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📷 C.Stadler/Bwag / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Dürnstein is a small wine-growing town on the Danube, in the Wachau valley. Above it stand the ruins of the fortress where the English king Richard the Lionheart was held captive in the late 12th century, while the blue-and-white tower of a former Augustinian monastery rises just by the riverbank. The town is best explored on foot: the main street, narrow stone lanes, and terraced vineyards climbing directly above the houses. It draws the most visitors in autumn, during the grape harvest.
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A fortress built in the mid-12th century on a rock above the Danube, now a ruin reached by a path climbing up from the town. In 1192 and 1193, King Richard the Lionheart of England was held captive here, and according to legend was discovered by his minstrel Blondel, who recognised him by his song. From the top, the entire bend of the Danube is visible, along with the terraced vineyards and the neighbouring monasteries of the Wachau. Access is free and possible throughout the year, though the path is steep and sturdy footwear is recommended.
A former Augustinian monastery whose blue-and-white tower is the landmark of the entire valley and can be seen from the Danube. The tour leads from a Gothic pillared hall through a Baroque courtyard and exhibition to a terrace above the river around the blue tower, then on to a ceremonial hall and a Baroque church; it takes about an hour. Open from late March to late October, with guided tours in German at weekends and on public holidays.
A baroque underground castle on the edge of a vineyard, now part of the Domäne Wachau winery. It houses a wine shop where you can taste wines from the most celebrated vineyard sites in the Wachau, and the building with its vineyards behind it is a fine example of what wine-making Dürnstein looks like away from the main street. The wine shop is open throughout the year on weekdays, and on Saturdays in summer as well.
A Benedictine abbey perched on a rocky outcrop above the Danube, one of the largest Baroque complexes in Europe and the gateway to the western end of the Wachau Valley.
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📅 7 days · 🗓️ April–October
📅 8 days · 🗓️ May–October
An apricot with a protected designation of origin, grown on terraces along the Danube. It is harvested from mid-July to mid-August, and outside of season it can be found as jam, nectar, liqueur, and brandy.
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