Ruine Hinterhaus, Wachau Valley Travel Guide

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Explore the medieval Ruine Hinterhaus in Spitz, Austria, for panoramic Wachau Valley views and a glimpse into history. Open year-round with free admission!

Perched high above the town of Spitz in the Wachau Valley, the Ruine Hinterhaus is a captivating castle ruin with a history stretching back to the 12th century. Once a strategic stronghold, it now offers visitors stunning views and a glimpse into medieval life.

A brief summary to Ruine Hinterhaus

Keine Zufahrt zur Ruine möglich!, Ruine Hinterhaus Parkplatz beim Schifffahrtsmuseum, Auf der Wehr 21, Spitz, 3620, AT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ruine Hinterhaus.

Wear sturdy shoes for the uphill walk to the ruin.
Bring a drink to enjoy while taking in the views.
Combine your visit with a hike on the Wassergeistweg or a stage of the Jauerling-Runde.

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Explore Ruine Hinterhaus on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ruine Hinterhaus, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Schifffahrtsmuseum in Spitz, walk west along Auf der Wehr. Continue uphill, following signs for Ruine Hinterhaus. The walk takes approximately 10-15 minutes. There are no entrance fees.
Public Transport

Take bus line 715 to the Spitz/Donau Hauptplatz (main square) stop. From there, follow the walking directions to the Ruine Hinterhaus. A single bus fare from Krems to Spitz costs approximately €3-5. Then follow the walking directions.

Discover more about Ruine Hinterhaus

The Ruine Hinterhaus, first mentioned in 1243, sits majestically on a rocky ridge overlooking Spitz an der Donau. This nearly thousand-year-old fortification was strategically important, serving as a Danube monitoring point for the Kuenringers. The castle is divided into three distinct sections: the northeastern outer bailey, the main castle, and the southwestern outer bailey. The oldest part, the main castle, dates back to the 12th century.Today, the Ruine Hinterhaus is a popular destination for families and history enthusiasts. Its well-preserved defensive walls, Romanesque palace, and keep are open to the public year-round. From its vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Donautal valley and the Spitzer Graben. Legend has it that the ruin is haunted by the spirit of Adelheid, the wife of Henry the Iron, who appears on the anniversary of her husband's death.The ruin is easily accessible and offers a rewarding experience for those willing to make the short climb. It's a great place to combine a historical visit with a scenic hike, offering a unique perspective on the beauty of the Wachau Valley.