Introduction to Wachau: The name Wachau was first used in 830 AD, but according to archaeological evidence, humans settled, farmed, lived and multiplied here as early as 20,000 years ago. Today's Wachau is a 30-kilometer stretch of the Danube River basin, passing through many small towns. The natural scenery along the way is beautiful and the cultural landscape is substantial. It is a famous tourist attraction in Austria.