Boat circumnavigates barrier

Cyclists use new ferry service in the Wachau region

The first ferry boat left Aggsbach village at 9 a.m. on Monday and transported passengers to Aggstein(Bild: Barbara Elser)

On Monday, the ferry boat that circumnavigates the section of the B33 between Aggsbach-Dorf and Aggstein in the district of Melk that was closed after a mudslide set sail for the first time.

An estimated 250 cyclists took advantage of the ferry service on the first day, reports the ferryman from Schifffahrt Dürnstein. Numerous cyclists were also on the south side on Tuesday, for whom the Danube trip is a welcome change.

The ferry circumnavigates the closed area.(Bild: Barbara Elser)

If the rush continues to be so great, a second ferry service will be considered from Friday, according to Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus.

Rockfall before peak season
As reported several times, a mudslide shook the south bank of the Wachau on June 3. Since then, the B33 between Aggsbach-Dorf and Aggstein has been impassable, as has the Danube cycle path. Detour for traffic have been set up - and now cyclists and pedestrians also have the option of avoiding the closure by boat.