Dürnstein

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Dürnstein: Picturesque wine town in the Wachau

Dürnstein, idyllically situated on the Danube, impresses with its charming old town, the baroque collegiate church and the imposing castle ruins. The historic town is known for its wine culture and breathtaking views over the WachauVisitors can explore the narrow streets, taste regional wines and delve into the history of the place where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner.

Where is Dürnstein? In the Wachau in Lower Austria.
Is it worth a visit? Yes, you can visit Dürnstein at any time of the year. The apricot blossom is particularly popular at the end of March. Wachau very popular.
Can you park in Dürnstein? No, the city is largely free of cars. Only residents are allowed to drive through
Where can you park? The parking spaces can sometimes be very full. There are 3 parking spaces (2 before and one after the tunnel). 2 hours cost 4€, then the prices increase.
What are the highlights? The blue collegiate church as well as the Dürnstein Castle Ruins, in which the English King Richard I, the Lionheart, was held prisoner.

Dürnstein is a place with less than 1,000 inhabitants in the Wachau in Lower Austria. Nevertheless, it has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in Austria. There is hardly a visitor to the Wachau who does not stop in Dürnstein. In 1994, Dürnstein was awarded the European Diploma. In 2000, the town, together with the Wachau, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site appointed.

The collegiate church

Meanwhile, the blue tower of the collegiate church has become a landmark of the region.

However, many people ask themselves, why is it blue?
The blue and white are a theological program, implemented in baroque architecture. The brown of the monastery symbolizes earthly striving, the blue tower the triumph of Jesus over death. When building the tower, Provost Hieronymus Übelbacher therefore only used the best: smalt blue.

In the Dürnstein Abbey Church services and exhibitions take place regularly.

Dürnstein ruins

Almost even more well-known is the Dürnstein ruins, which is located above the actual city.

In the middle of the 12th century, Dürnstein Castle was built by the Kuenringers. However, it only became famous through its involuntary guest King Richard the Lionheart, who was held prisoner in Dürnstein Castle from December 21, 1192 to February 4, 1193. In reality, however, it is no longer known whether the king was really held in the castle, an outbuilding or in the valley.

Exploring the city on foot

Overall, the medieval-looking town is perfect for a stroll. If you park in parking lots 1 or 2, you enter the town from the east through the Kremser Tor (formerly Steiner Tor). This is a four-storey, square gate tower from the 15th century. The town wall leads south to the Danube and north to the ruins. The tower is now used as a residential building.

Along the main path there are numerous souvenir shops offering specialties from the region, especially wine and apricot liqueurs and schnapps.

You should also take a look at the picturesque courtyard of the town hall (right on the main path). From 1547 onwards, the town hall was set up in a late Gothic house in the centre of the town and was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in 1563. The inner courtyard with the picturesque staircase to the town hall is a popular photo subject. Also worth seeing is the Kunigunde Church, the oldest church in Dürnstein.

At the other end of the city is the Lock, which was built in 1622 on the site of ten winegrowers' houses. It has a small courtyard and is flanked by two towers on the Danube side. In 1937, Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg sold the castle to the Thiery family. In the 1960s, it was converted into a hotel. It is still operated as such today.