DÜRNSTEIN RUINS
Dürnstein Castle, the main seat of the
Kuenringer family, once stood regally on rocks high above the Danube. The
capture of Richard the Lionhearted in 1192 and his imprisonment in Dürnstein
Castle, is the stuff of history. Since the 17th century, the Dürnstein
has fallen into ruin, yet it is still one of the
Wachau’s most popular attractions.
Dürnstein Castle was constructed by Albero III of Kuenring in the middle of the 12th century, serving for many years as the primary castle of the Kuenringer Family. It gained fame through the capture of the English king, Richard the Lion Heart. On his return from the 3rd crusade, Richard was captured in Austria and held prisoner at Dürnstein Castle, until he was finally released to the German Emperor, Heinrich IV (Dec. 1192 - March 1193).
For almost 500 years, the Dürnstein stood invulnerable
on the rocks above the Danube, defying all would-be attackers. Its
inhabitants even managed to withstand the great siege of 1458
led by Friedrich III. Ultimately, however, Castle Dürnstein was unable to
withstand a Swedish assault
, as a consequence of which it was destroyed to its very
foundations. The Dürnstein ruins are one of the Wachau’s most popular tourist destinations.
With every step you take along the pathway to the Dürnstein ruins, the views of the vineyard-flanked Danube Valley are constantly changing. Fringed by mighty rock walls, and by charming flowers and shrubs, the path makes its way up to the remains of this historic fortification, which finally met its demise in 1645.
Also worth a visit: the Dürnstein Castle, Dürnstein Abbey and
the romantic Old Town with its beautiful town gate.
There is also a wonderful opportunity to combine a visit
to the Dürnstein ruins with a cruise on the Danube. A highlight of the trip is the
lock by the Altenwörth power station, where the boat is
lowered a total of 10 metres.
Additional information available
at: Wachau Ferry
Service
