Ruine Hinterhaus, Wachau Travel Guide

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Explore the medieval Ruine Hinterhaus in Spitz, Austria, for panoramic Wachau Valley views and a glimpse into the region's rich history.

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Ruine Hinterhaus

Perched high above the charming town of Spitz in the Wachau Valley, the Ruine Hinterhaus offers a glimpse into medieval Austria. These well-preserved castle ruins, dating back to the 12th century, provide stunning panoramic views of the Danube River and surrounding vineyards, making it a worthwhile visit for history buffs and sightseers alike.

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 castle ruins.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the Danube River and surrounding vineyards.
Combine your visit with a hike on the Wassergeistweg or a stage of the Jauerling-Runde trail.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Wachauer Nase

Stift Dürnstein

Dürnstein Castle

Domäne Wachau

Donaublick Spitz

Explore Ruine Hinterhaus on the Map

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

Getting There

Walking

From the Spitz Schifffahrtsmuseum (Shipping Museum) on Auf der Wehr 21, walk uphill, following signs for Ruine Hinterhaus. The path is a relatively short, but moderately steep climb, taking approximately 10-15 minutes to reach the ruins. There are no costs associated with walking to the Ruine Hinterhaus.
Public Transport

Take bus 715 to the Spitz/Donau Hinterhaus stop. From there, follow the walking directions to the Ruine Hinterhaus. Bus tickets can be purchased on board and cost approximately €4-€11 from Melk. Alternatively, the Wachaubahn (train) stops at Spitz an der Donau station, from which you can take a connecting bus or walk to the base of the hill.
Parking

Parking is available near the Schifffahrtsmuseum, at the train station, or along the Donaulände. From these parking areas, follow the walking directions to the Ruine Hinterhaus. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around €3 per hour, with a daily maximum of €15. Free parking may be found further from the center of Spitz.

Discover more about Ruine Hinterhaus

The Ruine Hinterhaus, also known as Oberhaus, is a captivating castle ruin that dominates the skyline above Spitz an der Donau in Lower Austria. First mentioned in 1243, the fortress sits on a spur of the Jauerling mountain, offering strategic views of the Wachau Valley.Originally built in the 12th century, the castle served as a stronghold for the Kuenringers, a powerful local family who used it to monitor the Danube. The castle is divided into three distinct sections: a lower bailey to the northeast, the main castle occupying the majority of the rock ridge, and a southwestern outer bailey. The oldest part, the main castle, dates back to the 12th century. Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle was expanded to defend against Turkish invasions.Today, the Ruine Hinterhaus is owned by the municipality of Spitz and is open to the public year-round with no admission fee. Visitors can explore the defensive walls and the remains of the Romanesque palace. The climb to the top takes about 10-15 minutes from Spitz and offers rewarding views of the Danube Valley and the Spitzer Graben. Legend has it that the spirit of Adelheid, the wife of Henry the Iron, haunts the ruins every year on the anniversary of her husband's death.