"The Historic Dürnstein Town " a Dürnstein Travel Page by longsanborn

Dürnstein town (more like a village) is situated in the heart of the magnificent Wachau Valley, on the banks of the Danube river, and the charming village offers the unique combination of a breathtaking scenery, traditional architecture, and places of historic interest.

The Wachau (valley) is one of the most beautiful and famous regions in Austria. Visitors from all over come here to enjoy the picturesque landscape, the cultural heritage and the superb wines that grow in this area.

The overall breathtaking scenery with its ancient terraced vineyards, the numerous cultural sites and the mild climate will make you want to linger longer around the vineyard taverns and restaurants, and drink lots of chilled white wines!

Dürnstein town is famous for the Künringerburg Fortress, where it was said that King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192.

Another landmark is the blue/white Baroque Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary) towering above the town.

The whole town is very pictureque and surrounded by vineyards. It is located next to the Danube River and the river boat would dock nearby to let off and/or pick up passengers who would like to enjoy a Danube River cruise to/from Vienna to/from Melk.

I always enjoy going to Durnstein in the warmer months as I can walk around the area, hike up the ruin fortress, and then relax at one of the heuriger restaurants in the vineyards. I'd enjoy the excellent local food and then wash them down with excellent cool white wines, produced around the Wachau area!

The Künringerburg Fortress ruins is located up a hill overlooking the beautiful River Danube, which snakes lazily through the Wachau.

The story was, on his journey home to England after the 3rd Crusade in Jerusalem, King Richard the Lionheart was captured and imprisoned by Babenbergs in the Künringerburg fortress above the then village of Dürnstein. Who was the Babenbergs? Originally from Bamberg in Franconia (now northern Bavaria) the Babenbergs ruled Austria as counts and dukes from year AD 976 - 1248, before the rise of the Habsburg empire. A ransom of 35,000 kg (77,100 lbs) of silver was paid to the Babenbergs and King Richard was released.

The ruins of the Künringerburg fortress still exist today. The ruins and its surrounding areas are maintained pretty well to ensure that the premise is safe for visitors and hikers.

If you are around the Wachau area, and you have lots of time on your hand, do hike up to the fortress ruins above the Dürnstein and enjoy the breath-taking view of the Danube Valley and the River Danube.