Ruine Hinterhaus: A Window to Wachau's Past

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.