"River Cruise: Castles and Landscapes" Dürnstein Travelogue by Kathrin_E

The "wow" view of the cruise is definitely this one. Schönbühel castle was built in a strategic point where the valley is narrowest. A rock in the water blocks half the width of the river, so it was easy to control the ships here. The castle is sitting on top of an almost vertical rock above the river bank. Later centuries turned the castle into a baroque palace.

Schönbühel monastery

Its downstream neighbour is Schönbühel Abbey, a former Servite monastery.

Aggstein castle

Aggstein castle and its spectacular location on top of steep rocks

Spitz

The wine village of Spitz with the ruin of Hinterhaus castle

Spitz car ferry

The car ferry of Spitz uses an eco-friendly technology: it is tied to a rope which leads from one river bank to the other and is only driven by the current of the river.