Hi
Is it possible to hire a bike in Melk and then hand it back it Krems.
most of the hiring companies are smaller ones with one location only. There was an offer by the OEBB / Austrian train company but they handed over their bikes to other companies, so I think it´s not possible to give it back at another stop
Numerous bike rental places exist along the Danube.
In melk is Wachau Touristik. They are located just before the tour boat ( DDSG and Brandner) landings.. Just a few minutes from the Abbey.
I believe they will provide one way rental- if not rent a bike there - take the boat to Melk ( bikes are permitted on the boats then simply bike back.
A bike rental place at the train station also in Spitz only 5 minute walk from the boat landings. I think it is the same owner as the one in Melk. I often see a large trailer there for hauling bikes so it appears they can pick-up and drop off easily.
In Krems- a bike rental place just across the street from the DDSG boat landing- next to the Shell Station. Another place just up the street to the left. along the river. I believe they make one way rental also.
Best place to start - call wachau tourists.
their website offers their phone number- could not get anything else from it today.
http://www.wachau-touristik.at
This is really a fun time and offers much to see including many orchards, vineyards, superb views and many places to stop and enjoy the good wine.
Paved bike paths , without vehicle traffic makes for an easy ride.
If you want more flexibility, RentaWachauBike will drop off and pick up bikes at your hotel, at least for us in Dürnstein.
This way you can not only take the boat to Melk and ride back, but you can also visit the other nice towns in the Wachau. (Take the boat or train upstream, then ride back down. Unfortunately, the train only goes as far as Spitz because of a landslide and you cannot take bikes on the bus after Spitz.) We rode our bikes to a wonderful dinner at Loibnerhof in Unterloiben.
By the way, the Hotel Blondel Saenger was great and went beyond the call of duty.