percent, ORF reported. The disruption also reduced visitor numbers in the town during the peak season.
Ships have been able to operate only partially since the end of July because of the low water levels. Markus Madar, head of Melk’s business association, said the entire historic centre had been affected.
He attributed the decline to both the restricted shipping traffic and the heat. Consumer spending generally falls when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius, he said. Shipping activity has recently picked up somewhat, and Madar said he hoped it would return to normal in the coming weeks so the town could at least have a normal autumn.
Melk Abbey records 4,000 fewer visitors
Melk Abbey also recorded a decline, with around 4,000 fewer visitors. The heat and low water levels were cited as reasons for the drop in day trips, which was particularly pronounced among domestic visitors.
One positive factor was that many ships not operating on the Rhine instead travelled on the Danube.
DDSG Blue Danube confirmed to ORF that shipping had faced considerable restrictions in recent weeks. The company had been dealing with low water since the end of July and could operate only a limited service. Managing director Johannes Kammerer said the situation was not yet over and that widespread, sustained rainfall was needed rather than isolated thunderstorms.
DDSG briefly operated its regular service last weekend, but its timetable has since been restricted again. Kammerer hopes unrestricted operations can resume on Friday.
Danube stations also reported that day trips had been severely affected because ships could not travel through the Wachau. Melk recorded fewer dockings as a result.
Cruise ships did not make fewer dockings overall, but some stayed longer, according to Birgit Brandner-Wallner, managing director of the Danube stations. Water levels have recovered somewhat but remain insufficient.